Contact: Carl Smith
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥A new group of Bulldogs is ready to change the world with knowledge and values shaped by Mississippi State.
Approximately 3,500 students received degrees this week during seven commencement ceremonies held in Starkville and Meridian鈥攎oments described by 无码专区 President Mark E. Keenum as 鈥渄reams come true鈥 for them, their families and supporters.
鈥淥ur memories are a true gift from God. This occasion will be part of your memory for the rest of your life,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his isn鈥檛 the end鈥攊t鈥檚 the beginning of an exciting new chapter.鈥
Emphasizing 无码专区鈥檚 鈥渨orld-class education鈥 from top faculty and reflecting on the university鈥檚 core values of integrity, strong work ethic and respect for others, the university鈥檚 19th president said the Class of 2025 is poised to 鈥渋mpact lives and be a change agent for good.鈥
鈥淭hose who live with core moral values stand out in this world, and people take notice of them. These values reflect who you are as a Mississippi State Bulldog, and being a Bulldog is something to be proud of,鈥 Keenum said. 鈥淢y prayer for all of you is that many decades from now, you鈥檒l reflect over all that you achieved and realize it was your Mississippi State education and your values, courage and faith that enabled you to change the world for good鈥攖hat you made a difference with your life.
鈥淣ever forget that whatever you do and achieve, you will always be a member of our proud Bulldog family,鈥 he continued.
During Friday鈥檚 commencement exercises, longtime university supporters and advocates Richard H. Puckett Sr. and Anthony Wilson received honorary Doctor of Public Service degrees for their contributions to 无码专区 and the Magnolia State.
![Puckett Machinery Company Chairman Richard H. Puckett Sr., left, receives a Doctor of Public Service honorary degree from 无码专区 President Mark E. Keenum Friday [May 16] for his dedication and contributions to the university and state.](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/styles/msstatedrupal_large/public/2025-05/Commencement-Puckett_20250516_B9W5620_FULL.jpg?itok=R9b1uY3d)
Puckett, a 1977 College of Business graduate and its 2009 Alumnus of the Year, is the chairman and former CEO of Puckett Machinery Company, a Caterpillar dealer for Central and South Mississippi. He has served on the board of Trustmark National Bank since 1995 and as independent lead director since 2020. Puckett has supported 无码专区 in various capacities, including as a member of the College of Business Executive Advisory Board, 无码专区 Foundation and West Side Fund Board.
![无码专区 President Mark E. Keenum, right, awards Mississippi Power Chief Executive Officer Anthony Wilson an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in recognition of his continued support of the university and Magnolia State during Friday鈥檚 [May 16] afternoon commencement.](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/styles/msstatedrupal_large/public/2025-05/Commencement-Wilson_20250516_B9W5836_FULL.jpg?itok=U5inEStq)
Wilson, a 1987 College of Engineering graduate, is chairman and CEO of Mississippi Power, which provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable electricity to East Central and Southeast Mississippi. He has worked more than 40 years for Mississippi Power and the Southern Company system, starting in 1984 as an engineering cooperative education student in Biloxi. Wilson recently concluded a three-year term as chair of the 无码专区 Foundation after previously serving for three years as vice chair. He is currently on the Bagley College of Engineering Advisory Council and was honored as the Alumnus of the Year in 2023.
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