Sports Hall of Fame induction, Follies, documentary highlight MC’s Bicentennial Homecoming

Mississippi Christian University’s yearlong bicentennial celebration is set to culminate in MC’s 2026 Bicentennial Homecoming, when hundreds of alumni, students, faculty and staff will gather Thursday through Saturday, October 29 through 31, on the Clinton campus.

Jake Donald, MC director of alumni and family engagement, said attendees will enjoy homecoming festivities that have been 200 years in the making.

“There’s always something special about Homecoming at MC, but celebrating it during our bicentennial year makes this one truly historic,” Donald said. “For 200 years, MC has been a place where relationships and lifelong memories have shaped generations of students. I’m excited to see alumni return home, reconnect with the people and places that mean so much to them, and experience the energy on campus.

“This year, we have the unique opportunity to celebrate where we’ve been while looking forward with excitement to what God has in store for MC’s next 200 years.”

Alumni of classes ending in “1” and “6” will celebrate reunions, MC’s volleyball team will host matches, and new events will be introduced to the Homecoming schedule. Among them are the Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, the Walter Anderson Adventures exhibit, and a special Bicentennial Documentary showing.

Lori Bobo, MC director of university events, said Bicentennial Homecoming is not to be missed.

“Students and alumni are excited to participate in MC’s time-honored Homecoming traditions and look forward to passing them down to future generations,” Bobo said.

Among the events planned for MC’s 2026 Bicentennial Homecoming:

Thursday, Oct. 29

Sports Hall of Fame Banquet, 6 p.m., B.C. Rogers Student Center, Anderson Hall

MC’s Homecoming festivities will kick off Thursday when MC Athletics and the MC Alumni Association celebrate the 2026 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees: Blaine Crim '19, baseball; Thomas Matthews, basketball; James “JT” Trimble '80, track and field; Drew Brooks '03, '07, tennis; Brooke Smitherman '15, softball; Lance Wedgeworth '98, football; Mike Williams, football; and Courtney Shires '01, women’s soccer.

Friday, Oct. 30

Homecoming golf tournament, noon, The Refuge Golf Club, Flowood

Four-person teams will compete in the annual scramble with a shotgun start. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Registration is $100 per person and includes lunch at 11 a.m. All MC alumni, students and guests are welcome to participate. For more information, email Donald at jdonald1@mc.edu or David Holloway at holloway@mc.edu.

50-Year Club Induction Dinner, 5 p.m., Alumni Hall, lower floor

The 50-Year Club ceremony will honor graduates of the Class of 1976, recognizing their contributions, celebrating their lasting legacy and lifelong connections, and welcoming them into a distinguished group of MC alumni. For more information or to register for the dinner, click here.

Latimer House Reunion, 6 p.m., Latimer House

MC graduates from the Classes of 2000 through 2006 can catch up, enjoy a snack and relive their college days during this come-and-go gathering for the entire family. To register for the event, click here.

Blues and Gold Gathering, 6 p.m., Belhaven Town Center, Jackson

The “Graduates of the Last Decade” will reminisce with their peers at the off-campus event for members of the Classes of 2016 through 2026. Families are welcome. For more information, email Cole Gressett ‘16 at cole.gressett@gmail.com, or to register, click here.

Decade of the Seventies, 7 p.m., Alumni Hall, Grand Hall

Members of MC’s Golden Anniversary Class of 1976 will be welcomed into the 50-Year Club by members of the Classes of 1970 through 1979. All 50-Year Club members can reconnect with classmates and friends. For more information, email David Holloway at holloway@mc.edu, or to register, click here.

Follies, 7 p.m., Nelson Hall, Swor Auditorium

Celebrating its 41st year, Follies is a can’t-miss competition that showcases new club and tribe members in themed skits with original choreography, music, sets and clever humor about life at MC in their sketches. Tickets will be available for purchase on Thursday, Oct. 8. For more information, click here.

Saturday, Oct. 31

Coach “Hap” Hudson Homecoming 5k Run/Walk, 7:15 a.m., Cockroft Hall

The Department of Kinesiology’s 19th-annual 5k race and walk through the streets of Olde Towne Clinton is named for a beloved professor, coach and member of the MC Athletics Hall of Fame. Race proceeds go to a scholarship at MC established by Hudson and his wife, Johnnie Ruth. For more information, call Suzanne McDonough at (601) 940-8186 or (601) 925-7720, or to register, click here.

Gore Galleries Open House and Alumni Juried Art Show, 9 a.m. to noon, Leland Speed Library, Samuel Marshall Gore Art Gallery

Stop by the Gore Galleries to enjoy an open house. A 9 a.m. reception will honor the Distinguished Alumni, Randy Jolly and Emily Fleming. Alumni can submit up to three works of art to be juried and showcased in the Gore Galleries during MC’s Bicentennial Homecoming. For more information about submitting artwork for the showcase, click here.

Bicentennial Documentary showings, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aven Hall, Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall

MC’s history and dedication to academic excellence and the cause of Christ is encapsulated in the documentary film, “MC 200: A Bicentennial Film,” by award-winning filmmaker Anthony Thaxton ‘94. “The photographs, rare film and archival video footage we've uncovered for this project are just staggering,” said Thaxton, director of the Gore Galleries at MC. “From old film commercials with disco soundtracks to humorous memories from some who're long gone, it's lovely to see the faces and hear the voices of Choctaws from throughout the years.” Screenings will take place every hour on the hour.

Walter Anderson Adventures, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Leland Speed Library, Samuel Marshall Gore Art Gallery

“Walter Anderson Adventures” is a new multimedia, immersive exhibition exploring the life and art of one of the 20th century’s most enigmatic artists, whose vibrant watercolors, monumental linoleum prints and intimate depictions of nature have captivated generations. The walk-through exhibit will be open through December 2026.

Leland Speed Library Open House, 10 a.m. to noon, Leland Speed Library

Everyone is invited to stop by the Speed Library for some popcorn and shop MC’s annual book sale. For more information, call Claudia Conklin at (601) 925-3870.

Tailgating, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Quad

Enjoy the Homecoming tailgating atmosphere throughout the Quad. The afternoon will include music, the Homecoming Court presentation, the Choctaw Kids’ Zone, food, and more! To organize a reunion tailgate, email the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement at alumni@mc.edu, or to register for tailgating, click here.

National Alumni Association Awards Brunch, 11 a.m., B.C. Rogers Student Center, Anderson Hall

A pillar of Homecoming, the annual homecoming brunch sponsored by the National Alumni Association honors the University’s 2026 distinguished alumni. Distinguished award recipients this year are Alumnus of the Year Ellis Liddell, '80; Young Alumnus of the Year Corey Vander Molen, '09; Order of the Golden Arrow recipients Joe Walker, '69 and Abby Street, '06; Award of Service recipient Hap Hudson, '59; and Award of Excellence recipients Dr. Bill and Carole West. The distinguished departmental alumni award recipients will also be recognized during the brunch. To register, click here.

Bicentennial Homecoming Parade, 1 p.m., College Street

MC faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends will parade down College Street, led by MC’s Marching Band, cheerleaders, and Golden Girls dance team. The MC Homecoming Court, National Alumni Association honorees, Follies winners and MC President Blake Thompson will participate in the annual parade. Alumni of the MC Marching Band are invited to join in playing the MC Fight Song and one other stand chart during the parade. To participate, band alumni can click here to register.

MC Singers in Concert, 3 p.m., Provine Chapel

The nationally acclaimed MC Singers, the University’s premier choral ensemble that has performed at the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall and has toured throughout Europe and South Africa, will give a homecoming concert under the direction of Dr. Beth Everett, MC director of choral activities. MC Singers alumni are invited to join the choir in singing “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” during the concert. To participate, MC Singers alumni can email Everett at beverett@mc.edu.

Additional activities are also slated for Homecoming weekend. To view a complete schedule of events for MC’s 2026 Bicentennial Homecoming, visit mc.edu/homecoming/.