Freedom Alliance founder, decorated combat veteran to speak at MC’s Spring 2025 Commencement
Lt. Col. Oliver L. North, US±«Óătv(Ret.) is scheduled to deliver the keynote address during Mississippi College’s Spring 2025 Commencement, on Friday, May 9, in the A.E. Wood Coliseum on the Clinton campus.
The highly decorated combat officer, Freedom Alliance founder, best-selling author and former cable television host will speak at both of MC’s graduations: the 10 a.m. ceremony for the Schools of Christian Studies and the Arts, Education, and Humanities and Social Sciences, and the 2 p.m. ceremony for Schools of Business, Nursing, and Science and Mathematics.
More than 500 students are expected to cross the stage and receive their degrees from ±«ÓătvPresident Blake Thompson during the ceremonies, which will also include the presentation of the Nelson and Sadler Academic Awards by Mike Highfield, ±«Óătvprovost, executive vice president and graduate dean.
The ±«ÓătvSchool of Law commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 16, at First Baptist Church in Jackson.
North may be recognized as a political commentator and military historian who hosted “War Stories with Oliver North” on the Fox News Channel from 2001 to 2016, but for one ±«Óătvgraduate, Elizabeth St. Claire “Posey” Simmons, he is best known as “Granddaddy.”
“I have had a deep appreciation and love for my grandfather all my life,” said Simmons, who is scheduled to receive her bachelor’s in public relations on Friday. “One of the most treasured parts of my life has been getting to see my grandparents every day while I was growing up. My grandfather has supported and inspired me.
“I have heard that President (Ronald) Reagan referred to my grandfather as ‘an American hero.’ While I agree with that, he has also been my hero ever since I was a little girl – and always will be.”
A Berrysville, Virginia, resident, Simmons transferred to ±«Óătvand was welcomed by an “amazing” faculty and a “warm Christian environment” that motivated her to excel in her academic pursuits.
“I have loved every minute and will cherish my time at ±«Óătvas among the happiest and most formative of my life,” she said. “Every day, I am reminded how sweet Jesus has been to allow me to grow personally and professionally in a place like MC.”
During the morning ceremony, North will return to the podium and present the Army Officer Oath of Office to newly commissioned officer and 2025 ±«Óătvgraduate Jason Ray of Huntsville, Alabama. A member of the ROTC program, Ray was commissioned on May 3 at Jackson State University; he is scheduled to receive his bachelor’s in political science on Friday.
“I have always wanted some sort of ceremony at Mississippi College related to my commissioning,” Ray said. “When I heard Lt. Col. Oliver North was going to be the speaker, I thought it would be great to have such a well-known retired Marine officer do my oath of office.”
After graduation, Ray will serve as a medical service officer. He plans to pursue a second undergraduate degree in biology and eventually attend medical school.
“Army ROTC was a good option for me during college to help pay for school and get military experience before becoming an officer.
“At some point in my career, I would love to become a doctor for the military. God has given me a desire to do something with my life that has meaning and glorified Him. Serving your country is a career that has meaning like no other.”
To livestream MC’s Commencement, visit mc.edu/commencement/livestream. For more information about the event, visit mc.edu/commencement/.
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