House Resolution 55

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE OF RUST COLLEGE AS A PREMIER INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, founded in 1866 by the Freedman's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who opened a school in Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, accepting adults of all ages, as well as children, for instruction in elementary subjects, Rust College is the second-oldest private college in the state, the oldest of 11 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) associated with The United Methodist Church, and is one of ten historically HBCUs founded before 1868 that are still operating; and

WHEREAS, chartered in 1870, initially as Shaw University in honor of benefactor, Reverend S.O. Shaw, the name was changed in 1892 to Rust University in tribute to Richard S. Rust to avoid confusion with another Shaw University in North Carolina, and eventually the institution's official nomenclature became Rust College in 1915; and

WHEREAS, situated on the expanse of approximately 126 acres in Holly Springs, Marshall County, Mississippi, Rust graduated its first two students in 1878, and has since established and maintained five divisions of study with associate's and bachelor's degree programs in 16 areas of study within the Division of Education, Division of Humanities, Division of Science and Mathematics, Division of Social Sciences and the Division of Business; and

WHEREAS, currently progressing forward with dynamic momentum under the leadership of interim president, Dr. Robert M. Dixon, whose aspirations and ambitions for excellence chronicles that of the twelve individuals who have served as president of the college, Rust remains committed to its mission to "equip and inspire students for excellence and service in their communities and throughout the world," never losing sight of its vision which "reflects an institution of learning inside and outside of the classroom" in an "environment that nurtures academic and personal development"; and

WHEREAS, with an enduring legacy of superior academic and civic distinction that was birthed at the college's founding, Rust boasts a treasure trove of notable alumni, who have made remarkable contributions to society as athletic, civic, literary, musical and political aristocrats, including the likes of: Larry Anderson, MIT basketball coach; Lucie Campbell, composer and hymnwriter; Alvin Childress, actor; Melerson Guy Dunham, educator and women's right activist; Ruby Elzy, operatic soprano; Perry Wilbon Howard, assistant U.S. Attorney General; Leslie B. McLemore, civil rights activist and interim mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, Clinton LeSueur, journalist and congressional candidate; Godwin Maduka MD, founder of Las Vegas Pain Institute and Medical Center; Alexander Preston Shaw, Methodist bishop;

Anita Ward, disco singer; Ida B. Wells, newspaper editor, activist and cofounder of the NAACP; Willie Mitchell, record executive, musician and producer; and Susie Revels Cayton, activist, journalist and editor; and

WHEREAS, endowed with a rich history of achievement, the foundational principles upon which Rust College was founded continue to serve as the sustaining driving force and catalyst for innovation, propelling the pioneering scholastic advancement of current and prospective students, and the banner upon which alumni proudly proclaim the allegiance to their alma mater; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend scholastic brilliance as exemplified by institutions of higher learning, such as Rust College, which serves as an oasis of educational distinction, valor and camaraderie:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the historical significance and academic excellence of Rust College as a premier institution of higher learning in the State of Mississippi, and extend sincere wishes for many more years of continued and awe-inspiring success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Dr. Robert M. Dixon, on behalf of Rust College, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.