MC has accrued a few traditions since its founding in 1826, some that have withstood the test of time and some more recently adopted. Storied traditions and modern adaptations are all a part of the continuing story of Mississippi College.
Welcome Week
Stretching from a kickoff concert to the Back to the Streets Festival to meet area merchants in Olde Towne Clinton, Welcome Week is a marathon of events. Students come dressed in blue and gold to greet President Blake Thompson, wear shorts for a fun evening at the Reservoir, or a spirited game of volleyball. There’s even quiet time for worship at Clinton churches. Welcome to MC!
Choctaw Cheer-Off
As part of homecoming celebrations, clubs and tribes march out one by one to exhibit their very own cheer routines before their gathered peers in support of the Choctaw athletic teams. It might be loud, off-the-wall and pop-culture reference laden, but only the most spirited will win the day.
Civitan Drum
Prior the the Homecoming football game, members of the Civitan club take shifts beating the Civitan drum. The non-stop vigil starts twenty-four hours before the Homecoming football game, pounding out a beat to spur the Choctaws on to victory.
Follies
In the spirit of camaraderie and shenanigans, clubs and tribes participate in the Homecoming-week tradition of Follies, a variety show of sorts where song, dance, and comedy could win your club or tribe the coveted Follies first-place award.
Lighting of the Quad
Lighting of the Quad is MC's annual Christmas event hosted by the Campus Programming Board. Students, faculty, staff and the community enjoy lights, holiday snacks, carols and the reading of the nativity story. This event is a favorite of MC students and serves as a kickoff to the holiday season on campus.
Festival of Lights
The award-winning Mississippi College Singers blend their voices for an electric series of concerts at Provine Chapel to ring in the Christmas holidays. What began as a new tradition for small crowds in the Jennings Hall Courtyard in the mid-1980s has been transformed into an extraordinary evening of music before audiences packing the chapel each night.
Swerve
Swerve is MC's annual dance competition! Started in 2009, Swerve features short dance routines by student groups who all dance for a local philanthropy. The winning team's philanthropy receives a huge chunk of the ticket sales, $5000 in 2022!
Derby Day
As part of Derby Week, students and members of the clubs and tribes participate in Derby Day, a gauntlet of competitions like the food relay, egg toss, tug-of-war, and the Council Reps Quiz. Only the strong survive!
Spring Fever Week
Every year around the time that spring comes to Mississippi, Spring Fever Week hits as well. Students look forward to a jam packed week of activities that kicks off with a crawfish boil and features outdoor concerts with names like Phillip Phillips and Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors.
Dance Marathon
Dance Marathon is an annual event which brings the Mississippi College Community together in raising money for our local Children's MIracle Network Hospital, Children's of Mississippi. The night features dancing and partying until the fundraising total is announced at midnight! In 2022, Dance Marathon raised over $128,000 for Children's of Mississippi.
Alma Mater
During the centennial celebrations of 1926-1927, Professor George H. Mackie, then band and orchestra director, penned the words and composed the music to what is now Mississippi College's much loved alma mater.
Fairest of all is our dear Mississippi,
Rising in state as the crest of a hill;
Staunch as a rock is our dear Alma Mater,
'Round her so noble our hopes ever live.
When, in the future, our hearts may be yearning
For the bright scenes of our dear college youth,
Back to thy portals our memories turning,
Clear gleams thy beacon of virtue and truth.
M.C. we hail thee, our dear Mississippi,
Queen of our hearts, no foe shall alarm;
Faithful and loyal, thy children shall ever
Cherish thy mem'ry, acknowledge thy charm.
-George H. Mackie, 1927
Prayer Hymn
During World War II, news that two young men, dear to the community, had been killed in combat was delivered during a Sunday service at Clinton Baptist Church where many local residents and MC students were gathered to worship. After the announcement was made by the pastor, he paused briefly and the hymn "Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us" began to be played and sung softly, a spontaneous outpouring for a poignant moment. After that the song became the defacto prayer hymn for Mississippi College and is still sung today during commencements and other special occasions.
