University of Mississippi Gears Up for Inaugural “Build the M” Event at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

University of Mississippi to Host First-Ever “Build the M” Event

In Oxford, Mississippi, excitement is building as the University of Mississippi gears up for a unique event on Sunday, September 15, at 4 p.m.. For the first time in school history, the campus will host a “Build the M” event at the iconic Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Following the lead of other universities, the Ole Miss Alumni Association is inviting freshmen students to take part in forming the university’s beloved M logo right on the football field. This hands-on experience promises not only fun and community spirit but also a chance to create lasting memories.

Fun Perks for Participants

For those participating in the event, there’s even more reason to join in. Students will have the opportunity to scoop up a complimentary serving of ice cream from the popular Oxford Creamery as well as snag an “Are you ready?” trucker hat, all while supplies last. It sounds like a fantastic way to enjoy a sunny Sunday afternoon!

Building Connections and School Spirit

Sunny Brown, the assistant director of the Ole Miss Alumni Association, shared the motivation behind this heartfelt endeavor. “The association really started thinking about ways to connect students,” she said. “The university is huge on legacy, so we wanted something that created a legacy with the alumni association. If freshmen missed out on Rebel Run, then this is a great opportunity to go and get some pictures on the field.”

Freshman James Buchanan, who is majoring in integrated marketing communications, expressed his initial surprise about the event. “I wasn’t aware about the event until now,” he said after learning about it. “However, with the new knowledge I have gained, I plan on going to the event.” It’s clear that many students are intrigued and ready to participate.

Hope for a Lasting Tradition

Fellow freshman Rivers Allen, who is majoring in criminal justice, hopes to see the event become a cherished tradition at the university. “I think it’s a good tradition,” Allen commented. “I’ve seen a lot of other schools like Vanderbilt and Belmont do it, and I think it’s cool to be a part of that and have that picture to look back on.”

Both students believe that this event will significantly boost school spirit, especially among freshmen and new students who are still settling into life at Ole Miss. “I definitely think this would help build school spirit for students,” Buchanan said. “I feel like this would give us freshmen a great opportunity to meet new people and build bonds.”

Inclusivity for Upperclassmen

While the event is primarily geared toward freshmen, Brown ensured that there’s room for upperclassmen, especially those in student organizations that work directly with freshmen. She mentioned that volunteers such as orientation leaders and members of the alumni council will also take part in the event. “I do worry about upperclassmen pushback, but we have offered volunteer opportunities to help build the outline of the M,” Brown said.

Connecting with the Future Alumni Network

Aside from participating in “Build the M,” the alumni association also encourages students to check out the Future Alumni Network. This group focuses on keeping undergraduates connected to the university and its alumni, which could be beneficial for students looking for future networking opportunities.

“We wanted to build a student membership that allowed students to know the benefits of being a part of the alumni association,” Brown explained. “We hope that it’ll be a tradition, and this year it is open to the entire freshman class, so we hope that it’ll help us grow our student membership.”

How to Get Involved

Registration for the Build the M event is open now, and it’s an opportunity students won’t want to miss! This exciting initiative is set to foster connections and boost school pride, kicking off a delightful new chapter for the University of Mississippi. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this historical moment!