Special Report
By Darrell L. Williams, Ph.D.
“Rust College mine, mine, mine… so divine, divine”… and it was! The 2023 Rust College Homecoming was nothing short of spectacular. The weekend was filled with meaningful and engaging events that brought Rustites together in the true Rust tradition! It was like a family reunion. Rustites from all over the world were not only brought together to build stronger relationships but to take care of business.
The Gathering: The Annual Meet and Greet
The weekend started with a Meet and Greet at the famous Oak Palace. This event was sponsored by Roosevelt McGee, President of Source One Entertainment, and Monica Perdue, President of Perdue Productions.
While this evening served as the initial gathering place for Rustites who just got into town… this time they got a special treat. This happened to be the same night of the Omega Psi Rho Chapter, or Ques, Probate Show. Promptly, at 7:11, the Ques burst through the door and gave the audience of parents, family members, and Rustities a show that they will not soon forget. The show was amazing and congrats to the new members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity!
Veterans Day: A Salute to Our Heroes and Serving Those Who Served Us
On Friday, November 10, Mayor Sharon Gipson and the city of Holly Springs paid tribute to hundreds of veterans and thanked them for their service. With over 300 people in attendance and many gifts of admiration and appreciation bestowed, all veterans were recognized as true heroes and heroines. Many local leaders and students expressed their gratitude through words, song, and poetry.
This year, I, Darrell L. Williams, Ph.D,. had the honor of being the keynote speaker for this powerful and dynamic event.
I am a 1993 graduate of Rust College, retired combat veteran with 29 years of service and I currently serve as Assistant State Superintendent of Libraries and Technology for Wisconsin.
I pray my speech left the audience inspired, empowered, and the students challenged. As I mentioned in my comments, “We must not only say thank you for your service with our words, but we must show our veterans that we appreciate them with our actions and our policies!”
It was an added bonus to see my fellow veteran, classmate, and friend of over 30 years, Thelbert Lesure. It was an honor to serve with him then and a pleasure to work with him as he serves fellow veterans now.
Rust Alumni Banquet
Later that evening, the Rust Alumni Banquet was held. The banquet was absolutely beautiful. Dr. Robert Dixon, Interim Rust College President, recognized many alumni for their past, present, and future support of Rust College.
Dr. Dixon also recognized alumni who have received their lifetime alumni memberships. Throughout the evening, Dr. Dixon gave updates on Rust College’s successes and the challenges our beloved institution still faces. Dr. Dixon inspired Rustites and their friends with hope for the future of Rust College and challenged each of us to get involved to help Rust grow.
It was a great banquet for a great cause. In addition to seeing all of the alumni, it was wonderful to see many members of the Board of Trustees in attendance.
Just Kicking it: The Boots and Brims After-Party
After the Alumni Banquet, the highly anticipated Boots and Brims party began. Rustites and their friends could hardly wait until the party began. The line to enter was around the corner as partygoers waited to get inside.
Everyone came dressed as if they stepped out of a Western magazine. I saw brand-new alligator, stingray, and ostrich hand-crafted boots. The outfits were perfectly matched with Western shirts, blue jeans, and other handmade fashion statements. The full array of fashion was on display and everyone was red carpet ready!
When everyone hit the dance floor, it was all over but the shout! Everyone danced like they were students back at Rust College. As the ladies moved gracefully, the guys were smooth and complemented them with swag.
As the night progressed, the music played by DJ Larry Lust kept the people moving and grooving. Some people even danced by themselves, as the music touched their spirit.
When the Greek organizations hit the floor, it was a sight to see. The sororities were strolling and the fraternities were stepping. Then, each group rotated the microphone to say their favorite chant!
When the classic song “Atomic Dog” came on, everyone had to move… as the Ques hit the floor. The Ques put on a dynamic old school/new school hopping exhibition… still rooted in tradition.
As cameras flashed like the paparazzi was present, the crowd yelled and screamed with enjoyment… as they were having a “boot-kicking” ball and one heck of a great time.
The Boots and Brims event was a huge success. The fun and most of all the comradery was the highlight of the night. Throughout the night, watching Rustites and friends high fiving, smiling, taking selfies, and embracing each other in the spirit of love was heartwarming… and the crux of the matter.
To see so many Rustites who returned for the first time was touching in many ways and the real essence of why many graduates return every year for homecoming.
As the Boots and Brims event came to an end, many people asked about the theme for next year. This was very encouraging to hear as it gives an indication that they will return and maybe bring another Rustite or a friend.
Promoting Unity in the Community: The Rust College and Holly Springs Parade
After a great Boots and Brim party, the weekend continued. On Saturday, November 11, the Rust College and Holly Springs Parade was held. The annual parade is one of the major highlights of the homecoming weekend.
The streets were packed with people from all over the country with connections to Rust College and Holly Springs. The parade did not disappoint. It showcased the vast talent of many organizations and businesses throughout the city of Holly Springs.
The floats were beautiful and the new and classic cars were jaw-dropping. However, the students and the horse riders stole the show.
The students and their outfits were absolutely adorable. They danced nonstop and entertained the community along the entire parade route. The cowboys and cowgirls were electrifying. Even the horses were so excited that they were dancing and standing on two legs… for real!
As result of such efforts, the city of Holly Springs and Rust College should be commended for their ongoing collaboration. The parade was excellent and well-organized. So many people talked about how much they enjoyed being a part of the parade. Many people mentioned how much they enjoyed the parade and were looking forward to next year. I must admit, I am as well.
Congregation for the Cause: Tailgating Together
After the parade, the tailgate at Rust College began. Upon entry to the campus, all you could see was a sea of blue and white, purple and gold, red and white, blue and gold, pink and green, and black and gold. Rust College students and its Greek organizations were in the house!
In addition, all of the Greek fraternities and sororities who pledged in 1988 held their own private reunion.
Although each organization had its own area for its members, the entire grounds was a place of fellowship for everyone.
The Rust College entrepreneurial spirit was evident as vendors were everywhere, selling everything from paraphernalia to handmade candles. After a long day, everyone was hungry and thirsty. Although there were a few spots to get food, the most popular spot was at the Ques area… where Chicago’s gourmet chef Dennis Anderson of DA’s Catering was on the grill once again.
This time Dennis had a few friends with him. His purple Kool-Aid and gold punch quenched people’s thirst while his gourmet lamb chops filled their stomachs. DA’s grilled lamb chops were off the chain!
I laughed as I thought, “The Ques have upgraded from chicken to lamb chops… now that is progress!” As the food was being prepared to perfection, people patiently waited in line to receive their portions. Yes, oooh yes, it was well worth the wait!
As people waited for food, they continued to fellowship and enjoy the reunion. All of a sudden, the stage show began. All Greek organizations had their five minutes of fame on the stage to show their favorite stroll, step, or party hop! It was truly a show stopper!
The moment that touched all of our hearts was the salute and remembrance of Rustite Jennifer Bobo, who had recently passed. Jennifer was truly loved and one who had given so much to Rust through her service. To commemorate her legacy and in celebration of her life, hundreds of balloons were released. It was a beautiful display of love in action from all who knew her that left many with tears in their eyes.
After a long day, the night brought the events to a close but Rustites stayed until the very end. Even late into the night, people were laughing and talking with those whom they have not seen in many years.
It was like they did not want the night to end. But all good things must come to an end. People were hugging, kissing, and dapping… just showing their last expressions of affection… until they see each other again.
I could not help but think, while we hope and look forward to seeing each other next year, tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Sad but true, it often appears that someone is gone who was there the year before.
However, I kept reflecting on what a great day and how blessed I am, as we all are, to be a part of the fabric in the blanket of success that Rust College wove for all of us.
It was great to see that thousands of Rustites returned to pay homage to the college that gave them their start. It filled my spirit and touched my soul to see the thousands of African American professionals that Rust College has produced!
Rust College Convocation: Working Together Works for Rust College
The weekend concluded with the Rust College Convocation in the legendary Doxey Building. The convocation was truly memorable. Not only was it an honor to be in the presence of Rust College royalty, but we were blessed to have the Honorable Brother and Congressman James “Jim” Clyburn of South Carolina as our guest speaker.
Other local and state dignitaries came to support. Rep. Clyburn’s comments were impactful and relevant. His message was grounded in the Rust College Motto, “By their fruits, ye shall know them!” Rep. Clyburn said, “It is by our fruits and not our roots that ye shall know them.”
His message was inspirational, informative, humorous, and profound. After the convocation, Rep. Clyburn participated in the luncheon reception held at David Beckley (Former President of Rust College) Center hosted by President Robert Dixon and the Board of Trustees, before leaving for his flight. It was an outstanding reception filled with fun and information for all present. The food and fellowship were outstanding!
Drop the Mic! Farewell My Friends: Until We Meet Again!
What an amazing weekend! Rust College owes us nothing, but we owe her everything! Let us use this momentum to support each other and to support our beloved Rust College now and in the future. The future legacy of our “Citadel on the Hill” depends on how we respond today. Let us all use our knowledge, talents, and abilities to uplift Rust College into a mecca of learning for future students to experience and for the world to emulate.
At this time, I will drop the mic and my pen and say farewell to my friends and my fellow Rustites! I pray God’s blessings upon you and yours until we meet again next year. May your light continue to shine brightly as you uplift humanity in the spirit of Rust College.
As you write the next chapter in your book of life, do not let someone else hold the pen. Write and tell your own story and make sure it is a best seller! We all look forward to reading it.
Now, let us all go and bear fruit… as we remember, “By their fruits, ye shall know them!”
On The Cover: Tony Grandberry, Mister Rust College, Dierdra Gooden, Miss Rust College, U.S. Representative, James “Jim” Clyburn, 157th Convocation Speaker and Dr. Robert Dixon, Interim Rust College President
Article and Photographs by: Darrell L. Williams, Ph.D., Distinguished Contributor, ReelUrbanNews.com.
