Mississippi College 2014 Homecoming Offers Impressive Lineup

Mississippi College Homecoming tailgate on the Quad.

A golf tournament, road race, Choctaws football game and a parade are among dozens of popular events planned for Mississippi College’s 2014 Homecoming.

Whether alums feast on grilled Cajun sausage, mini muffalettas or grilled chicken, there’s also a smorgasbord of delicious cooking to taste on the Clinton campus. Cookie ice cream sandwiches, red beans & rice and minted fruit salads round out a diverse menu.

As Mississippi College begins its 189^th academic year, the food, fun and fellowship at the university’s Homecoming lasts from October 16-19.

While noted author Thomas Wolfe once said, “You can’t go home again,” loads of MC alums from across the USA would beg to differ.

“Things may have changed since you were home, but you certainly can go back and visit,” says 1977 Mississippi College graduate Jimmy Slay, president of the Alumni Association Executive Board. “This is especially true of Mississippi College.”

Visitors seeking familiar surroundings can find them at Provine Chapel or Jennings Hall. They can also flash back to the good old days by checking out MC’s new history exhibit of photos, beanies, jackets and other memorabilia at Nelson Hall. Lots of familiar faces will be discovered at the 50-Year Club Reunion at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday October 16. Cost for the food-filled gathering at Anderson Hall is $15 and RSVP is required.

Alums, students and guests wishing to show off their powerful golf strokes are invited to MC’s Homecoming Golf Tournament. Sponsored by the National “M” Club, this four-man scramble at the newly renovated Live Oaks Golf Course in Jackson begins with lunch at 11 a.m. Friday and a shotgun start at noon. The tournament cost is $50 and RSVP is required.

While various MC classes meet for reunions that Friday, the main event is at 6 p.m. That’s the time for the National Alumni Association Awards Dinner at Anderson Hall. Tickets cost $20 and RSVP is required. Grads who prefer to sweat and swing for the fences are invited to play the current Lady Choctaws softball team. Following the 6 p.m. game, dinner will be served.

Laughter is always the best medicine, and that’s certainly true for fans of the Blue & Gold. There’s still time to purchase tickets to the Follies show at 7 p.m. Friday. Pledges from MC clubs and tribes will perform funny skits that evening at Swor Auditorium. Tickets are $15 per person.

Saturday’s activities start with the 8 a.m. Hap Hudson Homecoming 5K Run beginning at Cockcroft Hall and winding through Olde Towne. Refreshments will be served after the race honoring a longtime MC coach. Registration is open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. on race day.

Running isn’t the only sport in town. Alums can wear their cleats and bring their gloves to challenge the current Choctaws baseball team. The action begins at 8 a.m. at Frierson Field.

Ranked No. 2 in North America the past three seasons, Mississippi College’s table tennis team encourages fans to watch Saturday’s Dixie Division tournament at Alumni Gym. MC will face rivals like Mississippi State, Tulane, UAB, Alabama, West Florida and Alabama-Huntsville. MC is led by USA’s No. 1 collegiate player Cheng Li and No. 2 ranked Yichi Zhang, both natives of China. Games go from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, alumnae with the Kissimee, Laguna, Swannanoa, and Nenamoosha social tribes gather for reunions on the Clinton campus Saturday morning. There’s a ten-year reunion for London Semester graduates (the 2004 class) at the Latimer House beginning 10 a.m. Saturday. The 15-year reunion (the 1999 class) is set for 1:30 p.m.

People with big appetites are urged to join Saturday’s 11:30 a.m. cookout at the Quad/Patio. The aroma of grilled food should guide visitors to the site. The cost is $10.

Other notable events Saturday include:

-- the 1 p.m. Homecoming parade on College Street

-- the 1:30 p.m. MC Singers in concert at Provine Chapel

-- the 3 p.m. football kickoff as the Choctaws battle Gulf South Conference rival Valdosta State

Homecoming activities conclude Sunday with a 10 a.m. worship service at Provine Chapel.

For more information, contact Lori Bobo of the Office of Alumni Affairs at 601-925-3252 or lbobo@mc.edu.