Clay, Emma and Madeline Hawes were closer than most brothers and sisters growing up. From the time they were born, the fraternal triplets experienced every aspect of life together and were not only siblings, but best friends, forging a bond shared by very few.
As their high school careers neared an end, Clay, an agribusiness major, Emma, a communication major, and Madeline, who is undeclared, began looking at colleges and it appeared that for the first time in their lives, the Sikeston, Mo., natives might go their separate ways. Emma and Madeline had settled on attending Mississippi State, while Clay had decided on another school in Mississippi.
On Super Bulldog Weekend 2010, however, the Hawes clan made a visit to Starkville and everything changed.
Emma said the opportunity to experience the Cotton District Arts Festival, the Maroon and White spring football game and Bulldog baseball, as well as all the other weekend festivities, gave them a picture of what it truly means to be a part of the Mississippi State family. The following morning, Clay told his sisters he would be joining them at Mississippi State.
Clay added, "From the moment we arrived on campus, we fell in love with it. MSU is called the 'People's University,' and it is obvious why. Everyone wants to help to make sure you are a success here. They are willing to listen and look for ways they can help. I can't imagine going anywhere else."