Bicentennial Homecoming brings Choctaws of all ages together for 200-year MC celebration

Kissimee were the winners of the Follies competition during MC's Bicentennial Homecoming.

Mississippi Christian University’s Bicentennial Homecoming Week Oct. 27-31 began with community service projects and ended with an MC Singers concert, but the largest slate of homecoming activities in recent memory proved that MC’s commitment to faith, family and community hasn’t wavered in 200 years.

MC’s Homecoming brought numerous alumni, friends and supporters back to the Clinton campus for a Choctaw gathering like none other that celebrated tradition, friendship and the people who make the Christian University special.

Jake Donald, MC director of alumni and family engagement, said more than 500 alumni returned to campus with their families to celebrate not only MC’s 200-year legacy, but also the people who have helped shape it.

“From honoring distinguished alumni to the excitement of tailgating and the Homecoming Parade, the weekend was filled with unforgettable moments,” Donald said. “There's nothing quite like seeing our campus come alive with alumni, families and friends celebrating what makes MC so special. It was a wonderful reminder that once you're a Choctaw, you're always a Choctaw."

During the festivities, MC President Blake Thompson encouraged attendees to “share your MC stories; reconnect with your friends, classmates and faculty; meet new ones; connect with the Alumni Association; reach out to future Choctaws and encourage them to visit and apply; (and) support our students through you time, gifts and, most importantly, your prayers.”

There were plenty of opportunities to do just that, starting on Tuesday, Oct. 27, when MC students, faculty and staff served the community at various locations throughout the metro area during the annual MC Day of Service. The MC Family rolled up their sleeves and contributed to projects at Northside Elementary School, the 4 C’s, Quisenberry Library, Stewpot Community Services, Buried Treasures, We Will Go Ministries, and other local locations. MC students, faculty and staff also helped package 20,000 meals during the Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event on campus.

Starting Thursday, Oct. 29, Homecoming guests were invited to experience “1826: The Exhibition,” an interactive display open throughout the weekend that highlighted the University’s rich history in a diorama created by the Institute for Southern Storytelling at MC.

On Thursday evening, eight of the University’s most accomplished former student-athletes, coaches and support personnel were inducted into the MC Sports Hall of Fame during the annual banquet. The Class of 2026 included Blaine Crim '19 (baseball), Thomas Matthews (men’s basketball), James “JT” Trimble '80 (men’s track and field), Drew Brooks '03, '07 (men’s tennis), Brooke Smitherman '15 (softball), Lance Wedgeworth '98 (football), Mike Williams (football) and Courtney Shires '01 (women’s basketball).

Friday morning’s activities began with the annual Homecoming golf tournament at the Refuge. Alumni, students and guests competed in a four-person scramble, with the top three teams receiving prizes.

Campus department receptions got underway in the afternoon, with a Communication alumni reception honoring departmental distinguished alumnae Laura Johns '05 and Mary Beth Hughes Derrickson '17, and the School of Education and Human Sciences hosting a reception to honor Education distinguished alumnus Nason Lollar.

The 50-Year Club celebrated the lasting legacy of the MC Class of 1976 on Friday evening during the 50-Year Club Induction Dinner, while a reunion of 2000-2006 MC graduates took place at the Latimer House on campus and Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) met at the Belhaven Town Center for the annual Blues and Gold Young Alumni Gathering.

Also on Friday, the MC volleyball team hosted Montevallo at the A.E. Wood Coliseum, and members of the Golden Anniversary Class of 1976 were inducted into the 50-Year Club during the Decade of the Seventies event in the Grand Hall of Alumni Hall.

Friday’s activities drew to a close with Follies, one of MC Homecoming’s most beloved traditions. Performers from various MC student organizations took the stage in Swor Auditorium to showcase their theatrical, dancing and singing talents in the spirited competition to benefit their philanthropies of choice. “Luke Skywalker” of Kokoa’s Star Wars-themed production and “Caesar Flickerwoman” of Swannanoa’s Hunger Games-inspired act were named Outstanding Follies performers; Decerto’s Megamind-melting performance earned Outstanding Performer, Best Storyline, Spirit of Follies and Student Favorite accolades; the group “Low Expectations” took this place honors with its Lorax-themed production; Laguna’s Annie-inspired presentation won second place laurels; and Kissimee’s Rio production captured Best Choreography, Best Costumes, Crowd Favorite and first place honors. Kissimee also earned first place in the Choctaw Cheer-off earlier in the week.

Homecoming Saturday began as it has each of the last 21 years with the Department of Kinesiology’s Coach “Hap” Hudson Homecoming 5K Walk and Run through downtown Clinton. Coach Hudson was on hand to give the official start to the race, which saw the largest number of participants in its history.

A special Homecoming showing of the “Walter Anderson Adventures,” an ongoing multimedia and immersive exhibit that centers on the life and art of the reclusive Gulf Coast artist, welcomed guests to the Samuel Marshall Gore Art Gallery in the Leland Speed Library on Saturday morning. The galleries also hosted an open house and juried art show of pieces created by MC alumni and staff, and a reception honored distinguished Art Alumni Randy Jolly '82, '09, and Emily Fleming '23.

A Bicentennial Documentary by award-winning creators Anthony and Amy Thaxton and narrated by MC alum Walt Grayson ’77 featured two centuries of MC history through captivating photographs and vintage interviews. The hour-long film was shown throughout the day in the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall in Aven Hall.

Members of Harvest, a Christian singing group and band from MC that performed from 1974 to 1978 and toured nationally from 1978 to 1981, met for the first time in more than four decades on Saturday morning in Alumni Hall, while the MC Medical and Dental Alumni Association conducted its board meeting in Self Hall.

A highlight of Saturday morning’s festivities was the prayer dedication of the new Bicentennial Brick Garden near the Bell Tower between Chrestman and Lowrey Halls. The garden serves as a lasting tribute to the people, memories and traditions that have shaped MC throughout its 200-year history. The event recognized and celebrated the MC alumni, families and friends who purchased personalized bricks to help bring this meaningful project to life.

Laguna, Swannanoa, Kissimee, Chenoa and Nenamoosha Social Tribe alumni attended an alumni reception Saturday morning that honored all current and past Social Tribe members, while the Student Government Association held its pinning ceremony on the Caf patio.

The School of Science and Mathematics hosted a reception in the MCC Lobby, where distinguished alumni from the school were honored. They included: Dr. Susan Cope Fortenberry '03 (biology); Dr. Jennifer Ray '89, '94 and Dr. Brandon Magers '09 (chemistry and biochemistry); Dr. W. Neil Duggar '09 (physics and engineering); Warren McKay '07, '13 (mathematics); and Trent Townsend '01 (computer science). The Department of English and World languages hosted its alumni reception in the Jennings Courtyard, where distinguished alumnae Jenny Drake '75, '92 and Ashley Krason '07 were recognized.

The Leland Speed Library hosted an open house Saturday morning, which included its annual used book sale. Dr. Ivan Parke and Tim Peabody were on hand to sign their latest collaborative book, “Hope Under the Sun.” The MC Archives also hosted an open house that morning.

Jim Turcotte, MC vice president and special assistant to the president, rang the Hillman Bell to call the National Alumni Association Awards Brunch to order in Anderson Hall in the B.C. Rogers Student Center.

MC’s 2026 Department and School Distinguished Alumni Award recipients were recognized during the event. They included: Randy Hayward Jolly, ’82. ’09 (art), Emily Fleming, ’22, ’23 (art young alumna); Dr. Susan Cope Fortenberry ‘03 (biology), Steve Longo ‘82 (business), Dr. Jennifer Ray, ’89, ‘94 (chemistry and biochemistry), Dr. Brandon Magers, ‘09 (chemistry and biochemistry young alumnus), Dr. Gene Henderson, ‘65 (Christian studies), Laura Pickard Johns ‘05 (communication), Mary Beth Hughes Derrickson, ‘17 (communication young alumna), Trent Townsend, ‘01 (computer science), Lee Smith, ‘07 (counseling), Dr. W. Neil Duggar, ‘09 (engineering and physics), Jenny Vernita Wilson Drake, ’75, ‘92 (English and philosophy), Gov. Phil Bryant, ‘88 (history and political science), Deirdre Danielle Lawson, ‘07 (kinesiology), Sean Tindell, ‘01 (Lawyer of the Year), McKenna Stone Cloud, ‘22 (Young Lawyer of the Year), Warren McKay, ’07, ‘13 (mathematics), Ashley Krason, ‘07 (modern languages), Dr. Elizabeth Blanton Momand, ’86, ‘91 (music), John Christopher Adams, ‘06 (music young alumnus), Lorie Till, ‘94 (nursing), Rachel Gambill, ‘14 (nursing young alumna), Kelsey Neeley, ‘18 (psychology and social work), Dr. Nason Lollar, ‘00, ’04, ‘07 (teacher education and leadership).

Also recognized were the 2026 National Alumni Association Award winners. They included Ellis Liddell ’80, Alumnus of the Year; Corey Vander Molen ’09, Young Alumnus of the Year; Joe Walker ’69 and Abby Munton Street ’06; Order of the Golden Arrow; Joel “Hap” Hudson ’59, Award of Service; and Dr. Bill and Carole West, Award of Excellence.

Saturday afternoon, more than 70 tents adorned the bucolic Quad for one of the largest Tailgating celebrations in MC history. The festivities including music, food and a Choctaw kids zone. The Classes of 2016, 2006 and 2001 each hosted a reunion tent.

MC students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends celebrated the Choctaw spirit by participating in the Bicentennial Homecoming Parade down College Street. The event included performances by the MC Choctaw Marching Band, the Golden Girls dance team, and the MC cheerleaders. The 2026 MC Homecoming Court, alumni honorees, Follies winners and others were recognized during the parade, which was emceed by Michael Wright ’06, MC dean of enrollment.

Wright announced the parade Grand Marshals, Dr. David Miller, MC professor of English and World Languages, and Turcotte; the 2026 Homecoming Alumni Award recipients; MC’s Dance Marathon Miracle Kids Mamie Sisco and Addie Smith; members of the MC Homecoming Court; each of MC’s women’s tribes and men’s service clubs; the top two Follies winners; and MC alumni from the 1960s and 1970s.

At the conclusion of the parade, the 2026 Homecoming Court was presented on the main stage on Jefferson Street. The court included Blair Margaret Kelly and Presleigh Nicole Satterfield, freshman maids; Amelia Ann Greenslade and Lillie Kate Jones, sophomore maids; Taylor Alexis Brandon and Jenny Beth Culver, junior maids; Laura Grace Cangelosi, Avery Alexis Long, Adeline Young Segalla and Molly Kate Thomas, senior maids; and Brinley Sullivan, the reigning Homecoming queen. Long was named the 2026 MC Maid of Honor, and Thomas was named 2026 MC Homecoming Queen.

Saturday afternoon, the MC volleyball team took on the University of Alabama in Huntsville before Bicentennial Homecoming Weekend drew to a close with a concert by the MC Singers, under the direction of Beth Everett, MC director of choral activities, in Provine Chapel.