This week kicks off Tulane University’s Homecoming with an exciting line up of events. Monday, clubs and other organizations were encouraged to paint window panes in the Lavin-Bernick Center for University Life. The lighting of McAlister Auditorium hosted several performances and formally introduced the 2025 Homecoming Court.
Tuesday Tidal Wave hosted Food Truck Village on the Beger Family Lawn. The food trucks included Tangerine, Mo Fries, Crepes a la Carte, Southern’s and Val’s Snowballs.
The LBC also hosted a movie showing of the Oscar winning movie “La La Land.”
Wednesday students and families could enjoy free carnival rides and games on the lawn.
Thursday is Tidal Wave Thursday will host activities, including a caricature artist, photo booth, psychic readings, Hollywood star making and post cards. That evening, American singer and actress, Kiana Lede, will host a free concert with DJ ANTWIGADEE.
To cap off the academic week, on Friday students with their splash card or ID number can grab a free Homecoming 2025 T-shirt, designed with the inspiration of this year’s theme “Lights, Camera, Roll Wave.”
Homecoming week wraps up with the Homecoming football game against Florida Atlantic University in Yulman Stadium at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Here is a closer look at your 2025 Homecoming Court.
Bella Castro
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Majors: Business Management
Minors: Spanish and Marketing
Favorite Tulane Experience: “It’s hard to choose just one, but some of my favorite Tulane memories live on stage. From musical theater to opera, to singing on the field or court for TU baseball, volleyball, and basketball, to a cappella, to singing in the church choir… being part of those productions and organizations has felt like pure magic. All of the rehearsal laughter and friendships that turned into family reminded me how powerful creativity can be when shared. But honestly, it’s the most ‘mundane’ or simple things that mean the most. I think that what makes Tulane feel like home are the in-between moments that never make it to social media: sharing takeout on the dorm floor, walking in Audubon with friends before going to Reily just to talk more than we actually work out, cleaning our rooms with music blasting, or grabbing PJs before class and laughing about literally nothing.”
On campus involvements: Director of Membership & Alumnae Relations – Tulane Consulting Group, Resident Advisor – Tulane Housing & Residence Life,Teaching Assistant – Tech Ethics (ENGP 3460/BUSG 4360) and Cases in Entrepreneurship (MGMT 4110), Performer – Tulane Opera & Performing Arts Society (Urinetown, Carrie, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Gift of the Magi, 24 Hour Play Challenge, National Anthem singer, Green Envy A Cappella), Chapter Member – Phi Mu Sorority, Choir Member & FOCUS Bible Study Participant – Tulane Catholic Center, Athletic Department Tutor – Tulane Academic Learning & Tutoring Center, Peer Mentor – Tulane Interdisciplinary Experience (Afro-Brazilian Resistance Course), PR & Social Media Manager – Tulane Office of First-Year Experience First Year 5
Why homecoming court: “To me, Homecoming Court isn’t about a title or crown, it’s about the chorus of lives, moments, and memories that have shaped me here at Tulane. It feels less like a spotlight and more like a mirror, reflecting all the ways this beautiful community and city have carried me forward. I’ve felt that spirit most in the ordinary rhythms of college life… the walks down McAlister with jazz in my headphones, the way studying turns into wild storytelling with friends scattered across a B-school table. It’s there in the palpable excitement of the theater rehearsals, in prayers whispered in spiritual and meditative spaces, in mornings when campus feels half-awake and entirely ours. Somewhere between the chaos and the calm, I found a sense of home that only Tulane could give me. Homecoming Court, to me, is a way to honor all of that… the friendships, the growth, the faith, and the beautiful messiness of being a Tulane student. It’s not about standing apart, but standing with, and celebrating the community (non sibi sed suis) that has made me who I am!”
Post-grad plans: “After graduating in December 2025, I’ll be joining Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Austin, Texas, in summer 2026 as a full-time Associate, where I interned the past two summers. Before starting, I’ll spend January in Sevilla, Spain, the city where I studied abroad, working on a coastal erosion consulting project with the Tulane ByWater Institute and the Freeman School. From there, I plan to visit a close friend in Budapest, come home to study for, and take, the GMAT,work on earning my certification by the National Association of Corporate Directors, and then jump into my new role at BCG. I’m excited to keep learning, traveling, and working on projects that connect strategy, creativity, and impact… all the things that have inspired me most at Tulane.”
Bethany Milner
Hometown: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Majors: Communication and Digital Media Practices
Minor: Strategy, Leadership, and Analytics (SLAM)
Favorite Tulane Experience: Crawfest
On campus involvements: President of the Tulane Black Student Union, Chapter President of the “Never Mediocre” Nu Mu Citywide Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Resident Advisor in Lake Residence Hall, Academic Peer Advisor, American Sign Language Tutor for Green Wave Athletics
Why homecoming court: “Tulane Homecoming has always been an amazing experience for me ever since I stepped foot on campus. The food truck village, the concert, the comedy show – the elements of Tulane Homecoming come together to showcase the core values of this university. Even though student leadership is not about awards or accolades, being celebrated by the very community you pour into adds a meaningful layer of impact. To me, being honored as a member of the Homecoming Court is not just about recognition but about embodying the values of Tulane in a way that inspires others. It affirms that leadership at Tulane comes in many forms– and that our university is a place where those efforts are honored and shared.”
Post-grad plans: “Taking a gap year to obtain work experience in legal policy and constitutional law while applying to law school.”
Morgan Bennett
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Majors: Political Science and Social Policy & Practice
Minor: Education
Favorite Tulane Experience: Storming the field during the championship game in 2022 as a freshman! It was a magical night, especially since I’m a huge football fan!
On campus involvements: “I am the Tulane University Newman Civic Fellow, which is one student selected by the university’s president due to my work in civic engagement on campus. I am a 4th-year delegate of the Tulane Undergraduate Assembly and have been a part of TUA since day 1. I am a yoga instructor at Riley and a Career Launch Peer Mentor.”
Why homecoming court: “I wanted to be a part of the Homecoming court to represent the Tulane community in a way that embodies pride, progress, and perseverance. As a Black student at a PWI, I recognize the importance of representation and showing up in spaces. I wanted to be in to showcase the progress that Tulane has made in becoming a more inclusive community and amplify how we can continue creating a welcoming community for all, especially during a time where EDI conversations are being centered. I wanted to be a part of Homecoming Court as a way to affirm student leadership, voices, experiences, and identities while we navigate change.”
Post-grad plans: “I plan to attend graduate school in either Washington, D.C., or Boston to study education policy and pursue a career in education policy writing, advising, and advocacy.”
Roma Kolluru
Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana
Majors: Neuroscience and Cognitive Studies
Favorite Tulane Experience: “My favorite Tulane experience has to be traveling to Texas for the Cotton Bowl Game during my freshman year – it was such an incredible game and an unforgettable trip!”
On campus involvements: “A few of the organizations that I am involved in are the South Asian Association, Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, Newcomb Scholars Program, Jazbaa Bollywood Dance Team, and the Tulane Undergraduate Assembly.”
Why Homecoming court: “I decided to participate in Homecoming Court as a way to meet others in my class who have truly felt the impact of what it means to be a Tulanian, and to connect with the faculty and administrators who have supported me throughout my time here.”
Post-grad plans: “My post-grad plans include attending medical school. I have had a life-long dream of being a physician, and I am excited to pursue this path!”
Mariana Pirela
Hometown: Born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela, moved to Baton Rouge, Lousiana in 2015 and have lived there since 🙂
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Minor: Mathematics
Favorite Tulane Experience: “Getting to participate in the Sierra Leone Prosthetics Project alongside the Biomedical Engineering Department, in which we 3D printed prosthetics for war-wounded amputees in low-resource areas.”
On campus involvements: President of Tulane Biomedical Engineering Society, Vice President of Chapter Programming & Development for Tri Delta, Vice President of Scholarship for Tulane Panhellenic Council, Recruitment Chair for Theta Tau Engineering Fraternity, Student Coordinator for Sierra Leone Prosthetics Project, Teaching Assistant for Mechanics of Materials, Member of Society of Women Engineers
Why homecoming court: “To me, Homecoming Court is about celebrating the people, memories, and opportunities that make Tulane the perfect place it is. Each member of the Court has made their own path, inspiring others to chase their passions and make an impact in their own way. I’m so grateful to represent Tulane and share the stage with such wonderful people!”
Post-grad plans: “I am currently applying to PhD Programs in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering, hoping to focus in user-guided development of assistive or infant health wearables.”
Luke Broussard
Hometown: Lafayette, Louisiana
Majors: Political Science and Social Policy/Practice
Minors: Gender & Sexuality Studies and SLAM
Favorite Tulane Experience: “There are so many memories I’m fond of, but a few that stick out are: my freshman year Homecoming, my first time going to Muses, my service learning courses, and studying abroad in Prague!”
On campus involvements: Co-Chair of Tulane Undergraduate Assembly, Intern in Office of Undergraduate Admission, Vice President of Special Events for Green Wave Ambassadors, Secretary of Phi Alpha Delta
Why homecoming court: “Growing up in Louisiana, I idolized my high school’s homecoming court. I have always believed that being on homecoming court is an immense honor and one of the best ways to show your love for your school. I have had the best four years at Tulane, and I’m excited to showcase my love for our school on homecoming court!”
Post-grad plans: “I am currently applying to law school and hope to pursue a career in public interest law or policy-making.”
Julia Rose
Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee
Major(s) and Minor(s): Sociology Major, Social Policy Coordinate Major, International Development Minor.
Favorite Tulane Experience? Rushing the field at the AAC conference championship game by freshman year!
What are some of your involvements on campus? Vice President of Operations for Kappa Alpha Theta, Vice President of Phi Alpha Delta, Vice President of External Affairs for the Tulane Undergraduate Law Review, Chairman of the Honor Board, Mortar Board Honor Society
Why homecoming court? “Seeing that I was nominated gave me the confidence to be involved in the 2025 Homecoming Court Experience. As an active member in the Tulane community and New Orleans community, I believed I reflected the values of those who have been involved in the Homecoming Court Experience. Many of my peers in previous years were also on Homecoming Court and had an amazing experience being a part of it. These individuals were great reflections of our Tulane community, which made me even more inspired to join. The motivation of my Tulane community inspires me every day to participate as an active member and leader and therefore inspired me to be involved in this experience. I wanted to be on the 2025 Homecoming Court Experience because I love Tulane and would love to represent the organizations that I am a part of and inspire more people to get involved in our greater community.”
Post-grad plans: “I am going straight into law school after graduating in the spring! TBD where :)”
Dior Naylor
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Majors: Public Health and Sociology
Favorite Tulane Experience: Performing at the Pelicans game while dancing for Club Ace.
On campus involvements: Nutrition Intern for Dining Services; Community, Impact, and Learning Chair for Saphe; Secretary for Pathfinders; Green Wave Ambassador; Tri-Alpha First Generation Fraternity
Why homecoming court: “To me, Homecoming Court is more than tradition, it represents Tulane’s resilience, spirit, and the students who turn their stories of struggle and triumph into sources of pride. My time here has been filled with challenges, from battling illness and academic setbacks to grieving the loss of someone I loved deeply. Yet through these moments, I’ve found strength in community, creativity, and service – whether through Posse, SAPHE, or my work as a Diversity Fellow. These experiences have shaped me into someone who leads with empathy, perseverance, and purpose. I want to represent Tulane on Homecoming Court because I embody the resilience, growth, and connection that define our university.”
Post-grad plans: “I intend on continuing my accelerated master’s in health administration through the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.”
Adam Spencer
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Major: Legal Studies in Business, certificate in Hospitality
Favorite Tulane Experience: Being at the Cotton Bowl victory!
On campus involvements: President of AKPsi, VP of Campus Tours for Admissions, and TA for Michael Hogg’s LGST-3010
Why homecoming court: “That’s easy! Tulane is my favorite place in the world, and I am so grateful for my time here and the people that made my experience incomparable. I am so honored and excited to be a part of all the homecoming week excitement and festivities!”
Post-grad plans: “Soak up every moment in New Orleans, travel, and work for Highgate Hotels!”
Dorian Ross
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Majors: Public Health and Environmental Studies
Favorite Tulane Experience: My favorite Tulane was the “Rock the Rec” freshman year
What are some of your involvements on campus? “On campus I am involved in Black Student Union, Tulane Consulting Group, Resident Advisor, Tulane Health Policy Club and Public Health Society.”
Why homecoming court: “I am on Homecoming Court because it’s an honor to represent a place that has truly made my life better. As one of the few Black males at Tulane who isn’t an athlete, I see it as my duty to serve as a representative and role model for younger African American students, showing them that they too can be active, involved, and make an impact on campus.”
Post-grad plans: “While I don’t have a specific plan set in stone yet, I hope to move to either New York City or Washington, D.C. and pursue a role that’s both impactful and rewarding. I want to apply everything I’ve learned from my classes and campus involvement to make a meaningful difference in my community and career.”