Starkville University Celebrates a Special Graduation After 60 Years

Starkville Celebrates a Long-Awaited Graduation

In a heartwarming twist to the traditional graduation season, Mississippi State University has brought tears of joy and a sense of accomplishment to one of its long-standing students. Meet Dr. John G. “Rusty” Thornton, a former student who, after 60 years, finally received his undergraduate degree—a twist of fate that almost feels like a storybook ending.

A Journey Through Time

Rusty’s adventure with MSU began in the early 1960s when he first enrolled in 1962. Like many college students, life threw him some curveballs. He took his last class at MSU in 1965, but then, drawn by his heart, he transferred to The University of Mississippi for a year. The reason? His high school sweetheart, Stephanie Thornton, was studying there, and love won!

After marrying in 1964, Rusty returned to Mississippi State with his bride to continue pursuing his dreams in veterinary medicine. Although MSU didn’t have a veterinary program at that time, Rusty completed his pre-vet curriculum before transferring to Auburn University. There, he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1969.

The Weight of Dreams

Despite his academic achievements, Rusty felt a tinge of regret. An $85 graduation fee had stood in the way of him officially graduating with his bachelor’s degree. With a young family to support and the demands of school, that fee became an insurmountable hurdle during those financially straining years.

Fast forward nearly six decades, and Rusty settled back in his hometown of Oxford, Mississippi, after a fulfilling career as a veterinarian in Helena, Arkansas. Though he had moved on, Rusty occasionally voiced his regret about not finishing that degree. Out of this sentiment, an idea sparked in his wife’s mind.

A Surprise Like No Other

Determined to make a difference, Stephanie decided to investigate what it might take for Rusty to finally earn his degree. She contacted MSU and was linked to Jack Smith, the Associate Dean in the College of Veterinary Medicine, who worked in tandem with Peter Ryan, the Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.

The duo began to sift through MSU’s archival files, reviewing Rusty’s past credits and transcripts. It was discovered that he had, in fact, completed all the coursework necessary for his degree – but simply hadn’t transferred all his hours back to MSU. “When I saw his transcript, I knew we were going to be able to award the degree,” Ryan remarked, a smile clearly evident in his voice.

Graduation Day Arrives

On a sunny Thursday, Rusty and Stephanie headed to Starkville with a ruse about picking up some of the famous Edam cheese from the MAFES Sales Store. Little did Rusty know, they were in for a surprise of a lifetime – coincidentally on his 81st birthday!

As they arrived, they met with university officials, including Dean Nicholas Frank, to discuss donating some veterinary textbooks. But the charm of the day unfolded when Rusty was presented with his long-awaited MSU diploma. His reaction spoke volumes – “I’m totally speechless. I had no idea that this would ever happen,” he exclaimed, struggling to hold back tears of joy. “I just can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

A Celebratory Note

Rusty was awarded a Bachelor’s of Science in General Science, a degree from MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, meant for students who wish to pursue professional schools, like medical or law school. Ryan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This was a great opportunity to recognize an accomplishment.”

This surprise graduation event not only marked a significant milestone for Rusty but was also a heartwarming reminder that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams.