The Talon | Fall 2025

SOUTHERN MISS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION • FALL 2025

A TRADITION IN MOTION

From the gridiron to the smart grid, progress takes more than passion — it takes power.

A new era brings new energy. From moments under the lights to research after hours, reliable power from smart grid technology keeps the momentum moving. We’re proud to support the people and places that make Southern Miss excel — from game day to graduation day — and every moment in between. Because when one of us shines, we all do.

FOR LIFE

Our new class of Golden Eagles didn’t have to choose between a real university experience and real-world readiness. They found a university where connections are close, traditions are strong, and possibilities are endless.

usm.edu/proud

“I knew firsthand that Southern Miss knows how to care for and meet students where they are. My student experience was so phenomenal that I wanted to come back to work here so that I could be a part of shaping people’s lives and the community through education.”

– Lachel Story ’00, ’02

ALUMNI STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TUCKER SAPPINGTON

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR INTERNAL OPERATIONS DANE REITER ’06, ’07, ’10

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR PROGRAMS AND EVENTS ASHLEY E. JONES 13

ALUMNI ACTIVITIES OPERATIONS MANAGER JENNIFER FELDER

DATA ENTRY SPECIALIST SHARON ANDERSON

MAIL CLERK EDWARD WALLACE

GRADUATE ASSISTANT ANN WALLACE DEROSSETTE ’24

ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS SAMANTHA ALEXANDER ’09, ’10

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MULTIMEDIA AND STORYTELLING CHLOE ARMSTRONG ’13

MARKETING PROJECT MANAGER ALEXIS RUTLAND

COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER GRACIE LEWIS 25

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

SAMANTHA MCCAIN ALEXANDER, GRACIE LEWIS, BAILEY HARRIS, BRITTNEY WESTBROOK, UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS STAFF, DAVID TISDALE, GABRIELA SHINSKIE, STOVE BOAT COMMUNICATIONS, IVONNE KAWAS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

SOUTHERN MISS ATHLETICS, SOUTHERN MISS PHOTO CENTER, CHLOE ARMSTRONG, GRACIE LEWIS, MEGAN COOK, NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

PRESIDENT DAVE ESTORGE

PRESIDENT-ELECT CHRISTEN DUHÉ

VICE PRESIDENT RYAN MOULEDOUS

FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR KYLE STONER

SECRETARY/TREASURER TUCKER SAPPINGTON

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BROOKS BOHTE, SARAH BUTLER, KATIE DIXON, BRIAN DOZIER, JOHN DUEASE, NELSON HASKIN, SCOTT WALKER, TORY BASS, KAILA MORAN GRIFFITH, JEREMY HESTER, MATT PACE, LESLIE STEVENS, CAIN ROBERDS, ADAM ROBERTS, STANCEY COLLINS DAVIS, TATE DICKEY, JACOB FITZGERALD, SHANE GERMANY, TORI GIEGER, CHARLOTTE GUINOT, MARIE ROBERTS

E X-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS JOSEPH S. PAUL, OMAR NELSON, STACE MERCIER, KAMI WERT, JEREMY MCCLAIN, JERRY B. DEFATTA

For advertising information, contact Tucker Sappington by phone at 601.266.5508 or email at Tucker.Sappington@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

This fall has been filled with energy, tradition and a renewed sense of pride. From cheering on the Golden Eagles at The Rock to joining our current and future alumni for beloved traditions like the Painting of the Eagle Walk and Homecoming festivities, it’s clear that the Southern Miss spirit is what makes life here so extraordinary.

Since I began as Executive Director in August, I’ve been welcomed into a community defined not only by its pride, traditions and grit, but by the steadfastness of its people. From conversations with alumni across the country to time spent with students, faculty and campus partners, I’ve seen firsthand the passion and commitment that make the Southern Miss family unlike any other.

My goal in this role is simple: to strengthen the connection between alumni and their alma mater, no matter where life has taken you.

Whether through events on campus, regional gatherings, networking opportunities or stories like the ones featured in this issue of The Talon, I want every Golden Eagle to feel engaged, valued and at home in all things related to Southern Miss.

Inside these pages, you’ll find stories that reflect the heart and momentum of our institution. We highlight move-in day for new and transfer students and the long-standing tradition of Painting of the Eagle Walk—moments that mark the beginning of lifelong Southern Miss memories— Homecoming and the Alumni Hall of Fame.

You’ll also discover groundbreaking research taking place within our walls, exciting transformations across our Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses and features on alumni who are leading with impact in their communities and across the globe. As you read, I hope you’re reminded of the power of connection, the importance of community and the unwavering spirit of our institution.

I look forward to meeting more of you in the months ahead and finding new ways to celebrate what it means to take...

Southern Miss to the Top!

Tucker Sappington Executive Director, Southern Miss Alumni Association

PRESENTED BY

The Southern Miss Alumni Association extends its appreciation to the sponsors and participants of the 2025 Homecoming Golf Tournament. The tournament was played at the Hattiesburg Country Club with proceeds from the event helping to support the Association’s Pierce Legacy Scholarship Fund.

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. For additional events hosted across campus, visit calendar.usm.edu.

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

vs Texas

BUILDING ON What’s New at Southern Miss

Alumni and friends who haven’t been back to Southern Miss in a while may notice that campus looks a little different than they remember. Many new developments, from dining spots to gathering spaces and major construction projects, provide a tangible example of the growth and excitement of student life on campus.

Pierce Family Picnic Area

Thanks to the generosity of Registrar and longtime Southern Miss supporter, Greg Pierce, students, faculty and visitors now have a dedicated outdoor space to gather, eat and relax under the Legacy Oak in front of KennardWashington Hall.

NPHC Park & Stage

Dedicated in the Fall of 2024, a vibrant new space honors the National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations on campus. The park and stage provide a meaningful spot for community, celebration and legacy.

Criminal Justice Building Construction

A major renovation and expansion project is underway at the former Kinesiology Building, adjacent to The Rock and Jones Hall, which will become the new home to the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science and Security. Construction is expected to be completed in Spring 26.

Gulf Park: Administration Plaza

The Administration Plaza has been reimagined to highlight Gulf Park’s most iconic feature— the Friendship Oak. This project created a welcoming space beneath the centuriesold tree, honoring its place as a symbol of strength and continuity. This area also includes new sidewalks near Lloyd and Hardy Halls, improved roadways by the Friendship Oak, landscaped beds to frame the tree and new seating and lighting.

Campus Dining Updates

Students have more choices than ever. The “Re-Fresh” of the main dining hall brought updated seating and expanded concepts; 1910 Barbeque near Wilbur Hall serves up loaded fries and sliders; and well-known restaurant chain Panda Express has joined the lineup with its signature takeout favorites.

Traffic Roundabout near Forrest Hall

A new roundabout at Forrest Hall is keeping campus traffic moving smoothly— and safely—while improving access to key areas.

Gulf Park: Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Hall

A new 25,000-square-foot facility is underway at Gulf Park to expand the work of the DuBard School for Language Disorders and The Children’s Center for Communication and Development. Made possible by federal funding, private philanthropy and a naming gift from the Kelly Gene Cook Sr. Charitable Foundation, the space will bring specialized classrooms and therapy services to children and families on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

RESEARCH IN MOTION

The University of Southern Mississippi generates more than $100 million annually with innovative and life-changing research that is woven into the fabric of the institution. As a Carnegie R1 research institution, the University demonstrates a significant level of research activity and excellence in its chosen fields, further solidifying its dedication to advancing knowledge regionally and across the globe. From unlocking new clues about neurodegenerative

diseases to documenting plastic pollution in Alaska and rethinking the Gulf food web, faculty and students are asking bold questions and finding answers that matter.

Here’s a small glimpse at the breakthrough research currently taking place at Southern Miss. To learn more about these topics and more, visit usm.edu/news.

Gone with the Waste

Southern Miss Marine science professor Kristina Mojica, Ph.D. and doctoral student Rachel Lancaster joined the largest marine debris removal effort in Southeast Alaska, supporting NOAA’s Ocean Plastics Recovery Project. Aboard the R/V Steadfast, the team helped remove 3,600 pounds of plastic waste per day from remote shorelines while collecting samples for what could become the first global snapshot of nanoplastic contamination in the ocean.

The team removed 3,600 pounds of plastic per day from Alaskan shorelines—enough to fill nearly 9 small cars!

Their work highlights both the staggering scope of plastic pollution and the promise of innovative research to detect microscopic plastics in seawater. Mojica’s lab will also bring the issue home with a community art exhibit at the Mississippi Aquarium in 2026, using recovered debris to raise awareness of plastic’s lasting environmental impact.

What’s on the Menu?

A new study led by Southern Miss faculty - Robert Leaf, Ph.D. and director of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering and Kevin Dillon, Ph.D. and associate professor at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory is reshaping long-held assumptions about the Gulf’s food web. By combining stable isotope analysis with decades of stomach content data, researchers found that iconic predator species like red drum and spotted sea trout are opportunistic feeders, and Gulf menhaden isn’t their primary food source.

Neurons at Work

Funded by the Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS), the study offers one of the most detailed looks yet at predator–prey dynamics in Gulf waters, with implications for future fishery management. Instead of relying on a single prey species, predators draw from a diverse, shifting diet that includes crabs, shrimp and anchovies, evidence of a far more complex ecosystem than previously understood.

DID YOU KNOW?

Gulf predators like red drum and spotted sea trout eat a rotating menu of crabs, shrimp, and anchovies, not just menhaden.

Vijay Rangachari, Ph.D., a chemistry professor at Southern Miss, is one of only five researchers worldwide awarded funding through the 2025 Tauopathy Challenge Workshop led by the Rainwater Charitable Foundation, earning a $500,000 grant to study neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, PSP and frontotemporal dementias.

Rangachari’s lab is investigating whether two proteins linked to these conditions can form “hybrid amyloids,” new toxic structures that may accelerate brain degeneration. His team hopes the research could lead to earlier diagnoses and potential treatments.

IMPACT:

“Dr. Rangachari's work to advance our molecular-level understanding of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's has the potential to significantly impact broader neurodegenerative disease research.”

- Dean Chris Winstead, Ph.D.

MOVE-IN DAY

Campus Groups Welcome Future Alumni

Move-in day brought back all the excitement of a new fall semester—a scene familiar to generations of Golden Eagles. While campus was buzzing with boxes, decorations and families, the energy at Southern Miss was unmistakable as we welcomed students and kicked off the Fall 2025 semester.

BUILDING BETTER BUSINESS Scianna Hall Celebrates a Decade

By Bailey Harris Shoemake, MBA ’17, ’22

Ten years after its doors first opened, Scianna Hall stands as a cornerstone of the College of Business and Economic Development and as a symbol of the bold vision that shaped it. This fall, the college held celebrations to honor a decade of learning, leadership and legacy and shared bold plans of what’s to come for its future.

The festivities began with the annual Welcome Back Cookout turned birthday party in honor of Scianna Hall’s 10th year. The courtyard, complete with balloons, cupcakes and party hats, was full of energy as more than 350 attendees reconnected with classmates and faculty to kick off another academic year.

In September, the celebration continued with Built for Better Business: What’s Next?, an evening focused on both reflection and vision. Dean J. Bret Becton, Ph.D. ’91, highlighted the college’s growth and unveiled Vision 2035, an ambitious plan to secure

naming gifts, strengthen student programs and establish institutes in entrepreneurship, sales and investment management. Guests then experienced how the college is already laying the groundwork through some of Scianna Hall’s signature learning spaces, including the Professional Sales Lab, the Renasant Financial Services Center, The Hatchery and the newly established App Development Lab.

The evening concluded with a presentation from the USM Foundation Board of Directors. Omar Nelson ’94, board president, presented a resolution to the Scianna family honoring the legacy of the late Chuck Scianna ’75, whose generosity, along with wife Rita, made the now beloved business building a reality.

Together, these celebrations captured the spirit of Southern Miss Business, honoring the visionaries who created Scianna Hall, celebrating the students who bring it to life each day and looking ahead to the next decade of impact.

SHAYLA PRICE ’25 is proud to be a transfer student at Southern Miss

SOUTHERN MISS IS TRANSFER FRIENDLY University Earns National Distinction for Eighth Consecutive Year

By Jennifer Rigney ’02

Southern Miss has once again been recognized as one of the most transferfriendly universities in the nation, earning a spot on Phi Theta Kappa’s (PTK) 2025 Transfer Honor Roll. This marks the eighth consecutive year Southern Miss has received the prestigious distinction, highlighting what Golden Eagles already know: Southern Miss is a place where transfer students don’t just land, they thrive.

For recent graduate Shayla Price ’25, the commitment Southern Miss has for pouring into transfer students was beyond what she expected. “As a transfer student, Southern Miss challenged me and pushed me to grow beyond the classroom,” said Price. “That growth prepared me, not only for the fast-paced action of the workforce, but also gave me the confidence to pursue my MBA. I always felt welcomed, and my professors created opportunities like internships, interviews with professionals in the field and involvement fairs. Southern Miss has always been at the top for me.”

Southern Miss is one of only 251 colleges and universities nationwide to earn this honor, which celebrates institutions that create welcoming pathways and set transfer students up for success.

“I’m proud of the transfer outcomes we’re seeing at these Honor Roll colleges,” said president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, Lynn Tincher-Ladner, Ph.D. ’90, ’95, “These colleges are doing more than just opening doors—they’re walking students through them. Their commitment to creating clear, supportive pathways demonstrates what’s possible when student success is truly the priority.”

Selection by PTK is based on standout performance in admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment strategies and student reviews. Southern Miss landed in the top 25 th percentile across the board.

“Southern Miss is proud to be named to the PTK Transfer Honor Roll, a recognition that reflects our ongoing commitment to transfer students,” said DJ Preiss ’03, ’08, director of enrollment operations at Southern Miss. “It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication and support that our campus community provides to transfer students. These students enrich our university, and we are proud to offer them the resources, opportunities and guidance they need to succeed.”

In its eighth year to receive this recognition, Southern Miss is taking transfer students to the top.

"I always felt welcomed, and my professors created opportunities like internships, interviews with professionals in the field and involvement fairs."

- Shayla Price '25

BEVERLY DALE NAMED ALUMNA OF THE YEAR College of Arts and Sciences Honors Longtime Supporter with Annual Award

By University Communications Staff

Beverly Dale, Ph.D. ’68, has a passion for lifelong learning matched only by her enduring commitment to Southern Miss. For decades, she has championed educational excellence and institutional advancement across disciplines.

Recently, the College of Arts and Sciences honored Dale as its Outstanding Alumna of the Year during their annual spring awards ceremony.

A 1968 Southern Miss graduate, Dale has supported a broad array of university initiatives, most notably the Dale Center for the Study of War and Society. Named for her family and late father, Lt. Col. John H. Dale Sr.—a World War II and Korean War veteran and former Southern Miss ROTC leader—the center has grown into a nationally respected leader in its field thanks, in part, to her vision and support.

Her legacy as an engaged alumna, advocate and philanthropist spans the breadth of the university. Dale has served multiple terms on the USM Foundation Board of Directors (2004-10, 2012-15, 2021-24) and is currently serving a term through 2027. She has also served on the Resource Development Committee since 2016 and held a vital leadership role in the Give Wing Campaign (2018 – 2023).

Southern Miss College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Chris Winstead emphasized Dale’s dedication to the university.

“Bev is as engaged as she is generous,” said Winstead. “She’s not only a major donor but also a dedicated partner, serving on boards, mentoring students and championing initiatives that make Southern Miss a better place for both students and faculty.” Dale credits her Southern Miss experience for setting the foundation of her life and career. “I am perfectly thrilled to be giving back to a school, a city and a state that prepared me for a fulfilling career and a full life,” she said. “I want to help The University of Southern Mississippi continue to give that gift to others like me who chose this institution as their home for higher education.”

As a student, Dale was active in student government and her sorority, Delta Delta Delta, receiving the Sarah Ida Shaw Award, the organization’s highest national honor for an Outstanding Collegiate Member. She later returned to teach microbiology from 1972-74 and was inducted into the Southern Miss Alumni Hall of Fame in 2010.

After earning her Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Dallas

in 1983, Dale built a distinguished career in biotechnology and diagnostics. At Roche Molecular Systems, she helped develop the first FDA-approved HIV viral load assay—a milestone in treatment monitoring during the 1990s. She also served as a founding board member of Salix Pharmaceuticals, which grew into a $15 billion company.

Since retiring in 2005, Dale has applied her leadership to philanthropic efforts nationwide. She has served on boards including San Francisco’s ODC Dance, the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, the Austin Film Society, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Science Mill Museum. She continues to support health care research through endowments at Vanderbilt, UC San Diego and the University of Virginia and remains active with the Clinton Foundation.

Andrew Wiest, Ph.D., founding director of the Dale Center, reflected on her impact: “If there’s anyone who bleeds black and gold, it is Beverly Dale. She works harder in retirement for Southern Miss than most do while working. To the Dale Center faculty, Bev is our patron saint.”

A Life Member of the Alumni Association and a Gallery of Benefactors Bronze-level member of the Honor Club, Dale is also part of the McCarty Legacy, Aubrey K. Lucas Society and Circle of Champions.

For Beverly Dale, service to Southern Miss isn’t just about giving back—it’s about staying connected to a place and purpose that shaped her life. In doing so, she continues to shape the lives of generations to come.

� Established and continues to support scholarships, endowments and academic initiatives

� Established the Dale Center and Sharing Mississippi National Guard Stories Endowments

� Supports the Lt. Col. John H. Dale, Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series

� Supports Minority Entrepreneurship and Military History through professorships

� Created scholarships to support Hattiesburg students

� Established the Margaret Boone Dale “Women and War” Support Endowment

RISING RESEARCH STAR Southern Miss Polymer Science Alumna Earns National Recognition

By David Tisdale ’90, ’01, ’09, ’22

Katrina “Kat” Knauer, Ph.D., a 2016 graduate of the Southern Miss doctoral program in the School of Polymer Science and Engineering, has been named one of Chemical and Engineering News’ (C&EN) “Talented 12,” a national recognition honoring early-career scientists who are making a real-world impact through chemistry.

Knauer, who now serves as chief technology officer for the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s BOTTLE™ (BioOptimized Technologies to keep Thermoplastics out of Landfills and the Environment) Consortium, says her passion for sustainable materials traces back to childhood—and her family dog named Penny.

As a young girl growing up in Florida, Knauer became concerned when Penny fell ill. She suspected a pesticide her mother was using might be the cause and began researching safer alternatives. Through her middle school science fair project, she found that instant grits offered a safer and more effective remedy to fire ants, bringing relief to Penny and earning Knauer a spot at state and national competitions.

“That was a defining moment for me,” she said. “I realized the power of the scientific method and how solving real problems can make people pay attention. From there, my passion for environmentalism and sustainability only grew.”

That curiosity eventually led Knauer to Florida State University, where she studied chemical engineering and became fascinated with polymer chemistry.

Knauer said she chose to pursue her doctorate at Southern Miss for two reasons: the strength of its polymer science program and her summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) with faculty mentor Sarah Morgan, Ph.D., executive associate director and professor in the Southern Miss School of Polymer Science and Engineering.

“I believed earning a Ph.D. in polymer science would give me the credibility I needed to convince the world we can make plastics better,” she said. “And I absolutely loved my summer at Southern Miss—the experience, the department, the people.”

At Southern Miss, Knauer thrived in both research and leadership. She was inducted into the University’s Graduate Student Hall of Fame, won the Graduate School’s 3-Minute Thesis competition (placed third in the regional 3MT competition) and won the American Chemical Society Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering Division Graduate Student Award, as well as the Society of Plastics Engineers best paper award. She also mentored undergraduate researchers and helped raise sustainability awareness on campus.

had me presenting to companies, pitching projects and going to conferences. Most importantly, she taught me how to communicate science in a way that anyone could understand and how to carry myself in a male-dominated field.”

Morgan praised her former student as a great role model for young women in STEM and an ideal ambassador for the University and its School of Polymer Science and Engineering.

“We wanted to show students that living more sustainably doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated,” she said of her involvement with the campus Sustainability Advocates group. “It was so rewarding to see others get excited about making choices that are better for the planet.”

Knauer credits much of her professional success to the rigorous and supportive environment at Southern Miss, particularly the mentorship of Morgan, whom she said gave her every opportunity to succeed. “She was tough on me, but in the best way,” Knauer said. “From my very first year, she

“Kat was an outstanding student in our graduate program, doing impactful research in sustainable polymer materials,” Morgan said. “We’re so proud of her accomplishments and the recognition she’s received and look forward to what the future holds for her work in sustainability innovation.”

Knauer said another thing she deeply appreciates from her time at Southern Miss was how often she had to “present in front of her peers.” She said that while it felt intimidating at the time, that training gave her the communication skills that have shaped so much of her post-grad success. “I’ve met students from other universities who simply didn’t get that kind of preparation. That’s why I continue to hire students from Southern Miss today,” she said, noting Levi Hamernik, a recent graduate who has joined her team at BOTTLE as a post-doc, and “is totally crushing it.”

Reflecting on the “Talented 12” honor, Knauer expressed surprise and gratitude. “I didn’t think my work would qualify for this kind of recognition. And that’s not to downplay the impact of what my team does–it’s just not always the ‘flashiest’ science,” she said. “But after the shock wore off, I felt joy and deep gratitude.”

C&EN selected the 2025 cohort of 12 honorees from 370 nominees, praising their contributions to recycling, sustainable agriculture and environmental chemistry.

FIRED UP FOR FOOTBALL SEASON

The Student Alumni Association, alongside Association staff and campus partners, brought the energy to Spirit Park to kick off football season! Friday Night @ Spirit Park and the annual T-Shirt Burn lit up campus on Aug. 29, ahead of Screaming Eagles. Students packed Spirit Park for games, a pep rally and the big moment—watching Seymour set rival tees ablaze and getting everyone fired up for the season ahead.

WELCOME NEW LIFE MEMBERS

Erika Nahrgang

Jacob and Kelly Roland

Emily Clark

Mark and Amanda Hammons

Rene Carter

Marie Jones

Alex Royals

Timothy Leach

Phylis Campbell

Terry and Cozette Ledford

Garnet Turner

Ted Burke

William Kringel

Jermaine and Kim Brown

Jamie and Sarah Fountain

Melissa Hill

Stephen Medley

Mike Morgan

Kelly Oliver

Hal McMahon

Shanyka N. Lock-Alcordo

Jemarie Alcordo

Tucker Sappington

Charles Reynolds

Randy Hammond

Preston Benson

Ann Coker

Bruce and Susan Summy

Monika Baron

Charley Watkins

Sharon Dungan

Eleanor McMullan

Larry Patterson

Larry Sams

Pam Hyatt

Lori Trahan

Brandon and Christina Stewart

Dante and Andra Bonelli

Franklin Bryant

David Wiley

PREGAME AT SOUTHERN STATION

Nothing says game day like friends and fellowship at Southern Station! The Southern Miss Alumni Association brought the energy this season, hosting members before every home game for Pregame at Southern Station.

In 2021, the Southern Miss Alumni Association cut the ribbon on this multi-use venue which was committed in 2017 as a part of the Association’s 100th Anniversary Celebration.

Located in the northern quadrant of the Hattiesburg campus, Southern Station sits in Spirit Park as a central focus for campus life. From catching up with old friends to enjoying complimentary drinks and plenty of Golden Eagle pride, it is the place to be on game day before kickoff.

A special thank-you to Cadence Bank for helping launch the season as the first pregame sponsor!

WELCOME HOME

Homecoming at Southern Miss is more than a tradition—it’s a feeling. Each fall, Golden Eagles celebrate their Southern Miss pride with a week filled with reunions, campus events and school spirit. From the parade and pep rally to tailgating and game day at The Rock, Homecoming brings together generations of alumni, students and fans to relive memories and make new ones. It’s the ultimate reminder that once you’re part of the Southern Miss family, you’re always part of it.

1990’s

The Ogletree House stands proudly to welcome alumni back to campus for homecoming.

1950’s

The Southern Miss Dixie Darlings pose for a photo along Lake Byron, ready to peform for the 1956 Southern Miss homecoming game.

1970’s

“Eagle Fever” swept through Southern Miss in the 1970s as students, alumni and fans showed their black and gold spirit.

Ray “Two Bits” Crawford leading the crowd with his famous chant: “Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar— all for Southern Miss, stand up and holler!”

1980’s

The “pomp” yard displays have been a staple of Southern Miss homecoming and grit for many years. Though they have evolved, they have always maintained spirit.

1990’s

Seymour rides in homecoming parade, a proud emblem of Southern Miss since the 1970s.

THIS YEAR AT SOUTHERN MISS

Homecoming 2025 welcomed the Southern Miss Faithful for a weekend of pride and tradition. From the scholarship golf tournament and Hall of Fame Banquet to the fountain sit and pep rallies, every moment buzzed with Golden Eagle spirit. Laughter, fellowship and memories filled the campus, both reminiscent of years past and indicative of the bright future of Southern Miss.

2025 ALUMNI AWARDS

Each year during Homecoming, the Alumni Association honors distinguished alumni and the University’s most faithful servants at its Annual Business Meeting. Nominations for these awards are accepted throughout the year. The Association is honored to present the following awards:

SCOTT

OUTSTANDING HUB AWARD

Gulf Coast Alumni HUB

This award is given to an Alumni HUB that serves the University and their local community in meaningful ways.

SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD

Lincoln Road Package Store Hattiesburg, MS

Judy Davis Hattiesburg, MS

Presented in recognition of professional achievement and service to The University of Southern Mississippi.

CALDWELL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING HUB LEADER

Cam and Caroline Kenney Madison, MS

This award is presented to a HUB leader in recognition of their proven loyalty and dedication for invaluable and devoted service to the University.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNUS

Kent McCarty Hattiesburg, MS

This award is presented to one alum 36-years of age or younger who has made contributions of time and effort to the University, community and his or her profession.

FRIEND OF SOUTHERN MISS AWARD

Sparkman Walker Hattiesburg, MS

This award is given to one individual annually who is not an alum but has contributed greatly to the progress of Southern Miss throughout the years.

MORAN POPE MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD

Honorable Tom King Hattiesburg, MS

This award is given to one alum annually who has continued to give of his or her time and talents throughout the years to recognize outstanding alumni support, professional achievement, loyalty and service to the University.

The University of Southern Mississippi 2025 ALUMNI HALL OF FAME

As a highlight of the 2025 Homecoming celebration, the Southern Miss Alumni Association inducted seven of the University’s most dedicated and distinguished alumni into its Hall of Fame. This program, established in 1987, was designed to recognize those whose contributions have helped move Southern Miss forward.

RICHARD G. COWART ’75

Richard G. Cowart

’75, a magna cum laude graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi, has built a distinguished career in health law and public policy. Chairman Emeritus of the Health Law and Government Relations & Public Policy Department at Baker Donelson, he founded and led the firm’s nationally ranked Health Law Department for more than 30 years. A recognized authority, he has advised health care executives nationwide and written extensively on law and business, serving nearly 20 years as a national columnist for Medical News, Inc. and more than a decade as a health business columnist for The Tennessean.

His achievements have earned him recognition in The Best Lawyers in America® since 1991 and Chambers USA highlighting the nation’s leading health care lawyers. He is also the recipient of

the American Health Law Association David R. Greenburg Award (Lifetime Service to Health Law), is an American Health Law Association Fellow and serves as an Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law.

At Southern Miss, Cowart served as Student Body President, Mr. USM and a member of the Student Hall of Fame. His alumni involvement has included service as vice president of the Alumni Association and a member of the USM Foundation Board, along with receiving the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Service Award.

After earning his law degree with honors from the University of Mississippi, Cowart combined his professional success with civic leadership, including roles with the American Heart Association, Goodwill Industries, Vanderbilt University and the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters. His induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame celebrates a life of leadership, service and devotion to his alma mater.

KRANDALL “PAIGE” HOWELL ’87

Krandall “Paige” Howell ’87, president and co-owner of Howell, Inc., GMC-Nissan in Summit, is a thirdgeneration automobile dealer and lifelong supporter of The University of Southern Mississippi.

Since earning his bachelor’s degree in business, Howell has combined professional success with exceptional service to his alma mater. He has served on the boards of the Alumni Association, Athletic Foundation and USM Foundation, and has remained active in the Southwest Central Mississippi Alumni Chapter. A Life Member of the Alumni Association, Howell has also been a member of the Eagle Club every year since graduation. With his wife Debbie ’87, they belong to both the Circle of Champions and the USM Foundation’s Honor Club at the President’s Circle level. His contributions have been recognized with the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award (1993) and Outstanding Service Award (2006).

DAVID B. HURT ’90

David B. Hurt ’90 serves as Executive Vice President and CEO of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company (SFBLIC) in Jackson, Mississippi. A speech communication graduate with a business minor, he has built a 33-year career in the insurance industry while remaining a devoted supporter of Southern Miss.

Hurt began as an agent with Mississippi Farm Bureau Insurance Companies, advancing to District Sales Manager, then Vice President of Sales for Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company. In 2011, he joined SFBLIC as Senior Vice President of Marketing and was named CEO in 2022. He holds professional designations as a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) and Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP).

A Golden Eagle through and through, Howell grew up in a Southern Miss family—his parents, Krandall ’67 and Winne Len ’67 Howell, are both alumni and his father a charter member of the Alumni Hall of Fame.

As a student, Paige co-founded the Southern Miss Dunk Corner and celebrated with the Basketball Golden Eagles as they won the 1987 NIT Championship. A passionate fan of all sports, he also proudly cheers on the Southern Miss Baseball team each season from Section I, Row 1, Seat 1 at Pete Taylor Park.

Beyond campus, Howell serves his community as a deacon at First Baptist Church Summit, a member of the McComb Exchange Club and a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow. He and Debbie are proud parents of Hadley ’21, ’22, Whitley ’21 and Kran ’22—all Life Members of the Alumni Association.

A Lifetime Member of the Alumni Association, Hurt has strengthened ties between SFBLIC and Southern Miss through the SFBLIC Leadership Academy—an initiative with the College of Business and Economic Development to develop future leaders. He has supported the USM Foundation, Athletics and the College of Business for more than a decade, and with his wife, Tela ’92, is a Circle of Champions member.

Golden Eagle pride runs deep in his family: his wife, twin sons Collin and Austin ’19, daughter-in-law Audrey Kelly Hurt ’19 and multiple relatives spanning generations are Southern Miss alumni.

His induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame honors his professional success, leadership and lifelong dedication to The University of Southern Mississippi.

MICKEY LEE MARSHALL ’83

Mickey Lee Marshall ’83 earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern Miss and went on to a distinguished 35-year career in the steel industry. Beginning as a sales representative with Jeffreys Steel Company, he advanced to vice president and COO, helping grow the firm from three to nine locations across the Southeast. Following mergers with Metals USA and later Reliance Steel & Aluminum, he served as president of Metals USA Plates and Shapes Southeast until his retirement in 2018.

Marshall’s service to Southern Miss has been extensive. Since 1984, he has been an active leader in the Mobile Area Alumni Association and Eagle Club Boards, helping establish the annual golf tournament

that funds scholarships and supports athletics. A Life Member of the Alumni Association and President’s Circle Honor Club member, he also supports the Eagle Club, Dugout Club and Golden Tee Club. His service has earned numerous honors, including the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Young Alumnus Award (1990), Outstanding Service Award (2000) and Continuous Service Award (2004). In 2012, the Mobile Area Alumni Association established the Mickey Marshall Scholarship Endowment in his honor.

A proud second-generation Golden Eagle, he is the son of Earl ’58, a past Alumni Association president and member of both the Alumni and M-Club Halls of Fame, and Bobbie ’62 Marshall. Mickey and his wife, Julie Rhodes Marshall, reside in Orange Beach and are parents of Myers ’12 (Jessie ’12, ’17) and grandparents to Miller and Rhodes.

JAMES “HAL” McMAHON, JR. ’85

James “Hal” McMahon, Jr. ’85 serves as president of Mac’s Construction, a third-generation family business headquartered in Hattiesburg. After a decade in the construction industry, he joined Mac’s Construction full time in 1984 and became president in 2010. Under his leadership, the company expanded operations into six states, opened a permanent Alabama office and diversified into real estate development.

Known for his commitment to excellence and community, McMahon has guided the company’s investments in technical education and civic projects while fostering a culture of growth among employees.

At Southern Miss, McMahon’s experience was shaped by meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and his Sigma Chi fraternity brothers— connections that continue to guide his life and leadership. He and his wife, Lisa ’85, are dedicated supporters of alumni initiatives and Golden Eagle Athletics as members of the Circle of Champions.

The McMahons are parents of Ashlin, James ’15 and John, and grandparents to five. His induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame honors his professional achievements, civic engagement and enduring love for Southern Miss.

JENNIFER DUKE PAYNE ’04

Jennifer Duke Payne ’04 has dedicated her career to advancing education, community engagement and entrepreneurship. A Southern Miss alumna with a degree in speech communication, she also holds a master’s in higher education administration from Florida State University.

As an undergraduate, Payne was deeply involved in campus life—president of Chi Omega, Panhellenic delegate, Southern Style member, inductee into Order of Omega and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies and the 2004 Student Hall of Fame.

She began her professional journey at Southern Miss, coordinating the University’s Centennial Celebration and later serving as associate director of alumni affairs at the Alumni Association and special projects coordinator in the Office of Communications. Her work strengthened alumni relations and institutional storytelling.

Today, Payne is vice president of communications and community relations for The Payne Companies, where she oversees corporate communications, philanthropy and brand strategy for Arden Home Health & Hospice—one of the Southeast’s largest privately held home health and hospice providers. She also founded The Camellia House, an event venue rooted in her passion for community and hospitality.

Payne’s leadership extends to numerous organizations, including the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, the Junior Auxiliary, the Payne Family Foundation, Arden Cares Foundation, Camellia Ministries, Partners for the Arts and the USM Foundation Board of Directors.

She and her husband, Abb, live in Hattiesburg with their three children—Ford, Arden and Duke— and are active members of First Presbyterian Church. Payne’s induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes her commitment to community, education, and the Southern Miss spirit.

ELLEN HUNTER RUFFIN ’77, ’98

Ellen Hunter Ruffin ’77, ’98 is a distinguished educator, librarian and former Curator of the de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at Southern Miss.

After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University, Ruffin taught and served as librarian at Hattiesburg High School before joining University Libraries in 2006. As curator of the de Grummond Collection, she elevated its national prominence through leadership, scholarship and advocacy. She helped bring the prestigious Ezra Jack Keats Award from the New York Public Library to Southern Miss in 2012 and established the annual de Grummond Lecture, which has featured renowned authors such as Lois Lowry and Sophie Blackall.

Her leadership extended nationally through service on the American Library Association’s Newbery Committee and as chair of the National Planning for Special Collections in Children’s Literature Committee. She co-edited The de Grummond Primer: Highlights of the Children’s Literature Collection (2021), further cementing the Collection’s legacy.

In 2023, Ruffin received the Mississippi Library Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award, and an endowment was established in her honor to sustain the Collection.

A lifelong Golden Eagle, Ruffin’s devotion extends to her family, both of her children also earning Southern Miss degrees. Her induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes her lasting contributions to literature, education and the University she has long served.

DOING GOLD WORK

Alumni in Action at Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp

By Gracie Lewis ’25

Joy.

Family. Connection.

These three words guide several Southern Miss alumni as they leave their full-time professions for several weeks each summer to do gold work at Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp, a place where children and adults with all abilities experience independence and belonging.

Civitan Camp is a nonprofit, all volunteer operated camp in South Mississippi, dedicated to promoting and encouraging recreation and camping activities for children and adults with varying abilities. Founded in 1961 by Abbie Rogers, the camp continues her life’s work.

And at camp, joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s expressed, embodied and passed from one person to the next. After the gates close and the summer sun begins to set on that first night, both campers and staff settle in for a week they look forward to all year. Across the lake, you can hear laughter echo as campers and counselors dance together to the steady hymn of fellowship.

Beth Moore ’05, Chris Potin ’97 and Betsy Mercier ’16 can describe that feeling effortlessly, all three having spent decades giving back to Civitan Camp with a desire to serve that began long before they were Southern Miss alumni.

They give their time, talents and energy to uplift those around them and honor the tender humanity found in connecting with others—something that may have started early on but was fostered by the core values that are deeply entrenched in what it means to be a Golden Eagle.

The magic of serving has kept Moore, who arrived to Civitan Camp at 15 curious and uncertain, coming back for 29 years. “My parents said, ‘We’ll see you Friday,’ and I’ve been here ever since,” she said with a laugh.

Nearly three decades later, Moore still feels the same spark each time the campers arrive. “When you see their faces, that’s the whole reason we’re

here.” From her stronghold as a volunteer, she has led and watched camp grow from modest beginnings to what she now calls a “fancy camp” with lifts, boats and zip lines.

Potin, co-director, tells a similar story. He was 13 when a family friend encouraged him to apply as a counselor, but the bonds have stuck with him for life. “Camp is a huge family. I had guys who stood by me in my wedding. I met my wife through a camp friend.” These connections keep Chris coming back, eager to give year after year, now marking 40 summers at camp. “Seeing all your best friends come through the gate is an awesome thing.”

Sharing in this love of camp, Mercier has a similar story-serving as a counselor and now staff member for 17 years. Joining the camp family as a sophomore in high school, she remembers it as an “introspective experience,” immediately drawn in to come back and dive deeper in her service. “I long for camp,” she says. “It gives all of us the chance to serve. It refuels us and gives many the opportunity to find purpose.”

For each of these alumni, the Southern Miss call to “leave it better than you found it” is their heartbeat and it is carried out each time they step into their roles at Civitan Camp. The lessons they’ve learned over the years echo the same values they carry as Southern Miss alumni: service and dedication.

Potin feels that taking these opportunities to serve is our responsibility as alumni. He shares, “It is

important that we lead by example in leaving it better than we found it.” Moore agrees, saying, “If we can invest in Southern Miss and make it better, we also have the ability to make our community better, too.”

At both Civitan Camp and Southern Miss, the gates remain open, welcoming generosity and belonging. Mercier adds, “[While at Southern Miss it’s important to] Become the next version of you, then come back to your community ready to serve.”

For these three, the legacy of Civitan and Southern Miss is one and the same—doing gold work rooted in joy, service and community.

To learn more about Moore, Potin and Mercier's love for the Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp and Southern Miss, scan the QR Code.

TO THE MAIN STAGE:

Alex Murray’s Path from Campus to Comedy

By Gracie Lewis ’25

There is something to be said about the relentless pursuit of goals that sets the tone for what it means to be a Golden Eagle. For alum Alex Murray ’95, that persistence carried him from Southern Miss to show business while building some of the biggest names in comedy today.

A native of Niceville, Florida, Murray knew that his time at Southern Miss would be focused on music. He arrived on a music scholarship and learned to play multiple instruments while on campus—an early indication of his grit and showmanship within a niche space.

“By design, I made sure that all of my classes were at 8 a.m.,” he shared. “I knew that if I got up and got my day going, I was going to make it. So, I remember being on campus early.”

What Murray didn’t know was that, even as a freshman in college, Southern Miss had already begun the quiet work of instilling grit and weaving friendships into his life. Murray soaked up his time on campus, getting involved in Southern Style and joining Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity where he built lifelong bonds.

“Still my best friends today are my fraternity brothers,” says Murray. “There’s a real honesty in our relationships.” These friendships would go on to act as the glue that helped keep Murray surrounded by community as he left Southern Miss to enter the world of comedy and entertainment.

Murray’s first glimpse of show business came through his cousin, a recording engineer in Los Angeles. The summer after beginning college, Murray spent a month in LA, learning what it took to work on soundtracks for large movies and getting the

opportunity to watch his cousin work on an album with David Lynch.

Murray cites that summer as his first spark with the world of show business. “I wanted to be a part of that world, in my own way. Southern Miss had it built into the curriculum where we had to have an internship, so I looked in the industry.”

Through the connections he made that summer, Murray landed an internship with Virgin Records and went on to be hired as a college representative. This role included promoting acts like the Rolling Stones and Smashing Pumpkins, prompting him to build relationships with campus radio stations, newspapers and concert promoters across the Southeast. It was challenging work but work that taught him the value of hustling, networking and learning how to spot opportunity.

Murray’s entrepreneurial streak showed up on campus, too. After a football game, he got curious about the logistics of booking a post-game party band. Deciding he could venture into that world and be successful at booking the bands himself, he launched his own business signing cover bands. It grew quickly thanks to his connections from his internship and his trusty fax machine, an accessory that quickly became a running joke among the friends that inspired him to reach higher.

“That was the first time I was around successful people. I lived with my fraternity brothers, and they were really great students and super motivated. My time with them and at Southern Miss taught me that success is never [about] coasting.”

Today, Murray is a talent manager and partner at Brillstein Entertainment Partners, representing some of comedy’s most recognizable names, including Nate Bargatze, Jim Gaffigan, Nikki Glaser, Justin Willman and the Kill Tony podcast team. Murray takes particular pride in the fact that none of them were stars when he signed them.

“What has been great is that I have had the ability to create real business with these talented people. Recently, one of my clients [Derrick Stroup], booked the Tonight Show. He’s going to be the next big thing,” he adds. “We find talented, young people and I want to help them.”

This passion for creating business and using people’s talents fed into a second venture for Murray–

movie production. Murray has started a venture to set up movies for his clients to write, produce and star. “Last year, there were zero comedies released in movie theatres. We are trying to bring the traditional family friendly comedy business back.”

Murray’s passion and love for family friendly comedy stems from the community he found at Southern Miss and the family he has of his own. “It was the people in Hattiesburg that made it special. It’s just a really warm, welcoming place that has a sense of community and family. I want to use comedy to help create that kind of communal space for my boys.”

In addition to family friendly comedy movies, Murray and his wife opened a restaurant and speakeasy in Newport Beach. He brought in one of his fraternity brothers from Southern Miss, Frank Cedeno ’96, ’97, as a consultant, and together they built not just a business–but a community hub. Today, the restaurants employ more than 130 people, sponsors local schools and Little League teams and have become gathering spaces for families, including Murray’s own.

Though his career now spans talent management and the restaurant industry, Murray’s gratitude for Hattiesburg is clear. The friendships forged at Phi Tau, the lessons learned in the music building and the resilience he developed on campus all fed the drive and work ethic it has taken to be successful in this industry.

“I didn’t have that ‘I’m going to take over the planet’ attitude until I came to Southern Miss. You learn by example.”

Murray provides a shining example to current students and alumni alike of the value of determination and the power of a work ethic forged by grit.

A LEGACY OF CARE

Lachel Story Marks the End of An Era

By Gracie Lewis ’25

When Lachel Story, Ph.D. ’00, ’02 walks out of Asbury Hall for the last time as the dean of the College of Nursing and Healthcare Professions, she’ll leave behind more than an impressive résumé. She’ll leave a legacy marked by compassionate care, grit, a bit of sparkle and a commitment to Southern Miss and its students.

A first-generation college student, Story never imagined she would have a chance to lead the school that shaped her. She grew up within an hour’s drive of Hattiesburg, eventually choosing Southern Miss because it felt like home. She commuted, balanced marriage and motherhood and graduated while

pregnant with her second child. That experience shaped the mentality she took into her career.

Her path to nursing wasn’t a straight one. After attending community college and briefly stepping away from school during an illness, she taught fouryear-old kindergarten. Then, one day, she woke up with a powerful thought, “I’m ready to be a nurse.”

From there, she took things step by step—earning her CNA through the LPN program at Jones College, then her BSN at Southern Miss. She worked while studying, appreciating each milestone along the way.

“Those experiences taught me to celebrate the

small wins,” she said. “Just because your journey isn’t the one you envisioned doesn’t mean it’s not the path you’re supposed to be on.”

That persistence and appreciation for the journey carried her from nursing into academia. “I think I just love people,” she laughed as she reflected on her career journey. “I knew firsthand that Southern Miss knows how to care for and meet students where they are. My student experience was so phenomenal that I wanted to come back to work here so that I could be a part of shaping people’s lives and the community through education.”

As she moved into her role as dean in 2020, Story took this passion for care with her to shape her purpose. During a tumultuous time amidst a global pandemic, she focused on bringing people together, supporting faculty and keeping students at the center.

Through it all, Story is most proud of the people who make up the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “What sets us apart is our people,” she said. “There’s a real sense of duty and a heart for service with a commitment not only to our students, but to the patients our students will one day serve.” Story is proud to be a part of making an impact not only through academic programs but through tangible interactions. “We change lives every single day, and I never want us to be the best-kept secret.”

Through every role she’s held, Story has brought her most authentic self, sparkle and all.

“Life is too short to be so serious,” she said. “I’m at my best when I’m being myself. It’s okay to be extra and enjoy the things you enjoy. Don’t shrink to make others comfortable. I love the joy in thinking, ‘it’s Tuesday, let’s wear a sequin pantsuit.’”

That spirit of authenticity shaped her leadership style and the way she connected with students. For Story, nursing and teaching have always been more than professions—they’ve been vehicles for caring for people, in and out of the classroom.

As she prepares to retire, Story is excited to hand the reins to incoming dean, Charleen McNeill, PhD. “This transition was built for us to do together,” she said. “I want to see her do even more amazing things than I could ever dream about. We can both occupy that space.”

Though she’s stepping away from Asbury Hall, Story isn’t finished shaping lives. “I still want to develop people,” she said. “I figure I’ll know what’s next when I see it.”

Story leaves a piece of advice for the next generation of students and leaders: “Dream big. Be bold. And don’t let the bumps and detours derail you from your path.” This advice highlights her philosophy of life that allowed her to teach those around her to break big challenges into small steps, to celebrate the wins along the way and to never lose sight of the joy that makes the journey worth it.

As she passes the torch to McNeill, her legacy reminds us all that it’s not just about what you do, but how you do it—with courage, compassion and authenticity that shines.

To learn more about Lachel Story scan the QR code.

“Those experiences taught me to celebrate the small wins,” she said. “Just because your journey isn’t the one you envisioned doesn’t mean it’s not the path you’re supposed to be on.”

HONORING A FOUNDING VISIONARY Southern Miss Celebrates 50 years of the Honors College and the Legacy of Wallace G. Kay

By Samantha McCain Alexander, APR ’09, ’10

When the Honors College at Southern Miss celebrates its 50th anniversary in April 2026, the milestone will be marked not only by a weekend of reunion and reflection but also by a bold step forward: a professorship endowment that will provide sustainable, long-term support for faculty excellence in honors education.

An anonymous $300,000 gift establishing the Dr. Wallace G. Kay Honors College Professorship Endowment pays tribute to the founding dean whose vision helped shape the College into one of the oldest and most prestigious in the nation. The lead gift serves as a cornerstone for a broader fundraising initiative, with a $500,000 goal, created to advance the next era of excellence for the Honors College.

“Dr. Kay’s legacy is woven into the fabric of the Honors College,” said Joyce Inman, Ph.D., dean of the Honors College. “This professorship ensures that his commitment to academic rigor, interdisciplinary inquiry and student engagement will continue to shape the future.”

Wallace G. Kay, Ph.D. arrived at Southern Miss with a vision: a program that would challenge ambitious students, foster creativity and curiosity and prepare them for leadership in every field.

In 1976, that vision became reality with the founding of the Honors Program, soon formalized into the Honors College, with Kay serving as its first dean beginning in 1977. He remained in the role until 1985 and is remembered by students and colleagues as a dynamic educator with a relentless belief in their potential.

“My first day in the Honors College was colloquium. Dr. Kay was the moderator of our group discussion, and it gave you the ability to get perspective and learn to be an active, curious listener,” says Honors College alumnus, Richard Cowart ‘75. Cowart believes not only in the power of higher education but in the professors who drive it. “Southern Miss professors devote their life to learning and mentoring students. It’s all about giving them extra support.”

Alumni and colleagues share fond memories of Kay guiding early cohorts of Honors students who would go on to careers in law, medicine, research and the arts. His leadership laid the foundation for a program that today serves more than 500 students.

“I had never even heard of an honors program when Dr. Kay invited me to talk with him,” said Dorothy McCarthy Little ’72, one of Kay’s first students. “Looking back, I sure felt he took a chance on me, and as time went on, I realized the enormity of the whole thing. Dr. Kay saw what could be—and I’m glad he found me, my brother, and all the kids who went through [the Honors College].”

With an audacious, but reachable, goal to fully fund a distinguished professorship, this endowment will support a faculty member whose teaching, research and service reflect the values Kay championed—innovative, student-centered and boldly interdisciplinary. “Endowed faculty positions create long-term strength for academic programs, and they are an important piece in the University’s mission to graduate students ready for life,” said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. “We are immensely grateful to our anonymous lead donor for recognizing the importance of Dr. Kay’s influence on the Southern Miss community and for choosing to support the future of the Honors College in a meaningful way.”

To learn more about the Dr. Wallace G. Kay Professorship Endowment, scan the QR code.

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Lance Nail, Ph.D., agreed, adding: “We are very excited to announce this endowed professorship—not only as a recognition of faculty excellence, but as a celebration of the enduring impact of the Honors College. Awarded to a faculty member, regardless of discipline, it is a testament to the decades of academic distinction and dedication within the Honors College community.”

The Kay Professorship announcement arrives as an exciting start to the Honors College Anniversary, highlighting the philanthropic power that can transform students, educators and the institution.

“The announcement of this generous gift sets the tone for what we believe will be a landmark celebration in the life of the University,” added Inman. “Honoring Dr. Kay’s legacy through an endowed faculty position speaks to the University’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity and mentoring the next generation of scholars.”

Those wishing to contribute or learn more about the 50th anniversary celebration may contact the Honors College at 601.266.4533 or visit usm.edu/goldenanniversary.

Endowment Positions

� Serve as a marquee retention tool for attracting and retaining accomplished faculty.

� Empower and support faculty who lead in teaching, research and service.

� Foster innovation in classrooms and labs.

� Attract high-achieving students and ensure students learn from top scholars in their fields.

� Strengthen the University’s academic reputation.

� Create a legacy that shapes generations of Golden Eagles.

LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS PROGRAM Shaping Leaders Ready for Life

By Gracie Lewis ’25

At Southern Miss, the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program is continuing to transform students, equipping them with skills, confidence and community so that they are ready for life upon graduation.

Named in honor of the University’s 11th President, a lifelong advocate for student development, the program seeks students who embody Southern Miss’s core values of resilience, ambition and service: students like Leyton Boykin.

Boykin, a sophomore accounting major from Florence, is already embracing the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being a Leadership Scholar.

When Boykin learned he had been selected, he described the moment as a mix of nerves and exhilaration. “I was at work when I found out,” he said. “I was nervous about the call at first, but then I was ecstatic. It was such a relief to hear I’d been chosen.”

Orientation and early program events offered Boykin a first look at the community that defines the Leadership Scholars experience. “I remember realizing that this was truly more than just a

scholarship—that I was going to gain valuable experiences in this program.” These feelings were only heightened as the year moved on.

“I was nervous about the events at first but quickly realized the community was welcoming and already proud of me. I remember our first cookout at Dr. Paul’s house. It was surreal being surrounded by people I knew would impact campus one day.”

The pride Boykin has in the opportunity for leadership is shared with Joe Quinlan ’73, whose generosity, along with wife Suzanne, established the Joe and Suzanne Quinlan Leadership Scholarship Endowment, a named scholarship under the umbrella of the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program. The Quinlans have long exemplified what it means to lead through giving and are now using their generosity to impact the leaders of tomorrow.

“My wife, Suzanne, and I have always been committed to investing in the educational efforts of Southern Miss students through various scholarship initiatives. Boykin is an excellent choice, and we are extremely proud that he is the first recipient of our scholarship,” said Quinlan.

Receiving the scholarship meant more than financial support for Boykin, it was a vote of confidence. “It showed me that Southern Miss believes in me,” he said. “Not only does this scholarship allow us to focus on making a difference on campus instead of worrying about loans or jobs, but it also instills values within us to not be complacent. It pushes us to go after and achieve more.”

The Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program provides $6,000 annually for four years and fosters a culture of engagement while encouraging students to take on leadership roles across campus. “Being around students who are already leading organizations pushes you to step outside your comfort zone,” Boykin said. “You see how involvement impacts campus, and it motivates you to go for those positions yourself.”

In just one year as a Leadership Scholar, Boykin has already started making his own impact through the Honors College and Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Even as a sophomore in college, he sees the longterm impact of the Leadership program and the importance of philanthropic support. “This program brings in great leaders and students from high schools. When you are bringing in those people

who are interested in Southern Miss because of leadership opportunities and who also encourage others to be involved, you build a student body that really cares about the school. That care for Southern Miss translates to future alumni who may also choose to support students.”

The Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program is more than financial support. It is an investment in students who will leave a lasting mark on Southern Miss and beyond. “I think it’s important to know it’s not just a scholarship,” said Boykin. “We’re learning valuable lessons that we can share with others not just about leadership but about life too.”

Gifts, regardless of size, are key in bringing Southern Miss closer to the $30 million goal to endow the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program in perpetuity. A gift of $50 or $100 per month over the course of five years from 1,000 people would add $3 to $6 million for this effort.

With flexible options for contributions—whether through cash, stock or qualified charitable distributions from an IRA—donors can align their giving with their personal impact goals.

Friends of the University who are seeking to leave a legacy may also consider establishing a named Leadership Scholarship Endowment, starting at $300,000, to directly shape the futures of students who will go on to be leaders in their fields and beyond.

To support student leaders like Leyton Boykin and help them reach their potential, visit usmfoundation.com/leadershipscholarship.

The following have committed a gift of $1,000 or more to the Leadership Scholarship Endowment initiative:

Randy and Cheryl Alford

Chris and Theresa Anderson

Bill and Leslie Ashford

Katie Anthony and Daniel Smith

Charles Arinder and Carol Saville

Lampkin and Susie Butts

Alan and Sherry Coats

Ricky and Lisa Conn

Dick and Mo Conville

Dick and Becky Cowart

Beverly Dale

Robert and Gay Dees

Chad and Katherine Driskell

Marilyn Driskell

Louie and Terry Ehrlich

Dave and Jaime Estorge

Philip and Cindy Gaddis

Kim Gallaspy

Tom and Leslye Gibbens

Dennis and Erin Granberry

Doc and Pam* Holliday

David and Connie Hosemann

Chris and Joyce Inman

Rex and Becky Kelly

Shea Kidd Brown and Ryan Brown

Jonathan and Jeri Krebs

Claudette Landrum

Scott and Andrea Lanehart

Ed and Lynda Langton

Joy and Malcolm Lightsey

Adele Lyons

Art and Tammy Martin

Milo and Jacqueline McCarthy

Joni McClain

Missy McGee

Andy and Stace Mercier

Kade and Jackie Moody

Bruce and Karen Moore

Ryan and Jennifer Mouledous

Ryan and Christy Myers

Gee and Holly Ogletree

Anthony Palazzolo

Helen Paul

Rhonda Phillips and Mark Miller

Roderick and Eula Posey

Steven and Melissa Saunders

Doug and Rhonda Seidenburg

Danny and Diane Skelton

Gene and Amy Smith

Chad and Leslee Smith

Bert and Robyn Stephens

Jeff and Mary Ann Stewart

Steve and Julie Strickland

Bill and Sally Thompson

Benny and Pam Waddle

Davis and Kim Wingo

Alvis and Shuntee Wright

TGL

The Paul & Sherry Broadhead Foundation

The following have created a named Leadership Scholarship Endowment: Joe and Meg Paul Abb and Jennifer Payne

Joe and Suzanne Quinlan

Chuck* and Rita Scianna

Billy and Mollie Van Devender

The following have made a Founders of the Future commitment: Timmy and Nicole Ruhnke

The following have a planned gift in place: Sawyer Walters – to create the Sawyer Walters Leadership Scholarship Endowment

GOLDEN EAGLE IMPACT

FALL 2025

The Golden Eagle Impact Report recognizes donors who made gifts to Southern Miss through the USM Foundation at or exceeding $25,000 during the period of June 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025.

SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS

KAY GUNN DUNLEAVY ’67 AND ROBERT DUNLEAVY – SHARES OF STOCK, THE PROCEEDS OF WHICH TOTALED • $26,853

BOB AND BARBARA ENGLAND • $52,000

GREATER WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • $25,698

MARY T. HOSMER ADMINISTRATIVE TRUST • $100,000

SUPPORTING VITAL PROGRAMS

ANONYMOUS • $40,000

BEVERLY DALE ’68 • $95,500

JOHN HARDTLA ’63 AND EVIN CRAMER • $88,128.76

LEWIS AND TRUDY LIPSCOMB • $50,000

MARVIN MORRIS ’70 • $108,000

RITA SCIANNA • $70,000

CHRIS ’88 AND SANDRA ’88 WINSTEAD • $25,000

AYEAR-END GIVING MADE SIMPLE Susan Williams Discusses Gifts of Stock

By Gracie Lewis ’25

s the calendar year winds down, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the impact a single act of generosity can have at Southern Miss. For alumna and devoted USM Foundation board member Susan Williams ’78, that reflection came when she discovered a powerful—yet often overlooked—way to make a lasting difference.

“After a recent board meeting [for the USM Foundation], I realized that a transfer of stock could be made as a contribution to the University. This easy way to give had never crossed my mind.”

That discovery, paired with her passion for the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program, inspired Williams to make her gift through a stock transfer. Gifting stock provides donors a variety of benefits:

� It can maximize charitable impact.

� It may offer potential tax advantages by reducing capital gains.

� It’s simple and efficient, coordinated directly between your broker and the Foundation’s broker.

� It provides meaningful long term support to the University.

For Susan and her husband, Doug ‘79, giving back is about continuing the legacy of leadership and vision that shaped their own Southern Miss experience.

“In a nutshell, our gift is about the current leadership of our University under Dr. Paul and helping carry out his vision for our great alma mater, a place that Doug and I feel shaped our own future. We loved our time at Southern Miss and want to help give those experiences to more students.”

Like the Williamses, you can make a gift to the areas of Southern Miss that mean the most to you. Whether through a stock transfer, one-time contribution or planned gift, your support fuels the next generation of Golden Eagles.

“If you have wanted to donate to Southern Miss but didn’t want to use liquid assets, this is a great way. The process is easy. Your broker handles it with the Foundation’s broker.”

- Susan Williams ‘78

Additional Options for End-of-Year Giving to Southern Miss

GIVE BY CASH/CHECK by visiting the Foundation office, located on the Hattiesburg campus on the third floor of the Trent Lott Center, open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you need assistance during the holidays, contact Elissa Ernst at 202.486.8920 or Stace Mercier at 601.520.3395.

Checks can also be mailed to the Foundation at 118 College Dr. #5210, Hattiesburg, MS 39406. Please note that the envelope must be postmarked on or before December 31 to receipt the gift for 2025.

GIVE ONLINE by credit card at usmfoundation.com/give.

COMPANY MATCHING GIFT Your employer may match your donation—sometimes doubling or tripling your impact. Check with your HR department for details.

QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION Make a direct gift from your IRA to the USM Foundation to reduce taxable income while supporting Southern Miss. Consult your tax preparer to see if this option works for you.

LEAVE A LEGACY Discuss ways to give to Southern Miss through estate planning. Contact Daniel Barton at daniel.barton@usm.edu or 601.266.6428 to learn more.

A TRADITION IN MOTION

The Story of Painting of the Eagle Walk

By Brittney Westbrook ’08, ’12

It’s the summer of 1997, and it’s the start of something new. The newest class of Golden Eagles has just graduated high school and is preparing to begin college in the fall at The University of Southern Mississippi. They attend Preview, an orientation event for new students, learning how to find their way around campus and what to expect in the months ahead. During Preview, this crowd of new students is guided to Eagle Walk, a street that runs beneath the football stadium on campus.

For Lucy Pope Schultze ‘01, Eagle Walk was always a special spot in her hometown of Hattiesburg. When she was little, she loved looking out the windows of her family’s car as they passed through campus and drove down Eagle Walk under the east side of The Rock—the nickname for the Golden Eagles’ stadium. However, stepping onto that street as a student felt completely different than all the times she watched it through a car window. Walking beneath the stadium, surrounded by her fellow students, she begins to sense what it means to truly be part of this place.

Although the street is painted gold, the Eagle Walk itself isn’t glamorous. While banners of Southern Miss football legends hang high above, the street below is gritty, practical and real. On most days, it’s simply a street where cars and pedestrians pass through, with everyone hurrying on their way to class and to work. Yet on game day, it transforms into a completely different place. Fans line the edges of the street, buzzing with anticipation for the arrival of The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band. Soon the music begins, joined by the Dixie Darlings, Seymour, the cheerleaders and the Southern Misses, filling the air with energy and spirit. Then, at last, the football team makes its way through, giving fans an up-close experience that is both exciting and personal.

The Start of Something New

During this summer orientation session in 1997, long before the first kickoff of the season, incoming students were invited to participate in something entirely new that was just for them. They were handed rollers dripping with gold paint and challenged to a race to see which group could paint their section of the street the fastest.

Schultze recalls, “The experience of painting the Eagle Walk pushed me outside what was comfortable. It’s a reminder not to be afraid of getting dirty, not to take myself too seriously and to embrace the opportunity to leave my mark without the expectation that things will look perfect. It really is a good symbol for our Southern Miss grit. What fun it is to roll up our sleeves and do something bold together!”

During that summer when the first Painting of the Eagle Walk was held, Lolly Brewer Curry ’98 was serving on Southern Style, the elite team of student ambassadors who represent the University in their distinctive gold jackets. Her role was to guide incoming students through orientation activities, offering both direction and a friendly face. As Curry remembers it, “Painting the Eagle Walk was part of the overnight Preview activities, and it started as a competition. Each Southern Style leader was assigned a section of the Eagle Walk, and our

group was tasked with painting that section. The group that finished first got a prize—a T-shirt, I think. It was going great, and we were having a blast, but it quickly devolved into dumping the paint out and students spreading it around with their hands! It was such a mess but so fun!”

“The experience of painting the Eagle Walk pushed me outside what was comfortable. It's a reminder not to be afraid of getting dirty, not to take myself too seriously and to embrace the opportunity to leave my mark without the expectation that things will look perfect. – Lucy Pope Schultze ‘01”

Paint That Bonds

The next summer, in 1998, Scott Lanehart ‘99 and Courtney Zito Elliott ‘99 were members of Southern Style, leading the way as incoming students once again took rollers and gold paint to cover the Eagle Walk—marking the second year of the event. Lanehart remembers questioning, “Okay, we’re going to give 17- and 18-year-olds an unlimited supply of gold paint?” Meanwhile, Elliott was trying not to get gold paint on her Southern Style white polo.

At first, the painting was methodical, with everyone carefully covering their sections. But as the race picked up, control slipped away. And in the midst of the chaotic scramble, something new was set in motion. Elliott recalls, “We had been with these students all day, who had come from different places. This put everyone at ground zero, and it leveled the playing field. This event broke down barriers, and who you were coming in didn’t matter anymore. People who wouldn’t have ever connected, connected that day through that experience.”

Twenty-eight years after it began, the Painting of the Eagle Walk has grown into a wildly popular

event. Over the years, the tradition has shifted from structured order to joyful chaos, eventually finding a happy medium, while evolving in other ways as well. While new students no longer paint the street during summer orientation, it has become the centerpiece of Golden Eagle Welcome Week, filling the days between move-in and the start of classes with excitement. Students now anticipate participating in this lively and spirited tradition, knowing they’ll have the chance to leave their first mark at Southern Miss.

The Tradition Continues

On a hot and humid Friday in August, incoming freshman and Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program scholar Owen Hatten is enjoying Welcome Week and anticipating the painting event taking place later that day. As a 2025 graduate of Sumrall High School, he knows a little about the event, but he’s not entirely sure what to expect. He shares that everyone keeps telling him, “If you go to one event, make sure you go to the Eagle Walk.”

With just a few hours until the 2025 Painting of the Eagle Walk begins, Hattiesburg native Madelyn Beasley is eager to participate. “Getting to leave my mark here, somewhere I’m from, that is one of the biggest things I’ve always wanted to do. And I think this is a great opportunity for all of us.”

When it’s finally time for the event to begin, the energy is palpable. DJ Kujho spins music, students grab free snow cones and buckets of gold paint are ready and waiting. The street is carefully divided into rows and sections, and students gather in their groups to start painting. The nearby parking lot is filled with the chaos of students dancing, laughing and catching up with their group leaders. But once they get to the street, the painting itself unfolds in a surprisingly organized way. As students finish painting their section, many of them rush over to the concrete wall or a nearby column to leave their gold handprint on The Rock, marking their place in Southern Miss history and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

As the event is fully underway, two more freshmen arrive, ready to paint the street. Although they’re both from Baton Rouge, La., Charlie Lanehart and Sara Ryan Elliott have spent time at the Eagle Walk before and are familiar with its energy and traditions. Lanehart recalls, “Whenever I was growing up and we’d go to the football games, the one thing we had to do was go to Eagle Walk. We had to see the football team go through.”

Charlie is Scott Lanehart’s son, and the significance of this event isn’t lost on him. “When you’re walking on campus during your tour and you see these handprints on the wall, you’re like that’s something I want to do," he shared.

Sara Ryan feels that same sense of connection to the past. She often wears the Southern Miss sweatshirt her mother, Courtney Elliott, received as a prize during the 1998 Painting of the Eagle Walk, a symbol of the legacy she’s carrying forward. As Elliott puts it, “That just goes to show that the tradition continues.”

To learn more about the tradition of Painting of the Eagle Walk, scan the QR code.

“Lofty Return” sits as the sun quietly sets on campus. The statue stands as a symbol of the Southern Miss family, a place that fosters students and graduates alumni who are ready for life, always welcoming them back to the nest.

COASTAL PATHWAYS SCHOLARSHIP

Southern Miss is a top choice for transfer students, offering seamless, affordable pathways that invest in our students and our coastal communities.

Through partnerships with MGCCC and PRCC, the Coastal Pathways Scholarship provides $5,000 annually to help students finish their bachelor’s degree at Southern Miss Gulf Park.

To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:

• Have attended MGCCC or PRCC since 2023

• Have earned an associate degree or have 60+ credit hours with a 2.5 GPA

• Declare one of the eligible majors at the Gulf Park campus

Learn more about this scholarship opportunity available exclusively for students transferring to Gulf Park.

The Nu Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity celebrated at their 50th anniversary gala. Along with the event, alumni of the chapter have been working to bolster the Nu Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Perseverance Scholarship Endowment.

Scottie Warren ’90, Millie Dodson, Ray Dodson ’74, Mignyon Warren ’91, ’94 and future Golden Eagles Mackenzie and Callie Dodson hung out with Flat Seymour prior to the Southern Miss vs Miss State Football game in Hattiesburg.

and

Megan Medeiros ’12, ’13 with son at Fan Fest 25.

Joel ’15 and Emily Gallaspy ’15, ’16 with their child, Jude, at Fan Fest 25.

Mollie VanDevender ’78

Jennifer Payne ’04 with Joe Paul Leadership Scholars, Sara Ryan Elliott and Allie McGehee.

Flat Seymour accompanied Victoria Pumford ’22, ’24 on her trip to Treasure Cay, Bahamas.

Kickoff Kid is one of the Alumni Association’s favorite gametime activities. Keep an eye on your email inboxes next season for a chance for your child to be selected as kickoff kid.

The Breal family took a trip to London and saw many historic landmarks.

Nicole Jones Moore ‘13, Amber Rutland ‘12, Lauren Guedon ‘12, Lora Claire Dickerson ‘12, Megan Medeiros ’12, ’13 and Skye Bailey ‘12 on a trip to New York City.

ALUMNI BOOKSHELF

Patricia Vermillion ’69 has written a book entitled, Dear Ms. Guadalupe, Letters to My Librarian. This work highlights the reallife contributions of paleontologist Sankar Chatterjee, Ph.D., through a series of letters from a student to a school librarian, encouraging students to question and foster curiosity. It is available for purchase on Amazon or NSTA.com.

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.

Timothy Lockley ’75 has written a book entitled Changing of the Guard (2025) published by Dart Frog Books. Full of wordplay and illustrations, this piece observes life through a comedic yet thoughtful lens. This is volume fourteen in a series of single panel cartoons and is available for purchase through Amazon.com.

TIM FOLSE, MD

’80 was named the 2025 Distinguished Medical Alumnus by UMMC. This award was established by UMMC in 2010 and recognizes a graduate who demonstrates the highest levels of dedication to research, education, clinical care, health service and public/civic duties. Dr. Folse currently works at St. Jude in Memphis, Tennessee, where he is the clinical director of the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Team, the world’s most comprehensive study of childhood and adolescent cancer survivors.

Dr. Folse received his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Southern Miss before attending UMMC. At St. Jude, Dr. Folse oversees survivors’ clinical visits, educates survivors and their families as they transition to local care and works with primary care providers to communicate clinical findings and patients’ long-term treatment-related needs.

Inspired by his father who was also a physician, Dr. Folse has worked tirelessly to give back to the community and patients that he serves.

NATALIE GAUGHF, PH.D. ’99, ’02

has been awarded the 2025 Karl F. Heiser APA Presidential Award for Advocacy, one of the American Psychological Association’s highest honors. Presented by the Mississippi Psychological Association, this award recognizes Gaughf’s outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing the field of psychology through legislative and regulatory advocacy.

Gaughf played a pivotal role in bringing Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to Mississippi, expanding access to telehealth across state lines for rural and underserved communities. She also led efforts to extend the state’s psychology licensure law and championed legislation adding new seats to the Mississippi State Board of Psychology, ensuring stronger professional representation.

Throughout her career, Gaughf has worked to strengthen insurance parity, elevate psychologists’ voices in policy discussions and protect the profession from harmful legislation. This national honor celebrates her vision, service and the lasting impact of her work on psychology and mental health care across Mississippi.

ANGEL MYERS MCILRATH ’00

of Ocean Springs

was honored as The Mississippi Bar’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipient, recognizing her exceptional achievements and lasting contributions to the legal community. McIlrath currently serves as the elected district attorney for the 19th Circuit Court District, representing Jackson, George and Greene counties—becoming the first woman elected to this role.

A member of The Mississippi Bar since 2004, McIlrath earned her Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law and her bachelor’s degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. She has served as a prosecutor since 2006 and previously worked with the firm Daniel, Coker, Horton and Bell. McIlrath chaired the Bar’s 2024 Summer School for Lawyers Committee, leading one of the most successful events in its history, an effort that earned her this year’s recognition.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, McIlrath is deeply involved in service and leadership statewide. She serves on the Board of Directors and Legislative Committee for the Mississippi Prosecutors Association, is a member of several professional legal organizations, and was appointed by Chief Justice Michael Randolph to the Mississippi Supreme Court Complaint Tribunal. Her community honors include the One Coast Community Leader Award, United Way’s Community Game Changer Award and the Woman of Achievement in Government Award. McIlrath is also the founder and president of the SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. She and her husband, Scott, reside in Ocean Springs.

NATHAN JERMYN ’15

serves as an attorney-advisor for NASA’s Stennis Space Center and NASA Shared Services Center near Bay St. Louis. A Biloxi native and decorated military veteran, Jermyn joined NASA in 2023 but soon deployed with the Mississippi Army National Guard to provide legal counsel in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. He returned in early 2024 to fully step into his role with NASA’s Office of the General Counsel.

At NASA, Jermyn is part of the contract and procurement law team, ensuring responsible use of taxpayer funds and providing legal guidance on procurement-related matters. He also serves on NASA’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) team, helping promote transparency and knowledge-sharing across the agency.

Jermyn earned his Bachelor's Degree from The University of Southern Mississippi and a law degree from Mississippi College School of Law. He credits his NASA colleagues for helping him transition from criminal law to the complexities of government contract law. “I wholeheartedly believe humanity is destined for the stars,” he said. “And NASA is in prime position to lead that charge.”

1960s

SPENCER ’68 and DONNA BAILEY ’68 celebrated their 57th Wedding Anniversary at Bozo’s Too in Pascagoula.

1970s

SANDRA BYNUM

WILLIAMS ’74 was named one of Mississippi’s 50 Leading Business Women. Williams is a retired Communications Director for the Mississippi Development Authority and is a graduate of Leadership Mississippi.

1980s

JEFFREY EURE ’83 recently transitioned to a new role at Speed Aviation in Bay Minette, Alabama after retiring from Delta Airlines with almost 38 years of service.

JOHN SCHNEIDER ’83, ’85 and his wife have retired to North Carolina to be closer to their grandchildren.

CARLEN CHESTANG ’84 was recently appointed as the Southern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Military and Veterans Affairs Commission (MVAC) Liaison. He is also currently the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 (HR Director) for the U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Aresenal, AL. Chestang retired from the United States Army after serving 30 years and retired as a Colonel.

TODD SCHEXNAYDER ’85 was sworn in as the 110th President of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, the 5th largest Rotary Club in the United States and the 6th largest in the world.

JEFFERY JOHNSON, P.H.D. '86 retired after 26 years of service from his role as the Iowa State University Alumni Association Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed President and CEO on September 1, 2025.

DON MIDDLETON ’88, ’93 retired after 31 years with the School District of Hillsborough County in Tampa, Florida where he taught 11th grade U.S. History at both Hillsborough Sr. High School and Blanche Armwood Sr. High School.

1990s

DOUGLAS C. SHOWS ’91, ’92 officiated the 2025 Men’s NCAA Final Four basketball game between Duke and Houston at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas this past April. This is Shows’ sixth Final Four game. He also completed 30 years refereeing in the Southeastern Conference.

PHILIP SCARBOROUGH ’95 is working on a documentary on Texas Academy Award winner playwright and screenwriter Horton Foote with former dean of USM Radio, TV and Film Dept. Dr. Dixon McDowell.

MARK BLACKBURN ’98 has been voted No. 1, by his peers, in Golf Digest’s 50 Best Teachers in America for the second year in a row.

REAGAN ABNEY ’99 was recently promoted to Field Reimbursement Manager, National Accounts at Pharmacosmos Therapeutics where she will be dedicated to helping patients gain access to critical oncology therapies, while also ensuring patients receive the treatments they need. This promotion follows twenty years of pharmaceutical experience helping patients.

2000s

VALENCIA WALLS ’02, ’06 was named Director of Student Life at the Southern Miss.

CAROL JONES RUSSELL ’03 received the 2025 Juvenile Justice Advisory committee-MS SAG Thomas H. Broome Award in recognition of her compassionate jurisprudence and heart for meaningful reform to the benefit of children, families and systems.

MATTHEW LAWING ’04, ’07 joined the Gulfport, MS office of Benjamin F. Edwards as Vice President - Investments on May 1, 2025.

KIMBERLY WARD, P.H.D ’04, ’10 was elected to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Board of Directors. She will serve as the Vice President of Academic Affairs in Audiology from 2026-2029. This association has over 240,000 members.

RASHAD SMITH ’05 and his wife, DENA BENSON ’05, are opening a new wedding event venue, The Gathering, in Canton that will open in January 2026.

HUNTER GRAYBEAL ’06 has been awarded the Ruby Krider Award for Outstanding Theatre Educator of the Year by the Tennessee High School Speech and Drama League.

KALA GRICE-DOBBINS ’06, ’09 was named 2nd place in the AFA National Teacher of the Year after winning the Alabama AFA Teacher of the Year.

SHANIECE B. BICKHAM, P.H.D. ’08 has been named as Director of the School of Communication and Design at Loyola University New Orleans.

2010s

WILL CHANDLER, DMA ’13 has been appointed as a lecturer in choral activities at Middle Tennessee State University. He will conduct Schola Cantorum and teach courses in music and choral conducting.

MADISON BOURNE ’16 and Eric Fruge will be married on November 8, 2025, in Hattiesburg. Madison is the daughter of PAM ’82 and Donnie BOURNE.

COLLIN CARPENTER ’19 married Leslie Brister on March 15, 2025.

2020s

TYLER BROOKE JONES ’20 married Jacob Thomas Clarke on August 2, 2025.

WILLIAM BURKE ’21 and MARLANA BULLOCK ’23 were married on July 12, 2025.

AMY LEE ’21 recently began a career with the Mississippi Library Commission.

AUSTIN HANNON ’22 was announced as the 2025-2026 Twin Rivers Middle School Teacher of the Year. He has been at Twin Rivers for four years where he runs a chorus program of 250+ students. He attributes a great deal of his teaching strategies to his education in the Southern Miss School of Music.

PATRICIA BUTLER ’25 and her daughter ERICA BUTLER ’25 graduated from Southern Miss together in May of this year. Patricia graduated Cum Laude-President’s List and Erica graduated on the Dean’s List.

In Memoriam

1940s

DAHLIA NEELO HUNT ’47

1950s

REBECCA M. IZARD ’51

REGINALD WAYNE RICHARDS ’53

RUTH CRUMPTON WARNER ’53

JACK V. REYNOLDS ’54

CLYDE DOUGLAS BROWN ’56

DAVID MARTIN KING ’56

JOSEPH MARION PEARCE ’56

JAMES ALFRED ROSEBERRY ’56

MAC LEROY BAKER ’58

KARLENE W. DUNAGIN ’59

EARL BREWER WALL ’59

1960s

R. WILMER HOWARD ’60

DAVID L. SHEPPARD ’60, ’63, ’91

RICHARD ALLEN ECKERT ’61

JAMES HOWARD HUGHES ’61

MITCHELL WILLIS MADDOX ’61

JAMES RAY WILKINSON ’61

CHARLES HARRIS WILLIAMS ’61

ROBERT EDWARD TAYLOR ’61, ’69

REBECCA JACKSON ’62

FRANK BENNETT POWERS ’62

MAZIE ROGERS ’62

MARGARET ANN HIGGINS ’63

TRIJETTA LYNN CROPP ’64

HARVEY EDWIN MAIER ’64, ’69

JANICE SMITH ANDING ’65

BETTY COLEMAN BLYCKER ’65

MICHAEL WILLIAM BUSBY ’65

CAROLYN ROSE HIERS ’65

YSIDRO SALINAS ’65, ’66

WILLIAM GORENFLO CURTIS ’65, ’74

NANCY LOU CHRISTMAS ’66

CHARLIE DUBUSSION LAMMONS ’66

JAMES HARVEY APPLEWHITE ’67

KENNETH KEITH KOTHMANN ’68

VIRGINIA VAIDEN MCELWEE ’68

JOHN CHARLES MEADOR ’68

DONALD GARVIN WILLIAMS ’68

CLINTON EARL CONERLY ’68, ’73

PHILLIP M. CALDWELL ’69

1970s

FREDERIC L. MORRIS ’70

DOMINGO RODRIGUEZ ’70

VALDA LORINE STANLEY ’70

HAROLD-WAYNE BARNETT ’70, ’75, ’98

SUSAN SHAW HANKS ’72

W. SHAUGHN LOPER ’72

DOYLE F. WHEAT ’72

CATHY ANN GODARD ’72, ’75

ROBERT J. HEITZMANN ’73

JANET C. CLARK ’74

JOHN BLAND ’75

RONALD CLEVELAND BOWIE ’75

RICHARD WRIGHT KITCHENS ’75

JESSE WARREN MAY ’75

TOMMY LEE MCCORMICK ’75

PETER WILLIAM OGREN ’75

CARROLL ANNE SHUFFIELD ’75

MARGARET BENNETT WATTS ’75, ’77, ’83

DAVID FRANCIS BONEY ’75, ’78, ’80

ROY LEE ELDER ’76

JAMES LYNN FLATT ’76

RONALD EUGENE MANTHEY ’76

RICHARD DOYLE MCKENZIE ’76

THOMAS CARL ARDOLINE ’77

JESSE CONRAD HAHN ’77

WILLIAM RALPH NICHOLS ’77

PAULA ANN PHILLIPS ’77

JOHN PRESTON SPEAR ’77

RAYMOND STEPHEN STAUFFER ’77

PAULA SUE RAPPE ’77, ’80

WILLIAM E. DALTON ’78

ELIZABETH JO RANDALL ’78

HAYES STEPHEN REID ’78

GLORIA MARIE WALL ’78, ’80

BEVERLY MCKNIGHT CARR ’79

1980s

JOANN WATTS SCIARABBA ’81, ’95

HAROLD PAULK HENDERSON ’82

THERESA ANN KEMP ’82

DONNA MCDANIEL KREBS ’82

DARNELL SHIELDS ’82

STEVE CALVIN VOGLE ’82

ROBERT BRIAN CHABOT ’83

CLAUDIA ANNE DAVIS ’84

ROBERT ANSEL HARDISON ’84

JOYE NELL MCNELIS ’84, ’89

JULIA A. MCNAMARA ’85

EARLENE DECKER BRASHER ’85, ’88

GARY MARTIN BEDSOLE ’86

JERRY F. EDGE ’86

DEBBIE TURNER ’86

DOUGLAS J. MILBURN ’87

DAVONA AYN MITCHELL ’87, ’92

KEITH J. ALPHONSO ’89

CAROL ANN ARMBRESTER ’89

CONSTANCE LORENE MILLER ’89

LILLIAN RAMER VAUGHAN ’89

1990s

JACKIE JACKSON BLAKENEY ’90

DOROTHY DENHAM-JARRELL ’90

LORETTA GRACE JOHNSON ’91

JEAN MARIE HAWKS ’93

DAVID ALAN JONES ’93

ANNERY ELVIRA SAWYER ’97

PHILLIP MORGAN ’97, ’98

ADAM JOSEPH MCKEE ’97, ’99, ’01

MELODY S. HILL ’99

2000s

DERRICK S. PROCELL ’02

JON ROBERT RUFF ’05

SANDRA JO CONERLY JOHNSON ’06

ZACHARY LEE HEAD ’07

RIAN KELLY PLASWIRTH ’07

2010s

CHRISTOPHER JAY GANNON ’11

JACQUELINE J. JAMES ’14, ’16

JORDAN KING ’19

2020s

WHITNEY NICOLE WEST ’23

JOY ALEXANDER ’94 welcomed grandson Henry Maddox Finnan on July 21, 2025.

SHONDA MCCULLUM

KIRKSEY ’95, ’16 welcomed grandson Blaize Hammond on July 30, 2025.

BILL ’00 and WHITNEY STENNETT ’05 welcomed Clara Lynne Stennett on August 27, 2025.

SUSAN DUBOSE ’05, ’10 welcomed granddaughter Emily DuBose on June 13, 2025.

BETHANY ’10, ’12 and Lance HORNER welcomed Andrus Horner on July 29, 2025.

ALEXANDRIA HALL ’10 and Clayton Speed welcomed Wyatt Speed on November 7, 2024.

PAMELA ’12 and Joseph GILARDI welcomed Valerie Gilardi on July 7, 2025.

CHRISTINE ’13, ’15 and Ben GREEN welcomed Everett Green on July 26, 2025.

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 exclusive to members of the Southern MissAlumni Association.

Join or renew your membership and visitSouthernMissAlumni.com/GrowingUpGold to enroll your child or grandchild today.

Welcome to the Golden Eagle family! Announcements are organized by alum grad years.

TRAVIS ’13 and Valera

THORNELL welcomed Frank Thornell on July 29, 2025.

JAKE ’14 and SHELBY MILLS ’14 welcomed Witt Alan Mills on August 8, 2025.

JOSEPH ’14, ’15 and EMILY STEADMAN ’24 welcomed Charleigh Beth Steadman on September 30, 2024.

HUNTER ’15, ’16 and MIRANDA AUTHEMENT ’15, ’17 welcomed Graham Michael Authement on July 17, 2025.

JEREMY ’15 and ARETAS SQUIRE ’12 welcomed Jayden Squire on July 30, 2025.

CHARITY ’16 and Lucas GAVIORNO welcomed Mina Gaviorno on July 28, 2025.

RASHAE ’16 and Alan ROBERTS welcomed Bishop Drew Roberts on March 7, 2025.

BRANDON ’16 and TAYLOR SULLIVAN ’18 welcomed Molly Grace Sullivan on May 30, 2025. Molly is the granddaughter of JEFF ’78 and MARY ANN STEWART ’87, ’88.

ZACH ’17 and LINDSEY JONES ’18, ’22 welcomed Maddox Jones on June 6, 2025.

RHEA ’17 and Ryan WITMER welcomed Baer Witmer on August 12, 2025.

PERRY ’18 and HANNAH FORSTALL ’19 welcomed Ida Annette Forstall on August 12, 2025.

KHMALL ’20 and ALIANA NORWOOD ’20 welcomed Jonah Norwood on January 3, 2025

CARLIE ’22 and Tyler MCCLELLAN welcomed Luke McClellan on January 7, 2025.

PATRICK ’23 and MOLLIE CULPEPPER ’18, ’20 welcomed Palmer Thomas Culpepper on August 24, 2025.

JENNIFER DOMINGOS ’23 welcomed granddaughters Eleanor and Evelyn Domingos on July 5 and August 12, 2025.

SLADE ’24 and MACIE WILKS ’24 welcomed Porter Lee Wilks on September 15, 2025.

ASHLYNN ’24, ’25 and Jonathan TEMPLE welcomed Lynndi Temple on July 12, 2025.

SOUTHERN MISS ALUMNI MARKETING PARTNERS

Continue your support of The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association by doing business with the Association’s Marketing Partners. By utilizing the goods and services of these marketing partners, you will be generating additional revenue to support the programming and operations of the Association.

Balfour

Official Southern Miss Ring. For more information or to order, call 1.866.BALFOUR and ask for reference code 2315.

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.