The MSU Alumni Association hosted the official ring ceremony at the Chapel of Memories in May. Held twice a year, before the fall and spring commencement ceremonies, The Ring at MSU is a cherished tradition. MSU President Mark E. Keenum served as the keynote speaker and presented participants with their rings. MSU’s ROTC and Black Voices Gospel Choir also delivered special presentations during the ceremony.

The MSU Alumni Association honored dedicated alumnus David Purvis during the event. A 1983 summa cum laude chemical engineering graduate, Purvis spent 28 years in progressive roles with Shell Oil before retiring. He then joined BHP Petroleum and ultimately retired as vice president of engineering in 2019. If you or someone you know is interested in a class ring, contact the MSU Alumni Association at info@alumni.msstate.edu.

A man speaks at a podium labeled “Mississippi State,” while two uniformed military personnel stand in the foreground. Brick walls with arched openings are visible behind the speaker.
Rows of maroon boxes with gold Mississippi State University seals are closely arranged side by side.
Five adults in formal attire stand side by side indoors, smiling at the camera with a brick wall and window behind them.
Two rings in wooden boxes: one is a large gold class ring, the other a smaller gold ring with a red stone. Both boxes display a university emblem inside the lid.
Three adults in formal attire sit and clap in an indoor event space with exposed brick walls, while others watch in the background.
People sit in pews inside a brick-walled church with stained glass windows, colorful wall accents, and hanging light fixtures during a gathering.


Above Group Photo: Honoree David Purvis and his wife, Susanne, stand on either side of MSU President Mark E. Keenum. Their children, Rebecca, far left, and Timothy, far right, joined them at the ceremony.