Sharing Cherished Memories and Heartfelt Sentiments
"Southwest came into my life during a time of great change. I recently moved to Memphis and a job offer had fallen through. I decided to expand my knowledge and go back to school. That ended up being one of the best decisions of my life. Being a student grew into an internship and then into a permanent position with an incredible team, and allowed me to become part of the Southwest family. Thank you, Southwest!"
~ Robert Biederstadt
"When I was a student, I was a member of the Student Government Association and Campus Activity Board. I enjoyed planning events and traveling to the different conferences for new ideas, talent and events to bring back to Southwest!"
~ Moriah Brown
"2016 was the year – best class: Biology 1 & 2. I can’t remember the instructor’s name but her class was the best with good discussions and participation from everyone. She was so much fun and loved her subject. I remember at graduation she sat at one of the front rows of faculty and she gave me the biggest hug and said how proud of me she was. That felt great coming from one of my favorite instructors!"
~ Marcel Weatherby
"As a student at LeMoyne College, I took a full load of classes here. I always appreciated the ease of registrations and the transferring of classes.
~ Derrick Wheatley
"One of my fondest memories happened on June 30, 2000. To celebrate the occasion, State Tech and Shelby State had a party at the Double Tree. It was the first time we had gathered there together and the start of friendships that have lasted for 25 years!
~ Selena Grimes
"I currently work in the Bert Bornblum Library. In my 45 years of being at Southwest, I have loved meeting so many people and creating lasting memories. It’s just great knowing that I am part of a great institution. I am always willing to help my college."
~ Velvet McCallum
"The college has been an asset to my hometown for many years and I hope it remains for many more. I am a proud Shelby State graduate! The college was an accessible and affordable part of my higher education so I am always speaking highly of Shelby State. I’ve made my alma mater proud."
~ Tameka Perry
"I love our college’s homecoming. I had the greatest time! Southwest really cares about engaging our students and staff. I work at Physical Plant and it is truly a joy to come to work each day!"
~ Demetrius Parson
"I have the pleasure of working in the Student Leadership and Engagement office. One of my favorite memories is when the department had MemPop come out and everybody enjoyed their cool pops on a hot day. It’s the little things that makes Southwest so special. I’m honored to work alongside my staff to help support our students and ensure they have the best experience while they are here!"
~ Destiny Johnson
"My favorite Southwest memory was Homecoming!"
~ Imani Smith
"One of my funniest memories at Southwest was attending a home basketball game with the half-time hosted by Follett Bookstore. There was a half-time activity – the person who made the basketball shot would be the luck winner. I participated and made it. I thought I was going to win $1,000 but instead won a $50 gift card to the bookstore. It was all in good fun!
~ Phoenix Worthy
"I love working in Student Affairs and I love working graduation! The Class of 2021 (my year) was definitely the best! I always volunteer to work on the floor with the graduates. Best memories ever!
~ Elizabeth Clark
"I am writing to share a brief reflection on my journey as a proud graduate of State
Tech, Class of 1995, and to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible experiences
that have shaped my career and personal growth. When I first walked through the doors of State Tech, ....(read more)"
~ Arnitria Hawkins-Taylor
"I work in the Parrish Library. I want to thank my college for all you do and for your commitment to learning and student growth. I am Saluqi proud!"
~ SaMona Bryant
"As SWTCC marks its 25th anniversary, I am filled with gratitude for the education and experiences I gained from SWTCC. Graduating in 2008 with dual AAS degrees in Hospitality Management, with specializations in Hotel Management and Food and Beverage Management, Southwest laid the foundational stones of my career. The journey did not end there; ...(read more)"
~ Brandon Carpenter
"As a student at Southwest, I appreciated the guidance and encouragement that Ms. Williams provided in the Professional Re-Entry Education Program) in the beginning at State Technical Institute at Memphis when I moved to Memphis. The PREP Program gave me LIFE skills and encouragement during a difficult transition."
~ Marion Bacon
"I had the opportunity to experience the merger of State Technical Institute at Memphis and Shelby State Community College. It was a great experience!"
~ Elizabeth Golden
"My kind words for Southwest are thank you! Southwest has been a life changer for members of my family. My mother, uncle, and cousin are graduates of Southwest and have had careers in their respective degree programs. Thank you to the college for presenting these opportunities!
~ Terika Hughes
"Congratulations to Southwest! Congrats on 25 years of academic achievement and personal growth for thousands of students!"
~ Andrea Thomas
"I love how diverse and welcoming the school is. I enjoy working in this forever growing institution. "
~ Jessica Blair
"My memory is of the great success going from campus to total remote during Covid, thanks to our great IT Team. They kept the college moving forward!"
~ Becky Anderson
"My favorite memory was learning to play pickleball at the Summer Institute! The SI is a great avenue for professional development yet the college makes it fun and engaging."
~ Sharael Royal
"I love the way that Southwest increases educational accessibility for the Memphis community!"
~ Whitney Marie
"My favorite memory – the experience of seeing an idea come to life and in this case, the building and opening of the Bert Bornblum Library!"
~ Pamela Taylor
"Since entering the doors of Southwest Tennessee Community College, I feel very welcome to the new environment. The people I have encountered – we feel as if we have known each other for years. Thank you for embracing me as a new family member!"
~ Brigitte Boyd Martin
"This is the best college for first-time students!"
~ Janice Harris-Robinson
"I would like to congratulate the graduation committee for the wonderful job they do for our students and celebrating this special occasion. They truly are creating a lasting memory for them and for all of us!"
~ Diletha Williams
"When I first set out on my academic journey, I dreamed of heading off to a four-year institution, with UT Chattanooga as my destination. Like many, I chose a major that seemed to fit the expectations of others—nursing, a field where Southwest’s enrollment is currently soaring. But along the way, I discovered a crucial truth: I needed a place that would truly help me figure things out. ....(read more)"
~ LaJoyce Harris