Convocation in Mississippi Christian University’s Bicentennial Year offers reflections of home

MC President Blake Thompson presents a framed copy of the most recent issue of 'The Beacon,' MC's official alumni and news magazine, to Jim Turcotte, MC vice president and special assistant to the president, in recognition of Turcotte's 32 years of service to the institution. Turcotte's wife, Jenny, is at right.

Mississippi Christian University faculty and staff rang the Hillman Bell outside Nelson Hall on the morning of Monday, Aug. 10, to convene MC’s Convocation in the University’s bicentennial year.

Inside Swor Auditorium, the University’s 201st academic session formally began when MC faculty and staff, MC Alumni Association and MC Foundation Board members, retirees, community leaders and honored guests gathered for the event.

Jim Turcotte, vice president and special assistant to the president, called the assembly to order and offered the invocation. Stephanie Busbea, interim provost, recognized new faculty members who had joined MC in the past year and five former faculty members who had been awarded emeritus status.

They include Tom Bennet, professor emeritus of computer science; Cliff Fortenberry, professor and chair emeritus of communication; Shirley Kennedy, clinical professor emerita of the School of Law; Carol Lee, professor emerita of kinesiology; and Merle Ziegler, professor emeritus of communication.

Laura Jackson, MC COO/CFO, recognized new staff members who have joined the institution during the last year. Beth Everett, associate professor and director of choral activities in the MC Department of Music, accompanied by pianist Tyler Kemp, instructor in the department, led a collective hymn.

During his remarks, MC President Blake Thompson said this Convocation is noteworthy because it is the first under the University’s new name. The institution officially became Mississippi Christian University on June 1.

He said the name “reflects who we are and the foundation that has guided us for two centuries” and “this name carries us forward into the next 200 years of our institution.”

He recounted meaningful moments from the University’s previous academic session, including the announcement of the Parke Fellows program in honor of Dr. Ivan Parke; the MC Celebration Gala featuring Leanne Morgan; the Founders Week celebration that kicked off the University’s Bicentennial celebration, which included recognition by legislature at the Mississippi State Capitol, a Bicentennial Storytellers event featuring alums, the opening of the Bicentennial Exhibition, MC’s 200th birthday party and a “Success Starts at MC” panel discussion presented by the African American Studies program; the historic photo recreation at Provine Chapel to celebrate the University’s Bicentennial and acknowledge the building’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places; and Dr. Joseph Hamilton’s address at the University’s May Commencement.

“It has clearly been a busy Bicentennial,” Thompson said. “I have heard over and over again from our alumni and supporters who have celebrated with us . . . how this institution is a home for so many. Many individuals have come home over the course of the past year to celebrate with us.

“MC is also home for our students. And it becomes a new home for the students arriving on our campus in the next few days.”

Among them, he noted, are JoJo Talley and Timothy Miller, the first participants in MC’s new TrueBlue Pathways program, a two-year inclusive college program for students with intellectual and developmental challenges.

Thompson highlighted how MC is also home for thousands of alumni, as well as faculty and staff, some who have recently joined the University and others who have served the institution for the majority of their careers. He recognized Jim Turcotte ‘83, chair of the Bicentennial Celebration Committee, who will be retiring from MC after 32 years.

Thompson also previewed some of the events that will shape the conclusion of the University’s Bicentennial celebration, including the MC Bicentennial Gala featuring Nate Bargatze on Sept. 29, and a Bicentennial Homecoming weekend from Oct. 29 through 31.

He closed by thanking MC faculty and staff for their work and commitment to the institution.

“Faculty and staff, thank you for all you do, for your commitment to our University and your work home. You are appreciated,” Thompson said. “Thank you for your enduring commitment to our institution.”

Everett and Kemp led the assembly in singing the University’s alma mater, and Evan Lenow, ERLC president, Southern Baptist Convention, and special assistant to the president at MC, offered the benediction and blessing.

As they left the auditorium to enjoy a family-style lunch in the B.C. Rogers Student Center’s Anderson Hall, each attendee received a special gift to mark the occasion: a hand-signed and numbered artistic depiction of Chrestman Hall, an MC residence hall that turns 100 this year, by Elise Payne, MC assistant professor of art and chair of the department.