One of the most favored aspects of SWAU’s Honors Program is the travel opportunity. The Program begins each summer with an annual study tour. This year, the tour will travel across the American South, including Memphis, Nashville, and New Orleans. 

As usual, a corresponding course precedes the trip, where the attending students are learning about the music and culture of the American South. In particular, the class is focusing on gospel, blues, and jazz, and their cultural and historical significance. 

The study tour offers students an immersive learning experience that extends beyond the classroom. Honors President Jasher Liwanang emphasizes this unique opportunity, stating, “Each city contributes uniquely to a broader understanding of American culture that we otherwise would not encounter or have the opportunity of learning in any other class.”

The trip is set to begin in Memphis, Tennessee, a city known as the home of Blues and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The students will spend two eventful days delving into the city’s rich musical and cultural heritage. Their exploration includes famous museums, such as the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum and the Stax Museum of American Soul, where the group will learn about the evolution of music that shaped southern culture. A visit to the Civil Rights Museum, housed at the Lorraine Hotel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, will provide a deeper understanding of the city’s role in the American civil rights movement. Students will also tour Sun Records, where artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded some of their most iconic hits. Beyond museums, the group will enjoy the balmy spring weather on a walking tour of Mud Island and explore the historic Beale Street. Of course, no trip to Memphis would be complete without touring Graceland, the home and burial place of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. 

Memphis greatly contributed to the foundation of American music, and this trip offers students the rare chance to witness its legacy firsthand. Honors Officer Kaylee Gonzalez expresses her excitement: “Beale Street and Sun Records are on the top of my list! Seeing where so many iconic musicians got their start is unreal—it’s like stepping into the heartbeat of music history.”
The tour's next stop is the “Music City” and the state’s capital, Nashville, Tennessee. After the four-hour drive from Memphis, a couple of hours will be spent learning about the interesting history of the Ryman Auditorium. This iconic concert hall and museum is best known for housing the Grand Ole Opry and hosting acclaimed artists. Later that evening, the group will return to the auditorium to enjoy a Grand Ole Opry concert. Also on the itinerary is the Country Music Hall of Fame. This museum features an extensive collection of country music memorabilia, including instruments, stagewear, one-of-a-kind recordings, and more. 

The honors group will conclude their tour of the American South in New Orleans, Louisiana. This city is rich in history and vibrant in culture. Students will have time to explore the lively French Quarter before they rendezvous at Cafe du Monde for the world-famous beignets. The students plan to attend a jazz concert at the Preservation Hall, a historic venue that has hosted jazz musicians and bands since the 1950s. The city, after all, is called the “birthplace of jazz.” A Gospel Brunch is also on the schedule. This activity blends a classic southern breakfast menu with stirring gospel music–a great representation of New Orleans culture. From strolling the Mississippi River Trail to going on a walking tour of the charming Garden District, the students will experience the unique New Orleans way of life. 

Beyond the historical sites and musical performances, this trip fosters personal and academic growth. As Kaylee puts it, “This trip ties it all together—music, history, culture—it’s a chance to step out of the classroom and really experience how it all connects. Not to mention, sharing these moments with friends adds so much depth and perspective–it’s about expanding our academic narrative, connecting with different communities, and making memories together. That’s what being an Honors student is all about!”

The American South is a cornucopia of history, culture, and fine arts. Through this study tour, SWAU’s Honors students will not only deepen their academic understanding but also immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions, music, and lifestyles that define the region. From the soulful melodies of Memphis to the country roots of Nashville and the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, this trip promises to be an unforgettable and enriching experience. The blend of education, exploration, and cultural engagement greatly embodies the very essence of the Honors Program.