Mississippi College Celebrates 200th Birthday with Historic Photo Recreation, Exhibition, and Lectures

Generations of Choctaws come together to honor the university's rich history and bright future

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Mississippi College celebrated its 200th birthday with a series of events, including a recreation of a historic photo from 1914, the debut of a new exhibition highlighting the university's history, and lectures featuring alumni and faculty. The celebration brought together current and former students, faculty, and staff to commemorate MC's legacy and look ahead to the next 200 years.

Why it matters

As one of the oldest universities in the state, Mississippi College's bicentennial celebration is a significant milestone that showcases the institution's enduring impact on generations of students and the surrounding community. The events provide an opportunity to reflect on the university's history, honor its traditions, and inspire future Choctaws to carry on MC's mission.

The details

The bicentennial celebration kicked off with a recreation of a historic 1914 graduation photo in front of Provine Chapel, which was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. Dozens of current and former MC community members, including 112-year-old alumnus Joseph H. Hamilton, gathered to recreate the iconic image. This was followed by the debut of the '1826: The Exhibition,' which showcases MC's rich history through artifacts and displays. Students and alumni were amazed by the exhibit, which included technology from different eras of the university's history. The celebration also featured lectures, a time capsule unveiling, and recognition of MC's first Black graduates.

  • The photo recreation took place on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
  • The Bicentennial Birthday Party and other celebratory events were partially postponed from Founders Week in January 2026 due to inclement weather.
  • The '1826: The Exhibition' debuted in its namesake campus building and will be open throughout the Bicentennial year.
  • The new Bicentennial Time Capsule, scheduled to be packed with MC artifacts and reopened in the future, was on display in Jennings Hall.
  • The Bicentennial Evangelism Lecture and panel discussion on MC's African American contributions took place on the evening of February 12, 2026.

The players

Joseph H. Hamilton

A 1954 MC graduate who co-discovered new elements 113, 115 and 117 in the Periodic Table of Chemistry Elements, and had the honor of naming atomic element 117 'Tennessine' after his home state. He represented his father, a 1914 MC graduate, in the historic photo recreation.

Blake Thompson

The president of Mississippi College who recognized the addition of Provine Chapel to the National Register of Historic Places and led the Bicentennial Birthday Party celebration.

Stephanie Busbea

The dean of the School of Christian Studies, Humanities and the Arts at Mississippi College.

Cody Scruggs

A sophomore computer science major from Terry who was fascinated by the technology displays in the '1826: The Exhibition.'

Mary Alta Clark

A 1971 MC graduate who participated in the photo recreation and toured the exhibition, recognizing items from her college days.

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What they’re saying

“It was a special occasion that honored him as well as all the graduates of MC.”

— Joseph H. Hamilton

“This once-in-a-lifetime celebration of MC's 200th birthday united generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. I'm deeply grateful for those who have shaped our story and are inspired by the legacy we carry forward as we begin our next 200 years together.”

— Blake Thompson, President, Mississippi College

“Seeing all of these things paints a picture in your head of what life in a dorm room could have been like. I've been passing by MC since I was 6 years old. Being able to say I was a student here for MC's 200th birthday celebration is a privilege. Seeing all the different people who have been affiliated with MC being here to celebrate this is amazing.”

— Cody Scruggs, Sophomore, Computer Science Major

“I loved the diorama of the campus. It brings back a lot of old memories. I've enjoyed watching the different decades. I want to come back, take my time and read about everything.”

— Mary Alta Clark, 1971 MC Graduate

“I've loved being at MC, and it means so much to show them this place that I've made a home for myself. I love history, so it's special for me to be a part of the next 200 years.”

— Livi Cate Osborne, Junior, Christian Studies Major

What’s next

The Bicentennial Celebration Committee and Bicentennial Working Group plan to continue sharing the story of Mississippi College throughout the university's 200th year and beyond, inspiring current and future Choctaws to carry on MC's mission.

The takeaway

Mississippi College's 200th birthday celebration showcased the university's rich history, enduring traditions, and bright future. By bringing together generations of Choctaws, the events honored MC's legacy and set the stage for the next chapter in the institution's storied history.