2025 Family Weekend at MC gives parents, siblings glimpse into students’ lives on campus

When their daughter, Madelyn, was a freshman at Mississippi College, Sumrall residents and MC alums Harris and Karen Bell savored the opportunity to return to campus, meet her new college friends, tailgate on the Quad, and find out which social club she would join during Family Weekend at MC.

“Some of our best memories of MC were the fun times and friendships we made as members of NT (Nenamoosha) and Civitan (men’s service club),” said Harris Bell, manager of Hattiesburg Clinic Eye Associates and a member of the MC Alumni Board. “It was special to be with Madelyn as she participated in ‘Squeal Night’ and ran home to the ladies of Laguna.

“We enjoyed catching up with friends from our time at MC who also have kids attending Mississippi College. To see our love of MC in the eyes of the next generation is heartwarming.”

Madelyn Bell is now a senior majoring in interior design, but Harris and Karen, director of marketing and field strategy at RestorixHealth in Hattiesburg, are no less excited to attend this year’s Family Weekend at MC. The Bells will join hundreds of Choctaw family members who will get a glimpse into the lives of their MC students during this year’s Family Weekend, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20, on the Clinton campus.

Sponsored by the Offices of Family Engagement, Student Engagement, and Event Services, Family Weekend features a variety of activities that give families time to enjoy a weekend together and take in the full “Choctaw Experience.”

Jake Donald, director of alumni and family engagement, said Family Weekend marks the first opportunity since Move-In Day for families to return to campus and celebrate their students in the fall academic session.

“Family Weekend is a great opportunity for families to connect with their students and also get a glimpse of the MC student experience,” Donald said. “It’s also a great way for MC families to connect with each other.

“Family Weekend provides an opportunity for our students to visit with their families again and showcase what makes MC so special.”

The weekend will feature a variety of events for students and families to enjoy together. Friday’s plans include a women’s soccer match at 1 p.m. and a men’s soccer match at 3:30 p.m. against Spring Hill College at Longabaugh Field; open residence halls for families to visit their students’ living quarters on campus from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Club and Tribe “Squeal/Reveal Night” at 8 p.m. in the Quad, when students who went through recruitment find out their new social club or tribe.

Main Street Clinton’s “Cruzin’ Clinton Car Show” kicks off Saturday’s Family Weekend docket at 9 a.m. on the brick streets of Olde Towne Clinton, followed by “Coffee and Donuts with DBT’ at 10 a.m., where Family Weekend participants can meet MC President Blake Thompson. A family Worship Time is slated for 11 a.m. in historic Provine Chapel; and a delicious tailgate meal will be available in the Caf at noon. The Quad will come alive with an afternoon tailgate that will include caricatures by noted artist Emily Fleming; music by The Band Midwk, a cover band comprised of MC alumni and students; and a family cornhole tournament at 2:30 p.m. Residence halls will be open to visitors once again from noon to 7 p.m.

Donald said all of the events are designed for parents and families to share in their students’ excitement and love for Mississippi College.

“Family Weekend is more than just a weekend where families come to campus,” he said. “It’s a time to celebrate the MC community and family. I hope families leave connected to their student’s journey and encouraged by the Christ-centered mission that makes MC home.”

“As alumni, it’s good to get back to campus and catch up with friends we made as students,” Harris Bell said. “Family Weekend gives parents a look at MC through the eyes of their student. For us, it reconfirmed that MC is truly where God called Madelyn during this season.”

Most Family Weekend events are free of charge. For more information or to register for Family Weekend, visit www.mc.edu/students/policies/events-activities/family-weekend.