Khayla Gray
Reporter
Zaria White (L) and Sierra Brooks (R) participate in the ceremonial candle lighting at the 100th Night
Photo by Chris Jenkins
As the countdown to graduation begins, seniors eagerly mark a special milestone — 100 days until they walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.
Mississippi University for Women honors its seniors on 100th Night by allowing organizations to recognize seniors’ achievements during their time at the university.
Reaching the 100-day mark is more than just a numerical milestone. It symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work, friendships and unforgettable experiences. For many students, it is a time to look back on how far they have come while also looking ahead to the future.
Laila Wrenn, The W’s Student Body President, says she is sad to be leaving her position, but she is confident that the student body will be left in great hands.
“It is bittersweet. I have a really great executive board, and I feel that they are going to do awesome when I leave,” Wrenn says.
Wrenn shares her that her favorite memory of The W is homecoming.
“I love going to it every year. You get to mingle with alums, mingle with students, and enjoy free food and music. It’s really a good time to connect with campus,” she says.
The 100th Night ceremony provides students an opportunity to reflect on their experiences at The W.
Jarius Ware, a senior, says the special night is very important for seniors.
“It’s a moment for us to be recognized for our hard dedication while being at The W in our respective organizations,” Ware says.
Ware is a part of at least four organizations on campus, some of them since his freshman year. He shares that crossing into this fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., is his favorite memory at The W.
“Get involved. Make fun of it while you’re here. Your experience is what you make it,”
Ware says to encourage underclassmen.
100th Night candles
Photo by Chris Jenkins
With the commencement ceremony approaching, seniors are planning for their futures post-graduation.
Alisa Smith, a graduating senior, is the most awarded senior at the 100th Night celebration for the 2025 spring class. She explains being involved in campus activities since freshman year is a bittersweet feeling.
“Just seeing how well you stuck it out, and giving yourself a chance to reflect on the impact you have made in all of these organizations is a great feeling,” Smith says.
Smith’s plans after graduation are to attend medical school to be a doctor in the future.
She is already in the Mississippi World Physician Program, and her next step will be to take her medical college admission test.
Though the festivities end, the spirit of 100th-night lingers for those honored. It is a reminder of the bonds that will carry them through the rest of the year and beyond.