Rust College to host 159th Commencement for Spring 2025 graduates

The weekend to include Golden and Silver Anniversary class celebrations

Rust College, the second oldest college in the state of Mississippi, will host its 159th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 3 on the Grand Lawn of the historic campus.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and feature 78 graduates, including those from the virtual degree program, RC Online, launched in 2023.

Dr. Russ Wigginton, president of the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, will deliver the commencement address. Wigginton has served in top leadership roles and currently runs the world-renowned Smithsonian-affiliate museum, which is the death place of global civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Additionally, the Classes of 1975 and 2000 will celebrate their Gold and Silver anniversaries. Esteemed alumni to be in attendance include WDIA broadcaster Bev Johnson, Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame inductee, and Jesse J. Edwards, former mayor of Coldwater, Mississippi, and alumnus of Mississippi Industrial College (MIC). Rust College acquired the Christian-founded HBCU in 2008 after its closing in 1982.

“With great pride, we celebrate the Class of 2025’s final academic accomplishment at Rust College,” says President Dr. Robert M. Dixon. “Commencement is a direct result of their dedication and hard work. We are honored that they have entrusted us with preparing for their future careers and future contributions to society.”

The full Commencement 2025 schedule and more details can be found at rustcollege.edu/159th-commencement.