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THE S O U T H E R N M I S S A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N • S U M M E R 2 0 2 0
THE
THE TALON
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUMMER 2020
S O CI AT IO N S S A L U M N I AS SOUTHERN MI
7 Notes from Home
• S U M M E R 2020
10 News Around Campus
ng for ext decade
12 Association News
good thing.
24 Alumni Association At-A-Glance
Association
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26 Foundation News SouthernMissAlumni .com
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Certain Success in an Uncertain World
credit eligibility Membership and
ON THE COVER: The Southern Miss Alumni Association commends the hard work of all Spring 2020 graduates who persevered through unprecedented challenges to complete their degrees from The University of Southern Mississippi. In May, the Alumni Association provided each graduate with a complimentary annual membership in the organization.
30 A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME. In late February, The University of Southern Mississippi began issuing travel recommendations based on information received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the U.S. Department of State. At the time, the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) had not been reported in the United States. By March 12, everything had changed. With each new development, the pandemic’s impact spread to each corner of the University’s campus beginning with the extension of Spring Break and continuing through academic coursework, USM Athletics, arts events, student life and beyond. Under the leadership of University President Rodney D. Bennett and his executive team, Southern Miss began doing what it does best – soaring above the challenges with the grit and determination by which Golden Eagles are known.
32 The University’s Response to COVID-19 34 A Historic Shift in Perspective: Dr. Andrew Wiest 37 Student Spotlight: SGA President Rachel Shoemaker 38 A Global Impact: How COVID-19 Affected International Students at USM
“The Alumni Association acknowledges the true Southern Miss spirit exhibited by this class of graduates, and we are excited to celebrate not only their achievements, but also the determination with which they earned them.” – JERRY B. DEFAT TA JR.,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTHERN MISS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
39 Alumni Spotlight: Mark De Hertogh 40 Drawing the Curtain 41 Eagle Relief Effort 42 USM Student Athlete Highlights: Matthew Guidry & Zaria Jones 44 LOOKING AHEAD While many aspects of campus life may look a little differently moving forward, The University of Southern Mississippi will remain dedicated to its mission of scholarship and learning – integrating students at all levels in the creation and application of knowledge through excellence in teaching, research, creative activities, outreach and service.
46 Recruiting through a Global Pandemic 48 Re-envisioning University Life 50 Redefining Alumni and Student Engagement in a World of Unknowns 52 Snapshots 54 Class Notes 64 Southern Scenes Summer 2020
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ALUMNI STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JERRY DEFATTA ’00, ‘10 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR INTERNAL OPERATIONS DANE REITER ‘06, ‘07, ‘10 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS NICOLE RUHNKE ‘08 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR MEMBERSHIP AND MARKETING MELISSA DAVID ’17 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR PROGRAMS AND CONSTITUENT RELATIONS BAYLEE LONG COORDINATOR OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS TRAVIS HALL COORDINATOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES MELISSA MCDANIEL COORDINATOR OF STUDENT AND YOUNG ALUMNI PROGRAMMING SHONICE MONTGOMERY ’15 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT RENÉ TRIGG DATA ENTRY SPECIALIST SHARON ANDERSON MAIL CLERK EDWARD WALLACE GRADUATE ASSISTANT ANTHONY PALAZZOLO ‘19
••••• CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MIKE LOPINTO ’91, ’93, ’02, MARGARET ANN MACLOUD, SAMANTHA MCCAIN ’09, ’10, SUZANNE OMRAN, KARELIA PITTS ’14, SUSAN SCOTT ’02, ‘09 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS KELLY DUNN, PAUL LIJEWSKI, USM ATHLETICS
Introducing the newest way to renew your membership.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS PRESIDENT PAMELA MUNGER PRESIDENT-ELECT DR. CHRISTY MYERS VICE PRESIDENT JIM WARREN PAST PRESIDENT RICKEY JONES FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR DANIEL STEWART SECRETARY/TREASURER JERRY DEFATTA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADAM BUCKALEW, ANITA ESTELLE, DR. JOHN GUICE, BEN HESTER, CHRIS LANDRY, THOMAS SCHMIDT, KIM WINGO, JORDAN BRYAN, CHRISTEN DUHE’, TREY HOUGH III, SCOTT LANEHART, AMANDA LEE, WILL MILLER, KEVIN PRINCE, RUDY BRACEY, LINDA BOUTWELL-GRIFFITH, DR. LATOYA HART, RYAN MAHONEY, SAMANTHA MCCAIN, JOE TRAHAN, JOY YATES EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS RODNEY D. BENNETT, CHAD DRISKELL, KRISTY GOULD, WREN HOOD, CHASITY HUTCHINSON, STACE MERCIER, JEREMY MCCLAIN For advertising information, contact Melissa David by phone at 601.266.5013 or email Melissa.David@usm.edu. The Talon (USPS 652-240) is published quarterly by The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association, 118 College Drive #5013, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 Active membership dues of $45 (single membership) or $55 (couple) includes subscription
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Hederman Brothers Printing in Madison, Miss., and the staff of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. Periodical postage paid at Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001 and at additional mailing offices
Annual and Three-year Members may now renew your Alumni Association membership through an existing PayPal account. When it’s time to renew, visit SouthernMissAlumni.com/JoinToday and follow these easy steps:
• Select the membership type that fits you: Alumni and Friends; Recent Graduate; Senior Eagles or Southern Miss Faculty and Staff
(Approved January 20, 1955)
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 118 College Drive #5013, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5013
• Select a membership level: Annual; Three-Year or Life Membership
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• Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Check out with PayPal”
N OT ES FROM H O M E
When we look back on 2020, what will we remember? Will we recall COVID-19? Will we be reminded of the civil unrest in the wake of the senseless murder of George Floyd? Will we focus on the deep divisions in our country or will something else take place that overshadows these issues? I choose to believe we will look back and think fondly of the way we as a society pulled together to overcome a list of challenges that have not been faced in our lifetimes. In fact, one of the most encouraging days of my entire career at Southern Miss is highlighted on page 10 of this issue. More than 200 students, faculty and staff members joined together for a peaceful protest against racism. It was an honor to be a part of this event alongside members of our Alumni Association team and the Southern Miss family. As we worked to develop this issue of The Talon, we wanted to share the progress of our institution under these challenging times. As I have watched the magazine come together, I am amazed at the tenacity on display at Southern Miss. From the leadership of the University to Southern Miss students seeking an education, everyone associated with this institution has met the obstacles facing our community and our nation with strength and tenacity. The following pages provide insight on how the COVID-19 pandemic was addressed by the leadership of the University. It illustrates the work that was required by professors to shift their course delivery from in person to fully online in just two weeks and shares the impact of this change on students and student life on campus. I hope, like me, you are proud of our University’s progress over the past few months; however, I am optimistic our efforts as an institution have laid a strong foundation for Southern Miss to emerge from this setback stronger and more determined than ever before. Several pages of this publication have been dedicated to the next steps for Southern Miss. As we begin a fall schedule which has been accelerated to conclude near the Thanksgiving holiday, there is much uncertainty. While our student experience may be a little different this fall, there is no doubt they will receive the same high-quality education to which Southern Miss students are accustomed. As alumni, we will be called upon to support in ways we have not been asked to engage in the past. In order for our University to make a quick recovery, we will need your help to recruit new students, share positive stories about our institution and invest your time in our University. In February, the Association rolled out a significant change in our geographic alumni group structure. For decades, our chapters provided opportunities for alumni across the nation to gather together and fellowship in the name of Southern Miss. These groups are now Alumni HUBs and each HUB provides unique opportunities for alumni to engage with other Southern Miss graduates in their area for the purpose of investing their time and energy in making Southern Miss the best it can be. Throughout the pages of The Talon, you will see a new Alumni Action element. This is designed to share some ideas of how you might engage with us to have an impact on certain areas of campus life. Please use these as a launching point as you consider how you can work to advocate for our alma mater in your circle of influence. Finally, as I mentioned in Notes from Home in the virtual issue of The Talon in April, this publication is a cornerstone of our communications efforts. Producing an online-only issue in the spring told us two things very clearly. First, we learned that a print version of The Talon is essential, so let me reiterate here that the print version of this magazine is here to stay. We also learned there are many alumni who value the opportunity to explore the magazine in an electronic form. For this reason, we will be including an electronic version of The Talon as a supplemental piece going forward. You may find the electronic version of this issue at SouthernMissAlumni.com/TheTalon. We hope you enjoy reading about the progress of your institution in whatever format you prefer, but more importantly I encourage you to find an area of importance to you and invest your time an energy in making Southern Miss the best it can be. Southern Miss to the Top!
A NOTE FROM Jerry B. DeFatta Jr. ’00 ’10
You will also see notes from me throughout this issue as a way to point out how your membership in the Alumni Association allows us to take Southern Miss to the Top! Summer 2020
7
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DUE TO THE UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDING ATHLETIC AND CAMPUS ACTIVITIES THIS FALL, THE SOUTHERN MISS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WILL MAKE ANY EVENT-RELATED ANNOUNCEMENTS AT SOUTHERNMISSALUMNI.COM AND ACROSS THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION’S SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS. BE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM FOR THE LATEST EVENT INFORMATION
FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/SOUTHERNMISSALUMNIASSOCIATION INSTAGRAM: USMALUMNI TWITTER: USMALUMNI
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STUDENTS HOLD PEACEFUL PROTEST On June 3, more than 200 Southern Miss students, faculty and staff participated in a peaceful protest on campus. The event was organized and led by students who met at the Luckyday Citizenship Hall and marched through the Eagle Walk to the The District where the group spent time talking and listening to each other.
N E WS A ROU ND C A M PU S
A SSO C I AT ION N E WS
Southern
Station Progress continues on Southern Station, a multi-use entertainment venue located in Spirit Park. Once completed, Southern Station will be gifted to The University by the Southern Mississippi by the Alumni Association in honor of the Association’s 100th Anniversary of service to the institution. “Southern Station will be a tremendous addition to the Hattiesburg campus. We are looking forward to the completion of this project and the opportunity to share such an impressive new venue with the Southern Miss community,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association.
A NOTE FROM
Providing such a dynamic gift to the University is possible thanks to the support of YOU – our members. Thank you for your membership!
Association Welcomes 2020 Graduates into the Alumni Family On March 30, 2020, the University announced plans to postpone spring commencement ceremonies due to Covid-19. And while the Association staff had already canceled the annual senior send-off event, Grads & Crawdads, the reality of losing the opportunity to celebrate graduates was a tough pill to swallow. “As we talked through our disappointment for our spring 2020 grads, we knew that we had to find new and unique ways to honor their accomplishments here at Southern Miss,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Alumni Association. “Each year, nearly 3,000 Golden Eagles graduate from the University and become alumni of this great institution. While there would be no official send-off ceremony, our team was determined to do our part in welcoming these graduates into the alumni family.” Following a few conversations and approval by the Association’s Board of Directors, the decision was made to offer complimentary annual memberships to each spring 2020 graduate. “I witnessed the true Southern Miss spirit exhibited by this class of graduates,” added DeFatta, “and we made the decision to celebrate not only their achievements, but also the determination with which they earned them, with a complimentary one-year membership in our organization.”
14
THE
A NOTE FROM
For graduates who had already purchased a membership through various promotions and events held prior to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Association has provided a complimentary one-year membership extension. “Membership in the Alumni Association is the easiest way for alumni to remain connected to the University,” added DeFatta. “Members receive invitations to regional events hosted by Alumni HUBs; communication pieces such as The Talon; and exclusive access to various campus events. Ensuring the spring 2020 graduates these benefits is a meaningful way for our organization to honor their Southern Miss experience and welcome them into the alumni family.” In addition to the complimentary one-year membership, the Association also sponsored a virtual campus background platform, allowing seniors to upload a photo onto a professional photo of iconic campus scenes. Graduates submitted their photos for use on the cover of this issue of The Talon. “One of the most visible losses from the semester was the absence of graduates taking photos throughout campus,” said DeFatta. “We did not want our students to miss out on a chance to have memorable photos from their favorite places on campus.” Graduates were also able to download a free campus print provided by the USM Image Center.
Providing each graduate with membership into the Alumni Association was possible through YOUR commitment to our organization. Thank you for your support!
A SSO C I AT ION N E WS
Hall Joins Association as Coordinator of Digital Communications The Southern Miss Alumni Association is pleased to announce the addition of Travis Hopson Hall to the position of Coordinator of Digital Communications. Hall is a 2019 graduate of Lebanon Valley College with a degree in business, communications & marketing. The Dallas, Texas native was a member of Lebanon Valley’s men’s ice hockey team, where he was named an NCAA Academic All-American in 2018 in addition to earning spots on the Winter MAC Sportsmanship Team in 2019 and the UCHC All-Academic Team in 2017, 2018 and 2019. He was also named Mr. Lebanon Valley College in 2019. As the Coordinator of Digital Communications, Hall will manage the organization’s digital presence, including social media, digital media, email communications and the Association’s website. Prior to joining the Alumni Association staff, Hall served as the Communications Coordinator for the Rockford IceHogs, the Chicago Blackhawks’ American Hockey League affiliate, in Rockford, Ill. “Not only am I eager to join an already impressive team at the Alumni Association here at Southern Miss, but I’m also excited to return to the state where I spent many summers as a child,” said Hall. “I plan to grow beneath the leadership group here while helping the Association do the same, and I look forward to working with the incredible alumni who have emerged from this University.” “Over the past few months, we have seen the importance of digital media in our society,” said executive director, Jerry DeFatta. “We are excited to welcome Travis to our team. His ability and experience will be an asset as we work to continue to build the Association’s voice on our digital and social platforms.”
WELCOME NEW LIFE MEMBERS
Hall
Melinda Arnold
Kelli Fewell
Patsy McBride
Rodney and Temple Bennett
Sherrill Finneran
Patrick McGee
John and Alieta Cox
Tina Gavin
Mary Jayne Myers-Runyan
Judy Craven
Robert Glenn
Brian and Andrea Saffle
Lucas Davis
Nanette Haskins
Chris Sather
Bobby and Mindy Deen
Marc and Deborah Irvin
Barbara Smith
Stew and Laura Deen
James and Billie Lewis
Jason and Nicole Smith
Hunter Easterling
Desmond Lloyd
Stormy Speaks
Kelly Englese
Cullen McBride
Gary Tompkins
Upgrade to Life Membership today at SouthernMissAlumni.com/Life.
Summer 2020
15
Executive Committee
Munger Appointed to Lead Alumni Association Executive Committee
PRESIDENT Pamela Munger, Hattiesburg, MS
On July 1, 2020, a new executive committee was installed to lead the Southern Miss Alumni Association for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Committee members include alumni who are accomplished leaders in their communities and demonstrate a strong commitment to the betterment of the University.
PRESIDENT ELECT Dr. Christy Myers, Mandeville, LA VICE PRESIDENT Jim Warren, Jackson, MS PAST PRESIDENT Rickey Jones, Jackson, MS FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR Daniel Stewart, Sumrall, MS SECRETARY/TREASURER Jerry B. DeFatta, Petal, MS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Adam Buckalew, Washington, D.C. Anita Estelle, Bessemer, AL Dr. John Guice, Hattiesburg, MS Ben Hester, Hattiesburg, MS Chris Landry, Covington, LA Thomas Schmidt, Cypress TX Kim Wingo, Purvis, MS Jordan Bryan, Madison, MS Christen Duhe’, Gulfport, MS Trey Hough, III, Gulfport, MS Scott Lanehart, Baton Rouge, LA Amanda Lee, Hattiesburg, MS Will Miller, Hattiesburg, MS Kevin Prince, Brandon, MS Rudy Bracey, Madison, MS Linda Boutwell-Griffith, Hattiesburg, MS Dr. Latoya Hart, Jackson, MS Ryan Mahoney, Thomson, GA Samantha, McCain, Hattiesburg, MS Joe Trahan, Dallas, TX Joy Yates, Hattiesburg, MS
Ex-Officio Board Members (by virtue of office)
PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY Rodney D. Bennett, Hattiesburg, MS VICE PRESIDENT FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Chad Driskell, Hattiesburg, MS PRESIDENT OF THE USM FOUNDATION Kristy Gould, Hattiesburg, MS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FOUNDATION Stace Mercier, Hattiesburg, MS PRESIDENT OF THE ATHLETIC FOUNDATION Wren Hood, Hattiesburg, MS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR/CEO OF THE ATHLETIC FOUNDATION Jeremy McClain, Hattiesburg, MS PRESIDENT OF THE STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Chasity Hutchinson, Brookhaven, MS
Pamela Munger ’03
P R ES I D EN T
Pamela Munger graduated from Southern Miss with a Bachelor’s degree in marketing and is a Life Member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. While attending Southern Miss, Munger was a member of the USM tennis team and counts her time as a studentathlete among the highlights of her undergraduate experience. Upon graduating, she moved to Atlanta, Ga. and owned/operated two Lenny’s Sub Shop franchises with her family from 2003-08. During this time, she strived to teach her team members leadership/life skills while working alongside them to create a caring culture in their businesses using values that existed in her own life. In 2007, Pamela and her husband, Jon ’02, began their journey with Chick-fil-A, which led them back to Mississippi where they owned/operated Chick-fil-A Sawmill Square Mall in Laurel from 2008-12. In 2012, the Mungers moved to Starkville, where they opened and owned/operated Chick-fil-A Starkville. After 14 years of being away from Hattiesburg, they returned home to Hattiesburg in January 2018, where they now own/operate Chick-fil-A Hattiesburg on Hwy 98. Jon also serves as the Licensee Consultant for the Chick-fil-A on campus at USM and supports Aramark in their day-to-day operations within the restaurant. Munger serves as the Human Resources Director and enjoys sharing and teaching Chickfil-A culture and history to their team members. She is devoted to helping others, from guests and team members to young people and others in the community. Munger volunteers her time to Edwards Street Fellowship Center and Christian Services, where she spends more of her time within Liberty Ministries, The Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels. Munger and her husband have one son, Jon Corbin, and they are members of Temple Baptist Church.
Christy Myers, Ph.D. ’92, ‘95 PRESIDENT-ELECT Dr. Christy Myers is the Operations Manager at the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany. Her career began as an Admissions Counselor at The University of Southern Mississippi. She served in multiple administrative roles at Southern Miss, Louisiana State University and Tulane University that included first-year experience, admissions, orientation and Greek Life. She received her undergraduate degree in finance and master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis in student personnel from The University of Southern Mississippi. She received her doctorate from Louisiana State University in educational leadership, research and counseling. Myers is originally from Slidell, La. and has lived in Mandeville, La. for the past 15 years with her husband, Ryan, CEO of F.H. Myers Construction, and their son, Brady. She is a Life Member in the Alumni Association, a past president of the Northshore Pi Beta Phi Alumnae organization and the Northshore Society of Human Resource Management.
A SSO C I AT ION N E WS
Jim Warren ‘84
V I C E P R ES I D EN T
Jim Warren is a founder and the Managing Member of Carroll Warren & Parker, PLLC, a law firm with offices in Jackson and Houston, Texas. The firm focuses on commercial litigation and represents clients throughout the United States and in several other countries. Warren has practiced law for 33 years, trying cases all across the United States, and he has secured multimillion-dollar jury verdicts as plaintiff’s counsel in commercial disputes and successfully handled cases for the defense in the same context. He is recognized in alternative dispute resolution, having served as arbitrator and mediator. Warren is a former Special Assistant Attorney General and Assistant District Attorney. He is the former Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Mississippi Bar and has spoken on dispute resolution at state, regional and national conferences. Warren is a three-time Chair of the Mississippi Bar’s Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee and has authored publications on a variety of subjects including mediation, arbitration, unauthorized practice of law and construction law. Warren has served in many positions within the United States Tennis Association and is currently President of River Hills Club, a private tennis club in Jackson. He is married to Malinda, and they have five children and one grandchild. They are members of Galloway United Methodist Church, where Warren recently served as Church Council Chair.
Daniel Stewart ‘03
FI N A N C E CO M M I T T EE C H A I R
Daniel Stewart is the Senior Vice President at First Bank in Hattiesburg where he serves as program manager of First Bank’s financial advisory division, First Bank Wealth Management and is also a Commercial Lender. A native of Meridian, Stewart joined First Bank in 2016 and was responsible for creating the bank’s Wealth Management division. Prior to joining First Bank, he was employed by Summit Wealth Group in Meridian. Stewart began his career in wealth management with Edward Jones investments in 2006 and then joined BancorpSouth investments in Hattiesburg. After two years as an associate advisor, Stewart was promoted to Senior Advisor and ultimately rose to the position of Vice President of Wealth Management covering 22 branches for BancorpSouth in central Mississippi. He holds FINRA licenses 7, 63, & 65, Mississippi Insurance Life and Health licenses and achieved the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) designation in 2014. Stewart graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in sports administration in 2003. While at USM he was a member of the Southern Miss baseball team as a pitcher and served as Co-Captain his senior season. He and his wife, Laurie, currently reside in Sumrall with their two daughters, Maddie and Mary Taylor. He enjoys spending time with his family and loves the outdoors.
Rickey Jones ‘92
PA S T P R ES I D EN T
As a basketball forward, Rickey Jones was part of some of the most impressive Golden Eagle teams to ever run up and down the hardwood. As an alumnus and Life Member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association, he has played an important role on many of the teams that helped contribute to Southern Miss’ success, including on the boards of directors for the USM Foundation and M-Club, and as past president of the Hardwood Club. In 2006, he served as a member of the Alumni Association’s Presidential Transition Team as well as the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning’s Search Advisory Committee that assisted the IHL Board in its search for the ninth president of the University, which ended in the selection of Dr. Martha Saunders. In 2007, the Alumni Association honored Jones for his service to his alma mater with the Outstanding Service Award, and he was inducted into the Southern Miss Alumni Hall of Fame in 2010. Jones attends Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church, where he serves as a Trustee and is the Board Chair for the Jackson Hinds Library System. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Southern Miss, graduated from the Mississippi School of Banking and currently resides in Jackson, where he works as a business consultant with Front Court Development.
Incoming Board Members Samantha McCain ’09, ‘10
Joe Trahan ‘05, ‘06
Samantha McCain is a resident of Hattiesburg, where she began her journey at USM in 2005. After graduating with two degrees – a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications & journalism in 2009 and a Master of Science in public relations a year later, she worked for the American Red Cross of Mississippi, Hattiesburg Clinic, The Focus Group Advertising Agency and The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at The University of Southern Mississippi. After leading the communication efforts for Mayor Toby Barker’s mayoral campaign in 2017, she was invited to join his cabinet as the Chief Communications Officer for the City of Hattiesburg. In this role, McCain reports directly to the mayor and is charged with all communication and marketing strategies for the City. In addition to her full-time job, she lends a hand to promoting various community projects, spends time mentoring professionals, coordinates programming for leadership development in the Hattiesburg area, serves as an active member of the Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg and manages the Blue Line Legacy Fund, a scholarship program she founded in 2018. McCain is a recipient of the Top 50 Under 40 designation by the Mississippi Business Journal for 2019. In 2016, she was presented the Best of the Pine Belt’s Hall of Fame “Catalyst Award” and also voted as the program’s “Unsung Hero.” In 2015, she was named the Bud Kirkpatrick Practitioner of the Year for her local chapter of the Public Relations Association of Mississippi and later took the state organization’s title for the Professional Achievement Award. She has also received many statewide and regional awards for her work in public relations and has been highlighted in publications throughout Mississippi as a subject matter expert in digital media, crisis communications and event planning.
Joe Trahan is a sports media professional who has spent more than 15 years in the professional/collegiate ranks. He has gained experience throughout the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and the NCAA, as well as internationally with NFL Europe in Hamburg, Germany. Currently in his 15th season with the NFL and 14th as the Media Relations and Corporate Communications Coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys, Trahan works each home and away game, assists with the day-to-day interview requests for players, coaches and ownership and helps with the team’s weekly game releases among other Cowboys publications. Additionally, Trahan serves as a press contact and media coordinator for AT&T Stadium – the home of the Dallas Cowboys – and has worked events such as Super Bowl XLV, the inaugural college football playoff National Championship Game, the Cotton Bowl, the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four Championship, international soccer matches, world championship boxing, WrestleMania 32 as well as concerts featuring world-renowned artists. Trahan also works as the primary contact for events, media tours and filmings at The Star in Frisco, Texas – the Cowboys World Corporate Headquarters which opened in 2016. Trahan earned two degrees from The University of Southern Mississippi, first obtaining a Bachelor of Science in sport administration before completing a Master of Arts in public relations.
LaToya Hart Ph.D. ‘00, ‘07, ‘08 LaToya Hart serves as the Institutional Effectiveness and Assessment Director and Institutional Liaison at Alcorn State University. She began her career in higher education at The University of Southern Mississippi as the AmeriCorps VISTA Director with the Center for Adult Learning and Education. She received her undergraduate degree in exercise science, specialist degree in educational research and doctorate in higher education administration all from Southern Miss. Hart also received a Master of Business Administration from William Carey University. She was initiated into the Mu Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is currently a member of the Madison
County Alumnae Chapter. While at Southern Miss, she was actively involved in the Hattiesburg community, serving with the Mississippi Reads program, the Office of Community Service Learning Advisory Board and the Boy Scouts of America Urban Emphasis Advisory Board. Along with being a Life Member in the Alumni Association, Hart also serves as the state coordinator for the Women in Higher Education Mississippi Network (WHEMN) as well as the chairperson for her family’s private foundation. She resides in Jackson and is married to Dr. Willie Jones, III.
Rudy Bracey ‘05 Rudy Bracey graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in information technology and now works as a Desktop Support and Operations Supervisor for St. Dominic’s Hospital in Madison. The Raymond native was a member of several campusbased organizations during his time at Southern Miss but notes the most impactful to his Golden Eagle experience was serving as equipment manager for the 2003 C-USA champion football
team. His favorite Southern Miss memory was the night the football team beat TCU to clinch that C-USA championship and the goalpost came down in celebration. Bracey also volunteers at Fannie’s Nest – a non-profit organization co-founded by his wife, Dr. Pamela Bracey, in honor of her late grandmother. The couple now resides in Madison with their two sons, Riley and Joshua.
Joy Yates ’98, ’01
Linda Boutwell-Griffith ‘00
Joy Hamilton Yates, CMPE, CHRC, has served as an Assistant Administrator for Hattiesburg Clinic since 2007. In this role, the Jackson native is responsible for several of the Clinic’s specialty departments. Yates has been a member of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) of Mississippi since 2007. Over the past seven years, she has served in all Board leadership roles and is currently completing her year as past-president for the organization. She became a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) in 2010 and became certified in Healthcare Research Compliance (CHRC) in 2012 in addition to becoming a member of the Health Care Compliance Association. Yates is a graduate of Leadership Mississippi as well as Leadership Pinebelt and volunteers with Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg. She has served on numerous state and local boards, including Mississippi Children’s Home Society (now CARES), Domestic Abuse Family Shelter and United Way of Southeast MS. Yates earned a bachelor’s degree in health administration from USM in 1998 and was one of the first students to complete the dual master’s program to obtain her Master of Business Administration and Master of Public Health in 2001. She was recognized with the USM Best Citizen Award, as the USM Outstanding Freshman Woman and even served as an Olympic Torch Bearer in the 1996 Olympics as the United Way Community Hero. A Life Member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association, Yates is also an alumna of Delta Delta Delta and served as the VP of the Southern Miss Alumni Chapter when she lived in Houston, Texas. During her time at Southern Miss, you could find Joy twirling batons as the Feature Twirler of The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band. Yates is an active member of Parkway Heights United Methodist Church. She met the love of her life, Jason ’97, at Southern Miss, and the couple resides in Hattiesburg with their daughters, Caroline and Annabelle.
Linda Boutwell-Griffith completed her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at The University of Southern Mississippi in 2000 and is now the First Vice President of Premier Banking at BancorpSouth. She resides in Mississippi with her husband, John J. Griffith, who also works at BancorpSouth Bank as an Executive Vice President, and their son, Hayden, who graduated from Southern Miss in 2019.
Ryan Mahoney ‘06 Ryan Mahoney is a native of Mandeville, La. and a proud graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in political science, Mahoney opened a Louisiana-based, fullservice Public Relations and Communications firm with clients in five states, as well as overseas. He managed Congresswoman Mary Bono’s successful re-election campaign, which was in the top five most competitive races in the country. Mahoney later moved to Georgia and joined forces with the Peach State’s top strategists to launch Parlay Marketing Partners. The boutique firm serves numerous Fortune 500 companies, statewide elected officials, non-profit organizations and governmental entities in the Southeast. In addition to managing high-profile political campaigns and ballot initiatives for over a decade, Mahoney worked as the Communications Director for the Georgia Republican Party. Mahoney is an avid writer, public speaker and presenter. He is a proud alumnus of the Leadership Augusta class of 2012, serves on the Boys and Girls Club of the CSRA Board of Directors and is a member of Thomson First United Methodist Church. Ryan lives in Thomson, Ga. with his wife, Dr. Holly Mahoney, daughter, Margaret, and dog, Mr. Gibbs.
SETTING THE S
GOLD STANDARD STEPHEN COBB WASHINGTON, D.C.
STEPHEN COBB graduated from Southern Miss in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He now works in Washington D.C. as a Senior Associate at the Raben Group, a national progressive public policy and strategic communications firm. His duties involve elevating their federal policy agendas and improving their communication and media relations strategies. In his time at Southern Miss, the first-generation college graduate was involved in the SGA, Freshman Associates, Southern Style and GEWW while serving as an Honors College Ambassador. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Serving as an escort for Homecoming. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: I always looked forward to Founders’ Day! It was always a great reminder of where we came from as well as a reminder to continue soaring To the Top.
RAY YOUNG, JR. JACKSON
RAY YOUNG, JR. earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 2015 and now resides in Jackson while working as a Federal Law Clerk with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi. In this position, Young, Jr. serves as a federal law clerk to the Honorable Sharion Aycock: Chief U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi. In August, he plans to begin as an Associate Attorney at Wise Carter, a historic Mississippi law firm in Jackson, Mississippi. He was a member of the SGA’s Judicial Board, the Mu Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, AASO, the PRIDE and Kuntry Kids during his time at Southern Miss and now lives with his two-year-old poodle, Ace. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Southern Miss Homecoming Tailgate! FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Eagle Walk.
ince the creation of the GOLD Council – a volunteer leadership council comprised of graduates of the last decade – the Alumni Association has experienced a significant increase in young alumni engagement through event attendance, community service and student mentoring. The GOLD Council operates under the leadership of Shonice Montgomery, the Association’s coordinator of student and young alumni programming. On July 1, 2020, the Association welcomed the following new GOLD Council members from across the country.
KATHRYN WINSLEY MEMPHIS, TENN.
KATHRYN WINSLEY is a 2014 Southern Miss graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and now resides in Memphis, Tenn. as a Doctoral Student and Graduate Assistant at the University of Memphis. While at Southern Miss, she was a member of the Iota Kappa Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and volunteered with SGA, Campus Civitan Club, Afro-American Student Organization, NAACP and IDEAL Women. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Meeting new friends who grew to become family! FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Tailgating in The District!
HUNTER AUTHEMENT MOBILE, ALA.
HUNTER AUTHEMENT is a 2015 and 2016 graduate from Southern Miss, earning a Bachelor of Science in marketing first before completing a Master of Business Administration. The former member of Pi Kappa Phi also assisted with Eagle Connection, GEWW, Southern Style, SGA, Election Commission, SMAC and Luckyday. Currently a Sales Representative at Yak Mat, LLC, Authement is charged with meeting sales goals within his territory by generating new business and nurturing current customers. He and his wife, Miranda Levy ’15, ’17, met in Southern Style in 2014, and she is set to graduate from the University of South Alabama with a doctorate in physical therapy in 2022. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Winning the C-USA baseball tournament in 2016 in Hattiesburg. That was my grad school year and it was incredible winning on the last play of the game. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Easily painting the Eagle Walk. I still know exactly where my name is on one of the cement columns.
LLOYD LAMBETH HATTIESBURG
LLOYD LAMBETH obtained two degrees from Southern Miss: a Bachelor of Science in business administration (accounting) in 2016 and a Master of Professional Accountancy in 2017. While at Southern Miss, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, Beta Alpha Psi: Accounting Honor Society, Beta Gamma Sigma: Business Honor Society and the Student Eagle Club. Lambeth currently serves as a CPA, Assurance Supervisor at HORNE LLP, leading internal, external and employee benefit plan audits of private and public companies in HORNE’s Public and Middle Market practice group at the Hattiesburg office. He recently married Sarah Olander on July 11, 2020. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Watching the baseball team win the Conference USA tournament in 2016 when it was hosted at Pete Taylor Park. The atmosphere was electric, and the double relay to end the game at home plate was incredible. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Tailgating with family and friends in The District before Southern Miss football games and watching baseball games from the Right Field Roost.
BENJAMIN WADDLE HATTIESBURG
BENJAMIN WADDLE is a 2017 graduate. He received a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a focus in marketing and is now a Key Account Developer for CocaCola United. In this role, he is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with national retail accounts in the perspective region in order to maximize sales and profit and ensure proper execution of pricing and promotions. He comes from a long line of Golden Eagles beginning with his late grandparents, Lamar ’50 and Joy Gillespie ’51, and continuing with his parents, Benny ’82 and Pam ’83, ’96, and his sister, Amanda ’14. Benjamin spent time with many organizations while at Southern Miss including Sigma Phi Epsilon, Eagle Connection, the GEWW Crew, the Legacy Student Alumni Board, the IFC Executive Board, the IFC Rho Alpha, Order of Omega, Beta Gamma Sigma, American Marketing Association and the Student Eagle Club. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: When they opened the new College of Business building, Scianna Hall. Nothing makes me more proud than seeing our fine University gain new resources to allow our students to achieve their goals. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Painting of the Eagle Walk. I remember being a freshman and placing my handprint on the Eagle Walk and becoming overwhelmed with pride. That’s when it sunk in that I was officially a Golden Eagle even though I have been connected with the University my whole life.
NINA BELLIPANNI JACKSON
NINA BELLIPANNI graduated from Southern Miss with a Bachelor of Science in business administration (accounting) in 2017 and returned for her Master of Professional Accountancy a year later in 2018. She is a Senior Audit Associate at KPMG, LLC in Jackson, where she helps the public accounting firm perform financial statement audits for various companies. Bellipanni has a long family history of Southern Miss graduates. Her grandfather, Lawrence Bellipanni Sr. ’59, ’63, was a professor at USM and was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame. Additionally, both her father, Larry Bellipanni Jr. ’87, and mother, Monica ’91, earned degrees at Southern Miss. Finally, her brother, Drew, will be attending Southern Miss in the fall to pursue his graduate degree in sports management. While attending Southern Miss, she spent time with SGA, Tri Delta, Southern Style, Honors College, Beta Alpha Psi and worked as a Tour Guide in the Office of Admissions. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Attending the USM vs. Kentucky game in Lexington during my senior year. A few friends and I made a road trip for the weekend to attend the game. The Eagles put together an amazing comeback in the second half to secure the win. It was so exciting, and I will never forget it! FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Singing of the Alma Mater at the end of a game. Win or lose, it’s great to come together with other Golden Eagle fans and participate in this tradition!
KATIE BLANKENSHIP GULFPORT
KATIE BLANKENSHIP graduated from Southern Miss in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in entertainment industry media production and now serves as the Administrative & Volunteer Coordinator for the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport. Her duties include working as the volunteer liaison and assisting with all aspects of volunteer management, including trainings, volunteer database maintenance, volunteer tracking and follow up; developing and overseeing volunteer recruitment, management and recognition tools; and cultivating and managing a portfolio of active and engaged volunteers. While at Southern Miss, Blankenship was involved in the Delta Gamma sorority, Student Eagle Club, Student Leadership Council, The Legacy and Freshman Associates. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Every single Homecoming. During college, Homecoming meant a lot of sleepless nights to get everything ready for the parade, but now Homecoming means coming back to the place that gave me so many wonderful memories and reconnecting with old friends. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Painting of the Eagle Walk.
SARAH BETH SELPH ARLINGTON, VA.
SARAH BETH SELPH received a Bachelor of Science in communication studies and a Bachelor of Science in Political Studies from Southern Miss in 2016. As office manager at Slalom in Arlington, Va., she oversees office operations for the Washington D.C. market. This includes welcoming guests, onboarding new employees, planning events, providing local IT support, supporting the leadership team and more. In her time at Southern Miss, Selph was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and was involved with Southern Style 2015, SGA, GEWW, Eagle Connection and worked as an Office of Admissions Tour Guide. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Serving on Southern Style 2015. Having the opportunity to welcome new Golden Eagles to campus is something I will never forget. I will always cherish the memories made with my teammates from SROW dance practice to summer hangouts and so much more! FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Eagle Walk – I can still find my handprint from when I participated in GEWW and there is nothing better than the Eagle Walk on a gameday Saturday filled with all the Golden Eagle fans!
ARIELLE COX DALLAS, TEXAS
ARIELLE COX earned a Bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Southern Miss in 2019 and is now a Business Development Coordinator at Trinity Consultants in Dallas, Miss. She is responsible for publishing e-news, maintaining marketing efforts with social media, running and publishing data reports. She is the first woman in her family to go to college, but her father graduated from Southern Miss in the 1970s. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Orientation! Everything is so new, the school is so big with a bright future ahead and everyone is there to help you succeed and excited for you to be a Golden Eagle. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: GEWW, for sure!
SAWYER WALTERS LONG BEACH
SAWYER WALTERS received a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice in 2018. He works for the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources as a State Law Enforcement Officer in Long Beach where he lives with his fiancée, Kaitlyn Auger ‘19, whom he met at GEWW leader training at Southern Miss. Other organizations Walters spent time with at USM include Sigma Nu, IFC Council, EagleTHON, SGA, Forensic Science Society and the Criminal Justice Student Association. He also acted as University mascot, Seymour. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: My study abroad trip with Dr. Wiest and Dr. Greene to London. I highly recommend going to study abroad. I made great friends and saw great sights! FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Homecoming week festivities that I always enjoyed with Greek life.
AMBER BAILEY GOOGE JACKSON
AMBER BAILEY GOOGE graduated from Southern Miss in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in biology and now serves as a Pediatrician at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. More specifically, she works as a clinical pediatrician and hospitalist in neonatology. While at Southern Miss, she was a member of Delta Gamma and also volunteered with Luckyday Scholars, the Residence Hall Association, NRHH and spent time as an academic tutor for the athletic department. Her husband attended Johns Hopkins, and the pair are expecting their first child in September. FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS MEMORY: Homecoming, and every detail surrounding the week! FAVORITE SOUTHERN MISS TRADITION: Painting the Little Rock!
2019-20
SOUTHERN MISS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP AT-A-GLANCE LIVING ALUMNI NORTHWEST
9,779
HAWAII 109
MA
OUTSIDE U.S. 2,457
4,123 NORTHEAST
MIDWEST
3 52 0, , 69 , 57 62, 0 0 1 , , 8 8, , 0 8 16 , 4 4, 69 0, 4 49, , 75 0, 2 9 - - 3 tt - - , 64 10 d , e e un rial uff etre , 11 100 F 6 cy mo ts B gl - 2 8, ga Me Pee es O cil l - 3 e n ria L g c ce Lan aine ran Cou mo r F e Pi mo Lor nd nts Me MISSISSIPPI El ary ll a sdie ard e M w Pre nn Po st Ke Pa lyde C
29,685
75,716
,676 S 51 E L
SOUTHEAST
10-1415-19 20-24 25 9 + 5
NUMBER OF LIVING ALUMNI
0-4
ALASK A 167
3,615
FE M ALES
ACTIVE YEARS MEMBERSHIP
TOTAL
12,259
2,5
124,252
76
SOUTHWEST
1,334
7
LIF E
ANNUAL REPORT NUMBERS ALUMNI OF RECORD
124,252
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP
12,259
% ACTIVE
9.9
%
EVENT OVERVIEW BIG 3 KICKOFF PARTIES More than 1,500 total guests attended events in Jackson, Biloxi and Hattiesburg during Summer 2019.
HAUNTED CAMPUS TOUR During Halloween, the Student Alumni Association hosted more than 200 students for a haunted tour of campus and cookout at the Ogletree House.
SAA S T U D E N T A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION TAILGATE The Association hosted more than 700 active members during the annual Membership Appreciation Tailgate held at the Ogletree House prior to the 2019 Homecoming game.
EAGLE LANDINGS More than 900 alumni and fans attended the 2019 Eagle Landing tailgates hosted by the Association and Eagle Club at away football games in Starkville, Miss.; Troy, Ala.; Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Ruston, La.; and Houston, Texas.
ALUMNI HUBS In addition to hosting a Leadership Summit of 60 alumni volunteers, the Association successfully launched 24 Alumni HUBs across the country in February 2020.
SCHOLARSHIP DISTRIBUTION BREAKDOWN SCHOL ARSHIP DISTRIBUTION BREAKDOWN BY PERCENTAGE
The PIERCE LEGACY FUND SCHOLARSHIP (awarded to 17)
$17,182
The ELMO LANG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP (awarded to one)
$1,466
The MARY LORAINE PEETS BUFFETT SCHOLARSHIP (awarded to two)
$12,997
The POWELL AND FRANCES OGLETREE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP (awarded to one) $3,225 The PAST PRESIDENTS COUNCIL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP (awarded to two) $1,527 The CLYDE KENNARD MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP (awarded to five) $3,119
TOTAL
$39,516
FOU N DAT ION N E WS
A Remarkable Woman, an Unforgettable Gift and a Legacy Beyond Compare
Photos courtesy of University Archives
113 STUDENTS IMPACTED BY THE OSEOLA MCCARTY
26
THE
SCHOLARSHIP
Hattiesburg native Oseola McCarty’s unexpected planned gift to The University of Southern Mississippi made global news in the mid-’90s, not because it was the largest gift ever made, but because the woman behind the gift captured the hearts of all who heard her story. In 1995, McCarty designated USM as the beneficiary of a $150,000 planned gift, forever changing philanthropy at the University. As an 87-year-old laundress who lived frugally, this gift represented the majority of her life savings. An endowment was established in her name, and to date, $568,158 in scholarships have been awarded to students from south Mississippi. Her endowment will continue her impact in perpetuity. McCarty attended Eureka Elementary School. Starting at the age of eight, she worked after school beside her mother Lucy, grandmother Julia and aunt Evelyn. She began stashing away money she earned for safekeeping in her doll buggy. Her childhood dream was to become a nurse, but she left school in the sixth grade to care for her ill aunt and never made it back to the classroom. For 75 years, McCarty took in laundry and ironing work until arthritis forced her to stop. McCarty said, “I loved to work, and when you love to do anything, those things don’t bother you. Sometimes I worked straight through two or three days. I had goals I was working toward.”
An article in Ebony Magazine shows McCarty meeting President Bill Clinton in 1995 to receive the Presidential Citizens Medal. In 1996, she was invited to flip the switch and drop the famous Times Square ball on New Year’s Eve.
FOU N DAT ION N E WS
Oseola McCarty Scholars Program and Scholarship The Oseola McCarty Scholars Program honors her strong work ethic, giving heart and love for helping others. McCarty Scholars participate in activities centered around financial literacy, research, career planning and community involvement. They gain access to a customized curriculum and mentorship opportunities to foster their personal development. Over the history of the program, the number of students impacted has steadily grown. In 1996, Hattiesburg residents Stephanie Bullock and Carletta Y. Barnes received scholarships. In the 2019-20 academic year alone, 18 students from across south Mississippi were awarded support to pursue their educations at USM.
“WHEN I LEAVE THIS WORLD, I CAN’T CARRY NOTHING AWAY FROM HERE. WHATEVER I HAVE, IT’S GOING TO BE LEFT RIGHT HERE FOR SOMEBODY. SOME CHILD CAN GET THEIR EDUCATION, TO HELP THEM ALONG, BECAUSE YOU CAN’T DO NOTHING NOW UNLESS YOU GET YOUR EDUCATION. I DON’T REGRET ONE SINGLE PENNY I GAVE TO THE COLLEGE. THE ONLY THING I REGRET IS THAT I DIDN’T HAVE MORE TO GIVE.” — OSEOLA MCCARTY —
HELP CELEBRATE AND JOIN MCCARTY’S LEGACY! McCarty’s example is a powerful reminder that no matter how humble one’s circumstances may be, there is always an opportunity to help someone else. She continues to inspire others with her outstanding and improbable act, exemplifying the generosity for which Mississippians are known. After the public found out what McCarty had done, over 800 people from across the nation made donations that more than tripled her original gift. This fall, members of the Southern Miss community are invited to a virtual celebration of the life and legacy of Oseola McCarty. The festivities will also applaud those who share McCarty’s passion for the gift of education and have joined her mission through contributions of their own. For the Oseola McCarty Scholarship Endowment to support 20 students annually in perpetuity, each receiving $2,000 for educational expenses, the corpus must reach $1 million. The USM Foundation staff invites you to be a part of McCarty’s incredible story by helping raise $370,000 to bolster the scholarship. For more information about the celebration surrounding the 25th anniversary of her gift, or to make a contribution to the Oseola McCarty Scholarship Endowment, visit usmfoundation.com/mccarty.
In addition to facilitating the Oseola McCarty Scholars Program, the University honors McCarty through the USM Foundation McCarty Legacy, a society that recognizes the foresight of those who are helping to secure the future of Southern Miss through planned giving. To learn more about including the USM Foundation in your estate plans, contact Daniel Barton at 601.266.6428 or daniel.barton@usm.edu. You can also visit usmfoundation.com/plannedgiving. Summer 2020
27
FOU N DAT ION N E WS
Meet the Newest Development Staff Members Although social-distancing guidelines have kept USM Foundation staff from visiting with members of the Southern Miss community in person, our team will continue conversing from a safe distance until we can meet together again. When visitors return to campus, two new faces will be found in the Trent Lott Center.
Mike Smith | Major Gift Officer A native of Eden, N.C., Mike earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from North Carolina State University. Mike’s wife, Katy, grew up in Laurel, Miss., and the couple is happy to call the Pine Belt home now. “Katy and I are thrilled to join the Southern Miss family,” said Mike. “I count it a privilege to be a part of this team and appreciate the genuine welcome! I can’t wait for the chance to meet our alumni and connect them back to the people and programs they love the most.” Most recently, Mike worked as associate athletic director for external relations for Limestone University in South Carolina. He is well-prepared for his new role at USM due to his experience in athletic development for Arkansas State University and Florida Atlantic University, in addition to athletic sponsorships and marketing knowledge he gained during his tenures at The University of Mississippi, The University of North Carolina and The Georgia Institute of Technology.
Nancy Perry | Corporate and Foundation Relations Officer
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THE
Nancy moved to Mississippi from Virginia this spring to join the USM Foundation staff. This opportunity will allow her to live closer to family in the area while applying her experience to developing deeper and broader relationships with corporate and foundation supporters of Southern Miss. “Recently, a life-changing event related to my father’s health brought me to the excellent health care system in Hattiesburg and the beautiful state of Mississippi,” said Nancy. “I am excited to enter into my new role at USM and increase philanthropic support for the students and extraordinary instruction, research and innovation taking place here.” She previously served as director of stewardship at Christopher Newport University in Virginia, eastern regional director for InterExchange, director of marketing and membership for WHRO-TV/WHRV-FM Public Broadcasting, and executive director of the Virginia Beach Hotel Association. A native Virginian, Nancy earned a degree in journalism with a concentration in marketing and public relations from Radford University. She is a mother of three: Lydia, a senior at Old Dominion University; Marielle, a junior at Savannah College of Art and Design; and Nicholas, a fifth-grader at Cape Henry Collegiate School in Virginia Beach.
FOU N DAT ION N E WS
G O L D E N E A G L E I M PA C T SUMMER 2020
The Golden Eagle Impact Report quarterly recognizes donors who make gifts to Southern Miss through the USM Foundation at or exceeding $25,000. JIMMY A. PAYNE FOUNDATION • $536,500
SU PPORT I NG ST U DEN T SUCCE SS RON ’86 AND ANGELA ’84 BARNES • $25,000
S U PP ORT I NG V I TA L PRO GR A M S THE BOWER FOUNDATION • $32,472 THE JOE W. AND DOROTHY DORSETT BROWN FOUNDATION • $40,000 THE MAPP FAMILY FOUNDATION • $45,000 THE PAUL & SHERRY BROADHEAD FOUNDATION • $75,000
L E AV I N G A L E G A C Y KATHRYN GREENE ’71 PATRICIA WALTERS ’72 ESTATE OF W. C. SHOEMAKER • $119,121
(second estate gift)
For more information about the impact of these gifts, please visit usmfoundation.com/goldeneagleimpact.
Summer 2020
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A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME.
The University of Southern Mississippi’s Response to Covid-19 I
n late February, The University of Southern Mississippi began issuing travel recommendations based on information received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the U.S. Department of State. At the time, the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) had not been reported in Mississippi. By March 12, everything had changed. With each new development, the pandemic’s impact spread to every corner of the University’s campus beginning with the extension of Spring Break and continuing through academic coursework, USM Athletics, arts events, student life and beyond. Under the leadership of University President Rodney D. Bennett and his executive team, Southern Miss began doing what it does best – soaring above the challenges with the grit and determination by which Golden Eagles are known.
ALUMNI ACTION The stories which follow are only small glimpses into the significant work of the Southern Miss community over the last few months. And while this work has been outstanding, there is still much work to be done as we look ahead to the future. As a proud member of the Southern Miss family, your efforts will be vital in taking our institution to the top. Throughout the following pages, you will see opportunities for you to take action and be a part of the bright future of Southern Miss. In addition to the stories included in this issue, there are many more stories of success online. Visit News.USM.edu to read the full articles on the headlines below, and more: • USM Researcher’s Device Aims to Prevent Respiratory Complications from Ventilators in COVID-19, ICU and Surgery Patients • Donation to MS Polymer Institute Supplies Three Nursing Homes with N99-style Masks • NSF Grant Supporting Professor’s Research on Social Interaction and Distance During COVID-19 Pandemic • School Psychology Faculty, Grad Students Develop COVID-19 Resource Manual for Educators • USM Partners with Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg Clinic to Increase Volume and Speed of COVID-19 Testing
A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME.
The University’s Response to COVID-19 I n late February, The University of Southern Mississippi issued its first restrictions on faculty, staff and students as a result of a new virus sweeping across the globe. These regulations prohibited members of the University community from international travel, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of State. While the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was not yet on the radar for many in Hattiesburg at the time, the leadership of the University had already begun aggressively developing plans and strategies to avoid worst case scenarios. As the first University in the state of Mississippi to launch a website designed to provide COVID-19 updates and resources, Southern Miss quickly found itself, once again, as a model for public higher education across the region. What began with decisions made primarily for the safety of those at Southern Miss ultimately shifted to a larger conversation guided by the CDC and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL). Some of the initial public responses to the pandemic included the decision to extend spring break for a full week, the development of response status levels and Conference USA’s suspension of all spring athletic competitions. “Initially, we experienced some resistance from the academic community,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Steven R. Moser. “Some were unhappy
with the decision to restrict travel, but as the situation with COVID-19 escalated there was a complete turnaround in the perceptions of our community, and the frustrations evolved to an appreciation for our efforts.” “In the early meetings with academic leadership, everyone was grateful we were out in front of the spread of the virus and had already been meeting, talking and aggressively working toward worst-case scenario preparations,” added Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Amy Chasteen. “The academic leadership was extremely receptive, responsive and positive in those early meetings. There was this tension between us trying to plan ahead while working to communicate without ensuing panic. Thankfully, we were ahead of people’s high-level concerns so when people began wanting guidance, we already had plans in place.” Plans to transition more than 3,000 in-person classes to fully online delivery in just two weeks. While it was a frightening scenario, the University was already setup for success in the area of online learning through an established Keep Teaching website with online teaching resources and an online learning summit held in February for University faculty. “The faculty adaption was impressive to me and happened much easier than I anticipated,” said Moser. “It
was remarkable how traditional faculty who had conducted their courses in very traditional ways for most of their careers made a quick transition. And they are continuing to develop their skills in the online space.” In addition to the academic transitions for faculty and staff, the disruption to student life presented unique and unprecedented challenges. From the cancellation of student activities and events to monitoring the safety of residence halls while providing mental health and support resources, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dee Dee Anderson and her team worked tirelessly to communicate with students and provide meaningful support. “While University leadership was making decisions in relation to academic coursework transitions, we were also extremely focused on the safety of our students and the appropriate processes for campus housing and residence life,” said Anderson. “We felt very strongly about allowing students to stay on campus as long as possible and provide as much support to their transition out of campus housing. We learned from the decisions and challenges of other institutions and were very intentional about providing students as much time and assistance as possible to move out of their dorms and retrieve their belongings.” “The most challenging aspect to all of this was simply the unknown,” added Anderson. “No one had a guidebook for a situation like this. As University leadership, we would spend a day making a really solid decision and then have to adjust and come back to it hours later. All while remaining committed to providing our students with the best college experience possible, particularly our incoming freshmen. We are
considering all the factors, including how to properly acclimate them to campus, keeping them connected, keeping them healthy and helping them learn. How do you do that in this COVID-19 era? We are figuring it out. It won’t be like it was, but we can still create quality experiences for our students.” The layering of decisions – from academic coursework to student life – in a compressed timeframe required not only dedication and determination from each individual, but a mindset of unity for the entire leadership team, which included members of the President’s Office; members of the Academic Affairs team; the Vice Presidents representing the divisions of Student Affairs, Finance and Administration, Research and External Affairs; General Counsel; Human Resources; University Communications and Athletics. Chasteen added, “As a team, we were able to remain calm and supportive for all the groups of people – parents, students, faculty, staff and community members – who wanted definite answers and solutions in a time where you simply didn’t have them. There has been an incredible volume of work being done behind the scenes, which has been the greatest combination of challenges – having the hard conversations and completing the enormous volume of work coming as a result of those conversations.” “Perhaps the greatest outcome from all this, from an institutional standpoint, was how well all University divisions worked together to solve the problems,” said Anderson. “Maybe what I’m most proud of are the things people don’t see – including the creativity of our staff. We worked really hard and really well together to solve immediate needs while ultimately working toward the long-term health of our University.”
KEEP TEACHING: Course Continuity Planning for Faculty Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the Office of the Provost had already developed resources for both instructors and students in the event of a temporary suspension of classes. Instructors were encouraged to have a plan in place for how to provide instruction and communicate those plans with students. Resources for online streaming services, a Faculty Toolbox for Online Learning provided by University Libraries, workshops, tips and instructional videos and more were carefully curated to provide a seamless transition to online learning. Check out the University’s Keep Teaching website at USM.edu/Provost/Keep-Teaching.
A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME.
A Historic Shift in Perspective
Like many professionals, Dr. Andrew Wiest adjusted to working from home. With three kids also practicing distance learning, Wiest found himself escaping to his front porch to think about lectures.
By Melissa David ‘17
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efore 2020, if you would have told Dr. Andrew Wiest ’82 ‘84, a renowned historian and distinguished professor at Southern Miss, that the classes he has taught for more than 30 years would be presented in a completely online format, he would not have believed you. However, in March, Dr. Wiest and the entire team of USM faculty and staff members learned that campus operations would continue in a fully online format following an extended spring break due to COVID-19. Professors had days to transform their in-person class content to online formats. Faculty and staff spent a significant amount of time in meetings and trainings to learn how to best utilize technology moving forward, and for many professors, that was their first experience with advanced levels of technology.
“The technology itself was a bit overwhelming, but the frightening part was there is no ‘break in’ period. Normally, if you are going to teach an online section of a class, you have a semester to learn how to do that well. We only had a couple of days to learn the technology and implement it. It was an amazing 180-degree shift that all teachers had to do within days,” said Wiest. The announcement initially took Wiest by surprise. Alumni who remember taking his history courses can recall that technology never played a large part in the class. History professors, like Wiest, are known for their engaging storytelling during lectures. “Me and technology are not the best of friends, and now we are being told technology will be the only way to get lectures
and information to students. It was very frightening. I never thought my class was good for an online format, as I thrive off a storytelling interaction with students. I can adjust the class according to the energy given by students in a lecture. I do things where the interaction between student and teacher is critical, and it is much more difficult to do that online,” said Wiest. As a father of children experiencing distance learning as well, Wiest saw how engagement in learning looks a lot different online than it does in person. His firsthand experience watching his children be on video conference calls or listen to prepared online lessons guided him on how to effectively create an online class. “The first big question you have to ask is how to physically get the materials into a package where the student can access them on their computer and still have it be worthy of listening to. You really can’t do a true 50- to 70-minute lecture anymore. Students’ attention span, especially on their computer, isn’t even as long as their already restricted attention span in class,” said Wiest. In addition to a global pandemic, an EF-4 tornado devastated several communities near the Hattiesburg campus leaving students and families displaced. Wiest considered several of his students might no longer have access to a way to stream lectures, and he wanted to provide a package that would be easily accessible. “I went fully into PowerPoint to replace lectures. The slides had extensive notes and pictures, and over each slide was about three to four minutes of me explaining what was on that slide. This way I was still able to do a little bit of storytelling,” said Wiest. Wiest acknowledged this transition was not only a challenge on faculty members. In fact, many students were facing a full-time online course load for the first time. “I realized if I was doing a lot of work to make the class fully online, the students are doing that work times five. What I didn’t want to do was overwhelm students, because they were handling at least four other classes trying to do the same thing as me,” said Wiest.
In constructing his online lectures, Wiest saw a couple of benefits from the distance learning period including the ability to be more inventive with information he wanted to deliver to students. He added to lectures more interactive media such as photos, videos and songs. Wiest believes that he received some of the highest teaching evaluations ever as students remarked on how helpful it was to have PowerPoints along with his lecture. “I had always resisted using PowerPoint more in my classes. I wanted students themselves to do the writing to find the important parts to the lecture. Now I can see, having done it one time, where there’s a balance that I could make the class a little easier for students who have a harder time taking good notes. I have learned a lot in doing this,” said Wiest. Wiest has taught general history courses to students at Southern Miss for many years. Over time, the lectures have become so familiar to him that he presented them in the same way every time. As a result of transitioning his class to fully online, Wiest took the time to slowly and meticulously construct each new lecture providing a whole new way of presenting the content. “Distance learning forced me to think through those courses a little differently. I began to think, ‘Why am I presenting it this way? I have always presented it this way. Is this the right way to still be doing it?’ This online format forced me to rethink the entire intellectual package I am delivering,” said Wiest. Looking ahead to the fall, Wiest feels more prepared to teach online. He intends to reach out to his spring semester students to know how to prepare an even better method of teaching online. However, Wiest hopes to have the ability to be back in the classroom with students again. “I miss the people. With my upper-level courses, students are interested in the topic, and the engagement level there is off the charts. Students have great questions. You get into teaching to have that instant feedback from the class, and I am excited to get back to it,” said Wiest.
ALUMNI ACTION Dr. Andrew Wiest ’82 ’84 is the author of more than ten books, including “The Boys of ’67: Charlie Company’s War in Vietnam”, “Vietnam: A View from the Front Lines” and “Charlie Company’s Journey Home: The Boys of ’67 and The War They Left Behind; The Forgotten Impact on the Wives of Vietnam Veterans.”
A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME.
SGA PRESIDENT
Rachel Shoemaker By Melissa David ‘17
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achel Shoemaker could have never imagined her campaign for president of the Student Government Association would take the turn that it did. The senior communication studies major from Taylorsville left for spring break knowing elections were soon after. While on spring break, the University made the decision to transition to distance learning leaving the SGA elections to be held completely online. Shoemaker adapted quickly by scheduling Zoom calls with students to have one-on-one conversations and understand how to best advocate for students moving forward. “Transitioning to an online campaign allowed me to connect with students in a more personal way. I was able to collect more student feedback by hosting one-on-one sessions over a video call rather than the normal, quick face-to-face conversations on campus,” said Shoemaker. Although her campaign strategies may have been shifted, Shoemaker’s drive to make a difference at Southern Miss has not. “When I initially came to campus, I became involved with SGA and I was surrounded by student-leaders who believed in me and encouraged me to grow. I wanted to provide students with the same mentorship while advocating on their behalf,” said Shoemaker. Her original platform, New Ideas, New Beginnings and Fresh Start, was originally formed by the recent SGA reorganization and has only been fueled by recent events. During students’ distance learning, Shoemaker and other members from SGA took time to check in with students across campus. Shoemaker recently participated in the studentorganized, peaceful protest on June 3 in response to George Floyd’s murder. She is looking forward to facilitating conversations to move towards a better future for the University. “I am looking forward to being intentional in my actions in addressing this issue head on. Our University values diversity and inclusion, and it is time we create a true action plan to move the University forward,” said Shoemaker. Prior to graduating next spring, Shoemaker will apply to law school in hopes of one day returning to Hattiesburg to practice law.
Shoemaker
A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME.
A GLOBAL IMPACT:
How COVID-19 Affected International Students at USM
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uring the spring 2020 semester, The University of Southern Mississippi was home to more than 400 international students representing 72 countries. As COVID-19 continued to spread across the globe, increased travel restrictions were just the first of many challenges faced by the international population. “Our international students are remarkably resilient,” said Suzanne Omran, director of International Student and Scholar Services at USM. “They have already faced some impressive challenges to come to the United States to study, so they were able to navigate the transition to online learning and other issues pretty well. The biggest challenge for them, I believe, has been the changing immigration landscapes, as every country has had to implement temporary restrictions on travel to try and limit the spread of COVID-19. Knowing you have the ability to go home, if you need, is a comfort; suddenly being unsure of that ability is incredibly unsettling.” With the closure of campus in March, many international students were unable to continue working in their on-campus jobs, which created a significant need for financial support to pay rent, purchase groceries and finalize payments on tuition. Thankfully, the community of Golden Eagles made its signature move and began providing support where possible. Kathy Pope ‘74 has been actively engaged with the international student population in Hattiesburg for several years and has rallied individuals, families, churches and community organizations toward the goal for Hattiesburg becoming a city which welcomed international students and cared for them well. “When students arrive in Hattiesburg, they often need everything – from mattresses to kitchen supplies and everything in between,” said Pope. “In 2016, we welcomed the largest group of students from Nepal and the small group of us who were caring for the international students put out a call to the community and reached out to everyone we knew.” The Hattiesburg community rose to the occasion and a community-based organization was born. Today, Pope serves as a volunteer with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and is a member of Association of Christians Ministering among Internationals (ACMI) – an umbrella organization for all
International Student Ministries across North America. She serves as the point-person for organizing welcome events and generating support to meet the needs of international students in the Hattiesburg area. According to Omran, the fall 2020 semester will bring reduced numbers of new international students arriving on campus. Many have not been able to secure visa interviews through the U.S. Embassies and Consulate Offices, as most of those Department of State outposts are just now beginning to reopen. Many continuing students, who did make it home, now face travel restrictions that will affect their return to campus. The International Student and Scholar Services department is working with all admitted and continuing students to explore all possible options for beginning or continuing studies through online classes and other distance learning options.
ALUMNI ACTION “I believe one of the greatest ways alumni can get involved with our department’s work and support of the international student population is to be a voice for them,” said Omran. “We are incredibly lucky to have great alumni resources as friends and mentors and we would love to see that network grow. We also believe our international alumni can be an amazing asset to spreading the mission and vision of The University of Southern Mississippi and those numbers grow each semester -amazingly, we have 102 students that graduated between the spring and summer 2020 semesters.” Additionally, Pope encourages alumni to support the international student population through various community and ministry opportunities around Hattiesburg, including the following: • Eagles Nest Food Pantry located on the Hattiesburg Campus • Westminster Presbyterian Church Furniture Ministry in Hattiesburg, distributed through the USM Baptist Student Union • iFriends Facebook Group led by Kathy Pope
De Hertogh | Photo courtesy of Alex Crawford, Lone Star Video Work
A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME.
De Hertogh’s Desire to Develop Next Generation of Musicians Shines During Pandemic By Travis Hall
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s it became clear the senior band students at Plano Senior High School in Plano, Texas would not have the opportunity to celebrate the culmination of their hard work due to COVID-19, Plano Senior Associate Director of Bands and University of Southern Mississippi graduate, Mark De Hertogh ‘04, helped hatch a plan to give his students the send-off they so richly deserved. Concluding his third year at Plano Senior and eighth teaching at the high school level, the Pascagoula native jumped at the idea of honoring the graduating members of the school’s band when a fellow director suggested traveling to each of the student’s houses and playing the fight song for them. “Immediately, the other director and I were like, ‘we’re in,’” De Hertogh said. Shortly thereafter, the trio hit the road, embarking on a tour that spanned 168 miles and celebrated 85 students. Despite adverse weather conditions, De Hertogh, Michael Hernandez and Jason Lewis journeyed across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to deliver their graduates one final ‘thank you.’ “There were a lot of tears and the parents were extremely grateful,” De Hertogh said. “It didn’t really occur to me how crazy it was until we saw their reactions, and they were blown away by me out there playing the fight song for them on my saxophone.” As anticipated, it was an emotional ride for the students, but De Hertogh didn’t realize the impact the experience would have on the teachers as well. “It was a lot of emotion from us too,” De Hertogh said. “The weird hardship COVID-19 has caused makes it that I’ll never forget any of these kids. It’s a really odd, emotional time for
teachers because it’s like everything just stops and we don’t get to say goodbye.” It was not just the students and teachers who were moved by the tour, though. Mere hours after setting out, the NBC station in the Dallas-Fort Worth area tracked down De Hertogh and had the story on the news that afternoon. It wasn’t long until CBS and even CNN got wind and had crews on the hunt for interviews. However, the saxophonist expressed nothing but humility when asked about the coverage. “I did not anticipate the amount of people who were touched by it,” De Hertogh said. After earning his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Southern Miss, De Hertogh relocated to the Lone Star State where he discovered his love of teaching before obtaining a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas. The two-time GRAMMY nominee spent a year teaching saxophone lessons in Dallas-Fort Worth before beginning his graduate studies, and the experience changed his life. “That’s how I decided I wanted to become a teacher,” De Hertogh said. “Whenever I was teaching those saxophone lessons, I regretted not getting a music education degree from Southern Miss. So, that sparked the love of kids and desire to spread the joy of music.” This year has been one nobody will soon forget – especially 2020 graduates. But, De Hertogh’s efforts in the face of misfortune will undoubtedly overwrite some of the negative memories with something much greater, and he does it all because he loves his students. “Everywhere I’ve been along the way, the connection with students has been something I’ve valued and will continue to value.”
ALUMNI ACTION Read more about De Hertogh and submit nominations for more alumni spotlights at SouthernMissAlumni.com/Soaring.
A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME.
Drawing the Curtain W By Dr. Mike Lopinto ’91, ’93, ‘02
hat does dance look like without touch? How do we produce a musical or play instruments with masks? How do costume fittings happen with no contact? How do we manage faculty lessons and mentoring when closeness isn’t possible? “It’s just baffling,” said Dr. Mike Lopinto while evaluating the last few months of the pandemic which canceled performances and shuttered theatres here and nationwide. “This town is an arts town. To not have the bustle of rehearsals and performances, is like nothing any of us have ever experienced.” The regular arc of the semester that culminated in hundreds of performances was halted – a set for the theatrical production was left half-constructed in a dark theatre; choreography was abandoned as everyone retreated to their homes; more than 100 music events already in final preparations, went dark. Most importantly, faculty and staff had to figure out a way to help students move forward in their degrees. Academic classes continued until the end of the semester but were all online. Faculty and students were all challenged with having to adapt quickly to various online platforms in order to be able to continue their academic instruction. Recitals and performances were presented in non-traditional ways – performed absolutely alone or with recordings by one of our staff or graduate collaborative pianists, or with a commercial recording. Being incredibly resourceful, the USM faculty and students found a variety of solutions and made them all work. Our creativity and ability as artists to solve problems has served us well.
The crisis has reinforced the need for our faculty and students to have available, and be well-versed in state-of-theart recording technology. This is vitally important for not only situations like this, but critical for the future. Both the School of Music and the School of Performing and Visual Arts (SPVA) have worked through the summer to assure concert, performances and exhibitions for fall. While physical distancing is expected to be a large consideration, livestreaming and innovative rehearsal practices will be utilized. “The SPVA has committed to continuing to produce live theatre, dance performances and exhibitions through the time of COVID-19” said Stacy Reischman Fletcher, director of the School of Performing and Visual Arts. “The need for what we do as artists has never been more valuable and important for our students, faculty and audiences as we all attempt to navigate these unprecedented times.” Dr. Jay Dean, director of the School of Music, added, “The arts and athletics are the two main windows for people to see into the University, and our ability to perform music for people outside the University is vitally important to our future. We intend for our musical window to stay wide open so people in Hattiesburg and the rest of the world can continue to enjoy and benefit from the many artistic events we will offer in the future. Albert Einstein once said, ‘In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.’ This crisis has caused us to think in ways we have never thought before, and we are now creating new opportunities for our students, our concertgoers and our alumni.”
ALUMNI ACTION Support the work of arts students by visiting the virtual student art shows, performances, concerts and recitals. When possible, attend a live event on campus and be one of the few audience members who can sit in the theater for a performance. Visit USM.edu/Arts for updates and announcements.
A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME.
When Golden Eagles are in Need, the Southern Miss Family Provides By Karelia Pitts ‘14
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hrough financial support provided by generous donors in the Southern Miss community, the 2020 Emergency Relief Grant Program through the USM Foundation awarded financial support to students who experienced hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the severe weather that affected the Southeast in April 2020. The combined contributions of 398 donors raised more than $60,000 for the Southern Miss Emergency Relief Fund, the Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry and the Southern Miss Fund. “The needs of students have varied, from destroyed homes and vehicles to lacking money for food. We are extremely grateful for the donors who made it possible for us to provide some relief for these students during their time of critical need,” said Sirena Cantrell, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “I wish I could find the words to describe the looks of deep appreciation I observed when students learned how their fellow Golden Eagles came together
to help when they needed it the most. Because of you, students gained access to canned goods and hygiene products they could not afford to purchase on their own. Others received help toward replacing damaged computers so they could finish the spring semester on time. On behalf of each student who benefitted from your kindness, I thank you!” Through gifts of all sizes, from $10 to thousands of dollars, alumni and friends of the University united to help. Their collective impact has assisted more than 60 students, including Angela Mata, a graduate student from Honduras earning her master’s degree in social work. “I want to express my gratitude for the financial support I received from the USM Foundation and the USM community during this hard time,” Angela said. “As an international student, I don’t qualify for a lot of financial support beyond my graduate assistantship. Your gift means so much to me, and I truly feel a part of the USM family. Thank you!”
ALUMNI ACTION Visit EagleFever.USM.edu to support the 2020 Emergency Relief Grant Program.
A NOVEL VIRUS. AN UNPRECEDENTED TIME.
USM STUDENT-ATHLETE
HIGHLIGHTS By Travis Hall
MATTHEW GUIDRY ‘19 Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Southern Miss Baseball Hometown: Hattiesburg What was your initial reaction to the 2020 season being cut short? Disbelief. If you would’ve told anybody their season would get cut short due to a virus, they wouldn’t believe you. It happened all within a few days, and we had just played three days before. So, just disbelief and shock; you don’t see lockouts in the NCAA.
What was the most important lesson you learned as a student-athlete at Southern Miss? I figured out real quick that right when you think you have things figured out, you don’t. Something always happens that makes you realize that you still have room to improve, whether that be on the field, in the classroom or even in social life and relationships. There’s always room to grow.
What was your biggest challenge in adjusting to online coursework? I was already all online for grad school, so there wasn’t much of a change for me. I think the only adjustment I had to make was not getting frustrated at the fact that everyone else had an extra-long spring break and I didn’t! My coursework didn’t get affected at all!
What is your favorite Southern Miss memory? Selfishly, it would be hitting the grand slam at LSU last year. But I think my greatest memory that I’ll look back and be really proud to tell my kids about is winning four consecutive conference championships. That’s pretty special. Some guys never get to compete for a championship, so to have that on my career resume means a lot.
How will this time of adversity better prepare you for your future? I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. It is a challenge and something that you’d never suspect or wish upon anybody, but at the end of the day, it is just a baseball career. To me, baseball is a big deal, though, so I think at the end of all this I’ll be able to grow because this is just another obstacle I’ll have to climb over. I’ll deal with this adversity and use it to better myself mentally so that I can tackle challenges later in life.
What’s next for you? What’s next for me is working on figuring out how to live for right now and not trying to get too far ahead. It is a troubling time right now with the pandemic and the social injustices that are going on, but I’ll be able to say that I lived through it, and in a dark and twisted way, it’s a special thing.
ZARIA JONES ‘19 Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Southern Miss Track & Field | High Jump Hometown: Meridian What was your initial reaction to the 2020 season being cut short? I was hurt because I was having my best season so far under our new coach, so it was kind of disappointing when the season got cut. What was your biggest challenge in adjusting to online coursework? In your senior year of the nutrition and dietetic program, you do a lot of hand-on things like weight nutrition, making meals and going to speak about nutrition. So, when we started courses online, I didn’t feel like I was gaining as much information as I wanted to because I’m more of a kinesthetic learner. I like being on campus and being in the lab and being in class. How will this time of adversity better prepare you for your future? It has definitely helped me with time management and setting a task or goal and having to complete it without a deadline. As deadlines were continually pushed back, I had to take initiative and discipline myself to take care of things, which helped me avoid procrastinating.
What was the most important lesson you learned as a student-athlete at Southern Miss? To not move at someone else’s pace and not focus on what others are doing. I learned I always need to just pay attention to my work and what I am doing in my schedule. A lot of students get caught up in doing what their friends are doing and that can take you off the cliff quick. Being a student-athlete taught me to stay independent and focus on the reason why I came here. What is your favorite Southern Miss memory? Winning conference! The hard work paid off that year and it was just a great feeling. Plus, I got a ring! What’s next for you? I just got accepted to graduate school at Southern Miss and will take the opportunity to have another season!
GOLDEN EAGLE INVESTMENTS SUMMER 2020
The Golden Eagle Investments report quarterly recognizes donors who make gifts to Southern Miss Athletics through the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation at or exceeding $25,000. CAA, INC. • $276,250 LYNX PRODUCTIONS • $50,000 LETT CHIROPRACTIC CENTER • $48,650
Looking Ahead While many aspects of campus life may look a little differently moving forward, The University of Southern Mississippi will remain dedicated to its mission of scholarship and learning – integrating students at all levels in the creation and application of knowledge through excellence in teaching, research, creative activities, outreach and service. Currently, the University is preparing for a return of students in early August with a condensed fall semester schedule. There will be no fall break and all final exams will be completed prior to campus closing for the Thanksgiving holiday in order to reduce the potential spread of the virus. But, just as we have learned over the last several months, flexibility will be key in a successful fall semester. In the following pages, you will learn about the University’s efforts in moving ahead as well as opportunities for you to be involved in the continued success of Southern Miss.
Looking Ahead
The One Where We Pivot: Recruiting through a Global Pandemic Susan Weldon Scott ’02 ‘09
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he term “pivot” has been used so frequently to describe how the University is reacting daily to the stresses and challenges wrought by COVID-19 that a classic Friends episode hums in a loop in the background of my mind…you know, the one where Ross, Rachel and Chandler are yelling “Pivot!” over and over as they attempt to move an oversized sofa up a set of stairs. The notion of a team of people pulling together to maneuver a heavy task down an uncertain path is certainly an apt metaphor for what it’s been like for the USM Office of Admissions since March. Normally during this time of year, admissions staff would be wrapping up a busy spring travel season of attending senior awards programs and junior visits, preparing to greet our newest Golden Eagles at new student orientation events. Instead, high schools sit empty as seniors grieve the loss of graduation ceremonies and other memory-making celebration rituals. Parents and family members are seriously wondering if their students should defer enrollment until things seem safer and more stable. Juniors proceed awkwardly through the beginning phases of their college searches, unable to spend the summer traveling and touring campuses. The challenges have been – and continue to be – many and complex. But let’s remember what Mickey Spagnola once said about Southern Miss: “Don’t fight Southern Mississippi,” he wrote. “No matter how hard you fight, these folks will fight harder…These people know sweat. They know work. They nothing ever came easy, nor will it ever come easy.” With that same spirit of grit and determination, here’s an overview of the successes (yes – successes!) the Office of Admissions has realized as we pivot and maneuver down this unconventional path toward securing a class of new students.
The Applications Keep Coming In Student application behavior indicates a clear interest in pursuing a college degree. Since mid-March, operations staff in the Office of Admissions have admitted nearly 2,000 students for the summer and fall semesters, and the standardized test score requirement was waived for high school students whose coursework evidenced academic merit. Also, more than 100 prospective transfer students took advantage of two free application day windows, during which the $40 application was waived for transfer applicants. Meeting Students Where They Are: Virtual Appointments and Events Recruitment staff quickly enacted a virtual visit option and have met with more than 400 students in virtual appointment formats, along with an innovative lineup of virtual event options. More than 1,800 students and parents have registered for virtual events on topics which narrated important next steps for seniors, highlighted student involvement opportunities and featured Q&A panels with current students and administrators. Southern Miss alumni headlined the Networking with Southern Miss Series, during which alumni working in the areas of law, medicine and business and finance shared with prospective students how their Southern Miss experiences launched them into successful careers. These numbers rivaled, and in many instances, exceeded a normal spring event cycle. Continued Dedication to Student-Centered Service COVID-19 may have interrupted nearly everything about daily life, but Enrollment Services’ commitment to studentcentered service was not – even through staff members’ sudden transition to fully remote working environments for more than three months. The Office of Financial Aid team answered an average of 750 phone calls per week and distributed in excess of $3.4 million of federal CARES grants to current students. Under the direction of the Office of Orientation and Transition Programs, Southern Style members have begun students through completely virtual new student orientation sessions. The Office of Undergraduate Scholarships hasn’t missed a beat in meeting the needs of incoming freshmen and awarding scholarships to transfer students throughout the spring semester.
ALUMNI ACTION
The Class of 2020 Deserves a Little Something Extra… Legacies and select admitted seniors were sent a special direct mail touch that featured a Southern Miss-themed popup card and a sheet of decal stickers. Additionally, Southern Miss yard sign drive-thru events were held for orientation registrants living in the Pine Belt and Gulf Coast regions on the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses. Admissions counselors also supplied special shout-out videos to freshman scholarship recipients for high schools’ virtual awards day programs.
Southern Miss alumni play an important role in the recruitment of new Golden Eagles. In the challenging seasons ahead, it will be vital for alumni to remain a positive and affirming voice to potential students. All alumni have the opportunity to serve as an advocate for the Golden Eagle community by participating in Go GOLD Friday, sharing Southern spirit on social media and encouraging high school students to choose USM. To schedule or share virtual campus tours, visit USM.edu/Admission/ Experience-Southern-Miss.php.
Looking Ahead
Re-envisioning University Life
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ooking ahead to the fall semester, University leadership is committed to a safe return of students to campus, which means managing exposure to the virus and the number of cases among students, while also working toward modifying student behavior to minimize the spread of the virus on campus. “This will require a culture change to prioritize community well-being,” said Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Dr. Amy Chasteen. “Changing a culture is a multi-year process and we are asking 18-22 year-olds to do it quickly. They are not currently thinking about what they could be carrying or the risks associated, so we will work to create a sense of community responsibility among our faculty, staff and students and ask our student-leaders to be the ones setting the best examples. We are committed to our students having positive learning experiences and our faculty having great teaching experiences.” Higher education across the country may never be the same as a result of COVID-19, but USM is well on its way to being a stronger and better institution moving forward. “In a lot of areas, our campus will see vast improvements because we have been forced to accelerate our adaption to technology,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Steven R. Moser. “Our standard business practices as a University have drastically improved as well as our ability to effectively advise and coach students virtually.” The same is true for much of student life, as students have responded well to telecounseling resources, online group communication skills for mental and social health and more. “We are excited about the fall,” said Anderson. “We are excited to have students back on campus and to provide the educational and student experiences we are proud of at USM.”
While students coming to campus in the fall can expect a season of focused education on the importance of social distancing and maintaining personal health, they will have already received increased communication from University leaders in order to better prepare them for what to expect upon arrival. “We will provide masks for every Southern Miss student and communicate directly to students in the weeks leading up to the semester’s start,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dee Dee Anderson. “We are working to re-envision all our social activities and how we can effectively achieve the same goals in smaller groups. We will be prepared with virtual adaptations for every aspect of student life and activities at Southern Miss.” Academically, students will receive enhanced learning experiences as a result of faculty having the opportunity to continue learning and preparing for both in-person and online coursework. The University has also been able to ensure curriculum will be delivered to students even if they have to quarantine for 14 days as a result of COVID-19. Academic leadership is currently working to determine which classes will be held fully in-person, due to space restrictions on campus. Faculty have submitted approximately 900 proposals and a committee has developed a tiered system for selection with priority given to courses which require in-person instruction and those targeted for first-year and new students. “Every day is a new day, we have learned to be fluid with our expectations while remaining committed to our vision and goals as a University,” said Moser. “Because of this commitment, there is no doubt that we will emerge as a stronger, more student focused institution.”
Looking Ahead
Redefining Alumni and Student Engagement in a World of Unknowns
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n February 2020, the Southern Miss Alumni Association successfully launched more than 20 Alumni HUBs following a two-year process of creating a new model for alumni engagement at Southern Miss. Through Alumni HUBs, alumni are able to contribute to the success of USM through new programming initiatives based on five key areas of focus: recruiting, networking, serving, supporting and engaging young alumni. “When we officially rolled out the new Alumni HUB model earlier this year, we had no idea just how relevant these HUBs would become just a few short months later,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. “HUBs are designed to engage alumni in a variety of ways which meet their interests, rather than through a rigid set of engagement metrics which ultimately discouraged the type of involvement we see as most important in the life of the University. Through a geographic Alumni HUB, constituents can choose how they want to connect with USM and know their involvement will not only be recognized and celebrated, but also impactful in helping the University as a whole become more successful.” As restrictions on event attendance and social gathering requirements are lifted over the next several months, alumni
across the country will have the chance to actively participate in activities to advance the institution through hosting networking events mentoring Southern Miss students, recruiting students to attend USM and more in both in-person and virtual spaces. “While we would love to fill our calendar with alumni events, that simply isn’t a reality for us right now, and quite honestly may not be the best way to impact the long-term success of our University” said BayLee Long, assistant director for programs constituent relations. “Thankfully, the Alumni HUB model will allow to remain engaged in unique and creative ways, such as mentoring students online through Southern Miss Connections, encouraging potential students to explore virtual recruitment opportunities and even serving as unofficial social ambassadors for the University by sharing news stories and Southern spirit across their personal social media platforms.” Once it is safe for alumni to gather, targeted events will be developed and shared on SouthernMissAlumni.com and across the Association’s social media accounts. Facebook.com/SouthernMissAlumniAssociation @USMAlumni | @USMAlumni “Little did we know, developing the HUB model for alumni would ultimately be our ticket to success for the return of
students to campus this fall,” added DeFatta. “As our team has discussed tirelessly over the last several months, we have a unique opportunity to take what has always been and reconstruct it into a new and more valuable experience for our audiences. This same mindset is allowing the Student Alumni Association to offer meaningful engagement opportunities for students under the leadership of Shonice Montgomery.” Montgomery, who serves the Association as the coordinator of student and young alumni programming and leads the Student Alumni Association and the Association’s GOLD Council, has developed an engagement plan for USM students utilizing the SAA HUB App. “It is important to me, and to our organization, to provide opportunities for all students to be engaged – but I wanted to take the time to develop a plan to foster meaningful engagement and really provide students with the support they need during this time,” said Montgomery. “After spending the last several months listening to our SAA leadership, I realized our ultimate goals should be centered around fostering a safe community for students where they are – online – and with the involvement of our young alumni.” “I am super excited SAA will provide safe alternatives that still keeps students connected,” said Chasity Hutchinson, SAA
president and junior anthropology major. “We want to meet students where they are and be a resource for the current issues we are all facing in these difficult days.” Throughout the fall semester SAA will engage students through an online community providing helpful conversations around topics of mental health, wellness and students success through Facebook live events led by young alumni, hosting watch parties and supporting the Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry. “I am grateful for the thoughtful ways in which Shonice has planned for a seemingly unknown fall semester,” said DeFatta. “I am certain our Student Alumni Association will engage a larger audience while continuing to be an example of innovation and creativity within our organization and across our campus.”
ALUMNI ACTION If you are interested in connecting with students through the Student Alumni Association, contact Shonice Montgomery at Shonice.Montgomery@usm.edu.
SNAPSH OTS Send us photos of yourself, your family and friends representing Southern Miss, and we will print as many as space allows in a future edition of Snapshots. Email photos* to alumni@usm.edu.
Top left: Johnathan ’01 and Wendy Blanchard ‘03 enjoy Christmas in Kyoto, Japan. They are pictured showing their Southern Miss spirit at the Golden Palace. Top right: Russ and Kevan Brown ’74, ‘75 wearing their black and gold on the island of Kuaui in Hawaii. Middle left: The Causey family. Middle right: Patricia Goetschel ‘82 and her husband, Paco Moreno, in Freiburg Germany.
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Bottom: The Howell family on vacation: Emily (Elizabeth) Howell Cook, Dave Cook, John (Carl) Howell, (Emily) Susan Robertson Howell, Laura Kathryn Biggers Howell, John Thomas Howell, Josiah Cook, Anna Cook, Lydia Cook and Sarah Cook.
SNAPSH OTS
Top left: Shelley Pace Winstead ’93, advisory board member; Paul Myers ’01, trustee; and Dr. Christy Sanders Myers ’92, ‘95, operations manager at the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany annual advisory board meeting.
Middle right: Ron ‘69 and Sylvia Sykes ’67 recently returned from a trip to Israel. Against the backdrop of the City of Jerusalem, they proudly displayed their loyalty to and love for USM.
Top right: Richard Hudson ’86 and Susan Hammond ’86 recently traveled to Las Vegas and visited the Grand Canyon showing their Golden Eagle pride.
Bottom left: The Marshall Family is proud to have nine Southern Miss graduates. Pictured left to right: Nathan Marshall ’17, Bob Marshall ’88, Jessie Marshall ’12, Myers Marshall ’12, Earl Marshall ’58 (Past President of the Southern Miss Alumni Association 1979-80), Anna Marshall ’19, Bobbie Marshall ’62, Mickey Marshall ’83, Mike Marshall ’82.
Middle left: Eric Langevin ’99, Shannon Gemeinhardt ’01, Nathaniel Blanford ’00 and Greg Gemeinhardt ’99 at Kitchen 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Nat Blanford is the executive chef of the Cincinnati location. Middle center: Jimmy Putnam ‘78 and Margie Putnam Jepson ‘79, ’83 representing Southern Miss on the island of Kuaui in Hawaii.
Bottom right: Hal ’81 and Pam Bullock ’81, ‘03 in front of the Monument to the Bandeiras, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where they celebrated Carnivale in February 2020.
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Now is your chance to catch up on the news and accomplishments of your fellow Golden Eagles. To submit news to The Talon, please send your information to the Southern Miss Alumni Association, 118 College Drive #5013, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001, email alumni@usm.edu or post it online at SouthernMissAlumni.com. All cities are in Mississippi unless otherwise noted.
1960s
JOHN ’64 and Maureen SURETTE celebrated 50 years of marriage.
1970s
LEIGHTON ‘70 and KAREN ‘70 MILLER recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. JIMMY MCCAY ’71 has retired from William Carey University after 49 years of service.
1980s
DR. KENT NEWMAN ’81, ’93 was recognized by the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi with the 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award for his professional accomplishments and significant contributions to the field of Polymer Science. JOSEPH ZIEMIANSKI ’82 was named one of 63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers in Chambers USA 2020 Guide.
DONNIE TYNES ’75 retired from Trustmark National Bank after 44 years of service.
VEHICLE WRAPS & DECALS • OUTDOOR SIGNS & BANNERS • MURALS & WALL COVERINGS • CANVAS ART REPRODUCTIONS • STREET POLE BANNERS • BUSINESS SIGNS & DIRECTORIES • CEILING DANGLERS & SHELF TALKERS • SIDEWALK SIGNS & GRAPHICS • WINDOW/GLASS DRESSINGS & GRAPHICS • TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS • METAL SIGNS • BACKLIT GRAPHICS & LIGHTBOXES • CUSTOM CUT LETTERING • MAGNETIC SIGNS • VEHICLE WRAPS & DECALS • OUTDOOR SIGNS & BANNERS • MURALS & WALL COVERINGS • CANVAS ART REPRODUCTIONS • STREET POLE BANNERS • BUSINESS SIGNS & DIRECTORIES • CEILING DANGLERS & SHELF TALKERS • SIDEWALK SIGNS & GRAPHICS • WINDOW/GLASS DRESSINGS & GRAPHICS • TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS • METAL SIGNS • BACKLIT GRAPHICS & LIGHTBOXES • CUSTOM CUT LETTERING • MAGNETIC SIGNS • VEHICLE WRAPS & DECALS • OUTDOOR SIGNS & BANNERS • MURALS & WALL COVERINGS • CANVAS ART REPRODUCTIONS • STREET POLE BANNERS • BUSINESS SIGNS & DIRECTORIES • CEILING DANGLERS & SHELF TALKERS • SIDEWALK SIGNS & GRAPHICS • WINDOW/GLASS DRESSINGS & GRAPHICS • TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS • METAL SIGNS • BACKLIT GRAPHICS & LIGHTBOXES • CUSTOM CUT LETTERING • MAGNETIC SIGNS • VEHICLE WRAPS & DECALS • OUTDOOR SIGNS & BANNERS • MURALS & WALL COVERINGS • CANVAS ART REPRODUCTIONS • STREET POLE BANNERS • BUSINESS SIGNS & DIRECTORIES • CEILING DANGLERS & SHELF TALKERS • SIDEWALK SIGNS & GRAPHICS • WINDOW/GLASS DRESSINGS & GRAPHICS • TRADE SHOW DISPLAYS • METAL SIGNS BACKLIT GRAPHICS & about LIGHTBOXES • CUSTOM Call• us today to learn more our CUT LETTERING • MAGNETIC • VEHICLE WRAPS & DECALS • large format digital SIGNS printing from POS graphics OUTDOOR SIGNS & BANNERS • MURALS & WALL COVERINGS • CANVAS to vehicle wraps to posters and banners ART REPRODUCTIONS • STREET POLE BANNERS • BUSINESS SIGNS & and everything in between. DIRECTORIES • CEILING DANGLERS & SHELF TALKERS • SIDEWALK SIGNS & GRAPHICS • WINDOW/GLASS DRESSINGS & GRAPHICS • TRADE PRINT DIRECT MAIL DIGITAL GREEN LARGE FORMAT DESIGN SHOW DISPLAYS • METAL SIGNS • BACKLIT GRAPHICS & LIGHTBOXES
HEDERMAN BROTHERS
Creating on a Larger Scale, for a Wider Audience!
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601.853.7300 • 247 Industrial Drive North • Madison, MS 39110 • hederman.com
DR. LOU MARCIANI ’84 retired from his role as Director of The University of Southern Mississippi’s National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4). DIANE ROSS ’87, ’97, ’00 was named Director of Lamar County Library System.
1990s
SHELTON GANDY ’90 was recently named Offensive Coordinator for the football program at Hattiesburg High School.
Sumrall Framing and Accessories Visit Sumrall Framing and Accessories for all your framing needs in the Pine Belt. 4870 MS-589 | Sumrall, Sum MS 601.758.4499
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Hattiesburg Police Officers Reach the Top By Samantha McCain ’10, ‘11, Chief Communications Officer, City of Hattiesburg
In 2018, University President Rodney Bennett and Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker ‘04, ‘06 signed an agreement that provides up to six credit hours per semester to sworn employees with the Hattiesburg Police and Fire Department – at no cost to them. In December 2019 and May 2020, the police department’s Shannon Weaver-Harris and Lieutenant Harris Tapp became the first two graduates of the program, reaching long-time goals of finishing their college degrees. Upon completion, Southern Miss alumnus Police Chief Anthony Parker ‘79 stated, “I am proud of their initiative to lead by example. Their success will be catalysts for young officers in their pursuit of being the best officer they can be.” Beginning his collegiate career in 1995, Tapp chose to put school on hold after facing a combination of family, work and financial obligations. Then in 1998, he graduated from the police academy. Since that time, he has served as a patrol officer, K9 handler, traffic officer, investigator and has held several supervisory roles – now as a lieutenant in internal affairs. “Finishing my degree adds to being a well-rounded officer. We’re required to do much more than enforce laws,” said Tapp. “Having a higher education elevates the tactical and skills-based training we have, which allows me to be a better public servant.” In 2002, Weaver-Harris signed a track scholarship at Southern Miss. After two years of competing in track and studying history, she faced a few financial obstacles causing her to press pause on college. She graduated from the police academy in 2005. And since then, has served as a patrol officer, investigator, training instructor, internal affairs and now – fleet commander as a captain. “Going through my college experience, regardless of pace, provided for a perspective about life that reflects
MICHAEL HOGAN ’91 retired as Principal of Petal Middle School after 27 years with the Petal School District. KIMBERLY MERCHANT ’94 has taken over as attorney for the Indianola Board of Aldermen.
being a police officer,” said Weaver-Harris. “You have good days and bad days, but staying balanced and focused while choosing to do the little things ultimately makes a difference.” In response to their accomplishments, Assistant Chief Peggy Sealy stated, “This was not an easy win for them. But, they persevered through the day-to-day life obstacles and finished. I am proud to have both on our team.” Both Tapp and Weaver-Harris have storied careers with the police department, and now they’ve added college graduates and Southern Miss alumni to the stories they’ll tell for years to come.
BETH CALDERON ’96 was appointed Chair of the Language, Literature and Student Success division at Meridian Community College.
Current COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAN TINDELL ’96, ’98 has been appointed Public Safety Commissioner for the State of Mississippi.
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GROWING UP GOLD Southern Miss alumni play an important role in keeping the black and gold spirit alive. For many, Golden Eagle roots run deep, and your alma mater is committed to fostering relationships with Golden Eagles of all ages. Growing up Gold is a legacy engagement program of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. Enroll your child/grandchild today at SouthernMissAlumni.com/GrowingupGold. SAM ’04 and Trina MCALISTER welcomed daughter Lily Gail McAlister on March 26, 2020.
MARIA ’11 and TYLER PETERSON ’12 welcomed daughter Mallory Maria Peterson on May 19, 2020.
MEGAN ’07 and Seth HUNTER welcomed son Samuel Lee Hunter on May 24, 2020.
ALEX ’13, ’19 and Todd ARNOLD welcomed daughter Collier Grace Arnold on April 20, 2020.
LAUREN ’07 and Boyd KILLEEN welcomed daughter Olivia Catherine Killeen on January 24, 2020.
BRADLEY ’08 and KIMBERLY CHARLESWORTH ’10 welcomed daughter Claire Elizabeth Charlesworth on March 26, 2020.
ZACHARY ’13 and Taylor BRIDGES welcomed daughter Avery Skye Bridges on March 18, 2020. COLTON ’13 and JORDYN SEYMOUR ’15 welcomed daughter Anna Claire Seymour on January 6, 2020. TIM ’13 and Kim WELLS welcomed daughter Eden Grace Wells on May 19, 2020.
CADY ’13 and GLENN WOLF ’14 welcomed son Channing Richard Wolf on October 31, 2019.
REED ’08, ’10 and Jane Allen HOTARD welcomed daughter Kathryn Watson Hotard on February 20, 2020. LEE ‘08 and MEGHAN WILLIAMS ’11, ‘12 welcomed daughter Annie Watts Williams on June 19, 2020. MELISSA ’09, 11 and Ryan RIVERA welcomed daughter Amelia Ann Rivera on June 9, 2020. DESMOND LLOYD ’10 and his wife welcomed son Daniel Lloyd on March 13. 2020. MARK ‘11, ‘15 and Paige BUCHANAN welcomed son Hampton Cole Buchanan on June 15, 2020. KELLIE ’11 and William JOHNSON welcomed son William Blair “Liam” Johnson III on April 7, 2020.
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MATTHEW ’11 and CHRISTIE PENOT ’12 welcomed son Rowan Matthew Penot on February 15, 2020.
BUCK ’14 and HALLIE BERNARD ’16, ’18 welcomed daughter Ellie Clark Bernard on March 25, 2020. KEVIN ’14 and BROOKS MARTIN BOHTE ’13, ’17 welcomed son Bradley Reed Bohte on March 31, 2020. AUSTIN ‘15 and ALEX ROUSSEL ’16 welcomed daughter Ava Elizabeth Roussel on April 16, 2020. BAILEY ’16 and Anthony ALFORD welcomed daughter Stella Alford on April 20, 2020. CHRIS ‘16 and MOLLIE HILL ‘17 welcomed son Cooper Wilson Hill on May 21, 2020. CRYSTAL FERRELL ’18 welcomed daughter Jali Armani Ferrell on December 26, 2019.
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CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS BY ALUMNI AUTHORS
ALUMNI BOOKSHELF
Case No: 1 MURDER Carl Rayford Roberts ’70, ’81 Life Rich Publishing, 2020
If you wish to be considered for coverage, please email alumni@usm.edu the title of your book, class year, publisher, year published and electronic image of the book’s cover in a jpg, tif or pdf at 300 dpi.
An Introduction to Computational Science Dr. Allen G. Holder ’90, ‘93 Springer Publishing, 2019
Gerencia Moderna de salarios e Incentivos. Gestión y arquitectura de procesos Miguel Amaya ‘72 Editorial Uniagustiniana, 2019
DR. AMY B. HENLEY ’97, ’98 was recently promoted to Dean of Nistler College of Business and Public Administration at the University of North Dakota. TERRELL NEAL ’99, ’04 was named Chief Executive Officer of St. Charles Parish Hospital.
Millie and Mo Dream Big Illustrated by Ricky ’71 and Mary Nobile Page Publishing, Inc 2019
Ain’t No Mountain Janet Taylor-Perry ‘83 Gragon Breath Press, 2020
2000s
DR. LACHEL STORY ’00, ’02 was named Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at The University of Southern Mississippi. DR. STACEY HALL ’01, ’03, ’06 has been named interim director of the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Pre-K Attachment and Parental Love Dr. Stephen Madonna ’86, ‘87 People Technology Foundation, 2020
Come Climb Toward God Marianna Albritton ’69 Xulon Press, 2013
VALENCIA WALLS ’02, ’06 was the recipient of the Peggy Jean Connor “Heart of Hattiesburg” Award. BOB MERCHANT ‘03 was recently named President and CEO of VT Halter Marine.
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MICHAEL MCCARTER ‘94 has been named Managing Editor, Standards, Ethics and Inclusion at USA TODAY. McCarter previously served as executive editor of USA TODAY Network’s Evansville Courier & Press, and also coordinated coverage with editors and reporters in Bloomington, Spencer, Martinsville, Paoli, French Lick and Bedford, Ind., as well as Henderson and Union County, Ky. In this new role, McCarter will work closely with USA TODAY journalists across the country focusing on five building blocks that include ethics, standards, mentoring, education and inclusion. Prior to his time in Evansville, where he has worked since October 2018, McCarter worked for 10 years at the Cincinnati Enquirer, where he served as senior news director and director of photography before that. A graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, McCarter took an unconventional path into journalism through an elective photography class. Eventually, he scored a photo internship at the Pensacola News Journal and began his career as a photographer at The Shreveport Times while pursuing a master’s in psychology at Louisiana State University-Shreveport. Later, he moved to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution where he served as photo editor. He oversaw historic photo coverage of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and a special section commemorating the life and death of Coretta Scott King. Source: Courier & Press CHRISTOPHER ESTRADE ’04 of Hancock Whitney was recently named to the One Coast Top 10 Under 40. KEITH WILSON ‘04 of Streetcar PR was recently named to the One Coast Top 10 Under 40.
JAVIER GOMEZ ’06, ’16 recently presented at the 10th annual Conference on Teaching and Learning on Building a Community of Learners through Interactive Videos and Feedback with Canvas Studio. CHAS PIERCE ’06, ’09 was recently promoted to Vice President for System Development at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport.
WITT RUFFIN ’05 recently joined BankPlus as Senior Vice President and Regional Commercial Bank Officer.
STEVEN BLAYLOCK ’07 was appointed President for the Health Care Foundation of North Mississippi and Vice President for North Mississippi Health Care Services.
DR. CHRISTOPHER BOUNDS ’07 has been named Director of Advanced Composites Institute at Mississippi State University. WHITNEY MEEKS ’08 has graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. SARAH MYERS ’08, ’09 has been named Director of the Children’s Center at The University of Southern Mississippi. TYLER SMITH ’08 joined the Maroon Tide football staff as the new Defensive Line Coach.
AALIYAH COLE ‘17 has been named a 2020 recipient of the Mississippi Vision Foundation’s (MVF) Helen Allison St. Clair scholarship for students of optometry. Cole, a third-year student at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn., is a graduate of Jefferson County High School where she was Valedictorian and The University of Southern Mississippi earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Summa Cum Laude, while minoring in Chemistry. Upon graduation, she was inducted into the USM Student Hall of Fame. Cole serves as Vice-President of the Mississippi Optometric Student Association and is a member of the American Optometric Student Association, the National Optometric Student Association and is Chief Editor of SCO’s yearbook. She was selected to participate in the Mississippi Rural Scholars program designed to cultivate well-trained physicians to practice in Mississippi.
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Source: Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA)
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STEPHANIE G. BELL ’09, ’12 was named Executive Director of Friends of City Park, New Orleans, La.
2010s
ADAM DOLEAC ’10 has signed a new global publishing deal with Sony/ATV. JOE GRIFFIN ’10 was named Principal of Meridian High School. BETHANY SEAL ’10, ‘11 was recently named STAR teacher for West Harrison High School. JONAH TAYLOR ’10 joined United Way of Southeast Mississippi as Director of Marketing and Communications.
DR. BRENT GREGORY ‘98, ‘03 was named the ninth president of East Central Community College (ECCC) in Decatur. He had previously served as vice president for student affairs at Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit. He replaces Gregory Stewart DR. BILLY STEWART ‘90, ‘93 who retired on June 30, 2020. Upon his retirement, the new women’s residence hall at ECCC was named the Billy W. Stewart Hall. Stewart served as president of ECCC for eight years. DR. DESMOND “DESMOND” MOULTON ’15 has released his first album titled “Happiness is Priceless.” The reggae and dancehall music album recently made its debut on the Billboard Reggae chart.
CHRISTIAN MYRICK ’14 joined UAB Medicine as a Recruitment and Marketing Specialist. BROOKE RHODES ’14, ’16 was appointed Associate Head Coach of the Catamounts at Western Carolina University.
JEFFREY GEORGE ‘16, ‘17 was recently selected as a Thirty Under 30 award recipient by Pi Kappa Phi. TONYA MOORE ’18, Director of Career Services at Gordon State College, recently launched the Infinity Training and Development Center.
DR. CASSANDRA REESE ’19 was accepted into the prestigious and competitive Chemical Abstracts Service Future Leaders Program. AMBER SLAUGHTER ’19 recently launched the SingleWomanhood101 Podcast. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Alabama. ERIC WIGGINS ’19 was named Project Manager of The Washington County Economic Alliance.
In Memoriam MOLLIE MONK ’41, ‘56 of Meridian
MARY DANIELS ’50 of Hattiesburg
REESE HELMER ’51 of Port Tobacco, Md.
FRANCES VANCE ’53 of Flowood
CLARA BEHR ’42 of Vicksburg
LESTER HADDOX ’50 of Columbia
JOYCE BARRETT ’52 of Gulfport
FRED ADAMS ’54 of Jackson
MARGUERITE STORM ’42 of Hattiesburg
RAYMOND LOWE ’50 of Columbus
PAUL PETIT ’52 of Baton Rouge, La.
JAMES BERRY ’54 of Gulfport
OLIVIA WILLIAMS ’47 of Madison
BERYL MANGUM ’50 of Natchez
DOROTHY ASHCRAFT ’53 of Kosciusko
SALLY BRUMFIELD ’54 of Hattiesburg
MARY BUCHANAN ’48 of Meridian
HOWARD CRANFORD ’51 of Edwards
CLEO BYRD ’53 of Mize
VERTIE EZELL ’54 of Pascagoula
ELIZABETH CARROZZA ’49 of White Oak
MARY FILLETTE ’51 of Pinola
MARGARET HOLMAN ’53 of Amory
JAMES SMITH ’54 of Baton Rouge, La. Summer 2020
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ROBERT ANDERSON ’55 of Mobile, Ala.
HARDEE HENDERSON ’58 of Hattiesburg
PRESTON AUST ’60 of Booneville
CHARLES DALEY ’63 of Port St. Lucie, Fla.
CHARLES MIZE ’55 of Kingwood, Texas
DOROTHY REA ’58 of Hattiesburg
WALLACE BLOUNT ’60 of Gulfport
WALTON JONES ’63 of Metarie, La.
CURTIS POWELL ’55 of Soso
MARGIE SHULER ’58 of Abilene, Texas
KENNETH DEERE ’60 of Biloxi
MYRTA PETHTEL ’63 of Mobile, Ala.
WILLIAM PHELPS ’56 of Hattiesburg
ALSTON SPIVEY ’58 of Ridgeland
ROBERT DOHERTY ’60, ‘62 of Hattiesburg
FREDERICA BELLARD ’64 of Mandeville, La.
ROLAND ROBERTSON ’56 of Madison
ERNEST THORNE ’58 of Pensacola, Fla.
IRBY MCINNIS ’60 of Hampton, Va.
EDWIN BRASHER ’64 of Winfield, Ala.
SHIRLEY WALL ’56 of McComb
ANTHONY USEY ’58 of Gulfport
NANCY WATSON ’60, ‘61 of Newton, N.C.
THOMAS COTTON ’64 of Ridgeland
AUBREY WILLIAMS ’56 of McComb
JAMES WILKINS ’58 of Columbia, S.C.
ROBERT LESLIE ’61 of Biloxi
RONALD DODSON ’64 of Denham Springs, La.
JOHN BUCHHOLTZ ’57, ‘59 of Nampa, Idaho
KENNETH DEERE ’59 of Biloxi
WALTER MILAM ’61 of Friendswood, Texas
JAMES RIGSBY ’64 of Evergreen, Ala.
JACK GUNN ’57 of Pachuta
HARRISON DEKAY ’59 of Tupelo
MARY BUCHANAN ’62, ’64 of Soso
ERNEST THORNE ’64 of Decatur
BUNYAN PIERCE ’57 of Madison, Ala.
MARY DRAUGHN ’59 of Hattiesburg
MARY MILLER ’62 of Purvis
CYRIL WIERENGO ’64 of Columbus
MARY WALKER ’57 of Winston-Salem, N.C.
EDWARD ELLIOTT ’59 of Tiger, Ga.
CYRIL WIERENGO ’62 of Columbus
STEPHEN WONG ’64 of Saybrook, Conn.
LEWIS ALEXANDER ’58 of Gulfport
HELEN MCWHORTER ’59 of Hattiesburg
ELEANOR ARTMAN ’63 of Lawrenceville, Ga.
EVELYN BEN-AMI ’65 of Harrisburg
EDWIN FRANK ’58 of Pensacola, Fla.
CALVIN VOGLE ’59 of Saucier
PRESTON AUST ’63 of Booneville
CHARLES MOON ’65 of Augusta, Ga.
PATRICK HARDESTY ’58 of Baton Rouge, La.
MIRIAM WHITE ’59, ‘69 of Mobile, Ala.
DALE BUCHANAN ’63 of Ridgeland
RORA STEPHENS ’65 of Pensacola, Fla.
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LESTER HADDOX ’50 of Columbia, passed away in the afternoon of April 26, 2020 at the age of 91. He attended The University of Southern Mississippi receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Business and Accounting. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Columbia for more than 65 years. His business accomplishments included former co-owner of Dean Griner Butane Gas Company and owner/ operator of WFFF AM/FM radio station. Haddox was an active supporter of The University of Southern Mississippi, serving as President of the Southern Miss Alumni Association in 1975-76 and President of the USM Foundation in 1984-85. He was the first person to endow a scholarship at USM and was inducted into the USM Alumni Hall of Fame in 1987. He loved flying his own plane, traveling in his RV, working in his yard, fishing and driving his grandchildren and great-grandchildren around his property in his “chuck wagon.” He left behind his best friend and wife of 70 years, Janice Lee Haddox, five children – all of whom graduated from Southern Miss, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. For more on Haddox’s life and legacy, visit USMFoundation.com/Stories.
CL ASSN OTES
JOHNNIE WILLIAMS ’65 of Petal
SAMUEL JARVIS ’66 of Texarkana, Texas
JOYCE MCMANUS ’68 of Natchez
LEONA COURTNEY ’70 of Hattiesburg
MARY BOBO ’66 of Jackson
CHARLES LEE ’66 of Jackson
EARL DELLENGER ’69 of Diamondhead
GLORIA DEAN ’70 of Diamondhead
RICHARD BONNETTE ’66 of Lafayette, La.
DAVID BROWN ’67 of Andalusia, Ala.
ROBERT GREENE ’69 of Birmingham, Ala.
RALPH CARTER ’71 of Gautier
JACK GUINN ’66 of Pachuta
JESSE HARDY ’67 of Bolton
BETTIE LANGENBACH ’69 of Hattiesburg
MARTHA COLVIN ’71 of Bastrop, La.
WILLARD HARRELL ’66 of Bogalusa, La.
DAVID PAYNE ’67 of Overland Park, Kan.
JAMES MORRISON ’69 of Wiggins
JUDY GRIMES ’71 of Magee
PAUL HARRIS ’66, ‘70 of Memphis, Tenn.
BEVERLY BRANNON ’68 of Hattiesburg
JAMES MOSELEY ’69 of Hattiesburg
JACK GUNN ’71 of Pachuta
RONALD HOOTEN ’66 of Florala, Ala.
CHESTER GARDNER ’68, ‘70 of Union
RUTH CAMPBELL ’70 of Jackson
JESSE HARDY ’71 of Bolton
JOHN RATESIC ’62 of White Oak, Pa., passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at age 79. Born August 25, 1940 in Braddock, Pa., he was the son of the late John and Bernardine Ratesic, who raised him in McKeesport, Pa. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 49 years, Dorothy (Dokmanovich) Ratesic, daughter Dr. Mara Dawn (David) Koetke and granddaughter Alexandra Koetke of New York City, N.Y. and son, Marko (Julie) Ratesic and grandchildren Nicholas, Milena and Luke John Ratesic of Chicago, Ill. Also surviving are his siblings Patrick (Mickey) Ratesic of Norwin, Ann (Ed) Bell of Coulter and Kay (Gerry) Feagles of Canton, Ohio. Ratesic graduated from McKeesport High School in 1958, received a football scholarship and played for The University of Southern Mississippi, graduating in 1962. He received his Master’s Degree and Principal Certification in 1975 from Duquesne University. Ratesic proudly served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army from 1963-65. He was a valued member of the undefeated 7th Infantry Football Team in 1963 and was named 1st Team on the All-Army Squad. Ratesic’s career in education began as a math teacher at Port Vue-Liberty High School from 1965-66. From 1966-77, he was a math teacher, assistant football coach and head track coach at Plum High School. From 1977-96, he served as an assistant principal at Plum High School and from 1997-2001 he was Principal at Plum High School. He enjoyed going to the “school house” every day. From 1985-92, along with Lou Washowich and Bob Irwin, he coached the McKeesport Little Tigers Football Team. Since retiring in 2001, Ratesic enjoyed spending time with his four precious grandchildren and administering the Duke and Ding Scholarship Fund. Ratesic was inducted into the East Boro Sports Hall of Fame in October 2010 and the Plum High Sports Hall of Fame in November 2013. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, funeral services were held privately and a public memorial celebration is planned for the fall. Donations may be made in his memory to the Duke and Ding Scholarship Fund, 113 Cascade Drive McKeesport, PA 15135.
CL ASSN OTES
CAROLE MCINDOE ’75 of Silver Spring, Md.
DON MOORE ’81 of Kosciusko
STEVEN JORDAN ’93 of Gulfport
CHARLES TRIGG ’71 of Ridgeland
MARY WAITS ’75 of Lumberton
MYRTA PETHTEL ’81 of Mobile, Ala.
WILLIAM LACEFIELD ’93 of Atlanta, Ga.
RICHARD WOOD ’71 of Louisville, Ky.
HOWARD CRANFORD ’76 of Edwards
ROGER SMITH ’81 of Union
EDWINTA COLLUM ’94 of Jackson
CHARLENE DENEHIE ’72 of Spring, Texas
BEVERLY MCCRORY ’76 of Bogalusa, La.
BETTY BARHAM ’82 of Sontag
GLEN DEVEAU ’94, 99 of Blackfoot, Idaho
CATHERINE PARKER ’72 of Meridian
JOYCE MCMANUS ’76 of Natchez
DORIS MAHALAK ’82 of Gulfport
NANCY GILDER ’94 of Tupelo
JAMES POPE ’72, ‘73 of Germantown, Tenn.
HENRY WILLIAMSON ’76 of Columbia
MAURICE STRICKLAND ’82 of Meridian
CHANTEL MILLER ’94 of Picayune
ROBERT SAWYER ’72 of Karnes City, Texas
JAMES CRANFORD ’77 of Birmingham, Ala.
ROOKE EVERILL ’83 of Celina, Texas
SUE SMART ’94 of Arlington, Va.
DOUG DAVIS ’73 of Hattiesburg
BOBBY ODOM ’77 of Hillsboro
MARY ROWAN ’83 of Millstadt, Ill.
DEAN HUGHES ’95 of Biloxi
RENEE DEBROW ’73, ‘74 of Long Beach
GEORGE SMITH ’77 of Natchez
WILLIAM WADSWORTH ’83 of Natchez
ARMAND DEVEZIN ’97 of Pearl River, La.
JAMES EVANS ’73, ‘74 of Shreveport, La.
ALICE STATEN ’77 of Morton
JAMES EVANS ’84 of Shreveport, La.
JAMES MORRISON ’97 of Wiggins
CHARLES HASSELL ’73 of Sun City Center, Fla.
BOBBY COX ’78 of Franklinton, La.
FRED EDMISTON ’85 of Meridian
JAMES SAVARESE ’99 of Fairhope, Ala.
RAYMOND JACKSON ’73 of Lady Lake, Fla.
RALPH HOLMAN ’78 of Clinton
G.C. GIBSON ’85 of Baton Rouge, La.
LANITA STRAUGHN-SNOW ’01 of Hattiesburg
PATRICIA LEE ’73 of Oak Grove
DENSON HOWELL ’78 of Moss Point
MARJORIE ROBERTS ’86, ‘98 of Lucedale
JOSEPH BOHANON ’07 of Hugo, Okla.
SHARIA STRINGER ’73 of Waynesboro
ROGER SMITH ’78 of Columbus
PEGGY WOOD ’86 of Marshfield, Wis.
BRIAN HANCOCK ’08 of Grenada
ROBERT TOMLINSON ’73, ‘74 of Gulfport
JUDITH ANDERSON ’79 of Pascagoula
LEE GORE ’87 of Hattiesburg
LONNIE REYNOLDS ’10 of Biloxi
LEONA COURTNEY ’74 of Monticello
DIXIE ALEXANDER ’80 of Gulfport
HOWARD KNIGHT ’87 of Hazlehurst
AMANDA SMITH ’11 of Monticello
JOSEPH ERNEST ’74 of New York, N.Y.
GEORGIA BAKER ’80 of Woodlawn, Ohio
DORA KOMP ’87, ‘90 of Hattiesburg
JOSHUA ALLEN ’12, ‘14 of Biloxi
LEE GORE ’74 of Hattiesburg
DENIS BERGER ’80 of Atlanta, Ga.
WENDY WAGNER ’87 of Meridian
ANN CRUMPTON ’14 of Raleigh
ROBERT HARMON ’74 of Meridian
ANN CRUMPTON ’80 of Raleigh
BRUCE CAIN ’89 of Suffern, N.Y.
CHASE MOORE ’14 of Brandon
KATHRYN MULLINS ’74 of Mize
GLORIA DEAN ’80 of Diamondhead
THOMAS JORDAN ’89 of Hattiesburg
HUGH DAVIS ’17 of Jackson
JAMES SHANKS ’74 of Grand Bay, Ala.
RAYMOND GRAHAM ’80 of Waynesboro
SCOTT LANG ’90 of Pascagoula
JEANNE MCCOLLISTER ’18 of New Orleans, La.
JOHN WHITE ’74 of Gulfport
JOE BUSBY ’81, ‘88 of Cary, N.C.
GLENDA COWART ’91 of Hattiesburg
CLINE COOK ’75 of Decatur
MAMIE MADDOX ’81 of McComb
JAMES JOHNSTON ’91 of Biloxi
ROBERT HOSFORD ’75, ’76 of Knoxville, Tenn.
BROOKS MARTIN ’81 of Hattiesburg
BARBIE SLADE ’92, ‘00 of Orlando, Fla.
RUSSELL LOTT ’75 of Lyman
LINDA MCMILLAN ’81, ‘82 of Kosciusko
HOYT HOLSTON ’93 of Poplar Bluff, Mo.
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PEGGY OWENS-MANSFIELD ’71 of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) recognized the design team of USM’s Marine Education Center (MEC), located in Ocean Springs, with one of its highly sought-after Committee On The Environment (COTE) Top Ten Awards. The MEC is the only building in Mississippi to ever receive this designation, which awards 10 outstanding projects each year based on design excellence with environmental performance. This award is designated as one of the industry’s best-known programs for recognition of sustainable design excellence. The COTE Top Ten award establishes USM, specifically the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) and the Marine Education Center, as a leader in innovative informal education. The recognition could potentially lead thousands to visit the site where they will learn about SOSE research. For the selection process, the AIA appoints a jury of distinguished industry professionals to select winning projects. The following was a statement from this year’s selection jury of the MEC facility design project: “A very mature design effort, in every sense. Starting with extensive research of the site ecology and a clear desire to make an environmental education research center that embodies its purpose. The design team’s thoughtful care shows everywhere. The complex is ordered not by an imposition of a construct of some kind, but by finding sites that create minimal damage and that would be above the flood plain and remain inherently resilient. This is a Katrina replacement project. The design team lived through the hurricane; they understood what resilience meant more than most of us. The program of the center is seen from the start as buildings (interiors) and exterior spaces. It integrates the site and message of resiliency into the educational mission of the building, externalizing the program to make the outdoor classroom tangible. The architecture and construction is simple, economical, and renewable. An exemplary project for all of us to learn from.” To read more about the MEC’s award, visit News.USM.edu.
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Members of the Southern Miss Alumni Association have access to more than 300,000 local and national discounts at work, home or on the go! Save on thousands of hotels, restaurants, movie tickets, florists, car dealers, theme parks, national S O U T H E R N attractions, M I S S concerts A L U Mand N Ievents. AS S O C I AT I O N
MEMBER DISCOUNT PROGRAM Members of the Alumni Association receive access to our exclusive discount program through our partners at Beneplace. Save on everyday purchases no matter where you live.
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Printing and Framing. For more information, call 601.758.4499.
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Go Next The Southern Miss Alumni travel program, Eagles Explore, offers a wide variety of tours to destinations in the U.S. and around the world to Golden Eagles of all ages thanks to our partnership with Go Next. Go Next is dedicated to providing our travelers with extraordinary travel opportunities at affordable prices. For upcoming travel opportunities, visit SouthernMissAlumni.com/Travel.
Barnes and Noble Your school. Your bookstore. Located on the Hattiesburg campus of The University of Southern Mississippi. For more information, call 601.266.4381.
Hattiesburg Country Club The Hattiesburg Country Club is the official country club of the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association. Established in 1919, the Hattiesburg Country Club carries the tradition of being the finest in Hattiesburg for private golf and country club amenities, and serves as the host for the annual Alumni Homecoming Golf Tournament.
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