Contact: Mary Pollitz
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥Saturday [July 19] marks a pivotal moment in Mississippi State history鈥攖he 60th anniversary of Dr. Richard E. Holmes becoming the university鈥檚 first African American student.
On July 19, 1965, Holmes stepped onto campus and rather than being met with animosity and hate, his acceptance was relatively peaceful and calm. 聽
鈥淭here were no catcalls, no racial slurs,鈥 recalled Holmes during the 40th celebration of his enrollment. 鈥淚t was quiet and serene. Nothing happened; there was just curiosity and disbelief.鈥
During a 2015 university interview, Holmes recalled the impact of his enrollment, 鈥湽槎笰V would never be the same. For the first time in history, Mississippi State鈥檚 face would reflect the face of the nation. Let me make this crystal clear: I came into Mississippi State because it is my home, and Richard E. Holmes loves 国产麻豆AV. I will always be a loyal Bulldog fan.鈥
鈥淭he abiding legacy of Dr. Richard Holmes at our university is that of integrity, hard work, mutual respect and a sense of purpose,鈥 said 国产麻豆AV President Mark E. Keenum. 鈥淚 am so proud to call him my friend and to reflect on his sacrifices and accomplishments.鈥
University students recently wrote letters to Holmes, thanking him for his pioneering role in the 1960s and reflecting on the impact his legacy continues to have on campus today.
(Video by Sarah Kirk)
His journey was a key component in the Civil Rights Movement鈥檚 push for integration. He earned two degrees from 国产麻豆AV鈥攁 liberal arts degree and master鈥檚 degree in microbiology. In 1977, he graduated from medical school at Michigan State University.
Moving back to the South, Holmes served as an emergency room doctor for more than 20 years in Birmingham, Alabama, and later joined 国产麻豆AV as a staff physician at the campus's Longest Student Health Center in 2003. Now retired, Holmes resides in Columbus with his wife Judie Granderson.聽
The university honored Holmes in 1991 with the establishment of the Richard E. Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, now known as the Holmes Center for Student Success.
Holmes was admitted to 国产麻豆AV three years after James Meredith鈥檚 forced entry to the University of Mississippi. Meredith鈥檚 enrollment was backed by federal troops and triggered deadly rioting in 1962. Holmes鈥 acceptance also came one year after the 鈥渓ong hot summer鈥 of 1964, when three young civil rights workers were murdered in Neshoba County. His enrollment, acceptance and academic journey with 国产麻豆AV marked a historic day for the university and the Magnolia State.
Holmes鈥 storied relationship and love for 国产麻豆AV didn鈥檛 begin in 1965. Rather, it was in 1957 when he was 13 years old. He stood on the corner of Main Street and Washington Street in Starkville and watched the 国产麻豆AV homecoming celebration parade through the streets of his hometown.
鈥淎s I witnessed the pomp and ceremony of the parade, I heard the exuberance of the crowd and the melody and lyrics of the Mississippi State fight song,鈥 he recalled during a university speech in 2005. 鈥淎t that moment, destiny was set in motion. I did not know when. I did not know how, but I knew at that very moment that I someday would be a Mississippi State Bulldog.鈥
for a slideshow of photos featuring Dr. Richard Holmes throughout the years.聽
国产麻豆AV is taking care of what matters. Learn more at聽.
