Talk about a real graduation gift. The Paul Quinn College class of 2024 received quite the surprise on May 4 when they were informed everyone would receive two roundtrip tickets. The announcement came from Southwest Airlines, who is the official airline of the HBCU located in Dallas, Texas. The tickets are good for any Southwest domestic destination.
“We are so blessed to have people in Southwest Airlines that understand what it means to be a Quinnite. They understand what it means to advocate for others, to make room in our lives for different points of view,” Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell said.
Sorrell set up the big surprise on Saturday when he introduced Southwest Airlines’ Director of Community Outreach, Laura Nieto, who delivered the shocker.
“We want you to travel and experience the world as you embark on your next chapter in life. Be curious, stay adventurous. So, as a little graduation surprise from your friends at Southwest Airlines to celebrate your incredible journey, we have a special gift for you,” Nieto said before asking the students to look under their seats.
At that moment the energy was like an Oprah Winfrey segment. You get a car, you get a car, you get a car, expect it was tickets and there was no controversy about taxes.
“To celebrate your accomplishments, Southwest Airlines would like to gift each of you two roundtrip tickets to any Southwest Airlines domestic destination,” Nieto continued, to a roar from the crowd.
Sorrell took the moment to engage the crowd with some gregarious humor.
“Yeah, I didn’t get any of that when I was a graduating senior,” he joked.
Southwest announced its official partnership with the HBCU in October 2022. The program includes paid internships specifically for Paul Quinn College students along with ongoing educational and workforce development opportunities.