Founders Week activities celebrate 200 years of Mississippi College

To commemorate the 200^th anniversary of its founding, Mississippi College will celebrate its status as the oldest institution of higher learning in the state by hosting festive events Jan. 21 to 23.

Founders Week will feature a special worship service and chapel services, an alumni storytellers event, a virtual Day of Giving opportunity, and the grand opening of MC’s Bicentennial Exhibition, including a time capsule reveal. The festivities will culminate in a 200^th birthday party, organized by MC students. Activities on the Clinton campus are free of charge and open to the public.

MC President Blake Thompson refers to Mississippi College’s Bicentennial as “perhaps the most significant MC milestone that any of us will be associated with in our lifetimes.”

MC’s Bicentennial Founders Week celebrations recognize the University’s official founding by the Mississippi Legislature as Hampstead Academy on Jan. 24, 1826. Renamed to Mississippi Academy and then to Mississippi College, the private, coeducational institution was the first college in the nation to grant a degree to a woman. The Mississippi Baptist Convention became affiliated with MC in 1850, making it the second-oldest Baptist institution in America.

Here's what’s on tap for MC’s Bicentennial Founders Week:

Bicentennial Worship Service, 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21, Provine Chapel

Evan Lenow, MC associate professor and chair of Christian Studies, director of the Clinton Extension Center, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and director of church and minister relations, will help set the tone for MC’s Bicentennial celebration by leading a community-wide devotional centering on “God’s Faithfulness.”

“As we reflect on 200 years of history at MC, we want to acknowledge God’s faithfulness in sustaining MC through the last two centuries,” Lenow said. “We will also turn our attention to trust in God’s faithfulness for the years ahead.”

During the service, the MC Singers will perform, including choir and congregational selections, under the direction of Beth Everett, MC assistant professor of music and director of choral activities. Scripture readings by MC faculty and staff members will be interspersed throughout the program.

Bicentennial Chapel Services, 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22, Swor Auditorium, Nelson Hall

Chapel, a dedicated time for students to experience rest and encouragement through worship, scripture reading and prayer, is a fundamental part of the Mississippi College experience. Driven by students, the services help them grow in their walk with Christ.

Dr. Shawn Parker, executive director-treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, will deliver the first Chapel services of MC’s Bicentennial year. A special recognition of the institution’s 200^th anniversary and connection to the Mississippi Baptist Convention will occur at both services.

Bicentennial Storytellers Event, 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 22, Entergy Theater, Gore Arts Complex

Select MC alumni will share insightful stories that bring 200 years of Mississippi College history to life and highlight how the University continues to impact lives.

“Attendees will hear firsthand accounts of lifelong friendships, meaningful mentors, defining experiences and traditions that have connected generations of Choctaws,” said Jake Donald, director of alumni and family engagement. “Each story will serve as a reminder that MC’s legacy is not only marked by historic milestones, but by the people who have lived it.”

Moderated by David Miller, MC professor of English and philosophy, the event will spotlight individual stories and memories by MC alumni Heath Hillman '94, '97; Karen Howell '03, '06; Ellis Liddell '80; Beth Stapleton '92; and Bae Brock Waller '87.

Bicentennial Day of Giving, Thursday through Friday, Jan. 22-23, virtual event

Mississippi College will conduct a special Day of Giving that will run for 1,826 minutes to honor the year of MC’s founding.

“During this bicentennial year, supporting MC's Day of Giving is especially meaningful,” said Katrina Pace, chief executive officer of the MC Foundation. “It’s a chance to celebrate and support all that MC has accomplished over two centuries while coming together to ensure our institution continues to thrive for the next 200 years.

“When our alumni and friends rally around this shared goal, it sends a powerful message: MC’s legacy is built on people who care deeply and give generously.”

Contributions can be made online at https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/72760/donations/new.

Bicentennial Exhibition Grand Opening and Time Capsule Reveal, 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, 1826 and Jennings Hall

Attendees can get a first look at “1826 The Exhibition,” an interactive display that highlights the University’s rich history in a spectacular diorama created by the Institute for Southern Storytelling at MC.

After touring the exhibition in 1826, they can see the new Bicentennial Time Capsule on display in one of the campus’s historic buildings, Jennings Hall.

Bicentennial Birthday Party, 3 to 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, outside Alumni Hall

Students on the Campus Programming Board and MC’s Office of Student Engagement will host a Bicentennial birthday party unlike any experienced on the Clinton campus.

Featuring performances by the Choctaw Marching Band and a visit from Tushka, MC’s popular on-field mascot, the party will include birthday cake, face painting, and, weather permitting, a Ferris wheel.

MC students will receive “passports” that they can get stamped at each of four main attractions – the Bicentennial Exhibition Grand Opening, the Time Capsule Reveal, the MC Student Engagement video booth and the cupcake-decorating station.

In the event of inclement weather, the party will move inside Alumni Hall.

Various art exhibits, academic lectures and other celebrations are also planned throughout the year. Keep up with the schedule of events and activities by visiting 200.mc.edu/events.