Submitted by Mississippi College
Mississippi College is commemorating its 200th anniversary with several celebratory events and activities throughout 2026, from Founders Week in January to Commencement in May and an October celebration weekend, which will reflect the university’s bicentennial fervor.
The oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Mississippi was officially founded on January 24, 1826.
MC President Blake Thompson refers to MC’s bicentennial as “perhaps the most significant MC milestone that any of us will be associated with in our lifetimes.”
Festivities during Founders Week, including a 200th birthday party planned by students and a bicentennial exhibition opening event, are scheduled for January 21-23 on MC’s Clinton campus.
Various art exhibits, academic lectures, and other celebrations are planned throughout the year. Keep up with the schedule of events and activities by visiting 200.mc.edu/events.
Founders Week events at MC
Founders Week Worship Service
6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Provine Chapel
A community-wide service will recognize the university’s longstanding commitment to faith-based education.
Bicentennial Chapel
11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Swor Auditorium, Nelson Hall
Dr. Shawn Parker, executive director-treasurer of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, will deliver the first chapel of the bicentennial year.
Bicentennial Storytellers Event
6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at Entergy Theater, Gore Arts Complex
Select MC alumni will share entertaining stories from their college years and highlight how the university continues to impact their lives.
Bicentennial Exhibition Grand Opening and Time Capsule Reveal
2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at 1826 and Jennings Hall
Get a first look at “1826 The Exhibition,” which highlights the university’s rich history in a spectacular display created by the Institute for Southern Storytelling at MC. After touring the exhibition at 1826 (beside Alumni Hall), see the new Bicentennial Time Capsule on display in one of the campus’s historic buildings, Jennings Hall.
Bicentennial Birthday Party
3-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, outside of Alumni Hall
Students on the Campus Programming Board and MC’s Office of Student Engagement will host a carnival-themed bicentennial birthday party for the university and community, complete with a 200-inch birthday cake decorated by students, performances by the Choctaw Marching Band, festival games, and a Ferris wheel.
