Special Report
By Darrell L. Williams, Ph.D.
On November 11-13, 2022, the annual Rust College Homecoming Weekend did not disappoint. Every year, Rustites come back to see old friends and revisit the fond memories they shared here as students. As well, people come every year to give thanks and to honor Rust College… the college that believed in us, gave us a chance and gave us the support we needed to succeed… when many other institutions would not. As people in the 1960s used to say after a great event, “It was a stone groove, man!”
This weekend was filled with many events focused on fun, fellowship and purpose. All events and activities were planned to perfection with the attendees in mind. It was a great collaboration between Rust College, the City of Holly Springs, Source One Entertainment (CEO and Alum, Roosevelt McGee C/O ’94) and Perdue Productions (CEO, Monica Perdue).
The weekend started with a marvelous Meet and Greet at the legendary Oak Palace. Rustites came from all over the world to reunite and see old friends. This “family reunion” was quite emotional. For many Rustites, this was their first time coming back to Rust College since they graduated. For others, it was even more heartfelt, especially coming back after the pandemic… to see friends who they had not seen in years.
I was brought to tears by seeing all of the people, the smiles and simply witnessing all of the hugs and sincere signs of agape love and affection among our brothers and sisters. I thought to myself, no matter where we came from or the paths that we have taken, we are all bound by a common bond: our love and admiration for Rust College. It was Rust College that gave us the foundation upon which we built the bridge that we travel on in our everyday lives. Blessed be the ties that bind us!
Despite not having seen each other in years, when the music played, Rustites hit the floor and it was just like old times. Everyone was dancing… everything from the bankhead bounce to the percolator. And of course, there could not be a Rust College party without every Greek organization representing their set.
Every fraternity and sorority was doing their step or dance. However, it was the high-stepping Ques, the men of Omega Psi Phi, who stole the show when Atomic Dog was played.
It was amazing and a great live display of Greek love and unity! Most impressive was watching Rustites with 30-plus years in the respective Greek organizations still stepping without missing a beat. We must thank God!
Without a doubt, the Meet and Greet was a huge success and it broke the ice to begin a beautiful weekend of planned events. *A special thanks to Perdue Productions who sponsored this event.
As a veteran myself, I was pleased to attend the Holly Springs Veterans Day program. I was also honored to hear Dr. Steven Redmond, my roommate and fellow veteran, give the keynote address to all veterans and the community. Additionally, I was overjoyed to see Thelbert Lesure, who helped organize this event, a fellow veteran with whom I served years ago.
Dr. Redmond thanked the veterans for their service. He talked about the service and sacrifices veterans have made to the community and the nation as a whole. He also stressed to those politicians present the need to serve our soldiers as they served us in combat and within the community.
Dr. Redmond said, “We must address the mental health needs of veterans, especially those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. We must also address the issue of homeless veterans in our community and our nation.” Additionally, he said, “We must pass more legislation to support our veterans and their families.”
During this program, Mayor Sharon Gipson of Holly Springs, Dr. Irene Walton-Turnage, Superintendent of the Holly Springs School District, and many other local dignitaries were present and engaged. More importantly, the students from Holly Springs High School were present. It was good that they had the opportunity to see those veterans who served and provided the freedom they enjoy… especially those who live right in their community.
As a gesture of appreciation, the Mayor, the Superintendent, the High School Principal and the students personally handed every veteran a “Thank You” bag with gifts. This was an outstanding Veterans Day event. The over 50 African American but diverse group of veterans who attended were very pleased.
After the Veterans Day Program, many Rustites attended the Rust College Alumni Banquet. This program was a huge success. Many alumni were recognized for their service to Rust College and the community. It was great to see so many Rustites show appreciation as they continue to give back to Rust College… which gave so much to them as students. Among many honorees, Monica Perdue received the Rust College Alumni of the Year and the Perseverance Award. She was genuinely surprised and overjoyed with emotion. Congratulations! Thanks for being the embodiment of the Rust College motto: By their fruits, ye shall know them!
After the Rust College Alumni Banquet, everyone began to get ready for the highly anticipated and publicized Sneaker Ball hosted by Brother (Omega) Roosevelt McGee (DRE), CEO of Source One Entertainment. Over the past few years, Mr. McGee has brought life back to the Rust College Homecoming scene. Through his efforts, many celebrities have attended and performed, which resulted in increased funding for student scholarships, etc.
In stellar fashion, Mr. McGee did not disappoint this year. The overall event was simply amazing! All of the details from the beautiful Rust College ice sculpture to the marvelous musical entertainment were OUTSTANDING!
Also, we were very honored to have our very own Dr. Ivy Taylor, President of Rust College, and some members of the Board of Trustees stop by and socialize. In addition to an already spectacular event, Mr. McGee brought famed comedian and Omega Brother Joe Torry to the Sneaker Ball. It was ‘on and cracking’ for the rest of the night. Brother Torry was not only fun and engaging, but more importantly, he was extremely professional and personable.
The Sneaker Ball was standing room only. It was great for everyone to come in well-groomed and suited and booted… or should I say, “sneakered out!” Throughout the night, the ladies and gentlemen came in their best outfits… dressed head to toe… capped with their favorite pair of sneakers.
Rustites and friends wore every shoe that you could imagine. They wore Jordans, Adidas, Balenciaga, Red Bottoms, handmade shoes and more. As I reflected I said to myself that we must give thanks. The shoes that many of us had on when we attended Rust as students looked a lot different and they were not as nice as the ones we were wearing at the Ball. It was only the grace of God and the foundation provided at Rust College that brought us this far.
The winner of the Best Sneaker Contest was a member of Zeta Phi Beta. Throughout the night, everyone had a great time. It was awesome! Rustites danced, stepped and fellowshipped until the last song! It was truly “a stone groove!”
After a long day and late night, Rustites still showed up early Saturday morning to see and participate in the parade. One of the main reasons that many people come to the parade is to show appreciation to the entire Holly Springs community. The city of Holly Springs and its people share a sacred bond with Rust College and its students. This positive and sacred bond must never be broken. Together we stand, and for the sake of our children, we must never fall!
As the parade started, residents of all ages came to see and participate. There were people as far as the eyes could see. Cheerleaders of all ages were cheering and people of ages were dancing and throwing candy. Additionally, motorcycles were roaring while old classic cars rolled by slowly, but silently so attendees could enjoy their beauty… and many were absolutely breathtaking!
Despite the cold weather, residents and parade participants stayed the course until the end. In addition to being on the Rust College campus, the parade route is the next best place to see old friends and people who you have not seen in a while. This year was no different. I ran into some of my fellow Rustites whom I had not seen in almost 30 years.
As well, on the parade route, I ran into the legend herself… Annie Moffitt. During my tenure at Rust College, she fed thousands of students who had “nothing to eat and no money.” I was pleased to see that her restaurant (Annie’s Home Cooking) is still standing and serving the community… over 30+ years. Annie’s Home Cooking is the best soul food restaurant in the South… Period!
After the parade, Rustites and friends swarmed onto the Rust College Campus for the tailgate and the Annual Greek Stroll Competition. The tailgate was “off the chain!” Thousands of Rustities and friends from all over the United States had come back and flooded the campus in the spirit of love and comradery. In true Rust College fashion, every Greek, service, and social organization had their respective tents set up with food and refreshments for everyone who visited their area. The food was awesome.
This year, world-renowned (Chicago-Based) Chef and Omega Brother Dennis Anderson, Owner of DA’s Catering, was on the grill. In the past, chicken, brats, and burgers were often served. However, this year, the food menu was upgraded. We had jerk chicken, shrimp, steak, salmon, and lamb. Oh my goodness… Brother Anderson “laid it out” as the food was seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Even better, there was enough food and refreshments for everybody. To make the evening even more comfortable, due to the cold weather, heater bins were available… awesome!
As everyone mixed, mingled, and fellowshipped, suddenly the highly anticipated Greek stroll competition began. Famed Comedian Joe Torry and local celebrity Rust Alumnus Cecelia James did a sensational job co-hosting this event. Both of them kept the crowd involved, engaged, and entertained. As each Greek organization graced the stage, the crowd went crazy. Every respective organization cheered in support of the other. This was a true example of Greek love in action!
After an evening of fellowship, everyone went to watch the Girls and Boys basketball game in the gym. Rust College played Morris College. After the game, many people attended the after-party in the Recreation Center (REC)… like in the old days. It was a great weekend filled with fun, fellowship and purpose. I can’t wait until next year! WILL YOU BE THERE?
