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 • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0
SOUTHERN STATION SETTING THE STAGE FOR THE FUTURE
Building Mississippi’s future through tech & education. Technology affects every part of our lives & the need for a well-equipped tech workforce is always growing. Yet, we aren’t seeing that reflected in our schools. Through the C Spire Tech Movement, we’re helping to expand computer science education & introduce students to the incredible things they can accomplish through it. Join us & learn how you can help bring computer science to your school. cspire.com/techmvmt ©2020 C Spire. All rights reserved.
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appreciate groups that bring people together WeWe appreciate groups that bring people together common values interests. That’s why we’re overover common values andand interests. That’s why we’re proud to offer exclusive discounts your proud to offer youyou exclusive discounts onon your insurance. Plus, we offer up to 20% savings when insurance. Plus, we offer up to 20% savings when bundle your home and auto insurance.* youyou bundle your home and auto insurance.* With more than years of experience and With more than 90 90 years of experience and expertise, Nationwide help you protect what expertise, Nationwide cancan help you protect what matters today and plan for what comes tomorrow. matters today and plan for what comes tomorrow.
See how we can help protect your See how we can help protect your life’s many sides. life’s many sides. Visit nationwide.com/southernmiss Visit ornationwide.com/southernmiss call 1-855-550-9215 for more information. or call 1-855-550-9215 for more information. *Savings compared to stand-alone price of each policy, based on national sample customer data from 2017. Discount amounts do not apply to all coverage or premium elements; actual savings will vary based on policy coverage selections and rating factors. Nationwide has made a financial contribution to this *Savings compared to stand-alone price of each policy, based on national sample customer data from 2017. Discount amounts do not apply to all coverage organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members. Products are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance or premium elements; actual savings will vary based on policy coverage selections and rating factors. Nationwide has made a financial contribution to this Company and affiliates, Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members. Products are underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Insurance Company. © 2018 Nationwide AFO-1106AO (06/18) 9074061 Company and affiliates, Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2018 Nationwide AFO-1106AO (06/18) 9074061
THE THE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
0 • WINTER 202
7 Notes from Home 8 News Around Campus
Southern Miss Alumni
13 Calendar of Events
Association
Banking Free Online & Mobile rates starting Credit Cards with as low as Prime program with ck Giveba er Memb prizes monthly cash and
S S O C I AT I O N ISS ALUMNI A SOUTHERN M
WINTER 2020
a member. customer—you’re an do for you.
THE TALON
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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 • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0
SouthernMissAlumni
SOUTHERN STATION
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E FOR THE FUTU
SETTING THE STAG
14 Association News 22 USM Foundation
.com
26 COVER STORY ON THE COVER: Lined by stately Oak trees, Spirit Park has become a popular gathering space for alumni and fans on gameday and an area where students host events throughout the year.
“We feel confident we have created a project that will be an asset for the institution for many years to come.” – JERRY B. DEFAT TA JR.,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTHERN MISS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
SOUTHERN STATION
S E T T I N G T H E S TA G E F O R T H E F U T U R E The Southern Miss Alumni Association was founded in 1917 to support the University of Southern Mississippi. As the institution evolved, the organization also changed, but for more than 100 years, the Alumni Association has been steadfast in its support of the University. As part of the Association’s centennial celebration in 2017, the organization made a significant investment in scholarships through the awarding of 100 Pierce Legacy Scholarships, and began the process of providing another gift to The University. In fall 2020, the Association will proudly present Southern Station – a multi-use facility constructed in Spirit Park.
32 The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at Southern Miss 36 Alumnus Returns to Volunteer with OLLI 38 Michael Matrick, SGA President 41 Fraternity & Sorority Life
PICTURED ABOVE: Alumni and fans enjoy an Adam Doleac concert before a 2019 Southern Miss Football game in Spirit Park near the site of the soon-to-be constructed Southern Station.
42 Chi Omega Hosts 68th Annual Songfest 44 Eaglepalooza 46 Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence 48 Eagles Explore 50 Athletic News 54 Snapshots 56 Class Notes 64 Southern Scenes
Winter 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 INFORMATION SERVICES MELISSA MCDANIEL COORDINATOR OF STUDENT AND YOUNG ALUMNI PROGRAMMING SHONICE MONTGOMERY ’15 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT RENÉ TRIGG DATA ENTRY SPECIALIST SHARON ANDERSON RECEPTIONIST RENÉ KENT MAIL CLERK EDWARD WALLACE GRADUATE ASSISTANT CASEY KEY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT MEREDITH COURTRIGHT
••••• CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JIM COLL ‘99, ‘06, MEREDITH COURTRIGHT ’19, MELISSA DAVID ’17, JERRY B. DEFATTA JR. ’00, ’10, JACK DUGGAN, ARLICIA JORDAN ‘10, ‘12, KARELIA PITTS ‘14, DR. MIKE LOPINTO ‘91, ‘93, ‘04, DR. MICHAEL A. MILES, BRIAN MORRISON ‘08, COURTNEY TESH, DAVID TISDALE ’90, ‘91 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS KELLY DUNN, PAUL LIJEWSKI
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS PRESIDENT RICKEY JONES
Celebrate
AND CONTINUE YOUR GRADUATE’S
Southern Miss STORY.
PRESIDENT ELECT PAMELA MUNGER VICE PRESIDENT DR. CHRISTY MYERS PAST PRESIDENT KIM BRADLEY FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR JOHN ERWIN SECRETARY/TREASURER JERRY DEFATTA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AARON BOUCHER, ALLISON GOUAUX, ROBERT LESLEY, DR. STEVE RUEGGER, ERIN SMITH, KYLE THORNTON, MEGHAN WILLIAMS, 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 EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS RODNEY D. BENNETT, CHAD DRISKELL, DUANE LOCK, STACE MERCIER, LEIGH BREAL, JEREMY MCCLAIN, RICKEYA BROWN 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 (Approved January 20, 1955)
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 118 College Drive #5013, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-5013 PHONE: 601.266.5013 | EMAIL: alumni@usm.edu WEBSITE: www.SouthernMissAlumni.com
GIFT A GRAD with membership in
the Southern Miss Alumni Association at these special rates: Life Membership: $500
Gift a Life Membership, and your graduate will remain connected to Southern Miss forever! Payment plans are available. When you purchase a Life Membership for your graduate, they will receive a complimentary 4” x 8” brick to be permanently installed on the Hattiesburg campus.
Three-Year Membership: $50
Secure your graduate’s membership for the next three years.
Annual Membership: $20
Kick-start your graduate’s involvement in the Alumni Association with a one-year membership. Memberships purchased for upcoming graduates will include a Southern Miss Grad Pack – complete with a padfolio, pen, vehicle tag and decal.
Proud Member of
www.conferenceusa.com AA/EOE/ADAI
Visit SouthernMissAlumni.com/GiftAGrad to secure your graduate’s gift today!
N OT ES FROM H O M E
It’s hard to believe we have once again turned the calendar to a new year. It seems as if each year the rate at which time passes increases significantly. Former University President Martha D. Saunders used to say you could “sleep when you were dead” insinuating the need to participate in every activity you could possibly be a part of while you were able. I think your Alumni Association certainly adopted that mentality over the 2019 calendar year, and there is no doubt 2020 will be packed with even more. Although each year is unique, there are some functions that simply have to happen each year. We host several annual meetings of our Executive Leadership and Board of Directors, assist in the planning and promotion of dozens of alumni events each year, produce a quarterly magazine and of course, coordinate Homecoming and football pregame events each fall. While each of those events were supported in 2019, we invested a significant amount of time working on the initiatives outlined in the organization’s strategic plan. Over the past calendar year, we piloted a new model for our geographic alumni groups in our Jackson market. This new concept we are calling Alumni HUBs was designed to provide a wide variety of opportunities for alumni to connect with Southern Miss in the communities in which they live. A HUB is defined as the “center of activity,” and our vision for geographic alumni groups is just that, we want these groups to become the center of Southern Miss activity in every area we have a presence. In each HUB, there are roles available for alumni to assist with the recruitment of students to the University and opportunities for graduates to network with others choosing to live and work in a specific area. There are also service opportunities where alumni can contribute to their communities in the name of Southern Miss and roles available for alumni who want to support the University by assisting in sharing the positive stories coming from our alma mater. In 2018, there were only a few events in Central Mississippi – all of which were focused solely on athletics. From the annual All-Star Party to a pregame event prior to a baseball game at Trustmark Park, we simply were not creating a wide variety of engagement opportunities for our alumni. In 2019, there were nine different events providing our alumni with unique opportunities designed to assist them in connecting with Southern Miss in ways that were meaningful to them. The Jackson Alumni HUB, as they are now known, has done an incredible job working through the development of the diverse programming needed to launch this new model and their results speak for themselves. The group kicked off the year in February with the Inaugural Jackson HUB Alumni Bash where more than 100 alumni attended a black-tie optional event in Madison County. Also in February, the group participated in the first ever “Doing Gold Work” service event, where participants assisted in packing food for the Mississippi Food Network. Young alumni coordinated a Happy Hour event in Fondren and the group hosted several pregame events and game watching parties throughout baseball and football season. In addition, alumni joined University President Rodney D. Bennett on visits to seven Jackson area high schools to share their Southern Miss story with students considering attending their alma mater. Over the past year, the Jackson Alumni HUB has provided alumni in Central Mississippi with more than twice as many opportunities to connect with Southern Miss than the prior year. We could not be any more pleased with the efforts of the group and the outcome of their hard work. As we reviewed our plan for rolling out this new structure, the results over the past year simply made it impossible for us to be satisfied with the five-year implementation plan we had initially adopted. On February 1, the Alumni Association will host a Volunteer Leadership Summit that will serve as the launch point for all of our groups to transition to the new HUB model. The new structure will only be successful if alumni are willing to join our efforts and contribute their time for the betterment of the University; however, the investment by alumni in the Jackson HUB provides cause for tremendous excitement as we move in this new direction. If you have ever thought perhaps you should get more connected with alumni in your area, I assure you – there will never be a better opportunity to get involved. I invite you to join us as we launch these exciting new engagement tools. If you would like more information or want to find a way to plug into a group near you, please contact me at your convenience. Southern Miss to the Top!
Jerry B. DeFatta Jr. ’00, ‘10 Winter 2020
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Center for Ocean Enterprise
BREAKS GROUND AT THE PORT OF GULFPORT
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n November, Gov. Phil Bryant along with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker and U.S. Congressman Steven Palazzo, in conjunction with the Mississippi State Port Authority (MSPA) and The University of Southern Mississippi, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise located at the Port of Gulfport. The facility will serve as the centerpiece of research and development in the Gulf, further establishing the initiatives of the Governor’s Ocean Task Force and creating a unique maritime technology environment on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. By connecting our major research universities, federal partners and private companies, the Governor’s Ocean Task Force has been able to develop a roadmap that will build new capacity for Mississippi’s Blue Economy. “When completed, this new facility will be a strong asset for the growing Blue Economy in our state,” Senator Wicker said. “With a brand new hub for research and development
and expansive testing opportunities available nearby, oceanographers, engineers and academics on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast will be able to translate cutting-edge research into realworld innovations at a rapid pace.” The Center’s location at the Port allows maritime operations to have immediate, private and highly secure access to the ocean for testing once technology is developed. “As a co-author of the important Commercial Engagement through Ocean Technology legislation, I am proud to see we are making great strides in developing public-private partnerships that will expand new unmanned technologies in the Gulf of Mexico. Ocean Enterprise will serve as a hub for research and economic development in south Mississippi,” said Congressman Palazzo, co-chairman of Governor Bryant’s Ocean Task Force. The facility will be a regional engineering and development center and co-located with an innovation and
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The Ocean Enterprise will open the door for further investments in high-end engineering and advanced technology development. Given the success and strategic location of the Marine Research Center at the Port of Gulfport, USM has expressed a desire to expand its current operations at the Port. “I could not be more excited about the opportunity for The University of Southern Mississippi to continue investing in the education, research and economic needs of our coastal community,” said University President Rodney D. Bennett. “I commercialization center to support maritime systems and platforms for ocean exploration, forecasting and data collection. “Following the work of the Governor’s Ocean Task Force, USM saw a need for a direct connection between the University, federal agencies and industry to create an ecosystem of innovation. The Mississippi coast is seeing something that no other institution, no other region, has developed. It’s definitely getting national and international attention as an example of breaking through traditional barriers to public-private partnerships in STEM innovation,” said Dr. Monty Graham, USM’s Associate Vice President for Research, Coastal Operations. The Center for Ocean Enterprise will encompass nearly 62,000 sq. ft. and will be located near the Port of Gulfport’s North Harbor site. The proximity to the water for vessel access, maintenance and testing was a critical component of site selection. The building will include administrative offices, classrooms, laboratories and storage areas. Eley Guild Hardy Architects of Biloxi is overseeing the design and construction. The facility is anticipated for completion in 2022.
am so proud that USM continues to be a leader in this important work, as we remain committed to providing transformative academic and research programs that advance our growing Blue Economy.”
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American Civil Rights Activist and Educator
ELLIE J. DAHMER AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORATE
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steemed Civil Rights activist and lifelong educator Ellie Jewel Davis Dahmer was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, during The University of Southern Mississippi Fall 2019 Commencement Ceremony. Largely recognized for her work alongside her late husband, voting rights icon Vernon F. Dahmer Sr., Mrs. Dahmer was honored for her contributions to the American Civil Rights Movement and her advocacy for literacy and academic achievement. Together, the Dahmers facilitated voter registration drives and accepted poll tax monies at their family-owned grocery store, located in the Kelly Settlement of Forrest County, to fight voter suppression and promote civic involvement throughout the county and Hattiesburg. “It is truly a special occasion when the University has the opportunity to bestow an honorary doctorate upon an individual whose work has made an impact on countless others and our community as a whole,” said University President Rodney D. Bennett. “Mrs. Dahmer is certainly an individual whose life’s work has helped to transform the hearts and minds of many as we continue to work toward a more inclusive and educated citizenry.” The honorary doctorate is among the highest forms of recognition at the University. Nominees for the honorary degree should have demonstrated in their life and their work high standards of excellence as evidenced by criteria of scholarship, creative activity or service. Nominations are reviewed by the institution’s Honorary Degree Committee,
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“Mrs. Dahmer’s life has been one of great sacrifice, whereby she stood strong and exemplified tenacity and personal conviction while continuing her quest to serve her community and, more importantly, her family,” said USM Dean of Students Emeritus Eddie A. Holloway. “While facing her tragedy, she continued to be a resource for others who depended on her for inspiration and support. Mrs. Dahmer is a Civil Rights icon in Mississippi as well as America.”
whose recommendation is transmitted to the University Provost, who then makes a recommendation to the University President. Ultimately all honorary degree recommendations are submitted to the State Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees for final review and approval. “Through the honorary doctorate, the faculties of the University, as represented by the Honorary Degree Committee, recognize individuals of exceptional merit and impact,” said USM Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Steven R. Moser. “Mrs. Dahmer is such an individual, and her selection for this honor represents our wish to pay tribute to her life-long commitment to improving the lives of citizens in Forrest County and indeed across Mississippi.” A native of Jasper County, Dahmer moved to Forrest County during the early 1950s and taught for many years in the segregated Forrest County school system. Despite her immense teaching qualifications, she was denied a renewed contract after school consolidation due to her husband’s efforts and leadership as an advocate of voter rights. Although the Voting Rights Act of 1965 provided all races equal access to voting rights, the state of Mississippi still required residents to pay a poll tax, which impeded many potential black voters. As a result, Mr. Dahmer publicly announced he would pay the poll tax for any person who wanted to vote but could not afford it. The following night, January 10, 1966, members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) firebombed the Dahmer’s home and business while the family slept. Mr. Dahmer stayed behind to return gunshots, allowing time for Mrs. Dahmer and their children to escape their burning home. Tragically, Mr. Dahmer succumbed to severe burns and smoke inhalation and died shortly after in the hospital. Following her husband’s death, Mrs. Dahmer remained
on the family’s land and rebuilt her home with the support of local community members. She held multiple part-time jobs, such as cosmetology and newspaper sales, to provide for herself and her children while maintaining the family’s farm, which generously provided resources for anyone in need. Mrs. Dahmer testified against those involved in her husband’s murder in numerous federal and state trials, which unfortunately resulted in hung juries, mistrials and a few state convictions that were quickly followed by pardons. Still, Dahmer persevered and continued the work she and her husband started, serving as Election Commissioner for District 2 of Forrest County for 12 years, and pledging her life to family, education and equal rights. Decades later, Dahmer played a pivotal role in getting her husband’s case reopened. In 1998, the Dahmer family received the justice they had been longing for – the life sentencing of KKK Imperial Wizard Sam Bowers, who was found guilty in the murder of Vernon F. Dahmer Sr. A lifetime of service has established Mrs. Dahmer as a pillar of Hattiesburg, Forrest County and the state of Mississippi. She taught public school for a total of 38 years in Jasper, Jones, Forrest and Perry counties; holds a life membership in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); and is a founding member of the Beta Chi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She is also an active member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, where she has taught the Senior Women’s Sunday School Class for more than 60 years. Mrs. Dahmer holds a Bachelor of Science in home economics from Tennessee State Agricultural and Industrial College and an elementary education certification from Jackson State University. She also completed graduate course work at Indiana University.
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USM School of Music performance at The Thirsty Hippo in Downtown Hattiesburg
MISSISSIPPI’S PREMIER COLLEGE CITY With a welcoming atmosphere and always something new to do, Hattiesburg is Mississippi’s premier college city and the perfect setting for a Southern Miss campus. We’re proud to be an economic driver and community partner right here in the Hub City.
CALEN DAR OF EVENTS
RECOMMEND FUTURE GOLDEN EAGLES! Southern Miss alumni contribute to the University’s tradition of success. One way alumni can best support their alma mater’s continuing legacy of excellence is by recommending future students. To recommend a student to The University of Southern Mississippi, visit
SouthernMissAlumni.com/USMLegacy. A A / E O E /A DA I U C 74 1 2 9. 5 0 1 3 2 . 1 6
Upcoming Events Calendar All events are subject to change and should be confirmed. Visit SouthernMissAlumni.com/UpcomingEvents for a full list of events hosted by the Alumni Association. Athletic schedules can be found at SouthernMiss.com.
January 17 2020 Freshman Orientation Choose.USM.edu
February 7 Second Annual Jackson Alumni Bash 7 – 11 p.m. | The Place at Harbour Crossing SouthernMissAlumni.com/AlumniBash. 7-8 Dance Gala 7 p.m. | Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium 8-20 Southern Miss School of Performing and Visual Arts Presents Revelry Showcasing the best of theatre, art, design and dance. USM.edu/Arts 15 Scholarship Deadline To explore available scholarship opportunities for incoming, transfer and returning students, visit USM.edu/Scholarships. 17 Dinner with the Deans Choose.USM.edu 20-23 Ah, Wilderness by Eugene O’Neill presented by Southern Miss Theatre Martha R. Tatum Theatre SouthernMissTickets.com 20 Isn’t It Romantic! 7:30 p.m. | Mannoni Performing Arts Center SouthernMissTickets.com
March 6 Spring Transfer Visit Day Thad Cochran Center Choose.USM.edu 6 & 8 Gulf Coast Civic Chorale Anniversary Gala Concert 7 p.m. & 3 p.m. Fleming Education Center Auditorium & St. Michael Catholic Church FREE Admission 12 Showbiz: A Century of Show Tunes 7:30 p.m. | Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium SouthernMissTickets.com 16-20 Spring Break Holiday 30 Founders’ Day
April
4 2020 Southern Miss Jazz & Blues Festival 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | USM Gulf Park Campus, Long Beach, Miss. 18 Going Gold Day Hosted by the Office of Admissions for all high school seniors who have been admitted to USM. Choose.USM.edu Winter 2020
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Association Presents Southern Miss Rings to Graduates
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On Thursday, Nov. 14, the Alumni Association hosted the annual Southern Miss Ring Ceremony, in which eligible students received the coveted official Southern Miss Ring. Prior to the ceremony, the rings were blessed by Nugget and Talon, the live Golden Eagles on display at the Hattiesburg Zoo. “We are excited to continue a unique tradition at Southern Miss – the blessing of the Southern Miss Rings,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. “Prior to being presented to graduates by University President Rodney D. Bennett, the rings were placed into the eagle aviary at the Hattiesburg Zoo to be blessed by Nugget and Talon. We look forward to enhancing this tradition in the coming years to include even more rings for Nugget and Talon to bless.” During the ceremony, Chief Communication Officer Jim Coll challenged the students to view their ring as a mark of both the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new commitment to the University. “Years from now when the world looks at you, they will get a glimpse into the impact your alma mater makes. Make sure they see success, they feel kindness and they sense intelligence,” Coll spoke to the students. “While others will appropriately view your ring as a symbol of accomplishment, I encourage you to also view it as a reminder of your commitment to your alma mater.” “The Ring Ceremony is a long-lasting tradition which the Alumni Association takes honor and pride in preserving,” said Shonice Montgomery, coordinator of student and young alumni programming. “I look forward to the growth of our beloved ring program paired with the excitement of our newly adopted tradition among the University, students, alumni and community.” This year’s ceremony was held in the Joe Paul Student Theater in the Thad Cochran Center.
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Student Alumni Association Hosts Fall Events On Wednesday, Oct. 29, the Student Alumni Association hosted its annual Haunted Campus Tour. More than 250 students enjoyed a complimentary cookout at the Ogletree House, complete with carnival games and food provided by Polk’s Meat Products, Frito-Lay and Papa John’s Pizza before being led on a haunted tour of campus. As part of the organization’s commitment to connecting students with alumni, the group also hosted Dinner with a Dozen Eagles on the Hattiesburg campus. Students were able to network with successful alumni representing all four academic colleges at Southern Miss. Alumni included: Dr. Meredith Lucas ’14 of Oak Grove Family Dentistry; Tonya Green ’94, 02 of Hattiesburg Family Health Center; Torrel Bridges ’10 of River Palms Nursing and Rehab LLC; Melanie Myrick ’06 of Lamar County School District; Tori Gieger ’18 of Cooperative Energy; Julian Walker ’15, actor/author;
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HAUNTED CAMPUS TOUR
Shane Germany ’07, ’08 of Landry, Lewis, Germany Architects, P.A.; Kerri Paul ’04, ’05 of Brick & Spoon Biloxi; Ben Hester ’05, ’07 of Forrest General Hospital; Will Miller ’07 of Sanderson Farms; Kim Wingo ’99, ’03 of The University of Southern Mississippi School of Polymer Science and Engineering; and Eric Boney ’90 of Hattiesburg High School. “This year’s Dinner with a Dozen Eagles was a great success,” said Shonice Montgomery, coordinator of student and young alumni programming. “The laughter and in-depth conservations between students and alumni overjoyed me, even long after the dinner ended. I cannot thank our alumni enough for their willingness to pour into the next generation of Golden Eagles. This event is so impactful because students are able to hear real stories from alumni who were once in their shoes and see the result of hard work and dedication.”
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DINNER WITH A DOZEN EAGLES
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Alumni Association Hosts Final Eagle Landing Tailgates Alumni cheered on the Golden Eagles in Ruston, La. and Houston, Texas for the final Eagle Landing tailgates of the 2019 USM football season.
LOUISIANA TECH
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“Alumni and fan support of our Golden Eagle football team was strong throughout the entire season,” said BayLee Long, assistant director for programs and
constituent relations. “As always, we are thankful for the enthusiasm and spirit of our alumni. We had a great year of events and are looking forward to 2020.”
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Alumni Host Events Across Southeast Alumni and fans across the southeast gathered in support and celebration of Southern Miss with events. Alumni in Huntsville, Ala.; Dallas, Texas; and Jackson gathered to cheer on the Golden Eagles at watch parties while alumni in the Mobile Bay area served families at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Mobile, Ala. For upcoming alumni events in your area, visit SouthernMissAlumni. com/UpcomingEvents and find your alumni group at Facebook.com/ SouthernMissAlumniAssociation.
JACKSON
HUNTSVILLE
WELCOME NEW LIFE MEMBERS
MOBILE BAY
Sherri Anderson Sarah Aucoin Danny and Amy Bowering Will Brancamp Kendrick Brown John Cox Stephen and Heather Darrah John Duease John Gilbert Susan Hurst Katherine Johnson
Robert and Amanda Lee Jackie Loren David and Carolyn Masters Charles and Kathleen McCormick Timothy and Kimberly McFarland Timothy and Valarie Oglesby Maurice Oliver Camille Phillips Eddie and Pamela Pickle
Trey and Vanessa Piel Sabrina Pope Scott Shumaker Ethan Smith Carrie Snyder Milton and Alisia Stafford Dalvis Stewart Tim and Daphne Stewart Mike Stewart Sherry Stewart Ashley Wicker
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LIFE MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
WANDA SIMPSON ‘82
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If you have attended one of the Alumni Association’s events within the last few years, Wanda Simpson ‘82 is a face you are familiar with. Simpson’s dedication for Southern Miss began as a transfer student in the fall of 1980, and her love for the University has only grown since. Simpson chose Southern Miss to be closer to her family in State Line, Miss. Growing up, she was familiar with the University as President Emeritus Aubrey K. Lucas shared the same hometown. Simpson had the chance to meet Dr. Lucas while studying at Southern Miss, and he was proud to see another Golden Eagle represent the small town of State Line. As a student, she had a great experience and loved the atmosphere on campus. Simpson believes that her time at Southern Miss allowed her to gain direction for her life after college. “I came to Southern Miss in the fall of 1980, and I never left. Hattiesburg became home to me,” said Simpson. She has worked for the Forrest County Department of
Health for 35 years, serving as county director for 16 of those. “I enjoy working with the public. I have had the chance to meet many new people throughout my career, and my education at Southern Miss gave me the opportunity to do so,” said Simpson. Several members of Simpson’s family also decided to attend Southern Miss. Her family of Golden Eagles and passion for the University led her to join as a Life Member. “I wanted to do more for Southern Miss. I felt strongly about my love for our University, so I decided to take it to the next level and proudly join as a Life Member,” said Simpson. Simpson also served as a member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association Board of Directors, where she began encouraging others to become engaged with their alma mater and to join as Life Members to return the generosity shown to them by the University. “An education is extremely valuable. Say ‘thank you’ and be proud of your University by joining as a Life Member,” said Simpson.
J OIN YOU R ALUMNI G ROUP
ON FACEBOOK
MS
GULF COAST JACKSON PINE BELT SOUTHEAST MS
TN
MEMPHIS NASHVILLE
AL
BIRMINGHAM MOBILE BAY NORTH ALABAMA
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Visit Facebook.com/SouthernMissAlumniAssociation to find your group and stay up-to-date on all alumni events, volunteer opportunities and more.
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Tolosas Invest in New Building for the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families
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“My dad would be filled with pride if he could see the impressive strides our alma mater is making to welcome military veterans, service members and their families to Southern Miss. He truly believed in our military and was honored to serve. Out of gratitude for the sacrifices he and my mother made for our family and country, and excitement for the other military students whose lives will also be changed through continuing their education at USM, we are proud to help bring Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor to fruition,” said Judy Tolosa. Seeking to help The University of Southern Mississippi expand the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families’ impact on the lives of military students, Carlos and Judy Tolosa contributed $500,000 to the Center’s building initiative. Their contribution will be recognized with the naming of the heart of the space, the True Faith and Allegiance Corridor. Each visitor to the Center will enter through this area, which pays homage to veterans and the five branches of the armed forces through its intentional design with moving reflections of military priorities, pride and values. The new 5,200-square-foot facility will also include a conference room, study space for small groups or individual work, and library with adjoining lounge and study. “General Hammond’s enthusiasm for serving veterans at USM is contagious, and under his leadership we have watched our University receive national recognition as one of the very best institutions for military students. That’s something we are extremely proud of and want to be a part of,” said Carlos. “The Hall of Honor will be an incredible landmark on campus, and we are thrilled to be involved.” When Judy’s father, Milton Gussow, commuted from Biloxi, Miss., to the Hattiesburg campus in 1962, following retirement from the Air Force as a master sergeant, he carried the weight of his military service and his responsibility to provide for his family of five. Assistance from the G.I. Bill helped the Gussows afford Milton’s tuition while his wife Ruth cared for their three daughters and home. In 1963, Milton graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, which allowed him to enjoy a second career as a reporter in Milwaukee and Chicago. Later, his background in electronics from his service in the Air Force led him to a telecommunications position at Johnson Controls, where he worked until retirement in 1983. Milton’s experience was a driving force behind a scholarship endowment the Tolosas established in 2016 for student veterans, to support married students with small children. They appreciate letters of gratitude from recipients of the scholarship and look forward to the day the Center is able to expand its operations in a space worthy of these military students who inhabit it. “Judy and I attended USM during the peak of the Vietnam War. We saw many friends leave to serve and never return or come back severely injured,” said Carlos. “As an international student from Chile, I was not able to serve, but I hold the greatest respect for the men and women who bravely protect our freedom. The magnitude of their service is incredible and worthy of our highest honor. This new structure is a way for the Southern Miss community to show our appreciation.”
Gussows at Milton’s Graduation from USM in 1963
Carlos and Judy Tolosa
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CENTER FOR MILITARY VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES
BUILDING INITIATIVE UPDATE
THE FOLLOWING DONORS HAVE ALREADY SUPPORTED THE INITIATIVE TO BUILD QUINLAN-HAMMOND HALL OF HONOR THROUGH GIFTS OF $5,000 OR MORE AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2019. Joe and Suzanne Quinlan
PriorityOne Bank
Carlos and Judy Tolosa
Sandestin Investments, LLC
Chuck and Rita Scianna
Mike and Wendy Magusiak
First National Bankers Bankshares, Inc.
Andy and Stace Mercier
Tom Bizzell
Chad and Katherine Driskell
Sim-Tex, LP
MG Jeff and Diane Hammond
The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia
Origin Bank
Bank of Wiggins
John and Polly Pendergrass
Betty Dettre
Richard Johnston
Richard Bekesh through Spring Engineering, Inc.
Ryan Jumonville
Carroll, Warren & Parker, PLLC
Randall Prather
Dr. Martha Saunders and Joe Bailey
The Nichols Family
Visit usmfoundation.com/veterans to learn more or make a gift. Winter 2020
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Anonymous Million Dollar Planned Gift Creates Scholarships, Changing the Lives of Countless Golden Eagles
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What would you do with a million dollars? This popular question hit home at The University of Southern Mississippi when anonymous donors designated the USM Foundation as the beneficiary of a planned gift in that amount. Following their wishes, the majority of the gift will create two new scholarship endowments for nursing and elementary education students. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and the USM Symphony Orchestra will also receive $25,000 each for program use. At the current rate, these scholarship endowments should each award roughly $19,000 annually to support the nurses and teachers of tomorrow. Funding will aid student recruitment and retention efforts by diminishing the financial stress many education and nursing majors bear, which is often a barrier to degree completion. Through the College of Education and Human Sciences, this contribution may also effect the state’s teacher shortage, as more Golden Eagles transition from students to teachers. “On behalf of our College, I thank these donors for their passion for teacher education and gracious support of our students. This is one of the most impactful gifts we can receive,” said Dr. Trent Gould, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. “This incredible act of generosity will help us fight the teacher shortage in our state by assisting hardworking education majors in overcoming financial hurdles that arise in pursuit of their education. Simply put, more graduating education majors means more qualified teachers in Mississippi, resulting in improved education for children and students state-wide.” With family and career ties to education and healthcare, the donors see the critical importance for Southern Miss to produce compassionate, knowledgeable and careerready graduates to teach and care for Mississippians. Their substantial investment in soon-to-be educators and nurses
reflects their belief in the high-caliber academic programs available at USM, which produce recognized leaders in nursing practice and elementary education. In addition to a teacher shortage, Mississippi is also experiencing a critical shortage of nurses. By creating scholarship opportunities for dedicated students in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, this gift may help reduce both insufficiencies. “Our students dream of becoming nurses and dedicating their lives and talents to helping others live longer, healthier and happier lives. Because the rigorous coursework required of our nursing students leaves little time for working while attending school, this sizable scholarship endowment will allow nursing students to maintain focus on their studies rather than juggling work and school simultaneously,” said Kathleen Masters, DNS, RN, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “We can only imagine the countless number of lives this gift will change, and for that, we are extremely grateful.” For over 100 years, Southern Miss has led the state in producing exceptional elementary and special education teachers. Students in the School of Education collectively complete 840 hours of field-based practicum experience and 83 percent of graduates are employed within the next academic year. The Bachelor of Science in nursing program maintains a 100 percent job-placement rate for nursing students upon graduation and boasts a 98 percent NCLEX pass rate, one of the highest in the state. By choosing to leave these scholarship endowments unnamed, the donors welcome others to join them in multiplying the impact and encourage additional contributions. Through their example, Southern Miss is able to continue educating and training the next industry leaders, meeting Mississippi’s growing need for skilled nurses and teachers.
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G O L D E N E A G L E I M PA C T WINTER 2020
The Golden Eagle Impact Report quarterly recognizes donors who make gifts to Southern Miss through the USM Foundation at or exceeding $25,000.
SU PPORT I NG ST U DEN T SUCCE SS MICHAEL ’83 AND TAMMY ’84 BOROSKY THROUGH THE BANK OF AMERICA FOUNDATION • $25,000 COAST ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION • $25,000 ALAN ’78 AND SHERRY ’77 COATS THROUGH THE BENEVITY COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND • $26,000 BILLY ’68 AND JACQUELINE ’68 HORNE
S U PP ORT I NG V I TA L PRO GR A M S CARROLL, WARREN & PARKER, PLLC. • $30,000 EZRA JACK KEATS FOUNDATION • $36,000 BETTY DETTRE • $40,000 DR. MARTHA SAUNDERS ’69 AND JOE BAILEY • $25,000 CHUCK ’75 AND RITA SCIANNA • $100,000 KENNY AND VICKI SCIANNA • $30,000 CARLOS ’73 AND JUDY TOLOSA • $500,000 JOHN S. WARREN, JR. ’67 • $25,000
L E AV I N G A L E G A C Y ANONYMOUS • $1,000,000
For more information about the impact of these gifts, please visit usmfoundation.com/goldeneagleimpact.
Winter 2020
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SOUTHERN STATION SETTING THE STAGE FOR THE FUTURE
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he Southern Miss Alumni Association was founded in 1917 to support this noble institution. In the early years, the organization functioned primarily as a job placement resource for the students of Mississippi Normal College. As the institution evolved, the organization also changed, but for more than 100 years, the Southern Miss Alumni Association has been steadfast in its support of The University of Southern Mississippi. In 2017, the Association celebrated 100 years of service to Southern Miss. From advocating on behalf of the institution to make the transition to a University in 1962, to the development of traditions that surround many of the University’s most notable events, the efforts of the Association have been woven into the fabric of the University over the past century. As part of the celebration of its centennial, the Association made a significant investment in scholarships for children of Southern Miss alumni through the awarding of 100 Pierce Legacy Scholarships. This contribution was consistent with the organization’s long support of student scholarships at Southern Miss, as the Association’s earliest efforts to generate funding for student support ultimately led to the development of the USM Foundation.
THE GIFT OF SOUTHERN STATION WILL BE THE LARGEST ONE-TIME INVESTMENT THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION HAS MADE IN THE UNIVERSITY.
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“While the Association’s centennial was an exciting opportunity for us to commemorate our service to Southern Miss, there was one component of our celebration that was missing,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. “At the outset of internal discussions, our staff and board of directors wanted to provide the institution with a gift in appreciation for its support of our efforts over the past century. As we began discussing this opportunity, we identified the need for an outdoor stage, as well as a gathering space for outdoor events that could be utilized by the University for a wide variety of events.” The University has made a significant investment in the northern quadrant of the campus over the past several years, building two large residential housing complexes known as Century Park North and South. These residence halls are connected to the Thad Cochran Center by a large open green space, which is now known as Spirit Park. This picturesque area sits just west of the Duff Athletic Center and spans the length of the Cochran Center. Lined by stately Oak trees, Spirit Park has become a popular gathering space for alumni and fans on gameday and an area where students host events throughout the year. As the Association considered where an outdoor event space could be best utilized, Spirit Park was a logical location. “Once a location for a potential venue was identified, we began to research facilities at other institutions. Throughout that process, we identified several really nice amphitheaters and found examples of unique gathering spaces on beautiful campuses across the country, but we could not locate a facility like we had in mind
for Southern Miss,” added DeFatta. “The more we discussed the idea, the more excited we became about creating a space uniquely Southern Miss. In June 2016, we engaged the services of Larry Albert of Albert and Robinson Architects LLC to create initial renderings of a dual-purpose facility that would provide not only a permanent stage large enough for an on-campus concert, but also an outdoor gathering space with restroom facilities capable of accommodating around 100 guests.” From a sketch on a piece of paper, the architect team worked to design the images of the facility included in this article. “We felt confident we had created a project that would be an asset for the institution for many years to come,” said DeFatta. A small challenge arose during the early phase of the project as the teams considered a name for the space. The structure is not just a stage or an amphitheater, nor will it simply be a pavilion. For it to be located in the heart of the Hattiesburg campus, the facility name should resonate with alumni while piquing the interest of the entire student body. After months of discussions, the name Southern Station emerged. Several decades ago, prior to College Drive, the postal address for the University was Southern Station. This moniker pays homage to the institution’s history, while also creating a name for a new venue that could grow along with the space. The initial plan was to construct the facility in the Spring of 2018 and open the venue prior to the first home football game of the 2018 campaign to conclude our year-long celebration, unfortunately, a few challenges kept the timeline from becoming a reality. “We began to look at the facility to see if we could make
some changes that would help us to overcome the roadblocks we were facing, but at heart, we felt like we had created the right structure for Spirit Park,” explained DeFatta. “It was a frustrating season of life, but this is the part of the Southern Station story where the Southern Miss spirit took control. As our board was discussing options for moving forward, a quiet determination developed to see this project through as it was designed.” “When we hit a roadblock, our executive committee became resolute and determined to not give up,” said Tracy Powell, former president of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. “We were backed wholeheartedly by the entire board in our decision. We did not let the idea die and actively pursued modifications or ways to reduce cost while maintaining the structural integrity; however, we never reduced our original plans. Our focus turned to ways to bridge the gap between our original capital commitment and the cost without diminishing the value of the structure. Even as months passed, no one simply conceded that this was not achievable nor a project not worthy of our efforts. I am grateful to Kim Bradley, my successor as Board President, and the entire executive committee and board for their commitment and steadfastness.” After more than a year of work, the Alumni Association is pleased to see the results of their efforts come to fruition. Southern Station will feature a 34x24 stage on its western edge with more than 1,250 square feet of event space behind the stage facing M.M. Roberts Stadium. The facility will be complete with climate-controlled restrooms and a 275-square foot space that can be used for storage or event preparation.
“We are thrilled about the Southern Station project and what it is going to mean for our campus and especially our football game day environment,” said Jeremy McClain, director of athletics. “Spirit Park is evolving into the ‘place to be’ on Saturdays in the fall, and this project will greatly enhance that experience. This is a fantastic investment from the Alumni Association and a great example of working to be the best we can be at Southern Miss.” “Southern Station is a great addition and asset to the institution,” said Dr. Dee Dee Anderson, vice president for student affairs. “Student Affairs will use it for our programs and events to help us fulfill our mission of creating healthy, connected, learning-focused students and communities. I look forward to seeing all of our students, alumni and community members at the Station!” Southern Station will be built by B.W. Sullivan Contractors of Hattiesburg. The firm, under the leadership of Scott Humphrey, also renovated the Ogletree House following the 2013 tornado. Construction on the facility began in mid-December and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2020. “We are excited about the opportunity to provide the University with such a dynamic gift,” said DeFatta. “While we would have loved to provide this last year, the challenges we overcame reminded us of the ‘never give up’ spirit of Southern Miss. As we have seen countless times in our 110-year history as an institution, when faced with obstacles, Southern Miss always rises above them. I am grateful for the determination and support of our volunteer leadership in making Southern Station a reality.” Winter 2020
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“WE ARE THRILLED ABOUT THE SOUTHERN STATION PROJECT AND WHAT IT IS GOING TO MEAN FOR OUR CAMPUS AND ESPECIALLY OUR FOOTBALL GAME DAY ENVIRONMENT. SPIRIT PARK IS EVOLVING INTO THE ‘PLACE TO BE’ ON SATURDAYS IN THE FALL, AND THIS PROJECT WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THAT EXPERIENCE.” — JEREMY MCCLAIN
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
Southern Station will feature a 34x24-ft. stage on its western edge
“SOUTHERN STATION IS A GREAT ADDITION AND ASSET TO THE INSTITUTION. STUDENT AFFAIRS WILL USE IT FOR OUR PROGRAMS AND EVENTS TO HELP US FULFILL OUR MISSION OF CREATING HEALTHY, CONNECTED, LEARNINGFOCUSED STUDENTS AND COMMUNITIES.” — DR. DEE DEE ANDERSON VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS
Southern Station will also feature more than 1,250 square feet of event space behind the stage. The facility will be complete with climate-controlled restrooms and a 275-square foot space that can be used for storage or event preparation.
The Children’s Center FOR COMMUNICATION AND DEVELOPMENT AT SOUTHERN MISS By Courtney Tesh
I “
t’s easy to write off a little kid who isn’t talking just yet. ‘Wait and see, he’ll get there, lots of boys are late talkers,” Raven Tynes speaks of the struggle to get her son, now four-year-old Solomon, the help she and her husband knew he needed. “All of these well-meaning responses dismiss the value and necessity of speech and communication in everyday life.” Tynes is recounting what is an all too familiar occurrence when you have a child with special needs, and in her case, a son who is non-verbal. “A speech delay doesn’t look like a kid who is shy and just won’t say ‘trick or treat,’” said Tynes. “It looks like my son coming home from a day away from us dehydrated because he hasn’t been able to ask for water. It looks like melting down over having to put on shoes because a seam is rubbing his toe and he can’t tell anyone. It looks like playing by himself and being isolated a lot. A place called The Children’s Center looks like the hope you’ve been waiting for.” She goes on to describe her family’s journey and how things changed when her family was introduced to The Children’s Center for Communication and Development at Southern Miss. “Solomon came home to us when he was three days old. We had been in the process of adoption for almost a year when we got the call that a birthmother had chosen us to love her baby. We adopted him six months later and have been soaking in every second with him since that very first day we got to meet him. He met every milestone along the way, chuckled on cue and had gross motor skills better than most five year olds, but when he turned two we started noticing his lack of conversation. He wasn’t labeling things verbally and it felt like every day that passed created a giant chasm between Solomon and the speech of the typically-developing children around him. Something wasn’t right.” Many parents find themselves in a similar situation prior to being introduced to The Children’s Center. Sarah Myers, interim director at The Children’s Center explains, “Because we see children age birth to five with special needs ranging from speech and motor delays to cognitive disabilities and everything in between, we are often the ones who have these first tough conversations with the parents. We’re the ones who say to them, ‘Yes, mom and dad, your concerns are valid. There is something different about your child and their development.’” But many times, though these conversations are difficult, they can be equally comforting. Finding out your child has special needs is not something any parent can be prepared for, but learning that they can get the help they need is often a relief.
In October 2019, The Children’s Center hosted its inaugural Here, We Grow fundraiser luncheon, which raised more than $70,000. Brett Favre was a guest speaker at the event held on his birthday.
Tynes describes this feeling beautifully, “We had seen 11 professionals and we found ourselves getting a whole lot of ‘wait and see.’ But it was clear to us that Solomon had things to say and no way to say them. In passing, someone mentioned that we should contact The Children’s Center. We filled out an application and when a spot became available for him, we received a call letting us know that he was in. I can’t begin to describe what this call meant to us. It was a candle in a murky tunnel of darkness. It was hope and relief that our sweet boy would have someone helping him find his voice.” And that, in a nutshell, is what The Children’s Center is all about. This nonprofit located on USM’s Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses aims to give children a way to communicate with and move through the world around them. The team includes speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, listening and spoken language specialists, an audiologist, a special educator and a behavioral therapist, all of whom are dedicated to making sure every child in their care has an individualized plan shaped around his/her needs, and every family can find comfort in knowing they are not alone in this journey. And as Tynes mentions, the therapists are not the only ones providing this comfort. “Each therapy room at The Children’s Center has an observation room attached, and this is a game changer. The observation room was the only reason I was willing to leave Solomon with someone we didn’t know. I soon began to know the other parents in the room and learned their paths weren’t so different from my own. Everyone observing beside me knew what it was like to see their
“WHEN WE WERE ESTABLISHED IN THE SEVENTIES, THAT WAS AT OUR CORE – THESE SERVICES WERE TO BE
at no cost TO FAMILIES.”
– SARAH MYERS, INTERIM DIRECTOR
child struggle. Six months in and Solomon’s therapist asked him if he would like another cookie during snack time and Solomon nodded his head ‘yes.’ The entire observation room cheered aloud and we cried happy tears together. He nodded his head ‘yes’ independently. At three years old, he finally had the ability to say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ This type of progress is quite literally life-changing.” This life-changing work doesn’t stop at communication. It can take on many forms. For Delilah Mikell, a Children’s Center graduate, this came in the form of a power wheelchair, which was acquired by the Center in hopes it would give Delilah the ability to move on her own. They brought it home and on that first day, her parents delighted as they watched their child explore her backyard by herself – chasing her dogs, looking at the trees, moving about as SHE pleased, for the very first time. For babies with hearing loss, this may come in the form of their first hearing aids – allowing them to hear their mother’s voice for the first time. Or an FM system – helping them hear their friends in a crowded room. For Solomon and his family, and for so many more, it comes in the form of hope. The work that takes place between the walls of The Children’s Center is life-changing indeed. Since its inception, no family has had to pay for the services their child receives. “When we were established in the seventies, that was at our core – these services were to be at no cost to families,” said Myers. “What you can afford and what you cannot afford should not impact the kind of therapy your child receives. Access to help should not be determined by one’s socio-economic status.” In October 2019, The Children’s Center hosted its inaugural Here, We Grow fundraiser luncheon. The event, which featured guest speakers Brett Favre and Kenny Scianna, raised more than $70,000 for the Center. It was at this event that Danna Blackledge, mom to Children’s Center graduate Aaron Blackledge, likened making a donation to The Children’s Center to giving someone a winning lottery ticket. “To pay nothing for these services for the first five years of Aaron’s life – that’s incredible,” said Blackledge. “So many parents of a special needs child dread going to the mailbox each day because there’s going to be a medical bill in that mailbox, and a lot of them don’t know how they’re going to pay for it. To be able to give their child this start and not have to pay for it? That’s awesome. You can do that for us. You can hand us a winning lottery ticket.” She’s right. It’s in large part because of the generosity of sponsors and donors that The Children’s Center is able to continue providing life-changing services at no cost. “There is such a need for these services in Mississippi,” said Myers. “So much so that we maintain a waiting list nearly as long as the number of children enrolled. We are so grateful for the opportunity to help fill a void in our community, and we are so thankful for those who make it possible for us to do so.” To learn more about The Children’s Center, or to make a donation, visit Facebook.com/TheChildrensCenterUSM or USM.edu/ChildrensCenter.
Alumnus Returns to Volunteer with OLLI By David Tisdale ’90, ‘91
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Nelson Easterling ‘69
elson Easterling feels he’s back where he belongs. A 1969 University of Southern Mississippi alumnus and one of the first graduates of its former Honors Program – the predecessor of the school’s prestigious Honors College – Easterling, a Laurel native, moved back to Hattiesburg in the spring of 2019 after retiring from state government in Florida, desiring to live closer to his alma mater and be an active participant in its Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). The move is a continuation of Easterling’s longtime commitment to supporting USM. He is a member of the Alumni Association, supports USM athletics by attending sporting events and through his membership in the Eagle Club and is a generous donor to the Honors College. In 2004, he taught the first active learning Honors class offered by the Honors College, which included a travel/learning opportunity in Washington, D.C., where students toured museums and a variety of U.S. government points of interest, including the White House. A U.S. Army Security Agency veteran, Easterling earned a Ph.D. in political economics from Florida State University, going on to serve on the senior staff of the Florida State Senate and also as executive director of the Florida Institute for Economic Justice. Easterling said his experience as a student in the USM honors program formed not only a solid academic foundation, but also a desire to embrace lifelong learning, a philosophy that attracted him to OLLI. Targeted for adults ages 50 and above, OLLI provides an array of academic and recreational activities consisting of art, music, literature, health and fitness classes, and much more. Special events are also held throughout the year and include social events, special interest groups and field trips. “Being an Honors student at USM didn’t change the direction of my attitude toward learning, but rather, it added motivation to it,” Easterling said. “It also taught me to be broader in thought, and comfortable knowing that I don’t know everything, but I can learn more.” Easterling made contact with OLLI Director Paula Mathis, who is also a former Honors College administrator who worked with him in arranging the 2004 active learning trip. After learning about OLLI’s programming, he was sold. “I really wanted to be close to USM again and being involved with OLLI is just the icing on the cake,” Easterling said. “There’s a broad base of things members can learn about and do.” Easterling has a full class schedule at OLLI, and shares his expertise by teaching courses as well, including a class he taught in the summer, “Our Constitution Under Siege,” and “Our Economy-Our Government” during the fall. He recently became a member of the OLLI curriculum committee, and even volunteers to prepare coffee a few days a week to lighten the load of the OLLI administrative team. Mathis said Easterling has done a “remarkable job” in contributing his time and resources to both USM and OLLI. “He is truly the definition of someone who gives back to the institution,” she said. USM Honors College Dean Ellen Weinauer said, “Easterling is an example of the kind of Honors College alumnus we strive to produce – one who is committed to lifelong learning, and to using his talents and experience to benefit our campus and community. I’m thrilled he has returned to the Hattiesburg area to share his knowledge and experiences with the USM community and OLLI members.” The Osher Lifelong Learning Center is located at 3601 Pearl Street in Hattiesburg. For more information call 601.264.2780 or visit USM.edu/Lifelong-Learning. For information about the USM Honors College, visit USM.edu/Honors.
MICHAEL MATRICK SGA PRESIDENT By Meredith Courtright ‘19
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Matrick with former SGA President McKenna Stone Cloud
SGA Executive Officers Madison Crimm, Election Commissioner; Destiny Chafin, Treasurer; Matrick; Joshua Williams, Vice President; and Jourdan Green, Attorney General.
ichael Matrick has made the most of his time at The University of Southern Mississippi. The 21-year-old from Brandon toured Southern Miss for the first time as a high school senior on a stormy day, but the weather didn’t hinder Southern Miss’s authenticity from shining through. Matrick instantly fell in love with the University despite his two brothers pushing for their personal alma maters. “I wanted to shake things up, and I am so glad I did,” said Matrick. Matrick’s passion for Southern Miss has continued to grow since he began his journey as a freshman Golden Eagle in 2016. “Coming into Southern Miss, I was this extraverted kid who felt prepared for college, however, over the years I have seen just how much Southern Miss has developed and molded me through my experiences into a mature and even more prepared man,” said Matrick. During his first year of college, Matrick took time to become adjusted to the new environment and focused on excelling in academics and fostering meaningful friendships. “Spring semester of my sophomore year is when I really started to immerse myself into the community of Southern Miss.” Matrick switched his major to theater which opened the door for him to become interconnected with a variety of students who helped build his confidence level. Matrick pushed himself outside of his comfort zone and joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) and then joined the 2018 Southern Style team at the same time he applied to be a member of Student Government Association. “I was a part of SGA in high school and started reflecting on my time spent at Southern Miss and realized my college experience so far had been great, but the one thing I was missing was SGA.” Matrick applied to be a part of former president McKenna Stone Cloud’s cabinet assisting with events and programming. “My first job as part of SGA was Executive Director of Communications, where I was responsible for overseeing social media, news releases, website, coordinating with the University Communications team and more. Being a part of these organizations came at such a crucial turning point of my college career. People were relying on me and I was reporting to high-level campus administrators. All these learning experiences influenced and developed me into the leader I am today.” After his first year in SGA, Matrick decided to take a leap of faith and run for Student Body President. “I felt prepared to run for this position through the countless staff and faculty who supported me, and also through some of my greatest influencers Cameron and McKenna Cloud, Caroline Bradley, Cameron Kenny and Carrie Ann Bounds. These are all people I greatly admire and view as role models,” said Matrick, who accepted the role of President of SGA from Election Commissioner Katie Rogers when no other students applied to run for the position. “Leading into the election meeting I was fully prepared to run for the position. I have always wondered what it would have been like to run for the presidency. After the results, I didn’t really feel like I had earned the title of SGA President, and I knew I had to prove to a lot of people that I was capable of succeeding.” Matrick immediately made it his goal to seek guidance and advice from past presidents, and early on in his term, he asked the student body their opinions on campus issues. “Being president has been a huge responsibility and time commitment while at the same time being the best experience of my life so far. The role has really taught me accountability and to put the needs of others before my own and make decisions for the good of all Southern Miss students.” Some of Matrick’s most fond memories of SGA include Homecoming Week, the Miss USM Pageant and Eaglepalooza. “I have been so blown away with everyone’s efforts. Every
Michael Matrick
“A big goal of mine is for SGA to be an organization all Southern Miss students are excited about and want to join. We want everyone to want to be involved – to bring more diversity to the organization and for SGA to be a true representation of the Southern Miss student body.” —MICHAEL MATRICK
individual who is a part of SGA has made a huge commitment to the organization. This isn’t just an extra club, it’s a job, and you have to make sure you’re getting things done on behalf of Southern Miss and our students. We carefully select members who we think will represent Southern Miss and understand their actions directly reflect the reputation and history of Southern Miss.” “In addition to being SGA President, the best thing about my experience at Southern Miss has been the people. Having the opportunity to visit other universities allows me to realize we are just different. It’s the people of Southern Miss who attracted me to the University, and they’ll be what I remember when I leave,” said Matrick, who is grateful for Southern Miss providing him with a diverse group of friends from all across the country. Southern Miss brings people with all different backgrounds together which allows all these unique personalities and talents to be able to thrive on this campus and, in return, make Southern Miss the wonderful, unique place it is.” Matrick longs to have Southern Miss remember him as an enthusiast who was not afraid to try something new and
pushed his peers to get out of their comfort zones. Being the President of SGA is an expectational honor few Golden Eagles have the gift of experiencing. As Matrick’s time as SGA president comes to a close, he reflected on his legacy and dreams for the future of SGA. “A big goal of mine is for SGA to be an organization all Southern Miss students are excited about and want to join. We want everyone to want to be involved – to bring more diversity to the organization and for SGA to be a true representation of the Southern Miss student body.” Like many college students, Matrick is planning for his next steps after graduation. “My long-term plan is to run for office – starting at the local level and eventually moving into state, and hopefully federal positions. Southern Miss has given me a quality education filled with a plethora of learning opportunities which have prepared me to successfully enter into the workforce with confidence. I will forever be grateful for everything Southern Miss has provided me, and I hope to continue to make the University proud and give back in order to leave it better than I found it.”
FR AT ER N I T Y & S O RO R I T Y L I FE
IFC ALUMNUS
SPOTLIGHT JOHN BEZOU JR. ‘98
Upon his graduation from Southern Miss, John Bezou Jr. ’98 was commissioned in the U.S. Army and served 20 years. Before retiring in 2018, Bezou was ranked as a Lieutenant Colonel and served two combat tours in Iraq, earning the Bronze Star. Bezou is currently training for the 4 Deserts Ultramarathon Series, a collection of races taking place in Namibia, Mongolia, Chile and Antarctica. Fewer than 100 people have completed the series in some of the world’s largest deserts. The first race of the series will begin in April 2020. In conjunction with the four races, Bezou is striving to raise $20,000 for The Ability Experience. As both a founding member of the Theta Alpha chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and one of the 4.7 million disabled American veterans, Bezou holds the fraternity’s philanthropy close to his heart. Follow Bezou’s journey at Give.Classy.org/GrandSlam.
NPHC Welcomes New Initiates The Southern Miss National Pan-Hellenic Council welcomed 59 new initiates this past fall. The Premiere, the official new member presentation show, was held Friday, Nov. 22, 2019 with a sold-out crowd of 1,200 in Hattiesburg. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. all welcomed new members. “I am elated to welcome the fall 2019 initiates to the Southern Miss Greek Community. My hope is that they uphold the traditions and values of our organizations through their hard work and dedication,” said Valencia Walls ’02 ‘06, National Pan-Hellenic Council adviser. Winter 2020
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Chi Omega Hosts 68th Annual Songfest
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hi Omega hosted their 68th Songfest at Reed Green Coliseum on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019. Songfest is the longest running philanthropy event at Southern Miss, and it includes musical performances from a majority of chapters on campus. From the red dresses worn by the active members to the candlelight procession down the stairs of the coliseum, Chi Omega alumnae in attendance are reminded of their own Songfest memories throughout the night. During the event, a majority of sororities and fraternities on campus perform a selection of songs. The winners are determined by a panel of judges including one judge who is always close to the hearts of Chi Omegas. Songfest is used as a fundraiser for Chi Omega’s national philanthropy, Make-A-Wish. This year the chapter presented a check for more than $68,000. “Each year, our celebrity judge is one of our Make-A-Wish recipients. This year, our special judge was Noelle, an eight-year-old liver cancer patient. Our chapter threw her a Make-A-Wish party last spring and granted her wish to visit Disney’s Aulani resort in Hawaii,” said Abby Douglass, a senior at Southern Miss and Chi Omega’s Songfest director. “The time surrounding Christmas is a season of giving and giving back. Chi Omega is excited to present Make-A-Wish with the largest amount our chapter has raised to date,” said Douglass. In addition to philanthropy, the event is a time for former members to return and reflect on their time in the chapter. The final portion of the program is the most sentimental for Chi Omegas. It begins with the active members descending down the stairs in Reed Green Coliseum holding a candle in one hand and the hand of another member in the other. “After the candlelight procession, the actives will take a path on the floor to make a X and an O to enter the stage. Most of the people in the audience will never notice, however the alumnae will remember their experience taking the same path,” said Mary Dayne Gregg ’71 ‘85, former advisor. Alumnae have reserved seating together at Songfest, and towards the end of the show, the chapter invites them to join the song “Merry Christmas from Chi O.” “The entire chapter participates in Songfest. It doesn’t feel like something we have to do, it is something we get to do. We love how this event unites our chapter, no matter the pledge class you joined,” said Douglass.
The ladies of Chi Omega presented a check for $68,090.63 to Make-A-Wish at the conclusion of Songfest.
EaglePalooza O
n Friday, Nov. 8, American indiealternative rock band Moon Taxi headlined the 16th Annual Eaglepalooza in Downtown Hattiesburg. The five-member band is based in Nashville, Tenn. Eaglepalooza began in 2004 and has since been a highlight tradition for students at Southern Miss. Each year, the University of Southern Mississippi Student Government Association (SGA) hosts the free concert for Southern Miss students and residents of the greater Hattiesburg area. Through this event, SGA expands upon an already strong student and community collaboration to make this much anticipated event a success, drawing crowds of upwards of 10,000 to the Hub City for a night of live music. SGA President Michael Matrick announced Eaglepalooza’s return to Downtown Hattiesburg alongside Mayor Toby Barker ’04, ’06 in a video released in August. “Eaglepalooza is one of the main traditions of Southern Mississippi and one the entire Hattiesburg community can enjoy. It’s a moment where people can experience the community that comes with being a Golden Eagle and a Hattiesburger,” said Barker. Moon Taxi has played at large music festivals such as Coachella and Bonnaroo and has appeared on the Today Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live. The Prom Knights opened the evening, followed by The New Respects. Eaglepalooza was sponsored by The City of Hattiesburg, Ardenland, Visit Hattiesburg and the Downtown Hattiesburg Association.
Eaglepalooza 2019 was held in Downtown Hattiesburg.
Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 100 Years of Excellence
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his year, the venerable University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will celebrate 100 years of excellence in music performance, training of young musicians, as well as community and educational outreach with its season series A Centennial Celebration! Throughout the season, the Symphony Orchestra will celebrate its iconic history with great music, exciting guest artists and conductors, and surprises at every turn. “We will acknowledge the past, present and future of this proud organization, and its unique relationship with our community and state,” said Dr. Michael A. Miles, interim director of orchestral activities. “The Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra is not just a beacon of excellence for our University, but for our state, region and entire country. What you hear and see this year, and every year, is the result of 100 years of support from administrators, vision and drive from the conductors, the work of talented students and the unparalleled support from our community. These factors come together to make the USM Symphony Orchestra the rarest of all university orchestras – a university orchestra that serves its curricular, community and educational outreach missions with equal distinction. A university orchestra that, year in and year out, in concert after concert, brings our audience the highest quality of musical performances. A university orchestra that has an undying commitment to diversity and the belief that every young musician deserves the opportunity to perform the world’s greatest music with colleagues who are equally committed to musical excellence. A university orchestra that spends its time and resources every year providing musical educational outreach activities throughout our community and region.” The Symphony Orchestra will present a total of six concerts throughout this season, each with a special theme or guest artist. The season opened with Casablanca, a Symphony Gala sponsored by Partners for the Arts, followed by a concert in November themed after the noble and celebratory music of Russian composers. In that concert Grammy-nominated pianist Petronel Malan joined the Symphony in Sergei Rachmaninoff’s most famous work, the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. In December, the Orchestra presented its annual Choral Holiday Spectacular celebrating the music of the holidays in both Hattiesburg and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. In February, the Orchestra will present Isn’t it Romantic!, a program of all Romantic period music featuring Brahms, Verdi and Tchaikovsky. The musicians will be joined by international conducting sensation Apo Hsu, the conductor of the National Taiwan Normal University, the top music conservatory in Taiwan. Additionally, Southern Miss cello professor Alexander Russakovsky will perform Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme on the program. In March, the Symphony will be joined by the Southern Chorale in presenting Verdi’s Requiem Mass and will end the season with Night of a Hundred Stars, the annual concert featuring the three winners of the William T. Gower Concerto Competition. Night of a Hundred Stars will also feature a special guest conductor and the Orchestra will perform Mussorgsky’s epic Pictures at an Exhibition. “We hope everyone will join us in celebrating our past by supporting our future,” said Miles. For Symphony Orchestra ticket information, visit SouthernMissTickets.com or call 601.266.5418.
Partners for the Arts hosted the Casablanca Gala in October 2019 at Bobby L. Chain Municipal Airport.
Eagles Explore
Journey
to new places or rediscover favorite destinations in the company of fellow
Southern Miss alumni. Let our trusted travel partners, Go Next and Collette, handle all the details for a hassle-free experience. Below is a list of where the Eagles Explore Alumni Travel program is going in 2020 and 2021. For more information and to book your trip today, visit SouthernMissAlumni.com/Travel or email Melissa.David@usm.edu.
Summer Vistas of Alaska VANCOUVER TO SEWARD
JULY 23-30, 2020 Experience the coastal beauty of Alaska on this extraordinary weeklong cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ Regatta.
Cosmopolitan Havens
ROME TO MONTE CARLO
NOVEMBER 3-11, 2020 Sail to some of the most cultured cities on the western Mediterranean on this seven-night cruise aboard Oceania Cruises’ elegant Marina.
SOUTHERN MISS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TRAVEL Iceland ’s Magical Northern Lights REYKJAVIK TO REYKJAVIK
DECEMBER 2-8, 2020 The “land of fire and ice” is a place of many wonders. Spend your days surrounded by waterfalls, icebergs and volcanic beaches, while your nights are spent in search of the spectacular Northern Lights.
Baltic & Scandinavian Brilliance
COPENHAGEN TO OSLO
JUNE 14-25, 2021 Stroll the cobblestone streets of Visby, see the Royal Palace in Stockholm and walk through the openair markets in Helsinki. Spend two days exploring the history of St. Petersburg. Dine at a world-class restaurant in Tallinn, see the Old Town in Riga and indulge in upscale shopping in Gothenburg.
Prismatic Fall Colors of Canada & New England NEW YORK TO MONTREAL
OCTOBER 1-11, 2021 Embark in dynamic New York City, then see Newport’s Vanderbilt houses, Boston’s Revolutionary War landmarks and Portland’s Victorian neighborhoods. Experience the Reversing Falls in Saint John. Stroll Halifax’s historic waterfront and then discover vestiges of the eighteenth century in Sydney. Visit Saguenay’s majestic fjord and visit Quebec City – North America’s only walled city. Disembark in European-influenced Montreal.
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Seven Inducted into the M-Club Hall of Fame RON CHEATHAM
KENYA PETERS
FOOTBALL, 1972-75
SOFTBALL, 1999-2002
Recognized as one of the finest linebackers to wear a Golden Eagle uniform, Cheatham was credited with 374 tackles during his four-year career. He was voted a permanent team co-captain of the 1975 Eagles. Following graduation, Cheatham coached for the Golden Eagles from 1976 to 1983.
GEORGE TILLMAN FOOTBALL, 1979-82
Tillman came to Southern Miss as a freshman in 1979 and became a four-year letterman. From his defensive end position, Tillman was a relentless pass rusher and run defender. He is tied for fourth in career fumble recoveries with six in his career. “Too Tall,� as he was called, became a fixture on the Nasty Bunch defense.
GLEN WHISBY BASKETBALL, 1991-95
Entering the M-Club Hall of Fame posthumously, Whisby is one of only five players in school history with 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds. He ranks ninth in career scoring at Southern Miss with 1,598 points, 5th in career rebounds with 1,009 and 2nd in career blocked shots with 232.
VICTOR JOHN (V.J.) TROLIO GOLF, 1996 -98
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Trolio finished the 1995-96 season with a 77.27 stroke average while appearing in just four tournaments. He came into his own as a senior in 1997-98 when he posted a 73.17 stroke average and won the Arkansas State Invitational with a 54-hole total of 216 while also earning the rank of No. 1 in C-USA for 1997. Trolio was the first player from Southern Miss to participate in the NCAA Championship and was the 2007 Mississippi Open Champion.
A four-year letter winner at the catcher position for the softball program, Peters was a key member of the 1999 and 2000 World Series teams. She hit the gamewinning home run against LSU to help win the regional championship and finished her career with a batting average of .264, recorded 173 hits, 31 doubles, two triples and 33 home runs, to go along with 111 RBI.
BRIAN DOZIER BASEBALL, 2006 - 09
A member of the World Champion Washington Nationals, Dozier started at shortstop immediately as a freshman in 2006 and lettered for four years. He was drafted in the 8th round by the Minnesota Twins in 2009. He participated in the 2014 Home Run Derby, was an All-Star in the 2015 campaign and in 2016, he hit the most home runs ever by an American League second baseman at 42. Dozier won a Gold Glove for his defensive play in 2017 and participated in the last two World Series, playing for the Dodgers in 2018 and the Nationals in 2019.
DAMION FLETCHER FOOTBALL, 2006 - 09
Fletcher came to Southern Miss from Biloxi High School in 2006 and almost immediately became the starting tailback. A four-year starter and letterman, Fletcher set a record in 2007 for most yards rushing in a season at 1,586, for a career at 5,302, as well as the most rushing attempts in a career at 1,009. He also holds the record for career rushing touchdowns with 44, as well as 100-yard games in a season (9) and for a career (25).
AT H L E T I C N E WS
FieldTurf Installation at Pete Taylor Park The start of a new era began last fall at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field as groundwork began on replacing the natural playing surface at the facility. Sports Contractors Unlimited, LLC, out of Hattiesburg has removed the playing surface and prepared the base for new turf to cover the entirety of Hill Denson Field. The turf installation is being completed by FieldTurf and will be a 10-week project in total. “I want to thank those who stepped up and invested in this project and made it a reality,” said Southern Miss Head Baseball Coach Scott Berry. “This surface will allow us to elevate our recruiting and development of the student-athlete as we continue to strive to reach our goals in this competitive college baseball world. We look forward to opening the season on Feb. 14, 2020 with a new look at The Pete.”
GOLDEN EAGLE INVESTMENTS WINTER 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. FORREST COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS • $100,000
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CARTER’S JEWELRY • $125,000
Economic Driver. Employment Generator. Community Partner. The University of Southern Mississippi fills many roles beyond our primary mission as an educator and research leader. Not only is the University one of the area’s largest employers, but USM’s arts and athletic events attract thousands of visitors to the region. Our research enterprise brings the best and brightest from all over the world to south Mississippi, where faculty and students make discoveries that improve lives in our state, region and country. USM educates more than 14,000 students each year, supports approximately 7,000 jobs, and has an annual economic impact on Mississippi of more than $600 million.
SNAPSH OTS Take a little Southern Miss with you wherever you go! As you sport the black and gold, be sure to capture the memories and send them our way. 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: Golden Eagles in Yellowstone! Left to right: Elizabeth Anderson, senior at USM; Julia Anderson, incoming freshman fall 2020; Will Brancamp ‘90, ’10; Sherri Boyce Anderson ‘93. Bottom left: Oscar Fernando Leal ‘05, ‘06, ’12 from Mexico; Agustina Leal ‘05, ’18 from Argentina; Sunhee Beak ’04 from South Korea; and Mohamed Ismail‘13, ’17 from Egypt were four Southern Miss alumni among a group of 50 new United States citizens who took part in the Naturalization Ceremony at Bennett Auditorium on Oct. 10, 2019.
Bottom center: Steve ‘73 and Mary Currie Dryden ‘75, ‘92 with Bob and Mary Bess Hagler Simmons in Italy. Far right: Kelly Hembree ‘08, ‘10 and her father, Paul Hembree ‘72, pose next to the Golden Eagle banner at the Battle 4 Atlantis basketball tournament in Nassau, Bahamas.
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*For printing purposes, please email your photos at a resolution of 300 dpi. If you have any questions, contact the Alumni Association at 601.266.5013.
THE OGLETREE HOUSE Located on the Hattiesburg campus of The University of Southern Mississippi, the Ogletree House offers a historic and romantic setting for the wedding of your dreams.
To book the Ogletree House for your wedding, please contact Shonice Montgomery at 601.266.4218. For more information, availability and rates, visit SouthernMissAlumni.com/OgletreeHouse.
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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.
1950s
1980s
At 87 years old, former Alumni Association president CHARLES A. GILLIS ‘56 has launched an online business around his trademarked phrase Mississippi “More Than Just a River.” Visit MississippiMoreThanJustaRiver.com for unique Mississippi-themed gifts.
1970s
MICHAEL MARKS ’77, ‘82 has been named interim executive director of the Hattiesburg Public School District Foundation.
LOURENE DAVIS ‘83 was recently promoted to nurse manager II in the Pre-Anesthesia Testing Clinic at The University of Mississippi Medical Center. JACK WARFIELD ‘83 retired as a 42year veteran of the golf industry, who worked as a PGA Tour executive for 21 years and for the last eight of his career as the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica President.
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
JOE S. MCCLAMMY ‘86 recently transferred to the U.S. Army Cyber Command (ARCYBER) to serve as a Supervisory Visual Information Specialist supporting the ARCYBER Headquarters, located at Fort Gordon, Ga. McClammy leads a team of specialists providing ARCYBER with visual information/audio visual multimedia support delivering official print, video, still imagery and electronic communications and information products in support of world-wide Department of Defense, U.S. Army and ARCYBER mission requirements. WARREN MILLER ‘87 was introduced as a new member of the FEMA National Advisory Council.
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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ALUMNI BOOKSHELF
Releasing Magnolias along the Mystical Railway: A Collection of Mississippi Ghost Tales Dr. Jason A. Beverly ’02, ’09, ‘13 Independently published, 2019
Metal Like Me Derek Sower (D. W. Saur) ‘14 Newman Springs, 2019
ROBERT GOSS JR. ‘88 is a financial advisor for the financial services firm Edward Jones in Hattiesburg and has achieved the professional designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®.
1990s
SCOTT CULPEPPER ‘91 was recently promoted to city president of Meridian’s BankPlus. HASSAN AZIZ ’94, ‘00 was recently awarded the ASCP 2019 Membership Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Society for Clinical Pathology during the Society’s 2019 Annual Meeting.
CHECK OUT THESE BOOKS BY ALUMNI AUTHORS 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.
Head Count (A Laura Beth Copeland Misadventure) Janet Taylor-Perry ‘83 Dragon Breath Press, 2019
Storytime and Beyond: Having Fun with Early Literacy Kathy Barco ’97 and Melanie Borski-Howard Libraries Unlimited, 2018
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College golf coach TOMMY SNELL ‘94 was officially inducted as a member to the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame. KELLY WILSON ‘96 has been announced as the new director of Northwestern University’s Writing Center in Qatar. Wilson will also be teaching an introductory writing course in the university’s Liberal Arts Program. GAVIN LANGSTON ‘98 recently joined Fidelity Bank in New Orleans, La. as senior vice president and IT director. His tenure with the NextGen council of the Greater New Orleans Inc. economic development organization was also extended.
Making Ends Meat Timothy C. Lockley ‘75 The Merry Blacksmith Press, 2019
SCOTT MARTINEZ ‘99, president of the Northeast Louisiana Economic Partnership, was recently reappointed to the International Economic Development Council’s board of directors. LORRAINE MERRITT RUSSELL ‘99 was recently sworn in as president of the North Carolina Library Association.
2000s
LONNIE A. BURNETT ‘00 has been named president of The University of Mobile after serving six months as interim president.
Winter 2020
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WILLIAM M. GRANTHAM ’83 of Brandon has been elected 2019-20 president of the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP). Dr. Grantham is a board-certified family practice physician at MEA Medical Clinic in Clinton, where he has served as medical director for 24 years. Dr. Grantham served as MAFP treasurer, vice president and president-elect before his election as president at the MAFP Annual Meeting in July 2019. Dr. Grantham earned an undergraduate degree from The University of Southern Mississippi and went on to medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He completed Family Medicine residency at the University of South Alabama, serving as chief resident. Dr. Grantham began his professional career in McComb at Southwest Family Medicine and Southwest Regional Medical Center before joining MEA Medical Clinic. Always involved in leadership roles in the medical community, Dr. Grantham served as president of the Mississippi State Medical Association in 2017-18, also serving that organization as vice chair and a trustee. He is a Mississippi Hospital Association board member and currently chairs both the First Intermed Board of Directors and the Second Intermed Board of Directors. Dr. Grantham also served as president of Central Medical Society in 2007. He is a Mississippi Physicians Care Network board member and a member of the Mississippi Medicaid Advisory Committee. Other professional memberships also include the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association and the American Association of Medical Review Officers. Dr. Grantham helps medical students interested in family medicine, serving as a preceptor (trainer) for students at both Mississippi medical schools. Dr. Grantham and his wife, Gay, live in Brandon. They have two adult children, Dr. Taylor Grantham and Asa Barnes.
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JAKE HENRY ‘03 has been chosen by Louisiana State University Law for its new position of assistant dean of student affairs.
The Hattiesburg School District’s Board of Trustees named Hattiesburg Police LT. LATOSHA MYERS-MITCHELL ’03, ‘10 the district’s next chief of police.
CHIEF MASTER SGT. DARREN BANNISTER ‘05 is the new 403rd Operations Group superintendent of Air Force Reserve. He serves as the senior enlisted leader and advises the commander on operational effectiveness, organization, training and equipping of enlisted Airmen to ensure they are ready to deploy.
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PAMELA BRACEY ‘06, a Mississippi State College of Education faculty member, was recently named Collegiate Teacher of the Year by the National Business Education Association. COREY CHANDLER ‘06 was named South Mississippi State Hospital’s third quarter 2019 Employee of the Quarter. KRISHONA LEE ‘06 ‘09 transitioned from Montgomery, Ala. after working in state government for nearly 10 years to the New York City area to work with the federal government. MATTHIS PIEL ‘06, ‘10 completed his Occupational Safety and Health Administration Outreach General Training at Georgia Institute of Technology. H. LENNWOOD BROOKS ’09 has been appointed by the National Credit Union Administration Chairman Rodney E. Hood to serve as his chief of staff.
JOSEPH ODENWALD ‘15 was recently named president of Southwestern Michigan College.
COURTNEY TAYLOR ‘19 was hired by East Mississippi Community College as its first executive director of Communiversity.
LYNN VALETUTTI ‘15 is the director of National Park College and was recently awarded the President’s Award from the Arkansas Library Association during its annual conference.
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.
2010s
ERIC WILLOUGHBY ‘13 was approved by the Bartow County School Board to lead the new Center for Advanced Studies in Medical Science at Woodland High in Cartersville, Ga. NICOLET BELL ’15, ‘16 has been named to the Top 10 Under 40 by Madison the City Chamber of Commerce.
ZACH ‘13, ‘16 and JENNIFER ‘13 BUTLER welcomed their daughter, Adalynn Grace Butler, on Oct. 1, 2019. Zach also recently accepted the principal position at Bridgedale Elementary School in Metairie, La.
NANCY MAGEE ‘84 welcomed her grandson, Brayden Daxon Smith, on April 4, 2019.
Winter 2020
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In Memoriam
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ELINE AINSWORTH ‘41 of Bay Springs died on February 18, 2017. JOSEPH LEO ALESSANDRI ‘41 of Mishawaka, Ind., died on November 5, 2019. AGNES KNOWLES ‘45 of Tallahassee, Fla., died on October 29, 2019. MARGARET R. BUCKLEY ‘46 of Hattiesburg died on February 20, 2019. FRANCES COLLEEN GILMORE ‘46 of Madison died on December 15, 2018. HELEN MOFFETT ‘46 of Grenada died on October 4, 2019. CARRIE M. HINTON ‘47 of Braxton died on October 22, 2019. TRAVISTEEN PARKER ‘47 of Magee died on April 25, 2018. INA LENELL CARTER ‘48 of Collierville, Tenn., died on April 21, 2018. MARINEE PENNINGTON ‘48 of Vance died on April 8, 2018. DOROTHY BOND TERRY ‘48 of Hattiesburg died on November 11, 2019. MADGE TRIGG ‘48 of Collins died on November 12, 2019. ANNA KENNEDY BEECH ‘49 of Metairie, La., died on August 19, 2018. JERRY EDWARD BERRY ‘49 of Orange, Texas, died on May 24, 2017. LEOLA MORRIS BOONE ‘49 of Katy, Texas, died on February 23, 2018. MABLE C. HENDERSON ‘49 of Houston, Texas, died on January 24, 2017. SAMMIE JARVIS LINDSEY ‘49 of Laurel died on January 15, 2018. BARBARA LEE MCCARY ‘49 of Natchez died on January 17, 2017. DOROTHY E. TILLOTSON ‘49 of Melissa, Texas, died on August 15, 2019. BOBBYE NELL BUTLER ‘50 of Pearl died on April 23, 2019. ARTHUR A. BYRD ‘50 of Branchburg, N.J., died on November 3, 2019. HAROLD M. COCKRELL ‘50 of Quitman died on January 17, 2019. NARVELLE CRUM COURTNEY ‘50 of Gloster died on November 11, 2019. SALLY ELLEN HERRINGTON ‘50, ‘57 of Hattiesburg died on November 4, 2019. PATSYE RAE HESTER ‘50, ‘76 of Long Beach died on May 12, 2019.
DAN GORE HITT ‘50 of Corinth died on January 10, 2017. ROBERT BRUCE HUNT ‘50, ‘97, ‘01 of Atlanta, Ga., died on January 18, 2019. BILLY RAY ‘50 of Inverness died on July 16, 2019. EARLTON T. RILEY ‘50 of Mandeville, La., died on July 11, 2018. HAZEL MAE SEAY ‘50 of Poplarville died on October 1, 2019. KATHLEEN SMITH ‘50 of Commerce, Ga., died on October 18, 2019. KATHRYN WEST ‘50 of Houston, Texas, died on November 1, 2019. LAMAR PATRICK TATOM ‘50 of Jacksonville, Fla., died on October 4, 2019. SIDNEY ARTHUR CAUL ‘51 of Columbia died on July 28, 2018. EMILY A. CRANFORD ‘51 of Columbia died on February 13, 2017. STERLING E. FANCHER ‘51 of Atmore, Ala., died on February 11, 2018. CHARLES C. SPENCE ‘51 of Houma, La., died on March 24, 2019. LOUISE STROUD ‘51 of Crossett, Ark., died on January 3, 2019. ROY L. THOMPSON ‘51 of Summit died on June 25, 2019. ELIZABETH WILLIAMS ‘52 of Greenville died on November 1, 2019. LESLIE J. BATES ‘52 of Chattanooga, Tenn., died on April 11, 2019. NELDA D. BRECKENRIDGE ‘52, ‘77 of Hattiesburg died on November 3, 2019. THOMAS HARLEY FONDREN ‘52 of Columbus died on February 25, 2017. DANIEL WILMER CRANFORD ‘52 of Hattiesburg died on November 10, 2019. ROBERT R. MASELLE ‘52 of Brandon died on May 30, 2019. MARY V. MCBEATH ‘52 of Grimes, Iowa, died on August 3, 2019. MELTON L. MCCARTY ‘52 of Columbus died on July 9, 2019. J. LEON PRINGLE ‘52 of Saraland, Ala., died on July 8, 2019. SALLY TOWNSEND ‘52 of Laurel died on October 4, 2018.
ELEANOR ANN WOOD ‘52 of Laurel died on March 26, 2017. DOLLY JACKS BOLLAN ‘53 of Cypress, Texas, died on August 6, 2019. MARGARET M. BOND ‘53 of Ocean Springs died on October 13, 2019. WILLIE JOYCE COCHRAN ‘53 of Spanish Fort, Ala., died on July 7, 2018. ESTHER JOYCE CRAIG ‘53 of Petal died on October 7, 2019. EMMA JEAN DELK ‘53 of Eatontown, N.J., died on October 15, 2019. WINDSOR BRUCE MURLEY ‘53 of Hopewell Junction, N.Y., died on July 21, 2018. PAUL EDWARD PADGETT ‘53 of Magee died on September 30, 2019. MARY SUE SHERMAN ‘53 of Finksburg, Md., died on November 10, 2017. GLADYS COOPER WINSTEAD ‘53 of Hazel Park, Mich., died on November 17, 2018. JEAN TAYLOR SPIKES ‘54, ‘66 of Starkville died on October 20, 2019. PATRICIA RAE TERRILL ‘54 of Katy, Texas, died on September 21, 2019. BLANCHE CECELIA BROWN ‘54 of Odessa, Mo., died on November 24, 2017. MYRA KINCAIDE ‘54 of Los Alamitos, Calif., died on May 23, 2019. DENNIS ELTON MAGEE ‘54 of Moss Point died on January 18, 2017. MARY A. MIMS ‘54 of Auburn, Ala., died on November 11, 2019. WINFRED LOTT ‘55 of Madison died on November 10, 2019. MARJORIE LOUISE MILES ‘55 of Dover, Del., died on November 2, 2019. LOTTIE JEAN PACE ‘55 of Hattiesburg died on October 25, 2019. ROLAND CLIFFORD CARSON ‘56 of Baton Rouge, La., died on September 27, 2019. RANDELL LAVELLE PALMER ‘56 of Meridian died on October 21, 2019. PAUL H. BYRNE ‘58 of Natchez died on September 19, 2019.
COCHRAN CENTER • LOTT CENTER C O O K U N I O N • DA N F O R T H C H A P E L C O N F E R E N C E S • E V E N T S • C AT E R I N G Current Alumni Association members will receive a 10% discount on their next booking with Alumni Association membership card! To s c h e d u l e a t o u r :
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THOMAS TOLBERT FOWLER ‘58 of Cross City, Fla., died on September 19, 2019. BILLIE MCNEECE GUNN ‘58 of Lena died on November 3, 2019. CAROLYN SUE THOMAS ‘59 of Vidor, Texas, died on November 7, 2019. CHARLES M. TURNER ‘59 of Cumming, Ga., died on November 14, 2019. CLIFTON LLOYD WATSON ‘59 of Shreveport, La., died on October 27, 2019. BURLON WAYNE COMMER ‘60 of Louisville died on November 1, 2019. THOMAS ORLANDER RANKIN ‘60 of Owens Cross Road, Ala., died on October 20, 2019. JULIA ANN SIMS ‘60 of Pearl died on November 22, 2019. WILLIAM FRED EDMONSON ‘61, ‘65 of Fort Worth, Texas, died on October 30, 2019. JOHN DONALD SHANNON ‘61 of Lantana, Texas, died on September 25, 2017. CHESTER COBURN SIMS ‘61 of Pearl died on August 4, 2019. RICHARD HOWARD BAXTER ‘62 of Clinton died on October 29, 2019. WILLIAM CARLLSL ‘62 of Flora died on November 19, 2019. ROLLAND HUGH SHAW ‘63, ‘65 of Ridgeland died on October 5, 2019. MELVIN D. ROBINSON ‘64 of Baton Rouge, La., died on October 9, 2019. WILLIAM WOOTTON BUSH ‘65 of Laurel died on September 28, 2019. DOROTHY S. BAKER ‘66 of Cary, N.C., died on September 21, 2019. HERMAN SMITH BOLLCK ‘67 of Conover, N.C., died on March 13, 2019. WILLIAM HOWARD HOOKER ‘67 of Millington, Tenn., died on October 29, 2019. JOE DENTON MOORE ‘68 of Hattiesburg died on November 5, 2019. HILDA BARBER OWEN ‘68 of Carriere died on October 18, 2019. JOHN IRVIN ROBBINS ‘68 of Shannon died on May 12, 2019. RICHARD KEITH BENNETT ‘69 of Toronto, Ontario, died on May 6, 2019.
ROBERT HAYWOOD BOURDENE ‘69 of Dallas, Texas, died on September 11, 2019. DANNY BOZEMAN ‘69 of Austin, Texas, died on October 8, 2019. ELISE WIGGINS PETTY ‘70 of Carthage died on November 8, 2019. OREE DOUGLAS AINSWORTH ‘72 of Bay Springs died on February 15, 2017. CHARLES EDWARD BROWN ‘72 of Lauderdale died on May 26, 2017. NANCY B. MCKAY ‘72 of Fairhope, Ala., died on October 29, 2019. ULYSSES G. LANDRUM ‘73, ‘75 of Ovett died on October 6, 2019. LOUIS RAMON ‘73 of Summerville, S.C., died on November 3, 2019. PAT PATRICK RING ‘73 of Vicksburg died on October 24, 2019. JERRY WALDEN COOK ‘74 of Ocean Springs died on October 20, 2019. TIMOTHY E. POOLE ‘75, ‘78 of Bailey died on October 6, 2019. WILLIAM G. ROGERS ‘76 of Ocean Springs died on November 10, 2019. JEROME F. SCHMIDT ‘76 of Gulfport died on November 19, 2019. DAVID CHALMERS SCHROEDER ‘76 of Long Beach died on October 20, 2019. KARLENE EVELYN SLYMAN ‘76 of Jacksonville, Fla., died on October 4, 2019. ELOISE ANN BELL ‘77 of Montgomery, Ala., died on November 18, 2019. BOBBY RAY JONES ‘77 of Owens Cross Road, Ala., died on September 22, 2019. RANDALL MACK NEWMAN ‘77 of Daphne, Ala., died on November 2, 2019. DALE SPIERES ‘77 of Sumrall died on October 31, 2019. CHARLES RONALD THOMPSON ‘77 of Rustburg, Va., died on September 22, 2019. MARGARET L. BLACKWELL ‘78, ‘83 of Chattanooga, Tenn., died on September 30, 2019. ROY GENE BASSETT ‘79 of Jackson, Tenn., died on October 2, 2019. MICHAEL BARNETT ‘79 of Greensburg died on October 16, 2019.
JAMES LOUIS SCHONHOLTZ ‘79 of Woodburn, Ore., died on October 2, 2019. ERNESTINE H. THOMPSON ‘79 of Melbourne, Fla., died on October 1, 2019. ROBERT EUGENE BAKER ‘80 of Ocean Springs died on October 9, 2019. STEVEN DANA MILLER ‘80 of Columbia died on October 30, 2019. DANIEL CHARLES QUICK ‘80 of Collins died on October 29, 2019. FRANKIE HURD ‘82 of Pass Christian died on November 15, 2019. THOMAS RICHARD FORESTER ‘83, ‘85 of Jonesville, Va., died on November 16, 2019. DEBORAH CAMILLE ALDRIDGE ‘84 of Hattiesburg died on October 21, 2019. CRESEDA DAVIS CRAWFORD ‘87 of Natchez died on September 15, 2019. JACK V. CROSS ‘87 of Ritzville, Wash., died on October 10, 2019. ROBERT DWAYNE STEVENS ‘88 of Poulsbo, Wash., died November 11, 2019. KARL EDWARD FUNK ‘89 of Panama City, Fla., died on November 2, 2019. EDWARD WILLIAM SPEIGHTS ‘89 of Prentiss died on November 12, 2019. SHERRIL FRANCES ROBERTS ‘91 of Canada died on October 13, 2019. RICHARD R. WHITTINGTON ‘94, ‘00 of Perkinston died October 16, 2019. MARIE HOENY FARR ‘96 of Conover, N.C., died on November 8, 2019. JENNIE MCCRAINE NETTERVILLE ‘97 of Woodville died on October 10, 2019. SHARON LEE HARNISH ‘99 of Petal died on November 5, 2019. JOYCELYN D. STABLER ‘02 of Columbia died on October 28, 2019. CORY DURIN VIATOR ‘09 of Pass Christian died on October 10, 2019. MARION TAMECA WALLACE ‘10, ‘12 of Mount Olive, Ala., died on October 1, 2019. KEVIN MICHAEL CRIBBS ‘11 of Brandon died on October 20, 2019. EVAN MICHAEL MAGERS ‘11 of Diamondhead died on October 29, 2019.
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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 attractions, concerts and events. 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 attractions, concerts and events.
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Get connected to Southern Miss Alumni around the world by offering discounts through Abenity. Join our local discount providers in offering Southern Miss Alumni Get connected to Southern Miss Alumni around the Association members access to your business with an world by offering discounts through Abenity. Join our exclusive discount. learn more, contact Melissa DavidMiss Alumni localTodiscount providers in offering Southern at 601.266.5761 or emailmembers Melissa.David@usm.edu. Association access to your business with an
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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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