Dr. Richard E. Holmes, center, became the first African American student admitted to Mississippi State University in 1965. Reared in Starkville, the retired physician and longtime Columbus resident was honored by his alma mater Thursday [Oct. 15] with a "50 Years of Inclusion" dinner in Colvard Student Union's Bill R. Foster Ballroom. Among those joining in the celebration were MSU President Mark E. Keenum, left, and guest speaker Dolphus Weary, co-founder of R.E.A.L. Christian Foundation in Richland. Holmes will serve as grand marshal in Friday's [Oct. 16] Homecoming Parade and also will be recognized during Saturday's [Oct. 17] football game at Davis Wade Stadium.