Brett Young Inspires New Ole Miss Alumni to Chase Every Dream
Former Rebel baseball player returned to campus to encourage more than 6,000 graduates
OXFORD, Miss. – The Grove was blanketed by a sea of navy gowns and mortar boards during the University of Mississippi's 173rd Commencement exercises on Saturday (May 9).
More than 6,000 graduates and their families sat beneath powder blue skies and the majestic oaks and elms that just a few short months ago were devastated by ice during winter storm "Fern."
Friends take celebratory photos after receiving their degrees at the university's Commencement ceremonies on Saturday (May 9) in the Grove. The ceremony included some 6,000 graduates. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Chancellor Glenn Boyce told this year's Class of 2026 that they are equipped to change the world, he said.
"It is humbling to think about the hundreds of thousands of Ole Miss graduates who have made their way into the world and left an impact on those around them," he said. "Commencement represents the heart of our mission.
"Students, you have earned a higher education, and you are prepared to enter the world as Ole Miss graduates ready to build legacies of excellence."
Boyce also encouraged the new alumni to lead.
"Leadership is a choice," he said. "I want you to dare to tackle the challenge awaiting you in the future. This nation's got to have you."
But along the way, graduates may have to pivot to build success. That is what former Ole Miss baseball player and diamond-certified country artist Brett Young had to learn.
Since pitching for the Rebels in 2000, Young returned to Ole Miss several times to film music videos, propose to his wife and perform in concert. This time, he returned as the guest speaker for Commencement.
The "In Case You Didn't Know" and "Mercy" singer-songwriter offered words of encouragement and celebration to the graduates focusing on dreams and sharing how his dreams changed over the years.
"You don't only get one shot at a dream," Young said. "You get a lifetime of them.
"Your dream does not have to make sense to anyone else. Because it wasn't given to them. It was given to you."
He affirmed that graduates' paths after Ole Miss can be different and unpredictable.
"And that's not something to be afraid of. That's something to be excited about," he said. "What I've come to realize is this: Your dream isn't limited to one version. It can grow. It can change. It can expand into something even greater than you first imagined."
The songwriter and children's book author assured students that it is OK to follow a dream that only they understand.
"Because at the end of the day, this life isn't about making sense to everybody else," he said. "It's about becoming who you were created to be."
New Ole Miss alumna McCala Kilpatrick, of Oxford, earned her bachelor's in psychology and is ready to pursue a graduate education and build a career focused on the relationship between brain function, behavior and mental health.
"My Ole Miss experience has been exciting, challenging and incredibly rewarding," she said. "I've grown academically and personally, made lifelong memories and found interests that I hope to continue pursuing after graduation."
Saturday's graduation was particularly special for Kilpatrick as she graduated with her sister Anna Grace, who earned a degree in sports management.
"It's really special to be graduating alongside my sister," she said. "Growing up together and then reaching this milestone at the same university at the same time is something I know we'll always remember, and I'm grateful we get to share that experience together."
Matthew Clark, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, earned his degree in marketing. He looks forward to being greeted with "Hotty Toddy" as he goes off to Officer Candidate School for the United States Coast Guard.
"Saying 'Hotty Toddy' is just a way to show the love for the school and the community," he said.
Graduates react with joy at the close of the university's 173rd Commencement ceremonies Saturday morning (May 9) in the Grove. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
The Baker family, of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, also loved what Ole Miss afforded daughter Gillian, who graduated with a degree in integrated marketing communications.
"Oxford and Ole Miss make you feel like family," Gloria Baker said. "Being so far away, all the Oxford families that are here just embrace your child, and they take care of your little baby Reb.
"Watching my daughter thrive, coming to a school far away, knowing not a soul and then really just excelling and thriving and fulfilling all her goals on her own – it's just been fabulous here."
Gillian agreed.
"Everyone I've met from all different places, and all different backgrounds; it all just really helps you grow as a person," she said. "The School of Journalism has been great, with all the opportunities.
New Ole Miss alumni soak up the atmosphere during the Commencement ceremonies in the Grove. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
"I was a student campus lead for Celsius and I was also a lead intern for Ole Miss athletics."
She is preparing to move to Florida, where she will work in sports marketing for Celsius drinks.
William Baker also noted the university's impact on his daughter.
"This tradition, the history of Ole Miss, just the feeling, this Grove; it's just such a welcoming, fun, happy community that has really helped our daughter, Gillian, to thrive," he said.
"Just to watch her blossom, the maturity that's occurred over these four years – I'm going to cry – it's been remarkable."
Top: Chancellor Glenn Boyce (left) greets Ole Miss alumnus Brett Young to the Grove stage during the university's 173rd Commencement on Saturday (May 9). Young, a country music singer and former Ole Miss baseball pitcher, advised graduates to follow their dreams and not be afraid to pivot. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Commencement 2026
New UM alumnae celebrate with a four-legged friend during Commencement. The university celebrated more than 6,000 graduates at the morning Convocation. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
New Ole Miss alumnae celebrate graduation with tears and an embrace at the university's 173rd Commencement ceremony. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Ole Miss football quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (right) sits in the Grove during the university's Commencement ceremonies on Saturday (May 9). Chambliss has earned a bachelor's degree in multidisciplinary studies. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
A new advanced degree recipient inspires the next generation of Ole Miss Rebels before Commencement. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Faculty members dressed in academic regalia prepare to march into the Grove for the university's Commencement ceremonies. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Provost Noel Wilkin speaks to graduates during the university's Commencement ceremonies in the Grove. Photo by Hunt Mercier/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Two doctoral graduates walk across campus on their way to the Grove for the university's Commencement ceremonies on Saturday morning (May 9.) Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
New Ole Miss alumnae celebrate earning their advanced degrees at Commencement in the Grove. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Some Ole Miss graduates add a personal touch to their caps and gowns for Commencement. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Graduates revel in the moment during the university's Commencement ceremony in the Grove. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
Ole Miss alumni savor the moment following Commencement ceremonies on Saturday morning (May 9) in the Grove. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
