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Marking 100 years of Ļć½¶Ö±²„tradition: Orientation welcomes incoming Bulldogs, celebrates century with gallery exhibit

Contact: Allison Matthews

STARKVILLE, Miss.ā€”Since 1926, Mississippi Stateā€™s Orientation sessions have offered new Bulldogs a warm welcome. As Ļć½¶Ö±²„Orientation marks 100 years, an exhibit highlighting the programā€™s history is opening in the Colvard Student Union Art Gallery.

ā€œItā€™s a special year to be able to look back over the past century. While times have changed, the main goals have remained constantā€”welcoming students, easing their anxieties as they enroll, assisting with their class schedules and providing helpful information,ā€ said Director of Orientation and Events Jake Hartfield.

The ā€œ100 Years of Orientation at Mississippi Stateā€ exhibit, located on the Unionā€™s second floor, is open throughout the summer. A come-and-go reception will be held May 29, 3:30-5 p.m., and Hartfield encouraged alumni, current and former administrators and everyone affiliated with the Orientation program, past or present, to mark the occasion and interact with current Orientation Leaders.

Students and their guests attending Ļć½¶Ö±²„Orientation sessions this summer also can view the exhibit, which includes photographs, pamphlets and even clothing items from past years. Orientation Leaders, or OLs as they are sometimes known, play a major role in hosting new students and their families, answering questions and shepherding students into university life.

Hartfield, who also served as an OL during his own student days at MSU, said the group has been a key part of setting the tone for Southern hospitality to newcomers since it formed in 1979.

ā€œEach Orientation session is an all-hands-on-deck event. From our Orientation Leaders to our staff members, administrators and advisors, we want to roll out the maroon carpet for our new students, no matter if itā€™s the first or the last session. We want to ensure that everybodyā€™s getting the same exciting, high-energy experience,ā€ Hartfield said.

With over 5,000 incoming students attending summer Orientation, the program hosts more than 10,000 total, including parents and other guests, across approximately 15 sessions. Ļć½¶Ö±²„President Mark E. Keenum has attended Orientation throughout his tenure, and each event includes a variety of university speakers, panels, ice cream socials and the iconic Ļć½¶Ö±²„Orientation original skit, which pays homage each year to a distinctive part of student life.

ā€œIt takes a lot of energy and a servantā€™s heart to provide the best experience possible. We want to make sure our new students have the resources they need to feel theyā€™re in good hands, prepared and that they made the right choice in choosing Mississippi State,ā€ Hartfield said.

To further mark the 100-year milestone, university leaders are planning a fall tailgate for current and former Orientation Leaders, administrators and staff. The Ļć½¶Ö±²„Foundation also has an Ļć½¶Ö±²„Orientation Leaders Excellence Fund available at .

Incoming students can confirm their Ļć½¶Ö±²„enrollment by signing up for Orientation at .

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