On March 21, 2023, Xavier University of Louisiana students excitedly filtered in the University Center Ballroom. There was a table filled with special caramel popcorn tins just for attendees, as well as a vending cart belonging to Sunset Slush NOLA, where they could choose their favorite flavor. A large screen and projector dominated one corner of the room, and students quickly claimed the rows closest to the anticipated show. The watch party for a very special episode of the television show “The College Tour” was about to begin- the show’s first feature of a historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the series- and Xavier University of Louisiana was the star.

The College Tour is an episodic television series that tells the stories of campus life at colleges across the country and around the world. With Dr. Desi Williams acting as the host and narrator of Xavier’s feature, the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution had its story told from the perspective of 10 Xavierites from various majors and pathways.

“The passion that these students have for [Xavier] University is contagious,” said Dr. Williams.

Over the last few years, Xavier University of Louisiana has forged new pathways and expanded programs and offerings for its students to allow them to explore their talents and interests. Quickly approaching its historic centennial celebration, Xavier has a long history of graduating the next generation of leaders who seek a more just and humane society and bring about positive change. The students included in the episode were but a few of the shining examples of the next generation that Xavier is educating to be strong thought-leaders and changemakers.

The students featured included Kirsten McGowen, a second-year doctor of pharmacy candidate and a former Miss Xavier; Yalari Trice, a freshman studying chemistry Pre-med and biology; Lauryn Shipp, a psychology major in her sophomore year with a minor in Public Health; Adrian A. Thornton II, vice-president of Xavier’s Student Government Association and a senior studying chemistry pre-med with a minor in biology; Senior Yaa’Ann (Yaa) Agyeman-Yeboah, who majors in mass communications and minors in political science; Kayla James, a senior public health major with a double minor in biology and chemistry; Jayla Williams-Ridley, political science major with a minor in biology pre-med in her junior year; Josiah Burno, sophomore and sociology major with a concentration in crime and social justice; Celeste Mercadel, a senior majoring in public health science with a double minor in sociology and mass communication; and Rachel Wynn, a transfer sophomore studying chemistry pre-med.

“Xavier exceeded my expectations in every way,” said Wynn during her segment.

The full episode is now available to view on The College Tour website and will be released on Amazon prime as part of the show’s eighth season on May 23rd.