A Night to Remember: MC Celebrates 200 Years at Bicentennial Gala
More than 1,500 guests gathered to celebrate MC’s bicentennial, honor the community behind its 200-year legacy and support the University’s future.
On September 29, more than 1,500 guests gathered in the Coliseum to celebrate 200 years of Mississippi Christian University. Alumni, donors, students, faculty, staff and friends came together for an evening honoring MC’s history and the community that continues to shape its future.
The Bicentennial Gala also marked the public launch of Rise to 200: The Bicentennial Campaign for MC. Guests contributed $2,268,275 during the evening, setting a new MC record for funds raised at a single fundraising event. More than 100 sponsors also helped make the celebration possible, setting a record for sponsorships at an MC fundraising event.
See how Rise to 200 will help shape the next 200 years at MC.
The People Who Made It Possible
The Gala reflected the involvement of the MC community at every level. President Blake Thompson thanked more than 200 students who helped bring the evening to life through musical performances, table hosting and work behind the scenes. More than 50 faculty and staff members also volunteered, alongside Alumni Board members and community partners.
“That tells you something important about MC,” Thompson said. “People love this place.”
For alumnus Art Stevens ’86, MBA ’89, the evening was “wonderfully exciting” and a meaningful representation of the MC community. He especially enjoyed seeing alumni gathered alongside current students.
An Evening to Celebrate
MC alumnus Ricky Jenkins ’99, senior pastor of Wellspring Church in Indian Wells, California, served as emcee, guiding guests through an evening of reflection and celebration. Following dinner, comedian Nate Bargatze brought laughter to the Coliseum.
For Bill Sones ’81, the evening was also a reminder of the impact of giving. Calling the Gala “the most exciting event,” he said the most precious part was seeing how scholarships support MC students and provide opportunities for an MC education.
MC junior and Honors College student David Gaines shared, “MC has been the best school for me to grow as a student and as a follower of Christ.” He said donor support helps students grow academically, discover their purpose and grow as disciples of Christ.
The Gala was a milestone in MC’s bicentennial year, celebrating the people and generosity that have shaped the University since 1826 while looking ahead to the generations still to come.
For more on MC’s bicentennial celebration and the launch of Rise to 200, please see MC launches Rise to 200 Bicentennial Campaign. Questions may be directed to the MC Foundation at giving@mc.edu or 601-925-7323
