Ole Miss Celebrates Third Annual Mississippi Day: A Vibrant Display of University Activities & Initiatives

A day of displays and discovery

The University of Mississippi, commonly referred to as Ole Miss, was abuzz with activity on Saturday, April 13, as droves of visitors descended on the campus to partake in the third annual Mississippi Day. The event, which has continued to grow since its inception in 2022, is a free, public celebration of the diverse facets of the university community. The various displays, demonstrations, and informational booths were spread across the Circle, Galtney-Lott Plaza, and the Union Plaza.

As explained by Amy Schumacher-Rutherford, an instructor in the Department of Writing and Rhetoric, “Mississippi Day is a chance for people to encounter the different parts of the University, communicate directly with representatives, and hopefully be persuaded to consider Ole Miss as their future academic home.”

The impact of Mississippi Day on the local community

Emerson Morris, a freshman majoring in public policy leadership, reflected on how the event resonated with the local community. He said, “Mississippi Day is a great platform for smaller organizations to showcase their contributions to the student community. The event not only gives us an opportunity to talk about our work but also to provide resources on how to get involved.”

Among the many attractions of Mississippi Day was the Speaking Center tent, manned by Morris and junior pharmacy major Ray Goodwin. Visitors were encouraged to deliver impromptu speeches, guided by a list of prompts and a unique method developed by their director, Dr. Moore.

A wealth of learning opportunities

Mississippi Day proved beneficial to undecided students like freshman Georgia Peterson. “With my grandparents present for my sorority’s parents’ weekend, Mississippi Day was the perfect platform to expose them to Ole Miss. Walking around; interacting with different departments explained a lot about the courses on offer, providing clarity on what I might want to pursue,” said Peterson.

Guests also enjoyed a myriad of educational opportunities. The sociology and anthropology table showcased the types of animals that would have been hunted during the Ice Age in Mississippi. The nursing booth displayed mannequins demonstrating various medical procedures, and the economics section featured a game designed to evaluate an individual’s risk-taking tendencies.

Fostering creativity and hands-on experience

The arts and music departments offered interactive attractions aimed primarily at children. Tori Saenz, a senior double majoring in fine art and mechanical engineering, explained, “We have coloring activities, button-making machines, and a spin-art feature. We also provide pertinent information for anyone interested in joining the art department.” In addition, the music section arranged a musical petting zoo, a yogic-breathing & meditation session, and a lively percussion group presenting a choreographed performance.

The culinary aspect was not neglected either. Emma Delahoussaye, a junior hospitality management major, and her team served up ‘barbecue sundaes’. “Serving food is always a plus. We hope to provide people with some food and good times as well as promote nutrition and hospitality management,” Delahoussaye commented.

Highlighting campus organizations and programs

Along with academic-related booths, various campus organizations and programs were also represented. Sophomore Air Force ROTC cadet Wyatt Webster used Mississippi Day to spread word about the program, discussing opportunities such as scholarships and careers that the program can provide.

Mississippi Day served as the perfect platform to help potential students connect with the university community. Current students, alumni, and local residents alike revelled in the vibrant displays, enriching discussions, and the chance to learn more about the university’s diverse range of academic and co-curricular pursuits. One day surely wasn’t enough to capture all the happenings on Mississippi Day, marking it as an unforgettable experience in the Ole Miss calendar.