The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is proud to announce its fall 2024 homecoming king, Jasim Ali, who was crowned king during his senior year of his college career. Ali was selected by his student government association peers as a nomination for this year’s homecoming court by popular vote. From then on, he went through a series of interviews as the selected few became smaller and smaller. 

It’s a lengthy process to be selected as homecoming king or queen and requires enduring difficult interviews. However, it was not too much of a hassle for Ali as he conquered the process and so much more. Upon being selected for homecoming king, his mom, Faryal Atif, was very proud of her son. It was a very fond moment for the both of them, especially considering that Atif held the homecoming queen title last year. 

This is the first time at UL Lafayette that both a mother and son have won homecoming king and queen. It is definitely an accomplishment and honorable feat for the both of them. Even though they celebrate their accomplishments, there was a lot of work and effort that went into that achievement. 

Ali and Atif went above and beyond with their contributions to UL Lafayette because they value giving back to the community. Ali and Atif both hold their community, especially the community at UL Lafayette, very close to their hearts. 

Jasim Ali commented, “I’ve always believed that it’s important to be involved in your community as well, and then your surrounding nation.” 

While his mother, Faryal Atif stated, “I really love this community. I feel like this is just home away from home.” 

Ali and Atif are both very involved at UL Lafayette in their own ways. Ali currently holds the position of vice president of the student government association and was a part of the organization since his freshman year. Additionally, he joined Sigma Chi fraternity, is now the current president of the fraternity, and the chamber choir and was a Soul Camp mentor. 

Despite the amount of time he gave back to the UL Lafayette community, he still managed to put his grades first, much like his mom. 

Atif was as equally involved as her son when she was nominated homecoming queen last year. She started out as a peer mentor, and was also a part of the student government association like her son. 

Atif was the president of the International Student Council, became a part of Leading Life and became the vice president of the Graduate Student Organization. 

She helped where she could, not because she wanted something in return, but out of appreciation for her college campus. 

Faryal Atif mentioned, “I have a lot of love for this campus and the people here, because I receive a lot of love from here… that’s my way of giving back.” 

However, it was not easy for the two of them. 

Atif is originally from Pakistan. She moved to Lafayette at the end of 2016 with her family and has been here ever since. 

Though, when she decided to continue her studies at UL Lafayette, she was faced with a challenge since her credits did not transfer from Pakistan, forcing her to start all over again. Not only that, but the immigration process for her was very lengthy due to COVID-19 pandemic at that time. 

Despite the frustration of beginning anew and the immigration process, Atif decided not to let that stop her. 

She went on to finish her bachelor’s and master’s here at UL Lafayette and is currently pursuing her doctorate while starting a full time position within the university. 

On another note, Ali also struggled due to the immigration process. Even though he had received the best scholarship UL Lafayette could offer him for his academic achievements during high school, he could not utilize the scholarship until his junior year due to the immigration process not being completed. 

Even though they both endured trials and errors within the university, they still have high hopes for the future. Faryal Atif plans on finishing her doctoral degree while happily working her new full time position, and Jasim Ali will be using the skills he obtained through his bachelor’s degree to work a full-time position in Colorado. 

This mother-son duo did a lot more than study to pass their exams. 

They made an impact at UL Lafayette and showed the community what it takes to hold the title of homecoming king or queen.