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Commencement

Rust College invites you to the 159th Commencement Convocation, honoring the Class of 2025. Through this joyous occasion, we recognize the tenacity, celebrate the achievements, and look forward to the bright futures of our graduates.

We will also celebrate the anniversaries of the Class of 1975 and Class of 2000.

Ceremony Details

  • Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Time: 11:00 AM
  • Location: Rust College, the Grand Lawn, McCoy Administration Building

Dr. Russ Wigginton

Rust College’s distinguished 2025 Commencement Speaker, Dr. Russ Wigginton, is the President of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn. He holds extensive experience in education, fundraising, operations, and community engagement.

Prior to his leadership role at the National Civil Rights Museum, Dr. Wigginton served as the Chief Postsecondary Impact Officer for the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE), where he led the organization’s work for postsecondary access, retention, and completion.

He is a former history professor, specializing in African American and community history, and served as Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students at Rhodes College from 2017-2019.

Dr. Wigginton serves on numerous civic boards and advisory committees and is the author of “The Strange Career of the Black Athlete: African Americans and Sports.”

Senior Service of Blessing and Consecration

In a time-honored tradition, the Class of 2025 will gather for a special ceremony to mark their transition into the next phase of their lives. 

Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Doxey-Morehouse Auditorium

Where will the Commencement be held?

The 159th Commencement Convocation will be held on the Grand Lawn of the McCoy Administration Building at Rust College, 150 Rust Ave., Holly Springs, MS 38635

What are the designated parking areas for Commencement?

Parking will be available:

  • Gross and Davage-Smith Hall parking lots
  • Front of the Varnell Business, Computer & Social Science building (BCS)
  • Behind the Leontyne Price Library
  • Front of the McMillan Multi-Purpose building (gym)
  • E. L. Rust Hall parking lot
  • Behind the Brown Mass Communications Center (cafeteria)
  • Behind the David L. Beckley Conference Center (Faculty, Staff & Board of Trustees)

Accessibility:

  • Handicap Parking – Northwest side of the McCoy Administration Building
  • Overflow parking will be available on the Mississippi Industrial College campus.

Effective Tuesday, April 29, after 5 p.m., parking will no longer be permitted in front of the McCoy Administration Building to accommodate stage setup.

The front entrance to campus on Rust Avenue will remain open until 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. After that time, access to campus will be available only through the back gate on Randolph Street.

Where can I find a schedule of activities for faculty, staff, alumni and graduates?

MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025

  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Graduation academic regalia pick-up  – Registrar’s Office

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2025

  • 2 p.m. – Board of Trustees Meeting Beckley Conference Center
  • 7 p.m. -Commencement Rehearsal (Class of 2025 Candidates for Graduation) – The Grand Lawn at McCoy Building

FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025

  • 9 a.m.: Board of Trustees Meeting
  • 9 a.m. – Board of Trustees Meeting  Beckley Conference Center
  • 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Alumni Check-in/Regalia Pickup – Welcome Center
  • 5:30 p.m. – Senior Service of Blessing and Consecration (for all Graduation Candidates, wear regalia)  Doxey-Morehouse Auditorium
  • 6:30 p.m. – Class Photograph with President Dixon – Grand Lawn at McCoy Administration Building
  • Senior Consecration Reception (immediately following) – Doxey Fine-Arts Building Lobby

SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025

  • 7:30 a.m. – Graduation Breakfast – Shaw Cafeteria
  • 9 a.m. – Commencement Lineup
  • Leontyne Price Library – West side (Graduates)
  • Leontyne Price Library – East side (Faculty & Staff)
  • Doxey Fine-Arts Building (Alumni)
  • 9:30 a.m. – Alumni Class Photos – Front of McCoy Administration Building
  • 11 a.m. – 159th Commencement Convocation – The Grand Lawn at McCoy Administration Building

I am unable to attend the commencement. Is there another way to view or hear the ceremony?

Yes, the ceremony will be live streamed for those unable to attend in-person.

  • YouTube: RustCollege
  • Facebook: @rcbearcats1866
  • Simulcast: Rust College Radio Station WURC 88.1 FM
  • Website: www.rustcollege.edu

Frequently Asked Questions