Back to the Bricks Welcomes Mississippi College Students

Back to Bricks

Mary McRae discovered Pinelake Church and Meme’s Bakery, while making new friends at Back to the Bricks festivities in Olde Towne Clinton.

Mississippi College’s new Student Government Association president, McRae will soon return to the popular event she first experienced as an MC freshman.

The 2015 edition of Back to the Bricks is set for August 27 in the heart of the city’s historic business district. The event runs from 5-7 p.m. that Thursday. Hundreds of MC students are invited to meet Clinton area merchants, discover campus organizations, play games and enjoy a delicious meal.

“Back to the Bricks is a great way for freshmen to get an idea of how great the Clinton community is,” says McRae, a resident of Tishomingo in North Mississippi. “I was introduced to so many businesses that I still visit today.”

Mary loves going to local shops – from the Cupboard to the James & Leigh clothing and accessories boutique on Jefferson Street.

Jonathan Nutt has seen both sides of Back to the Bricks – as an MC student and as a Clinton businessman.

Jonathan and his wife, Anna Nutt, are the owners of the James & Leigh shop. Their Jefferson Street store is pretty convenient to students, faculty and staff at the Baptist-affiliated university.

Back to the Bricks activities attract tons of freshmen, transfers and returning students who could become future customers at scores of Clinton businesses.

“We are always excited to welcome students back into the store in August,” says Jonathan Nutt, director of MC student development. “Back to the Bricks is a great time for students to get to know businesses not only in Olde Towne, but throughout Clinton.”

In past years, Back to the Bricks visitors spotted Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher devouring an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. Usually, MC Choctaws football players hang out on Jefferson Street after practice, while others listen to live music or pick up valuable store coupons.

This year’s version is one of the cornerstone events of the Christian university’s 2015 Welcome Week.

Leaders of at least 15 MC student organizations, including social tribes, civic clubs and Christian ministry groups, will roll out the welcome mat to the university newcomers. Campus Dining, MC’s food service provider, will provide meals to students. There will be plenty of door prizes and carnival-like games for visitors of all ages.

Back to the Bricks sponsors are: Main Street Clinton, the City of Clinton and the Clinton Chamber of Commerce.

The fun-filled event will be on the final day of the annual Welcome Week for new students.

Welcome Week begins with the August 22 freshman move-in date and the new student/parent convocation that Saturday at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church Clinton.

A Swor Auditorium concert, reception for freshmen to meet President Lee Royce and his wife, Rhoda, at the Phillips House, community service projects in Jackson, and a trip on the Friendship Boat at the Reservoir are other activities on the busy to-do list.