CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University kicked off its yearlong Centennial Celebration on Monday, marking 100 years since the institution opened as Delta State Teachers College in 1925.
The celebration began with an afternoon ceremony at the Bologna Performing Arts Center, where alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to honor the university’s history and look ahead to its future.
James Forte, a DSU alumnus, served as emcee. The program featured video messages from all former university presidents or their families, musical performances, and a rendition of the DSU “Alma Mater” led by Mary Parson and accompanied by Dr. Robin Webb. The University Choir, joined by pianist Ronnie Wilson, performed “Still I Rise.”
President Daniel J. Ennis praised DSU’s legacy and expressed confidence in the next generation of students.
“I don’t worry about the future because I trust our students,” Ennis said. “Everyone who supports and loves Delta State knows that our students always have a shot. So, take your shot, and make your shot.”
The ceremony ended with the DSU Marching Band and University Choir performing the fight song. Musicians from several Delta Music Institute bands then played “Celebration” by Kool & the Gang as balloons and confetti filled the auditorium.
A reception followed in the BPAC lobby, complete with cake, cookies, cupcakes, punch, and a chocolate fountain. Guests later moved to the Flag Plaza for the Time Capsule Ceremony.
At the plaza, recently upgraded with benches and the university seal funded by the Dedicated Statesmen Association, former DSU President Kent Wyatt and former Student Government Association President Cary Karlson presented the time capsule buried during the school’s 50th anniversary in 1975. Items inside included a Lady Statesmen basketball program signed by Coach Margaret Wade and players from the 1976 national championship team, campus publications, a $3 speeding ticket, and other memorabilia.
Current SGA President Hayden Kirkhart added new items to a Centennial Time Capsule that will be opened in 2075. Contributions included jerseys from every athletic team — including one from the 2004 baseball national championship team — campus photos, event T-shirts, and publications representing the past 50 years.
The university also unveiled its Centennial logo, featuring variations of the iconic Delta symbol and the theme #ForeverGreen.
Delta State plans a full calendar of events throughout the Centennial year, including special programming, merchandise, and a commemorative publication set to be released in Fall 2025. A detailed list of events is available on the university’s website.
