Southwest Tennessee Community College Unites for Inaugural 'We Are One' Homecoming

By Marketing and Communications Staff 

Southwest Tennessee Community College marked its inaugural Homecoming in grand style, uniting students, faculty, staff, and alumni for a spirited week of festivities under the theme “We Are One.” Packed with lively events and community-building activities, Homecoming 2024 was a memorable celebration for the college community.

The excitement began on Oct. 28 with a Trap N’ Paint event on the Union Avenue Campus, where students enjoyed live music, refreshments, and the opportunity to express their creativity through painting. The following day, students on the Union Avenue Campus joined a DJ Battle featuring two popular local DJs, adding energy and excitement to the festivities. Transfer Fairs were held on the Macon Cove and Union Avenue campuses providing students with valuable information about continuing their education at a 4-year college or university. Representatives from colleges and universities across the Mid-South shared insights on academic programs, transfer pathways, and campus life, helping Southwest students consider their next steps. Throughout the week, employees showcased their Saluqi spirit with several dress up days that included dressing as “twins”, a Tackey Tuesday and swag reveal. 

Students and the Saluqi Cheer Team enjoy a Spirit
Day Pep Rally at the Verties Sails Gymnasium on
Oct. 31, 2024.

Mid-week, the college hosted several a high-energy Spirit Day Pep Rally in the Verties Sails Gymnasium. The rally showcased the Saluqi cheerleaders and introduced the Women’s and Men’s basketball teams to a cheering crowd. Students were invited to join in dances, participate in cheers, and celebrate in Halloween costumes, enjoying music and refreshments that added a festive touch to the event.

Homecoming culminated in an unforgettable weekend filled with an Alumni Mix and Mingle, which brought together former students, graduates, employees and retirees from Shelby State, State Tech and Southwest, a classic tailgating, an electrifying Battle of the Bands, and the much-anticipated Homecoming basketball games. The Battle of the Bands set the stage for tailgaters, drawing them into the Verties Sails Gym as high school bands competed for a $1,000 prize, generously sponsored by Ladia Yates of LY.E Academy. Craigmont High School took home the win, showcasing their talent and team spirit. 

President Tracy D. Hall, Zamira Alexis and Ladia
Yates award Craigmont High School as winners of the
Battle of the Bands competition. 

 

The Saluqi Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams went head-to-head with the Lady Magicians and Magicians of LeMoyne-Owen College, ending with victories for both Saluqi teams: 57-44 for the women and an impressive 76-10 for the men.

During the men’s game halftime, fans were treated to a high-energy performance by the L.Y.E. Academy dance team, who, alongside the Saluqi cheerleaders, ignited the crowd with their dynamic routines and uncontainable energy.

On Friday, November 1, the college capped off Homecoming week with an Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony, honoring five new inductees into the Saluqi Athletic Hall of Fame’s fourth class: Andrea Martre, Brian Bramlett, Verties Sails, Jr., Michael Wilson and Myquita Mackey.

The induction celebrated the achievements and legacy of these honorees, adding a meaningful milestone to Homecoming 2024.

Pictured are the 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees:
Michael Wilson, Brian Bramlett, Verties Sails, Jr.,
Andrea Martre and Myquita Mackey.

Tamera Boyland, Coordinator in the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, expressed the pride and excitement of bringing this new tradition to life: “Our Homecoming theme this year was ‘We Are One.’ There was an event each day for students to participate in, and we also included our partners at our Medical District High School. We had a Saluqi good time!”

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the week—students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners. Together, we made this first Homecoming unforgettable. 

Go Saluqis!