Homecoming Attracts Thousands of Mississippi College Graduates
Mississippi College graduates who earned diplomas a half-century ago or recently received degrees are among thousands of MC alums booked for the 2018 Homecoming.
“Choctaw State of Mind” is the slogan for jam-packed MC Homecoming activities from October 25-27. Graduates of the nation’s second oldest Baptist college can cheer the Choctaws at a football game, witness the Homecoming parade along College Street, attend class reunions and applaud the MC Singers in concert.
Those are just a few of the marathon of events on the Clinton campus.
It marks the first MC Homecoming for new President Blake Thompson. The Rienzi, Mississippi native served as a vice president at The Ohio State University for nine years before assuming his duties in Nelson Hall on July 1.
Dr. Thompson will make the rounds with his wife, Jana, and soon get to know many of the returning Choctaws on the Clinton campus. He’s expected to zip around in his presidential golf cart on the track during MC’s football game at Robinson-Hale Stadium. Kick-off is set for 3 p.m. Saturday October 27 as MC faces Gulf South Conference rival West Georgia.
MC National Alumni Association President Scottie Parrish says alumni will have plenty of opportunities to get acquainted with the university’s new leader at Homecoming.
“After visiting Dr. Thompson numerous times already, I am confident that God led him to our campus to continue the legacy of excellence that our institution enjoys,” Parrish said. “He is very visible on campus among the students and loves getting to know the Choctaw family. We look forward to many years of Christian education and service under his able leadership.”
Dr. Thompson succeeded President Emeritus Lee Royce, who retired in late June after 16 years of distinguished service.
Homecoming activities include the Thursday evening 50-Year Club Reunion at the Gore Galleries Thursday October 25. It begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $15. The Student Follies at 9 p.m. offers an entertaining show filled with hilarious skits. That’s at 9 p.m. at Swor Auditorium. Tickets are required.
The Homecoming golf tournament at Patrick Farms Golf Club at 11 a.m. Friday is another fun-filled sporting event sponsored by the National “M” Club. The $60 registration cost covers green fees, cart rental, range balls and lunch.
The National Alumni Association awards dinner is set for 6 pm Friday night at Anderson Hall. That event costs $25. The Alumnus of the Year is retired attorney Bill Dye, Jr. of the Class of 1954. The Order of the Golden Arrow Award recipient is U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper of the Class of 1978. The Young Alumna of the Year is Madison dentist Dr. Amy Lynn Graham Jones (Class of 2001). The Award of Excellence goes to Mississippi businessman Dr. Robert H. Watson.
The Follies returns for another show 7 p.m. Friday at Swor Auditorium featuring MC clubs and tribes. Tickets are $15 each.
Other can’t miss activities on the Clinton campus include the Hap Hudson Homecoming 5K run and road race at 8 a.m. Saturday. The race starts at Cockroft Hall. At the same time, the MC baseball alumni game is being played at Frierson Field. The Medical/Dental Alumni Association gathers for a reception at Self Hall Room 207 at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday’s 1 p.m. Homecoming parade along College Street, the 1:30 p.m. MC Singers concert in Provine Chapel and the men’s soccer game at 3:30 p.m. vs Spring Hill at Longabaugh Field are other major events on the agenda.
For details, visit https://www.mc.edu/homecoming/ or contact Lori Bobo of the MC Alumni Affairs Office at 601-925-3252 or lbobo@mc.edu
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