Alumni Class Ring Ceremony
The MSU Alumni Association hosts The Ring at MSU, a commemorative ceremony for the presentation of official MSU class rings purchased during ring days, prior to each spring and fall commencement. In fall 2020, the MSU Alumni Association was committed to hosting an in-person, socially distanced ceremony at the Hunter Henry Center. In November, over 50 Bulldogs received rings presented by John Rush, vice president of the Division of Development and Alumni.
A special part of the ceremony recognized Col. Robert Barnes as the association’s fall ring honoree. Barnes is a 1972 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. He was also the first African American MSU ROTC cadet to be commissioned at MSU. A resident of Byrum, Barnes served for 31 years in the military. He then had a successful career in logistics management, working for companies including Pepsi, General Electric and retiring from Walmart Stores, Inc. Barnes is a steadfast supporter of Mississippi State and has served on many boards and committees including serving as chair of the Black Alumni Advisory Council. For more information on official MSU class rings, visit alumni.msstate.edu/classring.
