Mississippi State held a special graduation ceremony for several Diamond Dawgs who were unable to participate in the university’s spring commencement due to out-of-town baseball competition. University officials recognized the academic milestone for three baseball players and two managers. MSU President Mark E. Keenum, along with members of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, conferred the players’ degrees during the pregame ceremony before the baseball Bulldogs took on the Florida Gators May 18.

Pictured from left are MSU Head Baseball Coach Gary Henderson; student manager Will McDowell, graduating with a degree in business administration; student manager Brett Spring, graduating with a degree in kinesiology; IHL Board Member Hal Parker; MSU President Mark E. Keenum; IHL Board Member Bruce Martin; IHL Board Member Dr. Walt Starr; MSU baseball players Hunter Vansau, graduating with a degree in finance; Blake Smith, graduating with a degree in business administration; Cole Gordon, graduating with a degree in business administration and marketing; and MSU Athletic Director John Cohen.