MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNUS Winter 2012
Tom Goode’s former players help out around the house
“I stay involved because Mississippi State University had such a huge impact on the person I became. From academics to athletics, Julie and I share a passion for ensuring the growth of the university. It seems appropriate to give back financially so that others can hopefully have a similar experience.� Jim Rouse ('62), retired exxon mobil corp. vice president and Julie Rouse, former teacher Houston, Texas
post office box 6149 | mississippi state, ms 39762 | 662.325.7000 | www.msufoundation.com
MISSISSIPPI STATE ALUMNUS Winter 2012
Winter 2012 | Vol. 89 | No. 1
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Former players make good on devotion to coach Tom Goode’s home is not easy to find, set deep in the Kilgore Hills of Clay County. But, recently, drawn together by respect and concern for the man who helped shape their lives, 20 of his former players, managers and fellow coaches gathered there to tackle a list of projects for the former Mississippi State coach and NFL legend.
Vice President for Development and Alumni John P. Rush (’94, ’02)
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Alumni Association Executive Director and Associate Vice President, Development and Alumni Jimmy W. Abraham (’75, ’77) twitter.com/drjimmyabraham
Nationally recognized researcher, cardiologist inspires future generations Even as a youngster in Clarksdale, Dr. Ervin Fox knew education was important. His parents, both educators, made scholastic excellence a priority in their household. So when the time came for him to enroll in college, he knew exactly where he was going.
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Forest management from a different point of view When many people think of foresters, images of park rangers in green uniforms or lumberjacks armed with chainsaws may come to mind. Certainly most do not immediately picture a software developer working at his computer.
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Partnerships focus of world food security conference While feeding the world may seem an impossible feat to some, especially as the population grows from 7 to 9 billion by the year 2050, American land-grant universities like MSU are in a position to supply vital research to find solutions for critical food supply and security issues.
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A Passion for Service From negotiating the release of prisoners of war to affecting the lives of hundreds of students, few can claim a life as dedicated to service as MSU’s history professor emeritus Janos Radvanyi.
Advertising: Contact Libba Andrews at 662-325-3479 or landrews@alumni.msstate.edu.
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Mobile clinics train veterinary students, save shelter animals In one of many states across the nation facing the monumental difficulty of pet overpopulation, Mississippi’s largest university and only veterinary college is helping address the issue and saving lives, one dog and cat at a time.
Editor Allen Snow (’76)
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Bulldogs, Ramblers renew hardwood rivalry 50 years after historic 1963 NCCA game For the first time since the historic night of March 15, 1963, Mississippi State University and Loyola University Chicago will meet again on the hardwood in basketball competition.
USPS 354-520 This is Our State. President Mark E. Keenum (’83, ’84, ’88)
Editorial offices: 102 George Hall, P.O. Box 5325, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5325 Telephone, 662-325-3442 Fax, 662-325-7455 E-mail, snowa@ur.msstate.edu www.msstate.edu
Associate Editor Harriet Laird Designers Matt Watson (’05) Hal Teasler (’12) Photographers Russ Houston (’85) Megan Bean Beth Wynn Mississippi State University Alumni Association National Officers Camille Scales Young, ’94, ’96, national president Tommy R. Roberson, ’67, national first vice president Ron E. Black, ’80, national second vice president Jodi White Turner, ’97, ’99, national treasurer Jerry L. Toney, ’96, immediate former national president
30 Campus news 40 Alumni news 47 Foundation news 50 Class news 51 In memoriam
Cover photo by Russ Houston
Mississippi State Alumnus is published three times a year by the Office of University Relations and the
Mississippi State University Alumni Association at Mississippi State, Miss. Send address changes to Alumni Director, P.O. Box AA, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526; telephone 662-325-7000; or e-mail fcarr@advservices.msstate.edu. alumni.msstate.edu // twitter.com/msstatealumni // facebook.com/msstatealumni mississippi state A lumnus
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Tom Goode at his home in northern Clay county
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Photo by Russ Houston
devotion Former players make good on
to coach By Kristen Stevens
T
om Goode’s home is not easy to find,
Like his home place, Coach Goode has been a
set deep in the Kilgore Hills of Clay
beacon to many of his former players, who have
County. It takes a good 20 minutes
found their way back to him at different times in
or so to get there from town, if you
their lives. They come to these hills to sit on his
know where you are going, but the ride is worth the
porch or in his comfortable sitting room filled with
time, for the setting is idyllic and has been home to
a remarkable life’s memorabilia seeking guidance,
the former Mississippi State coach and NFL legend
advice and leadership.
for nearly 70 years. Set against a small lake and rolling hills, the
As the offensive line coach at Mississippi State for four seasons, 1972-75, before returning to his
Victorian farmhouse where he and his siblings were
alma mater from 1984-89, he became a father figure
raised, by strong and loving parents Buster and
to the young men he coached. Recently, drawn
Geneva Goode, has stood as a beacon to the player
together by respect, friendship and concern for the
and coach, as his long career has taken him from
man who helped shape their lives, 20 of his former
Miami to Canada and many places in between.
players, managers and fellow coaches gathered on
The home’s exterior has seen better days, but at 73
his property to tackle his list of projects one by one.
and “my health not being the best,” said the coach, he
Ronnie Cuevas, who played at MSU from
began to fret about a growing list of repairs and tasks
1972-76, organized the workdays and reunion,
that he could have easily and pleasurably handled
which culminated with cooking a hog on the
himself before a bout of cancer and related illnesses
front lawn under a shade tree. “I was his smallest
interfered with his strength.
lineman,” he joked.
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Former players of Goodes’ from Texas, Tennessee and throughout Mississippi convened on his property recently to make repairs and clean up the landscaping for the coach who had a significant impact on their lives as young players. Those attending included, kneeling front row, from left, Mark Trogdon, Ray Purnell, Fred Ranier, Stan Black, Coach Ray Perkins, Coach Tom Goode, George Purnell and Dennis Walton. Standing in the back row are Jim Eidson, Larry Greenlee, Wayne Jones, Howard Lewis, James Harris, Ronnie Cuevas, Bill Maxey, Coach S.E. Sullins, Roger Cook, Johnny Bruce, Larry Brooks and Norman Joseph. Photo by Jana Beth Eidson
Facebook page, which has about
training. He still uses one crutch to
many of the players refer to Coach
40 members, including Larry
aid his walking, but recalled, “They
Goode, a few months ago “and
Greenlee, a defensive tackle who
said I’d never walk again.”
stayed about four days,” he said.
played from 1970-74 and lives in
“There were a lot of things that
nearby Kilmichael. He volunteered
and teacher of young men,” Brooks
needed to be done around here,
to drive over three weeks ago and
added, who grew up knowing
and coach was really fretting about
make an assessment of what work
Goode as a child. His father was a
all the work.”
needed to be done.
Methodist minister in West Point
Cuevas came to visit “our dad” as
Cuevas, like many of Goode’s
coordinator S.E. Sullins, joined the
Goode practically my whole life. We
after graduating from MSU. Cuevas
carefully planned event.
lived in Siloam when the parsonage
Greenlee had mowed three acres
was built,” he remembered fondly.
Starkville and Harrison Central high
of grass and was saying good-bye to
His coach, former NY Giants,
schools for a coaching career that
fellow player Larry Brooks, who was
University of Alabama and Tampa
spanned 34 years.
driving home to Memphis. Brooks
Bay Buccaneers head coach, Ray
was a wide receiver from 1973-75
Perkins, also came.
Cuevas rounded up his football buddies through their private
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and Siloam, “So I’ve known Coach
former players, went on to coaching was head coach at Gulfport,
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His coach, former MSU defensive
“Coach Goode, he is a great man
and broke his neck during spring
Goode, Sullins and Perkins have
Photo by Russ Houston
Goode’s Super Bowl ring
been friends for years. Perkins and Goode met in Baltimore when they played for the Colts; both men played on the Colts’ 1970 Super Bowl team, beating Dallas 16-13, and both made stunning, historymaking plays that the players talked about throughout the day. Perkins coached wide receivers at MSU with Goode for the 1973 season; then Goode joined Perkins at the University of Alabama coaching the offensive line for the 1983 season. Former MSU tight end Bill Maxey and offensive lineman Ronnie Cuevas rehang the swing on Tom Goodes’ porch after the floorboards had been replaced toward the end of a long workday at the coach’s Clay County residence. Photo by Kristen Stevens
Sullins coached the defensive line at MSU from 1973 until 1978, and then returned to State in 1982. He joined Coach Goode at East Mississippi
MSU from 1971-76. “Coach Goode helped me get into coaching. He was an assistant at Vanderbilt and helped me get my
number of years. After retiring from EMCC-
first job. I’m here to honor him today,” said Norman
Scooba in 2003, the duo spent a number of seasons
Joseph, former MSU quarterback and head coach at
at West Point’s Oak Hill Academy and helped the
Mississippi College since 2005.
left in 2007 when he was diagnosed with cancer. “He’s a great guy, coach, friend,” said Perkins of Goode; “I don’t know if I’ve ever met better.” The Facebook group tried to keep the workdays
– Jim Eidson, Goode’s former player at MSU and former Dallas Cowboy
agreed receiver Howard Lewis, who played for
Community College’s Scooba Campus for a
team achieve its best record in recent years. Goode
“Why did we come here? This is not just a ‘today’ event. Coach Goode was my life coach.”
“He taught us how to lead, how to be men,”
a secret, but coach knew something was up, and
“Coach Goode is one of the few coaches who treated me like a human being,” said James Harris, who played defensive end for MSU from 1970-74 and went on to coach at Pontotoc and Tupelo high schools as well as schools in Georgia. Honored to be once again covered in sweat, dirt
when former offensive tackle and Dallas Cowboy
and grass clippings for Goode’s benefit, nothing
Jim Eidson made his weekly call, Goode fished for
new for these veterans of countless football fields,
answers and finally asked him if he was coming. “I
were All-SEC running back and Louisville defensive
couldn’t lie to Coach,” he said.
line and strength coach Wayne Jones; tight end
Eidson doesn’t just like Coach Goode; he loves
and businessman Bill Maxey; offensive lineman
him dearly. He’s like a father to him, and the two
and construction company manager Roger
have spent a lot of time together over the years.
Cook; linebacker, former college and high school
“Coach has a way of figuring out the void in your
coach and businessman Johnny Bruce; 1976 All
life and filling it. For me, it was a father.
American defensive back and businessman Stan
“Why did we come here? This is not just a ‘today’ event. Coach Goode was my life coach,” said Eidson.
Black; defensive tackle and former South Panola and Batesville coach Jackie Chapman; manager and
mississippi state A lumnus
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retired bank examiner Ronald Bailey;
care about my player as a person, as
career. “The players today are not
tackle and financial manager Mark
a student. If you cannot get to know
used to a lot of discipline and family
Trogdon; guard and agricultural loan
him as a person, you cannot motivate
support,” said Goode. “If my mother
manager Fred Rainer; and equipment
him. We’re not perfect in any shape
told me to do something that is
manager and businessman George
of the imagination, but with coaching
what I did; or my daddy told me a
Purnell.
it’s my responsibility to that player to
certain thing or a way to do, that is
get to know him, to help him become
the way I did it. I’ve always had the
successful.
motto, ‘Do right, and be on time,’
They replaced rotten fascia boards, window sills and porch boards. They mowed, weed-eated,
“I’m one who believes if you work
that will keep you out of a lot of problems,” said Goode.
cut down brush, dug holes and
to have success in one area of your
planted countless rose bushes for
life, chances are pretty good you will
Goode’s wife, Sonia. Also pitching
work to have success in all areas of
biggest mistake coaches make I
in was Purnell’s son Ray, who played
your life, so it should equal a certain
believe is not being themselves. I
for Goode at Oak Hill in 2005 and
level of success on the football field,
could not be a Bear Bryant. That’s not
just earned his graduate degree in
and everywhere I’ve been that has
what’s in me. He was a great success.
industrial engineering from MSU.
been the case,” said Perkins.
He was a great man. But we could
“Coaches have changed. The
not do everything the same way.
“No two people are the same. You have to figure out what motivates this one or that one.” – Tom Goode, Former MSU Coach
“You have to be smart enough as a coach to motivate your players, to know your players. Know about his home life. I think Ray Perkins asked me this, ‘What do you think motivates people more? Is it fear?’ No. It’s not fear. It is in a way, but it’s the fear you are going to let the
Coach Goode touched all their lives in different but similar ways. “He told me once that the key is
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to the player,” added Perkins. “It’s transferrable,” said Eidson.
coach down. You have to earn their respect. Love is the way. ‘Coach put the fear in us,’ I’d hear boys say. “It’s not the fear of the coach, it’s
you treat everyone the same but in
“Coach Perkins and I talked about that
different ways,” said Eidson.
today. What good you do in athletics
the fear you are going to let him
transfers to good in life,” he added.
down that motivates. It comes back
“No two people are the same. You
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“I take very seriously my responsibility
to love for that person. Love is the
have to figure out what motivates
Both coaches believe strongly in
this one or that one,” said Goode.
Bible studies for their players and held
way to get somebody fired up. If you
Coach Perkins, who came out of
weekly group sessions throughout
want to get somebody fired up, don’t
retirement to take the head coaching
their careers. Eidson remembered
talk about what you are going to do
position at Jones County Junior
how Goode would have the more
to him,” Goode philosophized.
College in 2011, shares Goode’s
timid members of the team lead the
philosophy. “I’ve always coached one
sessions to give them confidence.
he can give you,” concluded Goode.
way. I’ve always thought I’ve cared
At 73, Goode has seen many
“Different coaches use different
about the individual I’m coaching. I
changes in players in his coaching
ways. Coach Goode would lean into
“Your job as a coach is to get the best
Goode’s memorabilia room a huddle on a particularly tough day,” recalled Eidson, “and of course us players would never want to let him down…he’d watch the replays with us, he never critiqued us in harsh ways. He never degraded a player. “You have to understand, the type of men who are drawn to play this game are type A personalities. They are pleasers to begin with. They desperately want to please. He’d lean into the huddle sometimes, whisper Photo by Russ Houston
into my headgear, ‘Son, are you giving me your best effort, are you?’ “It would make cold chills run down your back. You knew you weren’t going to be perfect, but you wanted to get better that day, that day. Boy, that’s a motivator,” Eidson said.
have been the most talented offensive
kindest coach on the staff. Here I
“That’s what motivated me,” said
line, but when we were in a game, we
was, doing the blue collar, lowest-
Goode. He learned his mild ways
knew how to block; we won seven
glory job, and he treated me like his
from his first coach and his parents.
games that year, and the next year’s
son. He was this huge man, who
“My first coach was a preacher,” he
team went to the playoffs for the first
seemed untouchable, but he was a
added, “and my parents. My dad
time in I don’t know how long.
real person. I remember his great big hands, and I can tell you, his
was a big, old country guy, hard as a
“He has the most amazing way of
rock. He treated people right, would
dealing with players. If someone had
coaching shoes, which I had to keep
do anything for them,” he said.
a discipline issue, he could pull a story
polished, were great big too. I cannot
out of his trove from his experiences
tell you what it means to me that my
that related to whatever the issue was
son got to experience a year of being
and make it relative. One time he
coached by Tom Goode.”
“We were pretty skeptical of an old, new guy,” said Ray Purnell. “Our first year, our coach
Big shoes are difficult to fill, but
died, our second year, we did not
broke up a couple of players fighting,
win many games. He came into
and he starting telling us a story
the young men, who are now in their
summer camp, and we already
about Dick Butkus picking a fight
50s, would not have congregated in
had our positions. I had always
with him. Who has stories like that?
the Kilgore Hills of Clay County had
played defense, and he moved me
How fortunate were we to get to hear
they not strived to fill those shoes in
to offensive tackle the first day. It
them?” asked Purnell.
the years since leaving the rigors of
became apparent that year was going
For his father, George Purnell,
Tom Goode’s locker room.
to be very different,” said Purnell.
who managed the MSU football
“I’m glad I came,” said Larry
“Coach Goode was far more
team’s equipment from 1974-78,
Greenlee. “I would not have taken
he said, “Coach Goode was the
anything for it.”
cerebral. We got so smart. We may not
mississippi state A lumnus
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MSU alumnus Dr. Ervin Fox, recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor given by the U.S. government to science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their research
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Nationally recognized researcher, cardiologist inspires future generations By Leah Barbour | Photos By Megan Bean
E
ven as a youngster in
After he graduated from MSU in
Now a cardiologist and professor
Clarksdale, Dr. Ervin
1989, he studied at the University
of medicine at the University of
Fox knew education
of Mississippi School of Medicine,
Mississippi Medical Center, Fox is a
was important. His
completed an internal medicine
senior investigator for the Jackson
parents, both educators, made
residency at Washington University
Heart Study, where his research
scholastic excellence a priority in their
School of Medicine in St. Louis,
project recently earned him the
household. So when the time came
completed a general cardiology
Presidential Early Career Award
for him to enroll in college, he knew
fellowship at Tulane Medical Center in
for Scientists and Engineers, the
exactly where he was going.
New Orleans, completed a fellowship in
highest honor bestowed by the
clinical and research echocardiography
U.S. government on science and
University to pursue a degree in
at Massachusetts General Hospital in
engineering professionals in the early
biomedical engineering, but that was
Boston, and earned his master’s degree in
stages of their independent research
only the beginning.
public health from Harvard University.
careers.
He was going to Mississippi State
mississippi state A lumnus
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Dr. Fox and his assistant, Abril Grant, examine one of almost 4,000 Jackson Heart Study participants in his newly established Vascular Function Laboratory at UMMC. President Barack Obama personally
enhance Fox’s recruitment efforts to have
students and trainees as an important part of
congratulated Fox in Washington, D.C.,
3,829 Jackson Heart Study participants go
my research at the university,” he said.
this summer, on his research achievements
through his newly established Vascular
in his study of the genetic and clinical
Function Laboratory.
determinants of cardiac structure and
“Findings from this research may lead to the
Fox’s goal of inspiring the next generation of researchers and thinkers is no surprise, because of the benefits he had having a
function and vascular function in African-
discovery of novel markers of cardiovascular
family focused on instructing and mentoring
Americans.
outcomes in this population and help lead
children, he said.
At Mississippi State, Fox gained the tools for success, he said. “Definitely, the work ethic required to complete the engineering program prepared
to improved prevention and management
”That’s the story of my life — growing
strategies for all,” he said. “I consider the
up in my family where my parents
PECASE award a wonderful honor that gives
encouraged each of us to optimize his or
recognition to my research efforts.”
her opportunities to achieve more than the
Fox said that his research not only can
previous generation could,” Fox said. “My
background in biology and physics at
make a difference in his patients’ lives, but
oldest brother graduated from Mississippi
Mississippi State and it continues to serve me
also allows him to build future generations of
State in civil engineering, my sister finished
well,” he said. “For example, the principles
new researchers in science and engineering.
at Mississippi State in biochemistry, my
me for medical school. I acquired a strong
of fluid mechanics and human physiology I
“The PECASE award recognizes each
brother next to me completed computer
studied at State can be applied to my current
awardee’s efforts to inspire the next
science at State, and I subsequently finished
research in vascular function in Jackson.”
generation of investigators. I am honored by
in biomedical engineering. We are a very
that part of the recognition, because I place
science-oriented family.
Acknowledgement of his ongoing research from the receipt of the PECASE award will
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working with a diverse group of medical
“Of course, there is always one special one
“Definitely, the work ethic required to complete the engineering program prepared me for medical school. I acquired a strong background in biology and physics at Mississippi State and it continues to serve me well.” – Dr. Ervin Fox, 1989 MSU Alumnus
One of five children to complete science-related degrees, Dr. Fox said his parents encouraged their children to optimize their opportunities to achieve more than previous generations. in the bunch. The middle child wanted to go into
his patients’ lives.
pharmacy, so he was the only one who strayed
Even while he was traveling the country to
to the University of Mississippi to complete his
pursue the education that would give him the
pharmacy degree there.’”
ability to impact others and save lives, Fox said he
Fox explained that his parents always expected him and all his siblings to go to college, and the
always knew he’d come back to Mississippi. “It just seemed to be the right decision to
knowledge he gained at Mississippi State has
make in choosing a career path after completing
been invaluable to him as an investigator, scholar
my training in Boston,” he said. “I would return
and now, as a nationally recognized researcher.
to Jackson and begin a career as an academic
“It always feels good to get appreciation for
clinician-researcher, where I would direct the
hard work and dedication, and it’s great that this
Cardiac Ultrasound Laboratory at the university
brings attention to the research that’s going on
hospital and do cardiovascular research on a large
here in Jackson,” Fox said.
African-American group based in Mississippi.
He knows he didn’t do it all on his own. Fox
“I always stayed committed to giving back to
thanked God for His help over the years, not only
my state and it’s proven to be a wise, fulfilling
in his career-related achievements, but in his and
life decision.”
mississippi state A lumnus
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Photo by Kathryn Howard
MSU Alumnus Zack Parisa
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Forest management from a different point of view
By Meg Henderson
W
hen many people think of
At Yale, Parisa and his partner developed a program
foresters, images of park rangers
called Timber Scout. It uses satellites to gather data
in green uniforms or lumberjacks
on the number, size, and species of trees on any given
armed with chainsaws may
property. The program, Parisa says, makes it possible to
come to mind. Most do not immediately picture a software
create an accurate predictive model for clients based on
developer working at his computer.
the land’s species and attributes.
However, developing software to enhance forest
After establishing Timber Scout as its “flagship” product,
management is where Zack Parisa, a 2006 Mississippi
SilviaTerra released a timber-cruising app with the clever
State graduate, has positioned himself, at the forefront of
name Plot Hound. This app allows foresters to record data
burgeoning technology. In 2009, he and co-founder Max
on their smartphones rather than with paper and pencil.
Uhlenhuth established SilviaTerra, a Boston-based company
The two decided to apply for a patent for their
that began as a graduate research project at the Yale School
programs after receiving encouragement from professors
of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
and professionals in the forest industry. Parisa asked
Traditionally, foresters gather information about a forest
himself, “Why not me? Why shouldn’t I grow that niche
using what they call a “timber cruise.” They hike through the
market?” That decision resulted in starting SilviaTerra,
woods with a compass and property map and, using paper
and Parisa has never looked back.
and pencil, record information on trees at regular intervals.
At 29, Parisa is already a successful entrepreneur. He
From the representative data, they are able to assess the
currently works with clients across the U.S. and as far
resources on the whole property.
away as South America, providing forest management on
New technology is beginning to make the laborious process of timber cruising easier, less expensive, and
more than 500,000 acres. “Companies use information to value forest assets and
more time efficient. A growing number of foresters,
develop management plans to increase future value of
therefore, are spending a little more time at the computer
forest land, whether it be for a conservation agency that
and a little less time on the ground.
wants to provide a better habitat for salamanders or an
mississippi state A lumnus
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“My education was tailored to what I wanted and felt that I needed. It was the base, the backbone, the primer for everything that followed: graduate studies, overseas research and a start-up business.” – Zack Parisa, 2006 MSU forestry graduate industrial owner who wants to increase the value of the timber,” Parisa said. Despite his enthusiasm for his company and the programs he has developed, Parisa worries about those who fear that
Parisa collects field data for his master’s research in Margahovit, Armenia in 2007.
remains today—all about his love of the land.
contrast to what I experienced at other schools
Parisa has fond memories of childhood
I visited.” He recalls touring another university
days spent in the woods near his suburban neighborhood in Huntsville, Ala. “I grew up near the Tennessee River and
this technology might put foresters out of
spent much of my free time in the woods,
touch with the land they manage. However,
trying to get to the river,” Parisa said.
he maintains that it would improve land
He also credits a family friend who worked
where he felt “nameless and faceless.” In contrast, Parisa’s experience at Mississippi State made him truly feel like a guest. He recounts his first visit to campus. “The faculty were really interested in what I wanted to do. They made sure I got into
management and that the results are as
as a forester. He encouraged Parisa at a young
every class I wanted to sit in on and answered
accurate as with traditional methods.
age to study the woods where he spent so
every question.”
Much of the land in the U.S. currently goes unmanaged. But Parisa believes that the data
much of his time. “It seemed like everything I cared about –
The hospitality Parisa experienced as a high school senior only grew over his next four years.
SilviaTerra’s technology provides can help
insects, soil, economics – all of these things
He remembered the opportunities his professors
foresters use and grow the resources better than
wrapped together in this big, beautiful,
in the forestry department and the Shackouls
traditional methods alone.
problem-solving venue,” Parisa said.
Honors College gave him to explore ideas and ask questions. Although he left Starkville years
“I’m excited about not only the technology,
As a high school senior, Parisa kept an open
but about the type of decision making that the
mind to attending any forestry program in the
ago, the concern they showed Parisa in all of his
software can enable and positively impact,”
country. However, after a recommendation
academic endeavors has remained with him.
Parisa said.
from a neighbor and a visit to Mississippi
“I felt like the professors were happy that I
State’s campus, he wanted to call Starkville
was engaged,” Parisa said. “My education was
home for the next four years.
tailored to what I wanted and felt that I needed.
Although Parisa knew what he wanted to do with his life from the age of 13, owning a business was not his main goal. It was then—and
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Mississippi State, Parisa said, was a “stark
It was the base, the backbone, the primer for
Screenshot of Plot Hound, a simple timber cruise data-collection application for Android and the iphone. everything that followed: graduate studies,
who was not only bright and motivated, but
to learn about its practical applications and
overseas research and a start-up business.”
exceptionally so.
relate it to his personal experiences.
The most remarkable quality about his
Donald Grebner, a forestry professor, recalls
According to Ezell, Parisa was “not one to
professors at Mississippi State, recalled Parisa,
Parisa as a “very rare” kind of student. While he was
sit on the sidelines and watch the game. He’s
was not found in grand gestures or life-
never enrolled in Grebner’s class, Parisa approached
going to be involved. I don’t know if I would
changing moments. “The heroic thing that
him about an independent study project.
have labeled him as an entrepreneur, but it
these professors do is being there all of the
After studying in South America, he told
time for their students’ problems, questions,
Grebner that there was “something missing” in
concerns,” Parisa said.
his knowledge of forest management. He wished
One of these seemingly small acts resulted in an extraordinary opportunity for Parisa. Aware of his interest in international forestry,
doesn’t surprise me. Whatever he’s involved with, he’s going to be a leader.” And Zack Parisa is well on his way to
to study different perspectives and applications
doing that. SilviaTerra is not just a job for
and knew that Grebner could help him.
him; it is a passion.
The project was as rewarding for the
“You don’t ever put your work away. There’s
a faculty member informed him of an
professor as it was for the student. “He always
no five o’clock and you go home and not think
opportunity to study abroad and intern for a
had great ideas. He was actually someone who
about it. It’s what you dream about, it’s what
company in Brazil.
tried to do something about his ideas,” Grebner
you relate everything to,” he said.
“That changed me,” Parisa said. “It’s simple, a forwarded e-mail, but I’m still friends with my
said, “and he’d give you more than you’d ask.” Andrew Ezell, head of the forestry
It is Parisa’s combination of creativity, dedication and love of his profession that have
advisor and several professors and correspond
department, agreed that Parisa was not a typical
earned him the recognition he has received
with them regularly.”
undergraduate. According to Ezell, Parisa
lately in his industry and in news outlets such
Parisa still thinks of his professors in the
would often ask questions after his practices
as Bloomberg and Forbes. Those same
College of Forest Resources as outstanding.
of silviculture class – not because he did not
qualities are sure to continue to bring him
Likewise, they remember him as a student
understand the material, but because he wanted
success in years to come.
mississippi state A lumnus
15
Dr. Raj Shah, left, of the U.S. Agency for International Development, listens to master’s degree student Yu-Ting Chen, center, explain current research in Mississippi State’s food processing plant. Shah was on a facility tour, conducted by Dr. Juan Silva, MSU professor of food science, nutrition and health promotion, during the international conference “Technology Implementation at the Local Level: Food Security for the Future.”
Partnerships focus of
world food security conference
By Margaret kovar and Allison Matthews | Photos By Russ Houston, Megan Bean, and Beth Wynn
16
WIN TER 2012
Daniel Yohannes, left, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corp., listens as MSU President Mark E. Keenum, discusses the university's role in food safety research.
M
ississippi State
philanthropic entities, among others,
University’s
was the primary topic of the daylong
recently established
food safety and security conference.
International
“If food production does not
Institute brought an issue of global
increase significantly, the number of
concern into focus on campus during a
people living in poverty will increase
September conference.
greatly,” Keenum said. “We are
While feeding the world may seem
compelled to help feed the world and
an impossible feat to some, especially
alleviate suffering, first, because it’s the
as the population grows from 7 to 9
right thing to do, but also because it is
billion by the year 2050, American
important to our national security.”
land-grant universities are in a position
Keenum explained that Mississippi
to supply vital research to find solutions
State has expertise pertinent to every
for critical food supply and security
aspect of the food chain, including
issues.
crop production, post-harvest
Organized by the university’s
processing, livestock, aquaculture,
International Institute and titled
food policy, water resources, geospatial
“Technology Implementation at the
technologies and biofuels.
Local Level: Food Security for the
In addition to research, Keenum
Future,” the conference explored new
said the university has formed
opportunities for agriculture, global
strategic partnerships, including a
challenges and university engagement,
memorandum of understanding for
and other issues related to the world’s
research with the United Nations Food
growing food needs.
and Agricultural Organization, as well
Leading international experts,
as a formal agreement with Nigeria
researchers and state and federal
to educate poultry science students,
policymakers joined MSU President
among other partnerships.
Mark E. Keenum and U.S. Sen.Thad
Keenum said the United States and
Cochran (R-Miss.) for an in-depth
the nation’s land-grant universities have
examination of global food safety and
the resources to help make feeding
security issues.
the world an entirely achievable goal,
Speakers examined how collaboration between public and
although not an easy one. “We cannot add more land, so the
private sectors can meet the world’s
question is how can we get more out of
food needs as the population continues
the resources we have today,” he said.
to multiply. The importance of
Cochran opened the morning
partnerships between universities
session with a look at America’s
and governmental, business and
commitment to global food security,
“If food production does not increase significantly, the number of people living in poverty will increase greatly.We are compelled to help feed the world and alleviate suffering, first, because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it is important to our national security.” – Mark E. Keenum, MSU President
mississippi state A lumnus
17
During a luncheon, conference participants heard a keynote from President of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities Peter McPherson, who emphasized the critical role universities will play in helping find solutions for problems facing developing nations.
and Daniel Yohannes, CEO of Millennium Challenge Corporation,
However, he explained development projects must proceed
an important role in solving critical
only with complete transparency
global challenges.
and accountability. Raj Shah, administrator of the
“For every dollar invested in agricultural research, it returns about $26 over time,” Shah said. Shah also took the opportunity to announce a new program offered through his agency to help college
foreign aid agency created by
U.S. Agency for International
students who want to work abroad.
Congress in 2004 to improve
Development, also spoke of the need
He said the program, called “Fall
delivery of foreign assistance. Its
to deliver meaningful results.
Semester,” will be a resource to make
programs focus on sound policies, country ownership and results. Yohannes said making strategic
“At the end of the day, the work we do reduces the risk of conflict across the globe. It is harder to find
sure more Americans can be part of solutions to global problems. President of the Association of
investments in the world’s poorest
a more powerful way to connect
Public and Land-Grant Universities
countries is tied to American
with people than with these types of
Peter McPherson also expanded
national security and prosperity.
issues,” he said.
on the critical role universities will
He added that MCC’s investments
Shah reiterated that the world is
play in helping find solutions for
have long addressed food security
facing a food security crisis, with
problems facing developing nations.
needs, including irrigation projects
people around the world suffering
“To achieve the food production
and infrastructure to help get
from real hunger and chronic
we’re going to need, there’s no way
commodities from farm to market.
malnutrition. He explained that Feed
this will get done without harnessing
the Future, the U.S. Government’s
the expertise of the land-grant
too,” Yohannes said, explaining that it
global hunger and food security
system,” McPherson said.
is more cost effective to help develop
initiative, is bringing together
poor countries than to react with
collaborative entities and seeking to
to continually have people on
military forces when problems escalate
partner with universities like MSU.
the ground in these countries,
“Helping the world’s poor helps us
W IN TER 2012
to the point of threatening security.
discussed why the U.S. should play
MCC is an independent U.S.
18
The university’s International Institute arranged for Dr. Shah to engage with domestic and international students while he was on campus. He spoke about the U.S. Agency for International Development, it’s activities, and how students can get involved.
“Even if they’re not in a position
USAID Administrator Raj Shah joined U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss, and MSU President Mark E. Keenum at the conference
universities help create technology, train people and
resources that we have here on this campus, and it’s
analyze situations,” he added.
the nucleus upon which we can draw to best focus on
While speaking about the role that the collective landgrant system has to play in solving world issues, McPherson
“At the end of the day, the work we do reduces the risk of conflict across the globe. It is harder to find a more powerful way to connect with people than with these types of issues.” – Raj Shah, Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development
the challenges we’re trying to meet.” He noted the university has made significant
said that because of Keenum’s unique background before
contributions to date, including the development of
stepping into the role of university president, he has been
a food product made from cashew nuts now used in
“captured” by food security issues. Keenum previously held
United Nations feeding programs.
responsibility for international programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Throughout the day, panels of speakers gave presentations and engaged audience questions on
“We met the need of developing a nutritious product that is able to be stored and maintained,” Keenum explained. MSU also is conducting research to address the
topics including effectively delivering technology in a
problem of aflatoxin in crops like corn. The naturally
local context, monitoring and evaluating success and
occurring toxin results from various fungi, but can
returns on investment, and models of success. Officials
threaten crops around the globe.
and administrators from around the world, including Mozambique, Korea and Brazil participated in the agenda.
“The issue of global food security offers many challenges, but it also creates opportunities for our
Keenum noted that globalization is one of MSU’s
faculty and students to be globally engaged. This
strategic goals, in addition to promoting research and
is what today is about, showing our abilities to be
creativity and expanding outreach and engagement,
partners in the global arena,” Keenum said.
among others. He said taking MSU’s expertise to a world platform is an ongoing effort with renewed dedication. The International Institute helps centralize the
For more information on the Feed the Future program, visit www.feedthefuture.gov/. For more information on the new “Fall Semester” program for
university’s international programs including
students offered through the U.S. Agency for
research, outreach and academics, he said.
International Development, visit www.usaid.gov/
“This is the center that can help pull together
fallsemester.
mississippi state A lumnus
19
By Margaret Kovar | Photos By Beth Wynn
20
WI NTER 2012
F
rom negotiating the
eventually was named Hungary’s chief
release of prisoners
of protocol, followed by becoming
of war to affecting
director of Far Eastern affairs.
the lives of hundreds
His next assignment was as a
of students, few can claim a life as
charge d’affaires in the U.S., which did
dedicated to service as MSU’s history
not have full diplomatic relations with
professor emeritus Janos Radvanyi.
Hungary. As an ambassador in all but
Born in 1922 in Budapest, Hungary,
title, Radvanyi’s main assignment was
he was drafted into the Hungarian
to persuade the U.S. State Department
army in 1941, but because of his anti-
to drop its objection to Hungary’s
Nazi feelings, joined the Hungarian
admission to the U.N.
resistance. “I guess you could call me an urban
“When I contacted the State Department, I found that the U.S.
guerilla. I was in a little unit that
would give its okay if Hungary
blew up German tanks and trucks
released all persons imprisoned as a
and tried to save Jews who at the
result of the revolution,” he said. “It
time were being taken to the Danube
is a long story, but finally I got the
River, stripped of their clothes and
government to let every one of the
executed,” he said.
several thousand out.”
After the war, Radvanyi decided to
Because turmoil was once again
become a diplomat, beginning in an
brewing among Communist leaders,
entry-level position in 1947. A year
Radvanyi decided to seek political
later, he received his first overseas
asylum for himself and his family
diplomatic assignment in Turkey.
while in the U.S. The family relocated
This was followed by assignments in
to California, where he completed a
France, Syria and Switzerland. But
doctorate in history from Stanford
that blew up German
after returning from Switzerland,
University.
tanks and trucks and
suspicion for being a spy.
“I guess you could call me an urban guerilla. I was in a little unit
tried to save Jews who at the time were being
Radvanyi found himself under “But there was absolutely no reason for their suspicions,” he said. Dismissed from the foreign
Radvanyi came to MSU in 1972 and taught contemporary Russian history and Far Eastern studies. Extensively published, he has served as the principal investigator for numerous
taken to the Danube
ministry, Radvanyi went to work as
international conferences, presented
River, stripped of their
a tour guide with a travel agency and
testimony to the U.S. Congress, and
a foreign trade company until 1957,
organized multinational workshops
when the Hungarian government
for promoting economic and social
decided to “rehabilitate” some of its
development in Central Europe.
clothes and executed.” – Janos Radvanyi, MSU’s history professor emeritus
former “enemies.” Accepting an opportunity to return to the diplomatic corps, Radvanyi
“I not only found a lot of common ground with the students, but a lot of personal reward,” he said.
mississippi state A lumnus
21
Radvanyi was presented with a plaque honoring his lifelong achievements.
Atlantic Council of the United States,
Award in 1988, and the Award for
focused on research, writing and
Washington, D.C.; and a senior
Development of Foreign Economy
teaching special seminars. Much
adviser in MSU’s Office of the Vice
in 1994, given to him by the now free
of his attention was directed
President for Research.
and independent Republic of Hungary
Radvanyi’s scholarly work
toward vital global problems with
He founded the MSU Center for
for his achievements through the CISS
emphasis on the post-Communist
International Security and Strategic
to help it begin erasing nearly 40 years
era’s complex security problems.
Studies in 1982, and in 1996, the
of Communist mismanagement, as
He also was active in the field of
university named him the first chair
well as for his role in strengthening
environmental security; he worked
holder for the newly-established
Hungary’s ties with the U.S. and Japan.
on ocean-dumping nuclear waste
CISS chair. In 2000, the chair
problems with American, Japanese,
was named the Radvanyi Chair
presented the Guy Tozzoli “Peace
Korean and Russian participation.
in International Security Studies.
Through Trade” Distinguished
In fact, his efforts contributed to
The center has brought major
Leadership Award by the Mississippi
Russian President Boris Yeltsin’s
international figures to the state,
World Trade Center in Jackson in
historic decision to ban dumping of
including ambassadors, assistant
2002. Former U.S. Secretary of State
radioactive waste into the oceans.
secretaries of state, the deputy
Lawrence Eagleburger gave the
director of the U.S. Arms Control
keynote address at the event.
Radvanyi is a member of the
22
WIN TER 2012
Ambassador Janos Radvanyi with Burmese Ambassador and Mrs. U Tun Win.
The former diplomat also was
American and International
and Disarmament Commission, and
The university formally honored
Associations for the Advancement
numerous other government figures.
Radvanyi for his achievements during
of Slavic Studies; a member of the
Other honors Radvanyi has
International Institute for Strategic
received include the MSU Alumni
Studies, London; Councilor of the
Association’s Outstanding Service
a campus banquet in August, an event also marking his 90th birthday. A recurring theme during the
The Hungarian diplomat also celebrated his 90th birthday during the banquet held in his honor.
Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman
evening event was Radvanyi’s
president of the Okazaki Institute,
lifelong passion for service, primarily
who along with his own tribute,
also read a proclamation naming
through international diplomacy.
read a letter from Shotaro Yachi,
Radvanyi an honorary ambassador
former vice minister of foreign
of the city.
“Dr. Radvanyi is a man of courage, and also a man of humility; he has a passion for peace, freedom and
affairs of Japan; · James E. Auer, the director of
“It is truly humbling to be associated with such greatness,”
a better world,” said retired Vice
the Center for U.S.-Japan Studies
Wiseman said. “You have given us
Adm. Eduardo Ma R Santos, former
and Cooperation at Vanderbilt
much through your service to the
Philippine navy chief and, later, first
University’s Institute for Public
university and the community.”
president of the Maritime Academy
Policy Studies;
of Asia and the Pacific;
· William D. “Billy” Mounger, Jackson
And Radvanyi continues to serve the university, community and state.
Santos, a Radvanyi friend, was
businessman who served among
While many his age would be
among five speakers paying tribute.
Ronald Reagan’s advisers and was
slowing down, he has, since 2000,
Others included:
former Sen. Trent Lott’s longtime
participated in four to six executive
· James Kraska, a former Radvanyi
fundraising chairman; and
lecture forums per year in Jackson,
student now holding the Howard S. Levie Chair of Operational Law at the U.S. Naval War College in
· Lewis Brown, MSU research
and regularly brings speakers to the
professor emeritus of microbiology.
MSU campus. Radvanyi also has
After the tributes, Radvanyi was
presented numerous international
presented a plaque by Jerry Gilbert,
workshops and conferences on topics
provost and executive vice president.
including economic and social
Kawamura of the Japan Maritime
“I am very fortunate to have touched
development and, most recently,
Self-Defense Force and vice
history through you,” Gilbert said.
maritime conflict resolution.
Newport, R.I. · Retired Rear Adm. Sumihiko
mississippi state A lumnus
23
Mobile clinics train vet students, help animals By Allison Matthews | Photos By Tom Thompson
W
ith many states
to face with staggering euthanasia
recognition from the American
across the
statistics during a post-graduate
Veterinary Medical Association for
nation facing
internship more than 35 years ago.
his dedication to animal welfare.
the monumental difficulty of pet
At MSU, the Marcia Lane
overpopulation, Mississippi’s largest
with the ASPCA, which ran animal
Endowed Chair in Humane Ethics
university and only veterinary college
control for New York City, 132,000
and Animal Welfare in the College
is helping address the issue and saving
dogs and cats were euthanized in
of Veterinary Medicine’s clinical
lives, one dog and cat at a time.
that one city. In a five-day work
science department oversees the
week, that’s 500 animals a day. That
Mobile Veterinary Clinic, which
according to Mississippi State Professor
number never left me,” said Bushby,
travels to 15 North Mississippi
Phil Bushby, who says he came face
who this year received national
shelters to spay and neuter animals.
The issue isn’t a new problem,
24
“During my one-year internship
WIN TER 2012
The College of Veterinary Medicine's new Mobile Veterinary Clinic, attained through student efforts with funding provided by PetSmart Charities, and the original Mobile Veterinary Clinic, funded by the American Kennel Club, enable MSU veterinary students to help the region's shelter animals with life-saving surgeries and attain valuable hands-on experiences before graduation. The vehicles also allow the college to help with response to animals after disasters, such as a hurricane.
Not only does the university outreach activity
“Our program is very marketable because
save the lives of hundreds of animals a month,
it’s not uncommon for an MSU vet student
but it also gives junior and senior veterinary
to become so proficient at these surgeries
“We treat these
students plentiful opportunities for hands-on
that when they begin work after graduation,
surgeries as a life-
surgical experiences before graduation.
they may do the surgery faster than the
“We balance our schedule so all students get
saving surgery, not as an elective surgery… It really is because if they are not spayed or
an equivalent experience,” Bushby said. Senior
veterinarian who hired them,” Magee said. “We treat these surgeries as a life-saving
students participate in a two-week elective
surgery, not as an elective surgery,” he added.
rotation and every junior makes two trips on the
“It really is because if they are not spayed or
mobile unit. The clinic travels to area shelters four
neutered, their chances of being euthanized go
days a week for 50 weeks out of the year.
way up,” Magee explained.
Chris Magee, a senior from Brandon,
When students in MSU’s veterinary class
neutered, their chances
performed an exceptional amount of
of 2014 realized the far-reaching impacts of
of being euthanized go
surgeries during his two-week rotation
the Mobile Veterinary Clinic, affecting both
on the mobile unit. Bushby said while
the students’ educational experiences and the
Magee performed more than 100 surgeries,
region’s animals, they came to one conclusion:
veterinary students at other universities
they must have an additional unit to double
often get the chance to perform only a few
capacity for training and service. The class
surgeries during their course of study.
worked together, with guidance from the
way up.” – Chris Magee, MSU Senior
mississippi state A lumnus
25
Emily Childers, left, a certified veterinary technician, assists CVM faculty members Dr. Phil Bushby and Dr. Kimberly Woodruff, who oversee the students and operations of the college’s Mobile Veterinary Clinics.
Office of Development, to raise $56,000
W IN TER 2012
“It’s a little bit like taking an animal off
they’re not out there producing more puppies and kittens.”
toward the purchase of an additional
death row and placing it in someone’s
traveling unit.
home,” Bushby said. His passion for saving
Bushby was integral in getting the
In response to the students’
animal lives is evident as he explains why a
mobile program started in 2007, and he
enthusiasm, PetSmart Charities
spay/neuter approach to overpopulation is
still stays on the road with the clinic two
donated an additional $250,000 toward
the only path to an acceptable solution.
or three days each week. Dr. Kimberly
the purchase. The clinic will begin
26
Tori Hall, a third-year vet student from Cincinnati, Ohio, enjoys holding a puppy at the West Point-Clay County Animal Shelter before surgeries begin on the Mobile Veterinary Clinic.
“We have to get the number of
Woodruff, an MSU-CVM alumna,
operation in early 2013, and not a
puppies and kittens born each year to
has joined the faculty as the program’s
moment too soon.
an equilibrium with the number of
second clinical instructor. Emily Childers
Bushby said many of the animal
homes available,” Bushby said. “Now,
is a certified veterinary technician who
shelters have as high as a 70 percent
our best hope is to spay and neuter as
travels with the clinic every day, and as
euthanasia rate, but more than an 80
many animals as we can. They are more
the college prepares to launch the new
percent adoption rate for the animals
adoptable, and obviously, much less
mobile clinic, an additional technician
which are spayed or neutered.
likely to be euthanized. And by the way,
will come on board.
“We have to get the number of puppies and kittens born each year to an equilibrium with the number of homes available. Now, our best hope is to spay and neuter as many animals as we can.” – Phil Bushby, MSU CVM Professor Above: The interior of the new Mobile Veterinary Clinic. Below: Vet students Brianne Williams and Steven Davison, PetSmart Charities director of grants Julie White and PetSmart CEO Sue Della Maddalena, Dr. Phil Bushby, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Kent Hoblet, and students David Gillen and Elizabeth Hiebert celebrate the additional clinic at a dedication ceremony.
Operational funds for the mobile unit are
MSU also works with private veterinarians,
The mobile clinic works with shelter
generated strictly from grants and donations.
many of whom were trained at the university,
managers to ensure that no privately owned
Bushby said he spends a significant amount
to ensure a team approach to battling
animals are included in the spay and neuter
of time writing grant proposals and talking
overpopulation.
surgeries. The services are provided only to
to potential donors in order to keep the units
During a recent meeting of state
animals that are available for adoption, and no
veterinarians and animal shelter managers
one can bring privately owned animals to the
“Generous contributions allowed us to
hosted by CVM, Dr. Joel Josey of Starkville
mobile clinic for treatment.
purchase both mobile units, but that is only
Animal Medical Center said he supports the
part of the fundraising equation,” said Keith
program, and his own business benefits when
continues to be an overwhelming problem,
Gaskin, CVM’s senior director of development.
shelter animals are adopted by local owners.
but he has seen improvements during his
“It costs us at least $250,000 a year per unit to
Those who adopt shelter pets bring their
career. Educating the public about the
operate this program, so we are always seeking
animals to their local veterinarians like Josey,
importance of having animals sterilized is
support from individuals and foundations to
giving him the opportunity to help keep the
one key to winning the battle for animal
keep the program moving forward.”
rescue animals healthy.
welfare, he said.
on the road.
Bushby said animal overpopulation
mississippi state A lumnus
27
Mississippi State’s All-SEC team captain Joe Dan Gold, left, and Loyola All-American Jerry Harkness, right, met at center court in Michigan State’s Jenison Field House for the tipoff for the historic 1963 NCAA Basketball Tournament game. Gold extended his hand and Harkness shook it - making national headlines as MSU’s administration and coaches defied the state’s political power structure aligned against integration to compete for a national championship.
Bulldogs, Ramblers renew hardwood rivalry 50 years after historic 1963 NCCA game
F
By sid salter | Photos from University Archives or the first time since the historic night of March 15, 1963,
The 1963 NCAA Tournament game between MSU and Loyola ranks
Mississippi State University and Loyola University Chicago
as perhaps Mississippi State University’s finest hour both in terms of
battled on the hardwood in basketball competition. The
athletics and racial reconciliation.
Bulldogs and Ramblers met on Dec. 15 at Joseph J. Gentile
On three occasions prior to the 1963 season, MSU’s men’s basketball
Arena in Chicago, Ill., to commemorate the NCAA Basketball Tournament
team was prohibited from participating in the NCAA Tournament due
game played 50 years ago at Jenison Field House in East Lansing, Mich.
to the possibility of playing a team with African-American players. The
The MSU Alumni Association, along with the Bulldog Club and the
No. 3-ranked Ramblers, behind Jerry Harkness’ 20 points, went on to
office of MSU President Mark E. Keenum, hosted a social for Bulldog
defeat Mississippi State 61-51 en route to winning the 1963 national
alumni in the Chicago area prior to the game at Harry Caray’s Italian
basketball championship.
Steakhouse and Bar. The two teams are also scheduled to play in 2013 at Humphrey Coliseum, with the date and time to be determined at a later date.
28
WI NTER 2012
“The 1963 SEC champion Bulldogs were given the opportunity previous Mississippi State teams were denied – to compete for a national championship against the best teams in the country,” MSU athletics director
Scott Stricklin said. “To do so, they had to defy a sitting governor, avoid a
Colvard: Quiet Leader, wrote: “Colvard had several reasons for wanting
court injunction, and sneak out of the state. We’re excited to join Loyola
the team to compete. First of all, it would give a positive boost to the
over the next two seasons in celebrating this historic occasion. Loyola won
MSU and Mississippi image. Second, he felt the four seniors on the team
a national championship; Mississippi State helped to make for a better way
deserved a chance after having played together for three years and having
of life. As a Bulldog, I’m proud of this team and the individuals who helped
won the SEC championship all three years.”
move our state forward when doing so took courage and conviction.” In 1963, MSU’s basketball team was again invited to play in the
In 1963, Loyola head coach George Ireland said: “I feel Mississippi State has a right to be here, no matter what the segregationists say. They
NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs, under Head Coach Babe McCarthy,
may be the best basketball team in the nation and if they are, they have
were slated to play Loyola College, a team that started four black players.
a right to prove it.” Harkness, the Loyola All-American, and State’s All-
At the time, state law prohibited Mississippi teams from playing against
SEC team captain Joe Dan Gold met at center court in Michigan State’s
integrated athletic teams. The basketball team devised a plan to sneak off
Jenison Field House for the opening tip. Gold extended his hand and
campus to play in the tournament anyway.
Harkness shook it. “About a thousand flashbulbs went off,” Gold would
With their plan successful, the game between the Bulldogs and racially
say after the game. The game saw State jump to any early lead only to
integrated Loyola became a watershed moment for the state of Mississippi
trail the Ramblers 26-19 at the half. The Maroons went on an 8-4 run
and the civil rights movement. The 2012 matchup between the Bulldogs and
to pull to within 30-27 in the second half but would get no closer. State
the Ramblers marks the 50th anniversary of this game.
was down four with two minutes to go and missed the shot. Cristil said
“Coach McCarthy was really ahead of his time,” said former MSU
it was “a good shot that just didn’t go down. We had to start shooting,
“Voice of the Bulldogs” Jack Cristil in 2011. “He was a great innovator
and Loyola beat us by 10, 61-51. It was a disappointing loss, but it had
and a great motivator. McCarthy could get players to play above their
been a marvelous opportunity for the young men.”
talent level in the system they ran. McCarthy’s teams challenged the best and generally came out on top.” McCarthy won 169 games and lost 85 at MSU, winning or sharing four SEC titles and earning SEC Coach of the Year honors three consecutive years from 1961 to 1963. He produced All-Americans Jim Ashmore, Bailey Howell, Red Stroud, Leland Mitchell, and All-SEC performers Jerry Graves, Charles Hull, Joe Dan Gold, and Doug Hutton. But McCarthy is best remembered, along with MSU President Dean W. Colvard, for leading MSU’s team to break the barrier of segregation by accepting the automatic bid to meet Loyola University of Chicago in the 1963 NCAA basketball tournament. For many, the courage that Colvard and McCarthy showed in defying the Mississippi Legislature and fiery segregationist Gov. Ross Barnett to enable the all-white MSU men’s basketball team to compete against a Loyola team with four African-American starters represented the university’s finest hours. For many, Mississippi State’s 1962-63 basketball team, coach and the university administration came together to create a defining moment not only for MSU athletics but for American civil rights and universal sportsmanship as well. In 1963, MSU for the third-straight year won the Southeastern Conference
The 1963 NCAA Tournament game between MSU and Loyola ranks as perhaps Mississippi State University’s finest hour both in terms of athletics and racial reconciliation. Loyola would go on to win the 1963 NCAA national championship. Ron Miller, Loyola’s 6’2” guard and one of the four black starters, told writer John
basketball championship. State won the championship in 1959 and declined
Thomas on the 40th anniversary of the game: “I remember the (Mississippi
the NCAA invitation because of the official integration policy that existed in
State) guys being nice. I remember the guys wishing us luck (after the
Mississippi. The same thing happened in 1961 and 1962, but in 1963 McCarthy
game), and wanting us to win (the national championship). And during the
and Colvard were determined MSU was going to play in the tournament.
game it was polite. They played a very hard, very aggressive, very strong
Colvard’s biographer Marion A. Ellis in the 2004 book Dean W.
defensive game, very clean, and they didn’t back off.”
mississippi state A lumnus
29
Campus
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MSU-Meridian’s College Park campus houses the divisions of Arts and Sciences and Education.
MSU-Meridian celebrates
40 Years of Service MSU
-Meridian celebrated its 40th
also worked tirelessly to provide incredible support and
anniversary on Aug. 17, 2012 with
assistance for MSU-Meridian,” said Steven F. Brown,
cake and MSU ice cream and an open house for the community. On that date in 1972, MSU opened the
WI NTER 2012
Forty years later, the university’s presence has grown
Meridian branch, as it was called, on the campus of
to include two campuses as well as the MSU Riley
Meridian Community College.
Center for Education and the Performing Arts.
“Forty years ago, the vision and commitment of
30
MSU-Meridian dean and associate vice president.
The College Park campus built in 1993 is located
a group of extraordinary leaders helped bring the
across from Meridian Community College and houses
benefits of higher education to East Central Mississippi
the divisions of Arts and Sciences and Education.
and Western Alabama. During the following four
The downtown campus, adjacent to the MSU Riley
decades, remarkable faculty and staff members,
Center, is located in the historic Newberry Building,
administrators, and outstanding students pulled
which was donated to the university in 2009 by the
together to develop a top-quality university devoted to
Riley Foundation. The campus, which houses MSU-
serving the community and the region. Educational,
Meridian’s Division of Business, opened its doors to
corporate, business, and philanthropic groups have
students in January 2012.
The MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts, located in the heart of downtown Meridian on 5th Street, opened its doors in fall 2006. The center is the result of a $15 million grant in 2000 by the Riley Foundation to restore the Grand Opera House and the Marks Rothenberg department store into the state-ofthe-art, multi-functioning facility it is today. In 2010, the Riley Foundation and other generous benefactors also established the
Governor, energy leaders visit campus ississippi State recently hosted Gov. Phil Bryant and energy-industry
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leaders for a program on “Powering Mississippi in the 21st Century.” The early October gathering examined strategies for Mississippi’s
energy future. The Mississippi Energy Institute and Mississippi Development Authority sponsored the panel discussion. “Our state has vital contributions to make in finding solutions to the world’s growing
Riley Next Step Scholarship which recognizes
energy needs, and helping meet those needs is a vital part of our land-grant mission of
outstanding students who transfer from one of
research and service,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum, who welcomed the visitors
four area community colleges. This scholarship
to campus.
provides full tuition for two years to those who
Executives who participated in “Perspectives from the Energy Sector” included: Bob
are eligible. Since its inception, more than 188
Balzar, vice president for energy efficiency, TVA; Richard Mills, CEO, Tellus Operating
scholarships have been awarded.
Group; Stephen Johnston, president, Itron Cellular Solutions; and Haley Fisackerly,
Over the past 40 years, numerous new degree programs have been added at MSU-Meridian, including the newest one, a bachelor of science in special education. The dean, associate deans
president and CEO, Entergy Mississippi. The event concluded with a question and answer session with Mississippi State and local high school students. “Mississippi is a leader in the energy sector because of our diversity of resources and
and their respective faculty continue to study and
our proactive approach to providing infrastructure for this industry, and I believe that we
research other degree programs that, if added, will
have only just scratched the surface of energy growth in our state,” Bryant said.
meet the needs of the people and businesses in East Mississippi and surrounding counties. Visitors to MSU-Meridian will soon see
Also in October, the Governor’s Energy Summit was held in Jackson and featured state and national energy leaders with a luncheon keynote address by former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. •
construction begin on a new library located on the College Park campus which will offer students the scholarly benefits and research opportunities associated with a major university library. Funded by the Phil Hardin Foundation, this will be the first of a pair of libraries to serve the Meridian campuses. Plans call for a second library to be located in the Kress Building, which was also donated by the Riley Foundation as part of the downtown campus. “Our task as we face the coming years,” Brown added, “is to honor the efforts of those founders, employees, students and supporters, and lead MSU-Meridian to continual growth in enrollment, quality and relevance to the state and the region.” •
Gov. Phil Bryant spoke to local high school students at Mississippi State in October, encouraging them to be well prepared in STEM subjects and ready to adapt to changing technologies as they become future leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. Photo by: Beth Wynn
M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
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12
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NEWS
MSU and Korean institute missions yield 'natural partnership' ississippi State is officially partnering with a South Korean
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entity which has a complementary research mission with the university's Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems.
MSU Provost and Executive Vice President Jerry Gilbert signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH) in November. The alliance will allow CAVS and KITECH to support global manufacturers' efforts to develop products and train employees for their facilities in the southeastern United States. Because South Korean companies, including carmakers like Hyundai and Kia, have located in the region, other a research and development resource for small and medium enterprises, such
MSU Provost Jerry Gilbert and Korea Institute of Industrial Technology Incheon Region Division Chief Executive Officer Sang-Mok Lee celebrate agreement between their two entities. Photo by: Beth Wynn
as these suppliers.
this was a natural partnership that we need to make flourish," said Vice
Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers are also investing in the region. KITECH serves as
President for Research and Economic Development David Shaw.
The agreement establishes the KITECH-CAVS Center for Root Technologies. 'Root technology' refers to several key technologies of the
CAVS is a premier research entity within the Bagley College of Engineering.
manufacturing industry—casting, molding, forming, surface treatment,
Dean Sarah Rajala said the research and economic impact produced by the
thermal treatment, and welding/joining technologies, and any related fields.
center and their extension office has garnered prestigious national awards.
"We were hoping that this day would come soon. We were delighted to
Specifically, MSU and KITECH will encourage direct contact and
make the agreement while we were at KITECH, and we're so happy that we
cooperation between their faculty and research staffs. They also will jointly
are following through in this formal way," Gilbert said, referring back to an
execute research projects, as well as facilitate personnel exchanges.
international trip he and other senior university officials took earlier in the
Roger King, CAVS director and endowed chair, said the center is KITECH's manufacturing research partner in the U.S. They also fund research with
year to develop more collaborative projects with partners abroad. "KITECH's mission and our mission are so complementary. We thought
partners in Germany, China and Japan. •
SUCCESSFUL RECYCLING PROGRAM ROLLS INTO THIRD YEAR ississippi State’s recycling program
campus, and from the very beginning simplicity
is growing and achieving important
has been a key component.
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benchmark goals as it enters its
third year.
According to university officials, the campus-
into individual recycling bins so that they can recycle right at their desks and don’t have to
efforts of students, faculty and staff.
use a central recycling container,” said the MSU
comprehensive recycling on the Starkville WIN TER 2012
easy as possible by turning people’s wastebaskets
wide initiative’s success is due to the concerted Since the summer of 2010, MSU has provided
32
“We have been working to make recycling as
Office of Sustainability’s Jeremiah Dumas. “Comprehensive, single-stream recycling
University welcomes SIX new Fulbright students this semester ississippi State is
M
New Fulbright Scholars shown with MSU Provost and Executive Vice President Jerry Gilbert, center, are front row, left to right, Gina Rico Mendez and Job Bonyo; and back row, (left to right) Rosanna Carreras de Leon, Mohammad Al Boni, Carlos Cabrera and Anara Kozhokanova.
welcoming six new Fulbright scholars
this semester who chose the university to study in the fields of engineering, public policy and administration, mathematical sciences and biological sciences.
Photo by: Beth Wynn
“We welcome you and are very honored that you have selected Mississippi State to pursue your studies,” said Jerry
established in 1946 under
vice president for academic affairs.
Gilbert, provost and executive
legislation introduced by Senator J.
“MSU is right up there with other
vice president, during a recent
William Fulbright of Arkansas.
‘Very High Research Activity’
“Having this significant number
luncheon with the new students.
institutions,” he added. In addition to encouraging
The international scholars had the
of Fulbright scholars at MSU
opportunity to meet one another
brings added prestige to the
foreign nationals to study and
and talk with administrators
MSU Graduate School relative to
conduct research in the U.S., the
and faculty members during
other graduate schools across the
program also enables Americans to
the informal lunch, as well as
country, and increasing the number
engage in similar activities abroad.
share their past experiences in
of graduate Fulbright scholars on
Faculty members also are eligible
their native countries.
campus is part of our strategic
to participate in the Fulbright
plan,” said Lou D’Abramo, dean of
program to teach, lecture and
the graduate school and associate
conduct research abroad. •
Fulbright is the nation’s flagship international exchange program,
provides an easy-to-use and cost-effective
613,672 pounds—an impressive 51,139 pounds
complement to MSU’s existing waste
per month, Dumas noted.
management program,” he added.
“We are excited about the increased
“We evaluate and review our recycling procedures on an ongoing basis, and that helps us gauge how effective and efficient we are at
Extensive research and planning went
participation in our recycling program. The
reducing the waste that ends up in the local
into the design of the university’s recycling
increase in collection is encouraging,” said
landfill,” Dumas explained
program, along with valuable experience
Amy Tuck, vice president for campus services
gained during a three-month trial held on
at the land-grant institution.
campus, Dumas said. Initially, over a nine-
As the campus recycling program moves
MSU recycles all paper and plastics, cardboard, metals and aluminum. The university also has programs
month FY 2011 period, 306,628 pounds of
forward, the university will continue to
that address electronic waste and
recyclables were collected.
monitor the process and make changes, when
hazardous materials recycling. •
In FY 2012, collections grew to some
needed, Tuck said. M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
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New Research Park building opens ississippi State officials
M
joined with U.S. Sens. Thad Cochran
and Roger Wicker and U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper in September to celebrate the grand opening of the newest building in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park. Funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Mississippi Development Authority, the 20,000-square-foot building is home to a new business incubator, as well as operations for II-VI Inc., according to Mississippi State
impact that university research parks
of directors; Vincent Mattera, II-VI
University Research and Technology
can have in the communities they
Inc. executive vice president; Jim
Corporation Director Marc McGee,
serve, particularly in a rural state
McArthur, MDA deputy director;
who oversees the research park.
like Mississippi,” said David Shaw,
and Shaw.
II-VI Inc. is a Pennsylvania-based firm with manufacturing facilities, distributors and agents around the
W I NTER 2012
MSU’s vice president for research and economic development. The celebration included
“We are very excited about achieving this milestone, and are looking forward to additional
world. It is recognized as a global
comments by Cochran, Mississippi’s
expansion of the park in the near
leader in engineered materials and
senior senator; Wicker, who
future,” Shaw said.
optoelectronic components.
has served in the Senate since
“The presence of a major
34
MSU President Mark E. Keenum, second from left, joined with U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran and U.S. Rep. Gregg Harper to celebrate the grand opening of the newest building in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park. The 20,000-square-foot facility is home to a new business incubator, as well as operations for II-VI Inc., a global leader in engineered materials and optoelectronic components. Photo By: Russ Houston
The 272-acre park is home to nine
December 2007; Harper, the
buildings and 1,500-plus employees,
international manufacturer of high-
second-term congressman for the
and represents some $100-million-
tech products with applications
3rd District, which includes the
plus of investment.
in industrial manufacturing,
university; MSU President Mark E.
military and aerospace, high-power
Keenum; Greg Bohach, MSU’s vice
entrance and boulevard connecting
electronics and telecommunications,
president for agriculture, forestry
the park with Highway 182 is under
and thermoelectronics applications
and veterinary medicine and
way with completion expected early
in the park illustrates the significant
president of the MSU RTC board
next year. •
Construction of a second
Speaker shares 9-11 first-hand experiences O n Sept. 11, 2001,
four United States
commercial planes
were hijacked by terrorists and thousands died.
The president, vice president, secretary of state and other national officials mobilized. One military
Retired Lt. Col. Robert J. Darling signed copies of his book, “24 Hours Inside the President’s Bunker: 9-11-01,” both before and after his November presentation at MSU, where he remembered the events surrounding Sept. 11, 2001, and thanked all service members, past and present, for their sacrifice. Photo by: Russ Houston
official who watched as the national response unfolded in Washington, D.C., spoke to a Mississippi State crowd in November to explain what happened on 9/11 and confirm that freedom in the United States is worth the price paid. Retired Lt. Col. Robert J. Darling
Amid evacuations, flight
America will always be worth the price,” Darling emphasized.
presented “24 Hours Inside the
cancellations and reports of
President’s Bunker: 9-11-01,” also
explosions, people in the White
the name of his recently published
House were doing all they could to
who attended, especially
memoir, as part of the university’s
protect Americans and destroy the
the ROTC members who
observance of Veterans Day, Nov.
enemy, he explained.
attended in full uniform.
He thanked the MSU students
Darling remembered President
“Veterans Day -- a day that we
George Bush’s speech he gave the
celebrate, thank and honor every
account of his experiences,
night of 9/11, and emphasized
man and woman who have served in
beginning with the shock and
how Bush’s concern was always the
our armed forces, and the sacrifices
disbelief he, like so many other
people first: Were they receiving
continue today.…We’re a country
Americans, experienced when he
help? What resources could be
of 303 million people, and yet 2.3
saw the second airplane careen into
mobilized? How long would they
million people serve in the armed
the north tower of the World Trade
take to arrive?
forces. Less than 1 percent protect
11. He gave a minute-by-minute
Center.
Even with his concern for
the 99 percent of us,” Darling said. Darling donated part of his
“It was at that very moment,
ordinary citizens, though, Bush did
there was no doubt in our minds,
all he could to prepare the military
speaker fee to MSU’s G.V. “Sonny”
inside the Eisenhower Building (in
for a battle against radical terrorism
Montgomery Center for America’s
the White House), that we had a
that has lasted these more than 11
Veterans, and his appearance
full-blown terrorist attack unfolding
years since 9/11.
was organized by the MSU
right before our eyes in the city of New York,” Darling said.
“We absolutely must finish this job. Freedom in
Student Affairs Activity Center and the university. •
M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
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Federal grant funds connect university, Starkville with SMART system ore than $2 million
campus and the city will meet an ever-
will reduce traffic congestion both
in federal grant
growing need for improved public
on campus and in the city, while also
funds has been
transportation in our community and
reducing carbon emissions that harm
announced by Mississippi State to
definitely enhance the quality of life
the environment.
support an integrated transit system
for students and Starkville residents,”
connecting the university campus
Keenum said.
M
and city of Starkville.
Labeled “Starkville-MSU Area
Mike Harris, MSU’s parking and transit services director, said of the grant award, “In connecting our
Rapid Transit” or SMART, the new
campus and community, we all win.
Department of Transportation, the
public system will include three
Having a reliable and sustainable way
grant includes more than $800,000 for
scheduled routes: city-campus, city
for students and Starkville residents to
transit operations and approximately
circular and Sportsplex connectors.
visit health centers, retail outlets and
$1.5 million for the purchase of up to
Routes will include retail and grocery
recreational facilities is a major step in
12 buses.
stores, housing and other city venues,
overall growth of our community.”
Distributed through the Mississippi
The announcement was made in
with most stops having fixed shelters.
Along with MDOT, the city
October by MSU President Mark E.
Also, riders will be able to track
of Starkville, Oktibbeha County
Keenum, Mississippi Transportation
movement of the shuttles with real
Board of Supervisors and
Commissioner Mike Tagert and
time GPS information available
Greater Starkville Development
Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman.
through www.transit.msstate.edu.
Partnership will be involved with
“This convenient, timely transit
Offered free to all riders during
operation between key areas of
implementing the system. •
its first year, the new public system MSU President Mark E. Keenum, left, welcomed Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman and North Mississippi Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert to campus for the announcement of a $2 million federal grant funding the new StarkvilleMSU Area Rapid Transit system. The system will include three campuscity connector routes offered free to students and Starkville residents. Photo by: Russ Houston
36
WIN TER 2012
MSU among top veteran-friendly educational institutions
A
Pennsylvania-based media company that works to
support all U.S. military members reentering civilian life is again including Mississippi State in its 2013 Military Friendly Schools list. The recognition by Victory Media honors the top 15 percent of U.S. colleges, universities and trade schools that “are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans and spouses as students and ensure their success on campus.” Founded in 2001 and led by veterans, the Pittsburg company owns and operates five global brands: G.I. Jobs, G.I. Education,
Mississippi State has been named among the nation’s educational institutions “doing the most to embrace America’s military service members, veterans, and spouses as students.” Photo by: Meagan Bean
NaVOBA, Vetrepreneur and Military Spouse. “Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools shows
survey of more than 12,000 schools nationwide. Ken McRae, director of the
Mississippi State University’s
G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery
commitment to providing a
Center for America’s Veterans,
supportive environment for
said MSU is “honored to again
military students,” said company
be recognized by G.I. Jobs and
vice president Sean Collins. “As
Victory Media as a top military
interest in education grows,
friendly school.”
we’re thrilled to provide the
He attributed the recognition
military community with
“to the impassioned work of our
resources to assist in their search
staff, our extremely supportive
for schools.”
university administration,
Collins said the annual list
private donors, and a hard-
is compiled through extensive
working student veteran
research and a data-driven
population.” •
M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
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Campus
NEWS
12 WINTER
ALUMNUS
Kenyan ambassador welcomed
for Maroon Edition Program ne Kenyan leader is setting
O
an example both in Africa
and the world as an empathetic leader representing the sick, the poor and the isolated. The Kenyan ambassador to the U.S., His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya Elkanah Odembo, shared his knowledge and his mission in November as a 2012 Maroon Edition speaker at MSU. Odembo personally knew fellow Kenya-native Wangari Maathai, the
Kenyan Ambassador to the U.S. Elkanah Odembo Photo By: Beth Wynn
late author of Unbowed who wrote
psychology department. “His
among his many roles as a Kenyan
the memoir selected by university
personal ties to the author and his
leader over the years, and during
leaders for the 2012 Maroon Edition
global perspective as a diplomat
his visit to MSU, he plans to meet
first-year reading experience. The
offered a unique and special
personally with the Kenyan-national
annual projects shared among
presentation to our campus.”
students enrolled at the university,
Even though he was educated in
including one Fulbright Scholar.
for incoming students, as well as
the United States, Odembo uses his
Like Maathai, Odembo’s work
returning classes, faculty and staff,
degrees in biology, sociology and
focuses on improving quality of life
and anyone interested in being part
public health to benefit his native
for the poor and unrepresented:
of the extended university family,
country. As a Fellow of the Africa
prior to becoming ambassador
to connect with a powerful and
Leadership Initiative and a Synergos
to the U.S., Odembo was the East
inspirational narrative.
Senior Fellow, Odembo’s career
Africa representative for World
“Our Maroon Edition book is
has concentrated on promoting
Neighbors and was appointed
about Kenya, and the ambassador
philanthropy and using natural
chairman of the Kenya Community
personally knew Wangari Maathai,”
resources to improve quality of life
Development Foundation and
said Linda Morse, chair of the
in Kenya.
named the lead facilitator for the
the MSU family feature a book
Maroon Edition committee,
38
WI NTER 2012
Odembo has encouraged
and professor and director of
social responsibility, cross-sector
the counseling and educational
partnerships and policy research
Kenya Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Consultation Process. •
Climatology, disaster experts forecast continued dominance in broadcast meteorology at MSU s Hurricane Sandy
A
Mike Brown, Mississippi State University associate professor of meteorology and climatology, works with broadcast meteorology student Rachel Kroot, of Lancaster, Penn. Her parents’ basement is flooded because of Hurricane Sandy’s impact across the East Coast.
pummeled the East Coast, Mississippi
State University meteorology experts were some of the most trusted voices in the national conversation about natural disaster education and
Photo by: Russ Houston
awareness. When people are aware of a coming storm and understand its dangers and its capacity to obstruct electricity, transportation, water and other everyday comforts, fewer people die. That’s the goal for MSU climatology and disaster relief
“That just says it all: Our program
planners and media outlets are quick
experts when they offer their
here is big, it’s nationally known,
to call MSU climatologists when
expertise to outside media outlets
and it’s very well respected. Our
severe weather is on the horizon
and inside their classrooms,
graduates are doing very good stuff.”
according to Charlie Wax,
Ninety-one percent of broadcast
After MSU-trained meteorologists from the National
professor of meteorology and
meteorology graduates enter
Weather Service offices in Jackson,
climatology at MSU.
television jobs within six months
Memphis, Tenn., and Birmingham,
of graduation, and 94 percent of
Ala., predicted the severe weather
education and awareness: that’s what
operational meteorology graduates
outbreak on April 27, 2011,
brings down the death rates,” said
continue in graduate school or
broadcast meteorologists all over the
Wax, who is considered an expert
are hired by the National Weather
South warned the public, Wax said.
climatologist. “Having a general
Service, the military or private
understanding of the risks associated
industry within six months of degree
Association meeting in October
helps you be more prepared.”
completion, Wax noted.
2011 credited MSU meteorologists’
“Our program is all about
Close to 70 percent of United
Mississippi is an epicenter
The National Weather
“timely warnings” and “accurate
States broadcast meteorologists have
for severe weather, and MSU
dissemination of information” as the
direct ties to the MSU program, said
meteorology professors are quick
reason more people did not die from
Mike Brown, associate professor and
to use actual weather patterns as
the outbreak of tornadoes.
state climatologist.
teaching tools for students.
To learn more about meteorology
“If there’s a discussion about
Not only are meteorology
at MSU, go to http://www.
weather, Mississippi State is part of
students learning from storms as
geosciences.msstate.edu. •
that discussion,” Brown explained.
they intensify and dissipate, U.S.
M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
39
Alumni
NEWS
12 WINTER
ALUMNUS
University hosts
SEC alumni professionals
events to chapter programs to communication and more. “One of the most beneficial aspects of the APSEC conference is being able to learn best practices and gain ideas from our peers,” stated Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president for development and
ississippi State was
at the Hunter Henry Center. MSU
alumni and executive director of the
privileged to host the 2012
legend Roy H. Ruby entertained
MSU Alumni Association. “This is a
meeting of the Alumni Professionals
the crowd as the evening’s speaker.
great opportunity for each school to
of the Southeastern Conference in
APSEC attendees then enjoyed
highlight a special program or event
August. Titled APSEC, the annual
an evening of music with local
that they are proud of, and each year
conference allows alumni staff
performer Bill Cooke.
we learn so much from each other.”
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from the SEC to come together
To open the conference, Greg
Abraham, who served as
for idea sharing and networking
Sankey, executive associate
president of APSEC for 2012, also
opportunities.
commissioner and COO of the
hosted a meeting for executive
SEC, delivered the keynote address.
directors of the 14 institutions
the 14 SEC institutions were in
He spoke on SEC policy and
throughout the day.
attendance, including staff members
regulations, and gave an overall
from the two newest members–
update of the conference.
Representatives from each of
Texas A&M University and the
Following Sankey, alumni
“The executive directors came together to really share the nuts and bolts of our separate operations,”
professionals had the opportunity
he commented. “Collectively, our
to learn from each other in a series
associations represent over 3 million
at the conference hotel by several
of breakout sessions. Each of the
alumni worldwide. By collaborating
Alumni Delegates. They were then
14 institutions gave presentations
with one another, we not only
treated to a campus tour and dinner
on topics ranging from alumni
further the goals and mission of our
University of Missouri. Guests arrived and were greeted
own institutions, but also the SEC as a whole.” In addition to breakout sessions, attendees enjoyed lunch with a presentation from former Mississippi Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, who Greg Sankey, executive associate commissioner and COO of the SEC, offered the Tuesday morning keynote address to APSEC representatives. Photo by: Russ Houston
40
WI NTER 2012
now serves as vice president for campus services at MSU. There was also time set aside to visit with the many APSEC sponsors on hand, who represented affinity partners associated with alumni activities.
That evening, a special celebration
More than 100 alumni professionals
was held at The Little Dooey in honor
and sponsors attended the three-
of the SEC alumni professionals.
day event, which was held primarily
Thirty Fingers provided live music
at Colvard Student Union and the
while guests dined on crawfish, catfish
Hunter Henry Center.
and Dooey’s famous pulled pork
“The 2012 APSEC conference was
barbeque. An after-dinner party was
a wonderful event where we were
held at the Hunter Henry Center
able to gather together as peers and
featuring local party band The Flames.
friends and celebrate the work of
The 2012 APSEC conference
alumni professionals in the greatest
wrapped up on Wednesday with
conference in the country,” said
a special keynote presentation
Abraham. Next year, the University of
from Richard Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising arm
Kentucky will host the annual meeting
for St. Jude Children’s Research
of alumni professionals. For photos
Hospital. Shadyac spoke on the
of the event, visit www.facebook.
mission and work of St. Jude and
com/apsec2012. Watch a video of the
the nature of philanthropy in a
conference at www.youtube.com/
challenging economic environment.
MSUAlumniAssociation. •
MSU holds second annual
Cowbell Yell The MSU Student Association, Alumni
Association and Athletics hosted a late night fan event prior to the home football opener against Jackson State. Titled “Cowbell Yell,” the event, in
Association sponsors 2012-13 athletic radio broadcast
its second year, commemorates the start of football season. Students and fans enjoyed the public debut of the team introduction video, as well as a celebration of SEC’s “cowbell compromise” for home games. Guest speakers included Athletic Director Scott
he MSU Alumni Association is sponsoring the radio broadcasts
Stricklin and Head Football Coach Dan Mullen.
at all football, baseball, and men’s and women’s basketball games
Former Bulldog standout Jerious Norwood
T
throughout the 2012-13 athletic season.
“We are very proud of the opportunity to let all Bulldog fans know of
surprised the crowd as a special guest this year. Norwood, a running back who played in the early
the Alumni Association’s support of MSU Athletics,” said Jimmy Abraham,
2000s, was drafted in the NFL in 2006. He has
associate vice president for development and alumni and executive director
played for the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams.
of the Alumni Association. “Not only are we excited to partner with athletics
“Cowbell Yell is the first opportunity for us to
in this endeavor, but this will also allow us to promote our association
teach new students the traditions we hold dear,
numerous times to thousands of listeners.”
and to celebrate those traditions with the Bulldog
The Alumni Association radio sponsorship began in September as the
family,” stated Student Association President Shelby
Bulldogs opened the football season against Jackson State University. Radio
Balius. “It is also our way of showing the best
broadcasts can be heard on over 25 statewide networks, online at Maroon to
support for our hard-working football team and
the Max, and on some Sirius and XM satellite stations.
coaches to kick off their next winning season on the
For more information on radio broadcasts, please visit the MSU Athletics
eve of their first game.” •
website at hailstate.com. •
M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
41
Alumni
NEWS
12 WINTER
ALUMNUS
2012 Alumni Fellows visit campus
Dr. David E. Wigley of Smyrna, Ga., has been chosen as fellow for the College of Arts and Sciences. Wigley earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and soil science in 1977, and a bachelor’s in chemistry in 1979 . He is currently an attorney at Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP. Paul J. Karre was named fellow for MSU’s business college. Karre, a resident of Germantown, Tenn., earned a bachelor’s of business administration in management
he MSU Alumni Association welcomed the
T
in 1974. He now serves as senior vice president of human
2012 class of Alumni Fellows to campus
resources and communications for International Paper.
Sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association, the
degree in elementary education in 1979. He now is deputy
colleges, the Meridian campus and the Office of the
chief of staff for manpower, personnel and services for the
Provost, the fellows program recognizes alumni who
U.S. Air Force at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington,
have distinguished themselves in their respective careers.
D.C.
in November. The group was honored in
conjunction with the MSU vs. Arkansas football game.
Honorees are invited to return to campus to meet with students, both in the classroom and informally.
The College of Education is honoring 1979 graduate Lt. Gen. Darrell D. Jones as the 2012 fellow. Jones earned a
The James Worth Bagley College of Engineering named Anthony L. Wilson of Fayetteville, Ga., as fellow. Wilson
This year’s class includes:
serves as executive vice president of customer service and
Thomas H. “Hunt” Shipman was selected for the
operations for Georgia Power. He earned an electrical
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Shipman, of Falls Church, Va., is a 1992 agribusiness graduate, who is a partner with Cornerstone Government Affairs LLC. The College of Architecture, Art and Design honored
engineering degree from MSU in 1987. David E. Wesley, a 1962 and 1968 alumnus, is the 2012 fellow for the College of Forest Resources. Wesley holds two degrees from MSU – a bachelor’s in history and
Bradley C. Touchstone, AIA, of Tallahassee, Fla., as
political science and a master’s in wildlife and fisheries
fellow. Touchstone is a 1993 graduate, and a founder
with an emphasis in zoology. He currently resides in
and principal architect at Touchstone Architecture and
Missoula, Mont.
Consulting P.A.
The College of Veterinary Medicine is bestowing the honor of fellow to husband and wife team, Drs. Neil
Front Row Left to Right Anthony L. Wilson, Dr. Neil M. Williams, Dr. Deborah Maples Williams, Dr. David E. Wesley and Mr. Thomas H. “Hunt” Shipman Back Row Left to Right Dr. Jimmy W. Abraham, Dr. David E. Wigley, Mr. Raymond L. “Ray” Gibbons, Mr. Bradley C. Touchstone, AIA, Paul J. Karre and Lt. Gen. Darrell D. Jones
42
W I NTER 2012
M. Williams and Dr. Deborah Maples Williams. Both employees of the University of Kentucky, Neil serves as a professor and association director of the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, while Deborah is the diagnostic services coordinator. The couple resides in Nicholasville, Ky. MSU-Meridian, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, named alumnus Raymond L. “Ray” Gibbons as fellow. Gibbons earned a master’s in business administration this year. •
Bash rocks Cotton District in November ississippi State hosted its
M
on the Bulldog Bash stage. Rock band
annual outdoor concert in
Surviving Allison, winner of MSU’s battle
November. Bulldog Bash,
of the bands, was first to perform for the
in its 13th year, brought thousands of
evening. Pop artist Andy Grammer was
students, alumni, fans and community
next to take the stage. Grammer, who is
members to Starkville’s historic Cotton
most popular for his top 10 singles “Fine
District for a night of music and revelry.
by Me” and “Keep Your Head Up,” thrilled
The event kicked off with FanFare at 3
the crowd with his vocal and instrumental
p.m. Campus organizations, local eateries and sponsors set up booths for the public,
The final two acts that evening were a pair of country music bands, Gloriana and
for children. Sponsored by the MSU
Eli Young Band. Gloriana is most popular
Alumni Association, FanFare day brought
for their recent hit “(Kissed You) Good
hundreds of fans of all ages to enjoy the
Night.” Band members Tom, Mike and
festivities.
Rachel entertained the crowd with high
Bash again this year and sponsor FanFare
Gloriana's Rachel Reinert
talents.
as well as bounce houses and activities
“We were honored to support Bulldog
Photos by: Megan Bean
voltage southern rock and smooth ballads. The 2012 Bulldog Bash headliner,
for all to enjoy,” stated Jimmy Abraham,
Eli Young Band, brought a bit of Texas
associate vice president for development
country to Starkville. The group, which
and alumni and executive director of the
was started by Mike Eli and James Young,
MSU Alumni Association. “The event
has recently made their way to the top of
not only brings together our campus and
country charts and were nominated for
community, but it also attracts thousands
two Country Music Awards. With hits like
of Bulldog faithful from all over the
“When it Rains,” “Crazy Girl,” and “Say
country who come back home for this
Goodnight,” Eli Young brought excitement
great event.”
and energy to thousands of Bash attendees.
Following FanFare, the MSU spirit
“Bulldog Bash is one of the many
groups led the crowd at the DawgRally
events we are happy to sponsor for our
and pumped everyone up for the football
students, alumni and fans each year,”
game against Texas A&M the next day.
said Abraham. “It is an exciting time in
Wayne Madkin, former MSU quarterback,
Starkville and Mississippi State, and we
made a special appearance and addressed
plan to continue to support events like this
the excited Bulldog crowd.
for years to come.” •
Around 30,000 music fans came to the 2012 Bulldog Bash.
The live music kicked off at 6 p.m. Mike Eli, lead singer of The Eli Young Band M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
43
Alumni
NEWS
12 WINTER
ALUMNUS
George-Greene alumni chapter supports students through scholarships
alumni and executive director of
endowed chapter scholarships
the MSU Alumni Association. “By
play a significant role in helping
providing scholarship opportunities
exceptional students like Gamble
for our students, chapters are
attend MSU. Awards are typically
not only making an important
given to students within the
investment in the education of
chapter’s local area, and are
their community, but also the
undreds of Mississippi
H
based on criteria set forth by the
Bulldog family as a whole.”
State University students
individual chapters.
the support of MSU’s 93 alumni
our area have gone above and
important factors in his decision to
chapters around the world. Since its
beyond to sponsor scholarships for
attend Mississippi State.
earliest roots, alumni of Mississippi
our local community,” said Brenda
State have taken an active role in
Smith, president of the George-
which college I would be attending,
educating Bulldogs by providing
Greene Chapter. “We have two
it was a no-brainer. Mississippi
funds for student scholarships.
counties and two high schools to
State is a top-notch engineering
support, and students who are truly
university located in my home state
Association’s chapters award
in need of scholarships to fulfill
and it caters to my engineering
funds to top performing scholars.
their dreams of attending college.”
discipline of choice,” Gamble said.
Today, many of the MSU Alumni
One of these students, Wyatt
“The alumni and friends from
The George-Greene Chapter has
For Gamble, having a chapter scholarship was one of the most
“When faced with the decision of
Many chapters have established
Gamble, is a proud recipient of
established two endowed funds
scholarships, but do not have
a chapter scholarship.
and one annual fund, and awarded
enough funds to make awards
10 scholarships to area students
each year. Individual gifts are
in computer engineering in the
this year. “We work hard to recruit
extremely important to keep these
James Worth Bagley College of
students to MSU in the schools
scholarships active. Gifts of any
Engineering. He is one of three
and the community, and the
amount from individual donors
students receiving an annual
scholarships we can provide offer a
may be designated to a specific
scholarship from the George-
huge advantage to these students,”
chapter’s endowed or annual
Greene Alumni Chapter this year.
stated Smith. The tradition of
scholarship fund.
Gamble is a freshman majoring
“The George-Greene Alumni
chapter scholarships dates back to
To find out more about how
Scholarship covered the remaining
the late 1880s when members of
to make a gift, contact your local
required fees I owed, and has
then-Mississippi A&M’s alumni
chapter representative, or Jackie
helped me to not worry about
group began collecting money for
Hudson with the MSU Foundation
how I will be paying for college,”
students in need.
at 662-325-4214 or jhudson@
stated Gamble. “With that burden
WI NTER 2012
president for development and
MSU Foundation, annual and
benefit each year from
44
Managed through the
“Our chapters offer so much
advservices.msstate.edu. You may
taken off of me, I have been able
more to MSU than just a venue
also make a gift online at www.
to focus on my studies with fewer
for events and activities,” said
msufoundation.com. •
distractions.”
Jimmy Abraham, associate vice
Tailgate Scrapbook
Members of MSU’s spirit squad pause for a photo opportunity with a young fan.
Mississippi State kicked off its 2012 football season in September with a few thrilling home field victories. As always, the MSU Alumni Association held its tailgating festivities before each game welcoming alumni and friends back home to MSU. Hundreds of fans gathered under the big top tent to celebrate the start of a fantastic football season. Anne Elise Parks, a 2011 graduate and former Alumni Delegate, enjoys visiting with Memphis alumnus Stephen Woo.
MSU cheerleaders perform in front of the crowd at the alumni tailgate.
Tim and Katie Thomas, Tyler Hall and David Moore stop by the tent for a visit prior to the Jackson State game.
Fans enjoy complimentary barbeque from The Little Dooey courtesy of the Alumni Association.
Jimmy W. Abraham, associate vice president for development and alumni and executive director of the MSU Alumni Association, catches up with former national president Charles Cascio.
M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
45
Alumni
NEWS
12 WINTER
ALUMNUS
M-State tags available in three states how your support for Mississippi State by
S
purchasing a trademark license plate for your personal vehicle. Tags are now available in
Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas with a minimal additional cost to the standard fee. More than 200 individuals have purchased a Texas M-State tag since it was released in the fall. Tags are available for purchase through www.myplates.com/go/mstate, an affiliate of the Texas Department of Transportation. Drivers can choose from three options – the luxury, custom or design series – with varying prices starting at $30. Once purchased through the My Plates website, the license plates are delivered to your local tax assessor’s office for pickup. A portion of the sales is directed to a scholarship fund for Texas residents who attend MSU. In Mississippi, nearly 17,000 drivers are representing “Our State” with an MSU plate, and we are leading the way in 59 of 82 counties. Mississippi tags may be purchased through the local county tax collector’s office. Cost of the M-State plate is approximately $53.50 per year, in addition to the normal cost. Of that, $32.50 is tax deductible and goes directly to help fund priority programs at MSU. Tennessee residents may purchase an M-State tag for $56.50 at the county clerk’s office. A portion of the proceeds is allocated to the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Highway Fund. The plate can be personalized with five characters available for a total of $91.50. Over 1,100 drivers in Tennessee are promoting MSU with a university license plate. Help MSU rule the road in Mississippi, Texas and Tennessee by purchasing an M-State car tag the next time you renew. For more on M-State license plates, please visit alumni. msstate.edu/cartag. •
46
WI NTER 2012
Bully shows off his Mississippi State license plate, which is also available for purchase in Tennessee and Texas.
Foundation
NEWS
MSU junior uses scholarships to prepare for future career
12 WINTER
ALUMNUS
pursue their dreams of education and prepare them for careers that will benefit the community,” said Raygene Paige, the couple’s youngest daughter. “My parents instilled values in their students, and our family is pleased to continue to inspire recipients at MSU to achieve their goals through this scholarship.”
ississippi State University
M
has already made an
Paige followed her father into the
impact on the life of
extension field after graduating from
Carlos Morris, and a much-needed
MSU with a doctor of education degree.
scholarship is paving the way for his
She served the state of Mississippi in
junior year of study in the College of
leadership roles with the extension
Agriculture and Life Sciences
service for 39 years. Now retired, she resides in Cordova, Tenn.
“MSU makes you feel special, not just
“The Paige scholarship makes me
like any other student,” said Morris. “I
feel worthy to receive it because it
have a great adviser who has guided me since my freshman year, and with my
Carlos Morris
honors the Paiges for their commitment
scholarship I feel like I am on the right
federal agency such as the United States
to education. Being selected for the
track for graduation.”
Department of Agriculture. He also
scholarship has given me a great sense of
plans to pursue master’s and doctoral
pride,” Morris said.
Although an undeclared major when he enrolled, Morris found a part-time job in the Custer Dairy Processing Plant.
degrees. For the current academic year, the
Furthermore, the scholarship has helped Morris remain in school. “Since I am not eligible for federal
A unit of the Mississippi Agricultural
R.C. and Sophie E. Paige Endowed
and Forestry Experiment Station, the
Scholarship is helping make Morris’
assistance, I have to supplement my
plant serves as a teaching and research
education possible. The scholarship was
college years with student loans.
laboratory for students studying dairy
established in 2003 and has grown into
Scholarships lessen the amount I have to
foods. The facility houses some of the
an endowment in recent years.
borrow, so to be chosen for this award is
most modern equipment available. “The total manufacturing process
The scholarship honors Mississippi natives and lifelong educators Raynor
a true blessing,” he said. Morris realizes the importance of
fascinated me, and I decided to major in
and Sophie Paige. As parents, they
private gifts to Mississippi State and
food science,” said Morris, who is from
brought education to the forefront
how fortunate he is to be among the
Greenville. “As a future food scientist, I
for their family and ensured their five
beneficiaries of these gifts.
feel like I will have a lot of opportunities
children earned degrees. After retiring
to make a positive impact on how food is
from education, Raynor Page worked
me to receive scholarships through
produced, manufactured and marketed.”
as a county agent for the Mississippi
their generosity. Gifts for scholarships
Extension Service.
help students strive for their goals
In the future, Morris hopes his efforts will eventually lead to a research position with a major food company or a
“The purpose of the scholarship is to enable highly qualified students to
“Contributors allow students like
without worrying about paying for college,” he said. •
M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
47
Foundation
NEWS
12 WINTER
ALUMNUS
Sidon Plantation, an $8 million bequest of real estate to MSU, is the largest in the university’s history.
Late pilot bequeaths Delta plantation to MSU illis Durden McGeary left
corn and soybeans – and we are proud to say our efforts
Mississippi to follow his dream
are prosperous each year,” said John Doty Porter, one of the
of becoming a pilot, but he never
property’s tenant farmers.
forgot his connection to his home state and the university where he earned his degree. As the last surviving member of a prominent Mississippi Delta family, McGeary chose to give Mississippi State
early 1970s, and he is happy the land will now belong to MSU since the McGeary family had no heirs. Although McGeary deeply appreciated agriculture, he had aspirations outside of farming. From the age of 10,
to honor his heritage. The longtime California resident
he decided to become a pilot. His dream led him to then
died in 2011 at the age of 91.
Mississippi State College where he earned an aeronautical engineering degree in 1940.
university history, is designated as “unrestricted,” meaning
Following graduation, McGeary was employed with
agricultural lease proceeds from the property will provide
several aircraft manufacturing companies as an engineer
an annual source of revenue for MSU as part of the
before joining the U.S. Army Air Corps. He became an
university’s Bulldog Properties program. The funds will
aircraft commander, flying missions in the European
assist university areas that exhibit the greatest need.
Theater during World War II. For his valiant efforts, he
The bequest includes 2,069 acres of farmland and 568
was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. One of his
additional acres around Sidon Plantation near Greenwood,
favorite pastimes was to chronicle his many adventures of
as well as one of the oldest homes in Leflore County.
piloting the B-24 Liberator.
During his lifetime, the land meant more to McGeary than
After the war, McGeary returned to Mississippi
the beauty of the home and the bountiful row crops that
and managed the family plantation. He later
grew there. The property remained in his
became a captain for American Airlines where
family for generations, and he wanted to preserve it.
he worked for 29 years until his retirement.
“Row crops are still grown on the farmland – cotton, W I NTER 2012
Doty and his family have farmed the property since the
University his beloved Sidon Plantation in Leflore County
The $8 million bequest of real estate, the largest in
48
McGeary in his early years as a pilot.
In McGeary’s later years, California became his home.
MSU fundraising initiative exceeds $100 million goal StatePride: An Initiative for Student and
efforts at Mississippi State will continue as the
can help MSU better serve its students. It takes
Faculty Support is still going strong, surging
MSU Foundation works to cultivate additional
esteemed faculty in every area of the university
past its $100 million goal on its way to a
sources for private gifts.
to challenge the best and brightest students to
“We will continue to seek the support of our
much-anticipated finish.
excel in all learning environments. Additional
alumni and friends in fulfilling many of the
endowed positions will allow Mississippi State to
the StatePride initiative, and I am very pleased
unmet needs of our university,” said John P. Rush,
lure top educators to the academic community,
we have been able to surpass that mark ahead of
vice president for development and alumni. “Our
who in turn attract significant research support,
schedule,” said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.
efforts will focus on securing gifts for specific
outstanding graduate students and other
“Mississippi State is extremely grateful to its
scholarships and endowed positions in crucial
distinguished faculty.
alumni and friends for understanding our needs
areas as we move forward.”
“We set an ambitious goal of $100 million with
Scholarships continue as one of the key goals
and stepping up to support this effort to assist our
Gifts for StatePride may be made in honor or in memory of a family member, classmate or
for StatePride. While many areas of the university
mentor. Donors may earmark gifts for the college,
have received generous support for annual and
school or priority of their choosing. Individuals
has been evident in the significant growth in
endowed scholarships, gifts for scholarships are
can visit www.msufoundation.com and make
university scholarships, faculty development
still needed university-wide, especially those
their gift today for StatePride, or contact an
opportunities and endowed positions.
designated for general university.
MSU Foundation fundraiser to discuss specific
talented students and dedicated faculty.” Over the past four years, StatePride’s success
The StatePride initiative will draw to a close at
Gifts for endowed positions in the form of
the end of December, but specialized fundraising
chairs and professorships through StatePride
He resided in Marina Del Rey for a number of years. “Willis was always very adventurous and he loved flying.
opportunities at 662-325-7000. •
Foundation and gain tax advantages. “Mississippi State University is extremely grateful to
He even took the first flight on a Concorde jet that went
Willis McGeary for allowing us to transform his treasured
around the world,” recalled Joy Andresen McGeary, his wife
possession into a valuable resource for the students, faculty
of nearly 18 years.
and programs of the university,” said Jud Skelton, director of
Although his adventures took him away from Mississippi, McGeary wanted to ensure his legacy in his home state would be perpetually sustained. “My husband wanted to leave the plantation and farmland to MSU because he felt the university would be good stewards of the property and because of his genuine fondness and appreciation for the school,” Andresen McGeary said. By gifting the land in this manner, alumni and friends like
real estate giving. He continued, “The gift is remarkable, not only for the level of generosity, but also for the investment in future generations and the demonstration of confidence he placed in Mississippi State.” Gifts of real estate and timberland can help individuals achieve financial, philanthropic and estate-planning goals. Because of carefully laid plans, the McGeary name will
McGeary can take comfort in knowing their family legacy
continue to be associated with Mississippi as part of the state’s
will be competently managed by the MSU Foundation real
leading university.
estate team.
For more on real estate giving opportunities, contact
Mississippi State University accepts gifts of real estate and
Jud Skelton at jskelton@foundation.msstate.edu or 662-
timberland through its Bulldog Properties and Bulldog Forest
325-0643, or Jeff Little at jlittle@foundation.msstate.edu
programs. Individuals who wish to support the university,
or 662-325-8151. •
but are unable to make large cash gifts, are encouraged to consider these giving programs through the MSU M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
49
Class
NEWS
12 WINTER
ALUMNUS
’42 JIMMYE S. HILLMAN, professor
’76 BRENDA RAGAN NALEPA
’86 LESLIE R. DEAN of Jacksonville, Fla.,
emeritus of agricultural economics at the
has been inducted into the Naismith
an attorney with GrayRobinson Attorneys
University of Arizona, has written Hogs, Mules,
Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in
at Law, has been promoted to associate of
and Yellow Dogs, a memoir of growing up
Springfield, Conn., as part of the first
counsel.
in Depression-era Mississippi. The book is
women’s professional basketball team in the
available through the University of Arizona
U.S., the All American Red Heads.
Press.
’49 JACK HATCHER, retired president, chairman and CEO of Robertson-Ceco Corp., has been honored by the Metal Building
’93 ANDREW BISSONNETTE of Nashville, Tenn., a partner with the
’78 CHRIS GRICE, senior vice president
accounting firm Lattimore Black Morgan &
of Amegy Bank of Texas, has been elected
Cain, has been named to the Nashville Health
board chair of The Woodlands, Texas Area
Care Council’s 2012-13 board of directors.
Economic Development Partnership for
’98 CHRISTOPHER WADE, a NASA
Manufacturers Association with a formal
2012-13.
proclamation citing his many contributions to
’79 JEFF MCCOY of Meridian has joined
engineer, has received NASA’s Exceptional
Great Southern National Bank as president and
effort to ensure visiting space craft make it
chief operating officer.
safely to the International Space Station.
Trustees for SECO, the fifth-largest electric
’82 DURR BOYLES of Jackson,
’02 LESLIE PENN PETRO of Madison has
cooperative in the U.S. James spent his entire
commander of the 184th Sustainment
written and published Cowbell Tales, a book
career in the electric utility industry, retiring as
Command with Mississippi Army National
of personal stories of the cowbell’s tradition
a president and CEO.
Guard, has been promoted to the rank of
at Mississippi State. Cowbell Tales became
’73 RICHARD CUICCHI of New Orleans,
brigadier general.
available in bookstores in November.
La., a retired information technology
’84 RICHARD J. GILBRECH has been
’07JOEY BROWN of Atlanta, Ga., has
professional for Entergy Corp., had his book,
named center director of NASA’s John C.
been promoted to vice president of sales
Family Ties: A Comprehensive Collection of
Stennis Space Center at Bay St. Louis. He
and recruitment with The Campus Special, a
Facts and Figures About Baseball’s Relatives,
previously was the center’s deputy director.
national marketing and advertising firm that
the metal building industry.
’58 BILL JAMES has been elected to another three-year term on the Board of
published in September.
’85 JIM RICHMOND of Madison has
Achievement Medal for helping lead the
reaches students at 350 universities through print, mobile and online mediums.
WILLIAM H. HOWARD III, a shareholder
been named vice president of corporate
with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell &
communications for C Spire Wireless. He
BRITTANY WALKER has been promoted
Berkowitz law firm, has been elected to a one-
previously was the company’s director of
to audit senior with Deloitte & Touche.
year term as Southwest region vice president
corporate communications.
of the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel.
’74 JIM KOERBER of Hattiesburg, a shareholder in the Koerber Company, has been named Outstanding Member for the Fourth Quarter 2012 by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.
50
WI NTER 2012
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS James Harris Martin,
Matthew Avery Shivers, Porter Rookh Swann,
Oct. 2, 2012, to Scott Martin
March 20, 2012, to Melanie
Aug. 20, 2012, to Richard
(’99) and wife Jamie of
Foster Shivers (’02)
Swann (’89) and Tamra Swann
Hattiesburg.
and husband Ryan.
(’94) of Starkville.
In
MEMORIAM
Boyce Ervin Harris (’49)—84, Tupelo; retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and Korean War and Vietnam War veteran, Sept. 21, 2012.
William H. Ward (’76)—54, Worthington, Ohio; Department of Insurance employee for the State of Ohio, Feb. 19, 2009.
Ras Lavaughn Caves (’51)—85, Laurel; retired agriculture instructor at Jones County Junior College, Oct. 7, 2012.
Guy Salvador Todaro Jr. (’81)—55, Draper, Utah; longtime Chevron employee, Aug. 29, 2012.
Paul Lockhart Jr. (’54)—80, Tyler, Texas; retired Texas Department of Transportation employee, Aug. 4, 2012.
Sue Schmitt (’84)—Seattle, Wash.; retired dean of the College of Education at Seattle University, Sept. 29, 2012.
Thomas Wayne Thornton (’75)—65, Carthage; owner of Thornton’s Tax Service and former owner of Pine Tree General Store, May 21, 2011.
12 winter
ALUMNUS
Hayes Daniel (attended)—63, Starkville; Sept. 2, 2012. Jack Darrel Warrington (attended)—85, Leland; Dixie Gas Co. employee and Korean War veteran, Oct. 12, 2012. Troy Kight (former employee)—84, Bainbridge, Ga.; former editor of MAFES research magazine at Mississippi State, Sept. 30, 2012. Marvis Sisson (friend)—80, Philadelphia; retired South Central Bell Telephone Co. employee, Oct. 10, 2012.
M IS S IS S IP P I STAT E A LUMNUS
51
Bell Island’s Fall Colors photo by Megan Bean
Situated on the gently sloping lawn between Lee Blvd. and
52
The spot, just west of the old YMCA, sat vacant until
Walker Road is an area well known to older MSU alumni as
1995 when a new bell was given by late MSU alumnus
Bell Island. The bell was a senior class memorial erected by the
Jim Buck Ross, longtime Mississippi Commissioner of
Class of 1939 and destroyed by a falling tree in the early 1960s.
Agriculture and Commerce.
W IN TER 2012
While you’re in the area cheering on your Dawgs ...
visit Columbus for even more excitement! We’re just around the corner. n over 900 hotel/B&B rooms n childhood home of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams n fabulous restaurants n beautiful antebellum and Victorian homes n specialty shopping n recreational activities Learn more about what you can do during your stay. Visit us online at www.columbus-ms.org.
www.columbus-ms.org 662-329-1191 800-327-2686
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Want to join other Mississippi State fans for a Mardi Gras-style celebration in the heart of Bulldog Country? Then plan to be a part of the 3rd annual
Tentatively set for Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at the Starkville Country Club. Tickets cost $50 per person and will go on sale in early December once details for the event are finalized. Proceeds from the Bully Gras Ball benefit the emergency/disaster preparedness, education, and response programs of Oktibbeha-Starkville Emergency Response Volunteer Services (OSERVS), a non-profit, charitable organization. For information about purchasing tickets, contact the OSERVS office at (662) 384-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.
NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID BIRMINGHAM, AL PERMIT NO. 159 Post Office Box AA One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526 www.alumni.msstate.edu ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED
Made with recycled paper. Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran’s status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated.
Draft a winning charitable gift plan with our help. You probably know that Mississippi State University thrives with gifts from alumni and friends like you. But, you might not realize that by making a planned gift, you can often create a much larger impact on MSU’s tomorrow, without sacrificing as much today. Take that first step and start your charitable gift planning now. Contact the MSU Foundation’s Office of Planned Giving at 662.325.3707. Or, visit our website at msufoundation.com and click on “Planned Giving.”
Don’t stand on the sidelines… get in the game!
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