Honoring Champions, Empowering Scholars, Elevating Rust
Get ready for a week filled with inspiring events, engaging activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow alumni, students, and friends. Let’s come together to celebrate 159 years of rich history while ushering in a bold new era of leadership. Scroll down to see safety measures.
Featured Events
Lighting the Way
Join us as we shine a spotlight on Rust College’s brightest lights — our Hall of Fame honorees and dedicated alumni donors — whose unwavering commitment, excellence, and generosity illuminate the path for generations to come.
Purchase Tickets Here
Radio-A-Thon
Live on WURC 88.1 FM, Rust College will be raising funds with all proceeds going to support student scholarships. Show your support for the next generation of Rust Bearcats by making a generous donation here.
Donate Here
One Yard | One Family | One Rust
Alumni and Friends Day Party
Immediately following the Founders Parade, head to the Magic Johnson Complex for tailgating and festivities, featuring a student/alumni stroll off, before the Dr. Ishmell Edwards Basketball Classic.
Purchase Campus Entry Tickets Here
Paw Pass 2025
Your Paw Pass gets you all-access into multiple Founders Week events. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your experience.
Founders Week 2025 Safety Measures and FAQs
- Campus access will be restricted – Visitors will be required to present an official form of ID. Students must present a valid parking decal and Rust College ID card.
- Vehicle inspections at all campus entry points – firearms are strictly prohibited.
- A $10 tailgating fee will be assessed for campus entry. Purchase ahead at link . Tap and credit card options will be available at entry points.
- Tailgating will conclude at 11 PM on Saturday, November 9.
- Parade parking is available along the parade route.
- A clear policy is in place for the Dr. Ismael Edwards Founders Day Classic Basketball Game. Tailgating excluded.
- Dr. Ismael Edwards Founders Day Classic Basketball Game tickets can be purchased. Children under 12 are free .
- Accommodations are available for elderly and physically disabled attendees. Contact us at (662) 252–8000 for more info.
FULL SCHEDULE
[Activities in orange are student-specific.]
Saturday , Nov. 1
- 11AM | SGA Blazer Ceremony | Student Rec Center
Sunday, Nov. 2
- 9:30AM | Bell Ringing | Asbury UMC
- 10-11:30AM | Worship Service | Asbury UMC
Monday, Nov. 3
- 10:30AM – 1:30PM | Presidential Day of Service on Campus
- 6:30PM | Think Tank: The Future of Rust | BCS Heard Auditorium
- 9PM | “Don’t Be Silent” Headphone Party | Student Rec Center
Tuesday, Nov. 4
- 9:30AM – 12PM | Adopt-a-School Reading Project | Holly Springs/Marshall County Schools
- 7PM | Field Night and Grill Master Contest | Track and Field
Wednesday, Nov. 5
- 9AM – 12PM | Radio-A-Thon | Brown Mass Communications Center
- 11AM – 1:30PM | Student Business Expo | Plaza
- 11:30AM | Faculty/Staff/Alumni Cook-Out | Shaw Cafeteria
- 7PM | New Membership Presentation, Greek Step Show and Ultimate Hump Night | Eddie L. Smith Multi-Purpose Building and Plaza
Thursday, Nov. 6
- 7:30PM | Miss and Mister Rust College Coronation and Royal Ball | McMillan Multi-Purpose Building
Friday, Nov. 7
- 9AM | Meet and Greet / Alumni Registration | Brown Mass Communications Center
- 9:15AM – 2PM | Career Fair | BCS (lower level)
- 2:30PM | Legacy and Leadership Panel | BCS Heard Auditorium
- 3PM | Alumni vs. Students Baseball Game | Baseball Field
- 7PM | President’s Scholarship Gala | Eddie L. Smith Multipurpose Building
- 8PM | Skate Party | Outside Court
Saturday, Nov. 8
- 8AM | 159th Founders’ Parade Line-up | Campus/Hamilton Science Center
- 8 – 10AM | Tailgate Check-in | Magic Johnson Complex
- 12PM | Alumni and Friends Day Party | Student Recreation Center
- 2 – 4PM | Tailgate / Stroll Off | Magic Johnson Complex
- 5 – 9PM | Dr. Ishmell Edwards Basketball Classic (LeMoyne Owen vs. Rust) | McMillan Multipurpose Building
Sunday, Nov. 9
- 7 – 9AM | Breakfast | Shaw Cafeteria
- 10AM | Pilgrimage to Founders’ Gravesite | Hillcrest Cemetery
- 11AM – 1PM | 159th Founders’ Convocation | Doxey-Morehouse Auditorium
Q: Is parking available for the Founders’ Parade?
A: Yes, there will be parking available along the parade route.
Q: Is a clear-bag policy in place for Saturday’s events?
A: Not during tailgating, but the policy will be in place for the Dr. Ishmell Edwards Founders’ Day Classic Basketball Game.
Q: Will accommodations be available for any physically disabled or elderly attendees?
A: Yes, there will be designed restrooms in the Kinzell Lawson Gymnasium and golf carts to transport those who cannot walk.
For additional questions about Founders’ Week, please contact Rust College at (662) 252-8000.
Frequently Asked Questions
