Daria Pizzetta, AIA, Alumni Profile

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D aria PIZZETTA The End Result:

By Sheri Pape

As a child, Daria Pizzetta dreamed of growing up and following in her father’s footsteps. Don Pizzetta owned a construction company in Biloxi, Miss., and Daria admired her father’s hard work and determination.

“I always enjoyed watching my father work and knowing at the end of what he did there was a tangible, lasting result,” said Pizzetta. “I was intrigued with the process of how he got a building built.”

However, running a construction company was not the ideal job for a “lady,” according to Pizzetta’s father. So she pursued the next best thing – architecture.

In 1978, Pizzetta moved to Starkville to study at the state’s only School of Architecture. After an intense four years of training in Starkville and her fifth year studies at the R&D Center in Jackson, she earned her bachelor’s degree in 1983.

“There were 25 students who graduated with me from the architecture program,” she commented. “In architecture, you build strong relationships with your classmates because of the amount of time you spend with them in the studio and the workload the major demands. All nighters in the studio were typical.”

Upon graduation, Pizzetta returned to her home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and took a job with Shaw Walker Architects.

“Shaw Walker was an excellent firm to work at as a young architect,” said Pizzetta. “I learned so much about how a project is actually designed and documented, and still apply these skills today. They gave me my first small project, a travel agency in Gulfport, and let me run with the design. It was thrilling to see it built.”

Pizzetta moved to New York City in 1984 to pursue further opportunities in her profession. In 1992, she joined the firm that would become H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture LLC as an architect and designer. In 2010, she was named a partner in the firm.

H3, founded by renowned architect Hugh Hardy, is a recognized leader in planning and designing public buildings such as performing arts centers, theaters, museums and libraries. They specialize in creating spaces that are unique, innovative and integrated with the surrounding architectural context.

Pizzetta

“People do not come to H3 for a run-of-the-mill building, but because they value architecture and desire a unique design,” she described. “As a designer, I have the opportunity to creatively solve problems related to our projects, yet have a real, tangible result at the end.”

18 Alumnus Summer/Fall 2011

During her time at H3, Pizzetta, who specializes in cultural and library facilities, has worked on varied projects all over the country.

undergraduate architecture students at Mississippi State.

“As an MSU graduate, every day I compete with architects who

Some of her major projects include the Cleveland (Ohio) Public

went to the most prestigious schools around the country such as MIT,

Library, the Richard B. Fisher Building at the Brooklyn Academy

Harvard and Yale,” stated Pizzetta. “I believe MSU graduates stand up

of Music, the Manhattan headquarters for Scholastic Inc., and the

to the graduates of any of these schools, and my goal is to help current

Grand Rapids (Mich.) Public Library.

MSU students achieve their dreams of becoming an architect.”

Recently, Pizzetta led the architectural team for a new building at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) in Fort Worth, an organization dedicated to the conservation and knowledge of

In recent years, Pizzetta has discovered how to pair her love of design with another passion – cake decorating.

“I take model making to a higher level through the medium of

botanical resources. The institute houses over 1 million specimens

baking,” she said. “Forming a structure out of cake employs many

in its library of dried plant samples, and is expected to become

of the same abilities and techniques as designing a building.”

the first building in Tarrant County to achieve the Leadership in

As with her professional career, Pizzetta’s culinary skills have

Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating

been recognized and rewarded. In 2008, she won the blue ribbon

System™ Platinum certification.

at the New York State Fair for both cake decorating and soup,

“BRIT is a wonderful client. They are very focused on their mission of conservation, and embraced the challenge of creating a

which was a gumbo recipe adapted from the Jackson Junior League cookbook Southern Sideboards.

functional building that is also one continuous green experience,”

Though architecture is the career path Pizzetta has chosen,

stated Pizzetta. “This building will use substantially less energy for

the most important job in her life is being a mother. She and her

heating and cooling. It features a variety of interesting renewable

husband, Charlie, are the proud parents of two daughters, Stephanie

materials, and a living roof planted in native grasses to resemble the

and Charlotte. The family loves to travel and entertain friends,

Fort Worth prairie.”

and Pizzetta devotes much of her spare time volunteering at her

“It was also one of my favorite project teams,” she continued.

“The contractor worked closely with the design team to solve any

children’s schools.

Pizzetta is a member of the American Institute of Architects

conflicts during the construction phase instead of merely presenting

(AIA), the American Library Association, for whom she has

them as problems.”

recently completed a new planning primer, Building Blocks for

With all of her success, Pizzetta has maintained close ties to

Planning Functional Library Space, 3rd Edition, as well as the

her home state. She was the primary planner and project manager

Society of College and University Planners. She represented

for the new United States Federal Courthouse in Jackson, a new

her hometown of Biloxi as a team member on the Mississippi

400,000 square foot facility designed under the General Services

Renewal Forum: Governor’s Commission on Recovery,

Administration Design Excellence program. She is currently

Rebuilding and Renewal.

working with Biloxi’s Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum to design a new facility that will replace the museum destroyed in Hurricane Katrina.

“My grandfather was a shrimper and reigned as the King of the 1972 Biloxi Shrimp Festival,” added Pizzetta. “It will be my proudest moment to see this museum, so closely linked to my heritage, finally become a reality. Through this project, I can give back to my family, my city and my state.”

Pizzetta has also built a close relationship with students and faculty from MSU. Through her encouragement, H3 began hiring co-op students from the School of Architecture to serve in one-year internships with the firm. Pizzetta makes it a point to make her firm known on campus in order to attract MSU’s many bright and talented students to New York City.

In 2001, Pizzetta established an endowed scholarship in memory of her mother, Stephanie Mihojevich Pizzetta, to assist

MSU co-op student, Meredith Yale, and Daria Pizzetta at H3’s New York office.

Alumnus Summer/fall 2011 19

Alumni

NEWS

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summer / FALL

ALUMNUS

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2011-12

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The 2011-12 national board of directors is led by officers (L-R): Karen Dugard Lawler, immediate former president; Jodi White Turner, treasurer; Jerry L. Toney, president; Camille Scales Young, first vice president; and Thomas R. “Tommy” Roberson, national second vice president.

The 2011-12 national board of directors is comprised of individuals from around the country who will serve from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012.

NATIONAL PRESIDENT:

NATIONAL TREASURER:

NORTH 2 REGION DIRECTOR:

Jerry L. Toney, ‘96

Jodi White Turner, ‘97, ‘99

Cheryl W. Thurmond, ‘81

NATIONAL FIRST VICE PRESIDENT:

NORTH 3 REGION DIRECTOR:

Camille Scales Young, ‘94, ‘96

IMMEDIATE FORMER NATIONAL PRESIDENT:

Karen Dugard Lawler, ‘82, ‘94

NATIONAL SECOND VICE PRESIDENT:

YOUNG DIRECTOR NORTHERN REGION:

Thomas R. “Tommy” Roberson, ‘67

NORTH 1 REGION DIRECTOR:

Audrey T. “Taneka” Milliner, ‘07

David Randall “Randy” Allen, ‘87

30 Alumnus Summer/Fall 2011

Sandra L. Murray

CENTRAL 1 REGION DIRECTOR: Lea Margaret M. Hamilton, ‘90

CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER DIRECTORS:

NASHVILLE, TENN., CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

Thomas R. “Tommy” Byrd, ‘81

Sarah R. McDonnell, ‘03

CENTRAL 2 REGION DIRECTOR:

Steven A. “Steve” Corbitt, ‘76

Andrew C. Frank, ‘91

Angela W. Dallas, ‘82 John K. Pitts, ‘04

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTORS:

CENTRAL 3 REGION DIRECTOR:

Bradley M. “Brad” Reeves, ‘02

Donna B. Rupp, ‘93

H. Riley Nelson, ‘99, ‘01

Daniel J. “Jason” Ryder, ‘00

DESOTO COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

YOUNG DIRECTOR CENTRAL REGION:

Hillary Phillips Jordan, ‘03

John Paul “J.P.” Walker, ‘05

SOUTHEAST MISSISSIPPI CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

HARRISON-STONE CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

Lori B. Perkins, ‘93

SOUTH 1 REGION DIRECTOR:

Colleen F. Johnson, ‘83

Ronald E. “Ron” Black, ‘80

WARREN COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

HOUSTON, TX CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

Thomas P. “Tom” Kendall, ‘89

SOUTH 2 REGION DIRECTOR:

Jon D. Sanders, ‘93, ‘94

Christie D. Walters, ‘98

SOUTH 3 REGION DIRECTOR:

HUNTSVILLE-DECATUR, ALA., CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR: Charles “Parker” England, ‘01, ‘02

Christine E. Cuicchi, ‘94, ‘99

James D. “Jim” Pepper, Jr., ‘69, ‘91

PRESIDENT, STUDENT ASSOCIATION:

YOUNG DIRECTOR SOUTHERN REGION:

JACKSON COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

Kenneth “Rhett” Hobart

Jessica H. Maholm, ‘02

John “Carl” Weihing, ‘70

PRESIDENT, HOLLAND FACULTY SENATE:

OUT-OF-STATE DIRECTORS:

Meghan J. Millea

Courtney A. Jones, ‘02, ‘06

LAUDERDALE COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

Susan J. Hill, ‘93

Gary A. Futch, ‘75

CHAIR, STAFF COUNCIL:

Daniel E. “Danny” Hossley, ‘65

Amanda L. Bell

LEE COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTORS:

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS:

Kimberly C. “Kim” Fandel, ‘87, ‘94

PRESIDENT, MSU FOUNDATION:

David T. Cozart, ‘86

William H. “Beau” Lacey, ‘69, ‘72

James J. “Jim” Rouse, ‘62

Jonathan J. Lee, ‘00, ‘02

Kieu-Anh Tran, ‘96

LEFLORE-CARROLL CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

PRESIDENT, BULLDOG CLUB:

Paige H. Hunt, ‘00, ‘06

Beth C. Clay, ‘67

ATLANTA, GA., CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

Michael W. “Mike” Criswell, ‘80

LOWNDES COUNTY CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

John C. Dowdle, ‘97

BIRMINGHAM, ALA., CHAPTER DIRECTOR:

MEMPHIS, TENN., CHAPTER DIRECTORS:

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI, AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:

Matthew B. “Matt” Frederiksen, ‘00

Paul R. Hopkins, ‘91

Jimmy W. Abraham, ‘75, ‘77

Stephen R. Woo, ‘94, ‘95

Alumnus Summer/fall 2011 31

Alumni

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11June Picnics

summer / FALL

ALUMNUS

‘CELEBRATE MISSISSIPPI’ Each summer, several Mississippi

State alumni chapters around the country

perform for the New York City crowd.

On June 18, the Mississippi Society

gather together with other universities

of Washington, D.C., hosted the 21st

from the state to “Celebrate Mississippi.”

Annual Mississippi on the Mall. Held at

These events bring together thousands of

Henry Bacon

alumni and friends who proudly celebrate

Ball Field, alumni visited with MSU staff

their Southern heritage and traditions.

and chapter representatives.

On June 11, the 32nd Annual

The Atlanta, Ga., chapter participated

Mississippi Picnic in Central Park was

in Mississippi in the Park on June 25.

hosted at Bandshell and 72nd Street in

Held at Chastain Park in the Buckhead

New York City. The picnic featured many

district, alumni and friends dined on

of Mississippi’s most talented artists

Southern foods while listening to live

displaying and selling artwork, Mississippi

music provided by Homegrown, SaNa

writers signing books, as well as the

Blues and The Electromatics. This picnic

ever-popular delicious Southern cuisine

was organized by the Mississippi Society

featuring a “Taste of Mississippi.”

of Georgia.

Guests enjoyed down-home blues

Alumni from the Atlanta metro area gather for a June 25 picnic in Chastain Park.

For more chapter events happening this

performed by Mississippi’s own, Eddie

year, please visit www.alumni.msstate.

Cotton. Jon Paris was also on hand to

edu/events.

The Mississippi Society of Washington, D.C. hosts the 21st Annual Mississippi on the Mall.

Senior Celebration honors

newest members of

ALUMNI FAMILY On April 14, the Alumni Association welcomed the 2011 graduating class as the newest members of Bulldog alumni. More than 1,000 students attended the event held at the Hunter Henry Center gardens.

The annual Senior Celebration was cosponsored by the Division of

the growing alumni base. Commencement ceremonies were held April 29 and 30.

Mississippi State now boasts nearly 121,000 alumni around the world, with a goal of having 40,000 active members of the Alumni Association by

Student Affairs and the Student Association. The festivities included

the end of the year. To join your Alumni Association and help us reach our

crawfish, MSU ice cream, live music, and lots of fun.

goal, make a gift to the MSU Fund. For details on how to join, please visit

This year, the university welcomed more than 2,000 new individuals to

32 Alumnus Summer/Fall 2011

alumni.msstate.edu/membership.

The Road Dawgs Bus traversed the south during May

ROAD DAWGS HIT 12 CITIES IN 5 DAYS Even though it was summer in the south,

“This year, the Road Dawgs tour was

served as the corporate sponsor for the tour.

the spirit of fall kicked off in May with the

about much more than Mississippi State

2011 BancorpSouth Road Dawgs Tour.

football,” said Jimmy Abraham, associate

friends all around the state and region, and

vice president for development and alumni

see the excitement surrounding our program

the Alumni Association and the Bulldog

and executive director of the MSU Alumni

and Mississippi State as a whole,” Mullen

Club that encourages enthusiasm and

Association. “It was about our university

said. “We haven’t accomplished all the

school spirit for the upcoming football

letting our state know that we care.”

goals we’ve set, but we’re working together

Road Dawgs is a partnership between

season. Several university representatives

Road Dawgs resumed on Thursday with

“It was great to get out and visit our

to reach the mountaintop. And the support

joined Coach Dan Mullen for alumni

breakfast in Columbus, lunch in Tupelo,

and enthusiasm we saw at each stop along

gatherings across Mississippi, Tennessee

and dinner in Memphis, Tenn. The bus

the way shows that the people of our state

and Georgia.

took a detour on the way to Tupelo to visit

are ready to take the next step.”

The 12-city tour began in Brookhaven on Monday, May 9, where the roadies met a packed house at Poppa’s restaurant.

Smithville, a town ravaged by a tornado in April.

Mullen met with Smithville High School

Road Dawgs concluded on Friday, May 13, with lunch in Nashville, Tenn., and dinner in Atlanta, Ga.

They then made stops in Biloxi, Lucedale,

principal Chad O’Brian and students

Laurel, and Meridian before returning to

displaced by the storm. O’Brian then joined

largest ever, and many of our events were

Starkville Tuesday night.

the Road Dawgs crew for a tour of the

standing room only,” said Abraham. “We

cleanup efforts. MSU representatives met

are very thankful for the support the alumni

Bulldogs traveled to Vicksburg to meet

with Smithville mayor Gregg Kennedy and

chapters have given to the Road Dawgs

with the Warren County Chapter and visit

other town employees, residents

tour, and we appreciate so much all the

alumni affected by the rising floodwaters of

and volunteers.

Bulldog fans who came out to visit

Wednesday morning, the band of

the Mississippi River. The team received a

Among the stops during the week, the

“Our attendance this year was the

with us.”

bird’s-eye view of the river region as they

Road Dawgs bus made appearances at five

flew north to Greenville for Wednesday’s

BancorpSouth branches across the state.

visit the Alumni Association Facebook

dinner event.

This is the second year BancorpSouth

page at facebook.com/msstatealumni.

For photos of the Road Dawgs events,

Alumnus Summer/fall 2011 33

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ALUMNUS

Alumni celebrate

CLASS REUNIONS In March

the Alumni Association and associate vice president for development and alumni. “We enjoy this special time each year reminiscing and reliving many wonderful maroon and white memories.”

This year, more than 170 alumni attended the class reunions, making it one of the highest attended reunion events in years.

Pictures of the event can be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/ msstatealumni.

Next year, the Alumni Association will host reunions for the classes of 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, and 1962.

The 2011 class reunions were held March 25-26 on campus. This year, the association celebrated anniversaries for the classes of 1936, 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, and 1961.

Reunion attendees enjoyed an open house and gathering Friday afternoon at the alumni headquarters in the Hunter Henry Center.

Class photos were taken that afternoon, and class receptions were held that evening.

On Saturday, alumni enjoyed a group breakfast and campus tours, as well as a grand luncheon at the Bryan Athletics Administration Building. Many attendees enjoyed an afternoon baseball game, where the Bulldogs beat SEC opponent Auburn 15-8.

“Class reunions are a wonderful opportunity for us to welcome our alumni back home,” said Jimmy Abraham, executive director of

Dr. Roy Ruby, retired MSU administrator, speaks to fellow members of his 1961 graduating class.

BYRD AND COATS HONORED WITH FACULTY AWARDS Dr. Sylvia Byrd and Dr. Karen Coats were both honored as 2011 recipients of faculty awards sponsored by the Mississippi State University Alumni Association.

Byrd, an associate professor in the department of food science, nutrition and health promotion, received the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching award. She is a 1982 graduate of Appalachian State University with a bachelor of science in home economics. Byrd received her master’s degree in health education in 1985 from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, followed by a doctoral degree from Mississippi State in 1993 in nutrition.

Byrd believes in empowering her students to excel (Left to right) Byrd, Abraham and Coats 34 Alumnus Summer/Fall 2011

in the classroom and in the real world. She creates high

Alumni

former national presidents

establish scholarship

Former national presidents of the Alumni Association board of directors present the university with a check to establish a scholarship in honor of Drs. Jimmy and Patti Abraham in February.

In its 126-year history, the MSU

Foundation, the endowed scholarship

“Patti and I are humbled and

Alumni Association has actively

is an open fund that can benefit from

honored that our former national alumni

participated in the fundraising efforts

additional contributions.

association presidents chose to establish

of the university. Last winter, a group

The national presidents scholarship

this scholarship in our name,” stated

of former presidents of the national

has been established in honor of Jimmy

Abraham. “Mississippi State means so

board of directors established a student

Abraham, associate vice president for

much to both of us, and we are proud

scholarship in honor of the association’s

development and alumni and executive

that this will help future generations of

current executive director.

director of the MSU Alumni Association,

Bulldogs.”

The National Alumni Presidents

and his wife, Patti. Abraham began work

Additional donations can be made

Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to

for MSU in 1977 in the Division of

to the National Alumni Presidents

entering freshmen or community college

Student Affairs, and joined the Alumni

Endowed Scholarship fund at any time.

transfer students who have proven

Association in his current role in 2005.

For more information, contact the MSU

academic excellence and leadership

Patti is a retired director of the MSU

Foundation at 662-325-7000.

potential. Established through the MSU

Research and Curriculum Unit.

expectations and thrives on challenging her students to go

Coats received her bachelor of science and master of science

beyond the textbook. Her passion for teaching and nutrition

degrees in 1981 and 1983, respectively, from Southeastern

extends beyond the MSU campus. She founded the weeklong

Louisiana University. She earned her doctorate from Louisiana

Fun with Food summer camp, helping elementary students

State University in 1987.

understand culinary and nutrition principles.

“Dr. Byrd is an excellent example of the quality of our

As a mentor to graduate students, Coats gives encouragement and support to her students on a daily basis. She provides

teachers at Mississippi State,” said Dr. Jimmy Abraham, associate

constructive criticism that results in the betterment of her

vice president for development and alumni and executive director

students. Coats is more than simply a mentor, she is a friend. Her

of the Alumni Association. “Her passion for empowering her

students are provided with the skills to become better leaders and

students to achieve is second to none.”

better people.

Coats, a professor in the department of biological sciences and

“Dr. Coats is an outstanding mentor and someone who gives

an adjunct professor with the College of Veterinary Medicine,

encouragement and unwavering support to others,” said Abraham.

received the award for Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor.

“She is so very deserving of this award.”

Alumnus Summer/fall 2011 35

11 PROFESSIONAL

Alumni

MSU recognizes ALUMNUS NEWS summer / FALL

AND SUPPORT STAFF

President Mark E. Keenum serves lunch at MSU’s annual staff luncheon in May.

More than 3,000 individuals provide professional and support staff services to Mississippi State University within the various

drinks, door prizes and live entertainment for

Abraham, associate vice president

all university staff members.

for development and alumni and

The Office of the President, university

executive director of the MSU Alumni

departments, colleges, and administrative

vice presidents, Alumni Association, and

Association. “The Alumni Association

offices. On May 6, the university honored

Professional and Support Staff Advisory

is proud to be one of the sponsors for this

these hard working individuals at the Staff

Council sponsored the event.

event each year.”

Appreciation Day in the Junction.

The “Luncheon in the Junction” was held on a beautiful, sunny afternoon with free food,

“The hard-working and dedicated

Mississippi State is grateful for the

staff members at Mississippi State do so

service of all of its dedicated staff members

much for our university,” said Jimmy

who make it such a great university.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIO In February, the Greater Chattanooga, Tenn., Alumni Chapter became the 92nd chartered group for the MSU Alumni Association.

Karen Lawler (center), 2010-11 Alumni Association national president, presents representatives Steve Brandon (left) and Dax Turner (right) with a banner for the new Chattanooga Chapter.

36 Alumnus Summer/Fall 2011

Approved by the national board of directors, the announcement was made at the association’s annual awards banquet.

AFFINITY

LICENSE

PLATE

available soon in

Texas

This fall, the state of Texas will join the efforts of Mississippi and Tennessee to make a statement with an official Mississippi State University affinity license plate. The new Texas M-State tag can be purchased through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles during tag renewal.

Designed by MyPlates.com, the tag will feature the M-State logo, Bully spirit mark, and the phrase “Go Bulldogs.” The price of the tag, which is in addition to the annual tag fee, ranges from $55 for one year to $295 for 10 years. A portion of the proceeds will be distributed for scholarship support to Texas students who attend Mississippi State.

Individuals interested in the new MSU specialty plate can register at www.myplates.com/go/mstate to be informed about the release date. Registering for the e-mail list is not a commitment to purchase a plate, but an interest poll for Texas residents.

Affinity license plates help alumni and friends promote Mississippi State on the roads and highways. Show your pride and help support our Bulldogs by purchasing one during your next tag renewal.

ON ORGANIZES 92

ND

CHAPTER

“We are very excited to welcome the Greater Chattanooga chapter as our newest group,” said Jimmy Abraham, associate vice president for development and alumni and executive director of the MSU Alumni Association. “The Chattanooga group will be a great asset to the university in promoting Mississippi State in their area.”

The newest chapter began the formation process in May 2010.

Alumni and friends in the Chattanooga area are encouraged to join.

Throughout the year, dedicated volunteers hosted gatherings for

Information about events can be found on their chapter page at alumni.

alumni and friends, such as game-watch parties, informal socials, and

msstate.edu/chattanooga. You may also contact the chapter president, Dax

organizational meetings.

Turner, at daxkturner@gmail.com or by phone at 901-326-0587.

Alumnus Summer/fall 2011 37

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ALUMNUS

Karen Dugard Lawler Outgoing Letter

Karen Lawler (center) with MSU President Mark E. Keenum (left) and Alumni Association Executive Director Jimmy Abraham (right).

Dear Fellow Bulldogs, As I write you this letter, my year of service as your national alumni president has come to a close. I have been honored and

convincing win the Bulldogs and Coach Dan Mullen gave us as they beat Michigan 52-14.

privileged to represent the Mississippi State University Alumni

I want to encourage each of you to get involved in your local

Association. It has been such a rewarding opportunity to attend

chapters. The Alumni Association annually hosts more than 500

numerous alumni and MSU functions, and experience the passion

events nationwide. I would also like for you to consider giving

and excitement everyone shares for our great university.

back to our university through the Annual Fund and StatePride:

I would like to thank Dr. Jimmy Abraham and his staff, the

An Initiative for Student and Faculty Support. With your help we

leadership of the university, MSU alumni and friends, alumni

can keep the momentum going. Visit the association’s website at

chapters, and the student body for all your hard work and

www.alumni.msstate.edu for the calendar of events and Annual

dedication. Due to your commitment in 2010, MSU experienced a

Fund information. If you are a new graduate beginning your

record breaking fall enrollment of 19,644 students, an increase in

career, I strongly recommend you seek out alumni in your area.

alumni giving percentages despite a challenging economic climate,

You will find the common bond among Mississippi State alumni is

and the largest active membership of the Alumni Association with

very strong and supportive. Don’t forget to bring a future student

39,418 members. Also, the Alumni Association welcomed our

with you. One event could be enough to encourage someone to

92nd chapter in Chattanooga, Tenn. What an incredible year!

become a lifelong Bulldog.

We kicked off the New Year “ringing responsibly” at the Gator

As my term as national president ended on June 30, I am very

Bowl. Thousands of MSU alumni and fans crowded the streets

pleased that Jerry Toney will succeed me as your 92nd national

of Jacksonville, Fla., with cowbells in hand. There was fun and

alumni president. Jerry is “true maroon,” and his dedication and

activities for all. The festivities started with the Gator Bowl

love of MSU is evident through his service with the Starkville chapter

Parade. What an unbelievable sound to approach the parade from

and the national alumni board. Jerry will do an outstanding job.

blocks away and here cowbells ringing. As we got closer, the

We can take great pride in our university and the positive

cowbells stopped and one side of the street started yelling maroon,

direction we are headed. Again, thank you for giving me the once-

and the other answered with white. It gave me goose bumps!

in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve you and MSU as your national

Later that evening, thousands of MSU fans made their way to

alumni president. Mississippi State has given me many special

the MSU Bulldog New Year’s Eve Celebration. A Michigan fan

memories and opportunities, and I am thrilled that I have been

asked me if we brought the entire state of Mississippi. I informed

able to give back to our university. Always remember, you can

him we brought the entire Bulldog nation. After ringing in the

make a difference!

New Year in a sea of maroon and white, MSU fans started the

Forever Maroon and White! Go Bulldogs!

New Year off with a pre-game party and pep rally. The Alumni Association staff and Alumni Delegates worked hard to make

Karen Dugard Lawler

sure all the hungry fans were fed before heading to the stadium…

2010-2011 National President

they even made sure we had our New Year’s Day black-eyed peas.

MSU Alumni Association

The grand finale to an amazing Gator Bowl experience was the

38 Alumnus Summer/Fall 2011

TRAVELING

BULLDOGS visit the

Mediterranean From the time Libba Andrews, associate director of the MSU Alumni Association, checked in at the Memphis

the beautiful Tuscan Region,” Andrews said.

Among the exotic ports of call, the Insignia cruise

International Airport, she knew that the Traveling Bulldogs

ship stopped in Florence, Rome and Amalfi, Italy, as

trip to the Mediterranean was going to be a blast. Libba

well as Athens and Santorini, Greece. Travelers enjoyed

and her husband, Andy, joined 22 MSU alumni and friends

excursions, guided tours, and learning about local culture

on a cruise through Turkey, Greece and Italy in April.

and cuisines.

“Right away, we met MSU alumni travelers from

“The places we experienced were incredible, rich in

Vicksburg,” said Andrews upon her arrival to the terminal.

both history and beauty. However, I don’t think anything

“This group, later nicknamed the Sensational Six, had been

can top the personal relationships that were begun, and

planning and anticipating this vacation for months. Each

in some cases enhanced, because of the bond shared with

member of the group had taken a location, researched it,

Mississippi State,” she continued.

and become the resident expert about that part of the trip.”

The first night of the cruise, the host company, Go

The Mediterranean cruise is one of 14 trips the MSU Alumni Association promoted in 2011. Each year, the

Next, arranged a private reception for the MSU travelers.

Traveling Bulldogs embark on adventures across the globe,

Bulldogs from Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee,

creating new memories and building relationships with

Louisiana, Florida, Illinois, and California joined

fellow Bulldogs.

together for conversation, networking and fun. The 12-

In 2012, the Alumni Association will offer vacation

day trip visited some of Europe’s most breathtaking and

packages to 14 locations including Great Britain, Ireland,

historical wonders.

France, Iceland, and Tahiti. For information on the 2012

“We explored the ruins in Ephesus, Turkey, toured the

trips or if you have questions about Traveling Bulldogs,

sun-splashed coast of the French Riviera, traveled up the

contact Libba Andrews at landrews@alumni.msstate.

craggy hills overlooking the turquoise sea to the summit

edu or 662-325-3479. You also may visit www.alumni.

of Mount Etna, and explored the land of the Godfather and

msstate.edu/travel.

Alumnus Summer/fall 2011 39

Alumni

NEWS

11

summer / FALL

ALUMNUS

Alumni Association

The Alumni Association staff and

DEBUTS NEW

STRATEGIC PLAN, VISION STATEMENT

participation and services offered,

national board of directors executive

the Alumni Association will strive to

committee recently revised the

support Mississippi State University

strategic plan for 2011-14. Now

through this strategic plan.”

available online, the plan outlines the

With more than 92 chapters

intentions and goals to reach MSU’s

worldwide, the mission of the Alumni

nearly 121,000 alumni.

Association is to foster lifelong

“Our main goal as an organization is

support for the university’s mission

to meet the needs of alumni and friends

through programs, activities and

of MSU worldwide,” said Jimmy

events for its alumni, future alumni

Abraham, associate vice president

and friends.

for development and alumni and

The new strategic plan can be

executive director of the MSU Alumni

viewed by visiting the alumni website at

Association. “In our efforts to increase

alumni.msstate.edu/mission.

GREAT FOOD FROM OUR PLAYBOOK SpicyCheeseburger Sliders(makes 8 burgers) Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (96% lean) 9 small whole wheat hamburger buns, split, divided 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder 2 slices pepper Jack cheese, cut in quarters 1. Tear one hamburger bun into pieces. Place in food processor or blender container. Cover; pulse on and off, to form fine crumbs.

2. Combine bread crumbs, beef, garlic and chili powder in medium bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into eight 1/2-inch thick mini patties.

3. Place patties on grill over medium, ash-covered coals. Grill, covered, 8 to 9 minutes (over medium heat on preheated gas grill, 9 to 10 minutes) until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally. Evenly top with cheese during last minute of grilling.

4. Place burgers on bottoms of remaining eight buns. Top with desired Toppings. Close sandwiches.

For great BEEF recipes and nutrition information go to:

WWW.msbeef.org Mississippi Beef Council • 680 Monroe St. Suite A • Jackson, MS 39202 • (601) 353-4520 Sponsored 40 Alumnus Summer/Fall 2011

by Mississippi’s Beef Producers through the Beef Checkoff Program