By: Anaya Miller
to Alexis Grentz, director of Student Life and Activities, tickets for the 2026 banquet sold out faster than in past years. She chalked it up to the attractive venue.
“It’s not surprising, because we were at the aquarium,” Grentz said.
Jordan Collazo, social vice president, agreed that the venue sparked interest in the event, but did not expect to see the tickets disappear so quickly.
“It was a big surprise for all of us,” Collazo said. “We sold so fast, and I felt bad because a lot of people missed out on an opportunity to buy a ticket.”
The venue was located in the River Journey building of the Tennessee Aquarium in a downstairs private banquet room adjacent to the freshwater exhibits. The tables were decorated with seashells, starfish and nets, with gold accents.
Student reactions
Bryson Baird, a senior construction management major, expressed his enjoyment of the event.
“[The banquet] was amazing,” he said. “The food was really good; the music was really good. Everyone was really friendly.”
Jyle Frias, an alumnus from the class of 2025, also admired how well the event was put together.
“It was lovely,” he said. “Everything was really organized as well. I had a great time with it, and it was so much fun.”
Sarina Young, a senior graphic design major and SA’s communications director, designed the banquet tickets and assisted with advertising. She said the tickets were some of her favorite items she has designed for SA.
A group of student musicians from Southern played live for the event.
“It was even cooler than I expected,” said Jeremie Collier-Freed, a sophomore marketing major and musician in the band. “The setting, the people and the planning all came together to create such a cool atmosphere to perform in.”
While many students enjoyed the banquet, there were some who found it lacking in certain regards. Due to the number of attendees, a delay between entering the banquet and dismissing tables for food created a wait time of over 45 minutes for those dismissed last.
After dinner, attendants were sent up the escalator to tour the aquarium. Students walked in groups, taking pictures of the fish and their friends. The tour down the ramps took about an hour.
Behind-the-scenes
According to the SA team, it takes many hours to pull together an event of this magnitude. Collazo explained that, usually, the social vice president would select the banquet venue. However, due to the transition between social vice presidents, the task fell to Student Development. Because some of the planning was done before he stepped into the role, Collazo said that many people are not aware of the work he has put into the event.
“I think there’s a misconception about me, that I’m taking credit from the last social vice,” Collazo said, “but I want to say that that’s not true of me and the social vice. We’re really good friends, and I was really sad when she left. I just kind of want to prove to others that I’m not taking credit from anyone, I really do put a lot of work into this.”
Heaven Robles, a junior biology major and executive secretary of SA, said Collazo would update the team on plans and delegate positions during cabinet meetings. Robles oversaw registration and welcoming people. She said the team began setting up at 1:30 p.m. on the day of the banquet.
“I think the banquet was a great success: very creative, very one-of-a-kind,” Robles said. “I think in my years here at Southern, this one’s pretty much a very memorable one.”
