The
S TUDENT P RINTZ www.studentprintz.com
SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927
September 13, 2012
Volume 97 Issue 6
ON CAMPUS
Lucas headlines annual convocation Tyler Hill News Editor Interim University of Southern Mississippi President Aubrey K. Lucas delivered the State of the University in Bennett Auditorium on Wednesday afternoon. The fall convocation was open to all faculty, staff and students. As always, Lucas was clothed in a suit sported with a fancy bow tie, and he opened the convocation by embracing the crowd with energy and humor. “The first convocation was held 100 years ago,” Lucas said. “Con-
trary to what many you make think, I was not there,” he said with a laugh. As he continued, Lucas recognized former university president Martha Saunders for joining Southern Miss faculty, along with 80 new tenured-track faculty members. Every year at the convocation, a video slide-show is presented to display achievements from the year before, and this year was no exception. As the lights dimmed and the music of Coldplay sounded through the speakers, highlights from 20112012 were presented, including being named one of the nation’s
Chris Little/Printz
Dr. Aubrey Lucas addresses students and faculty at Fall Convocation held at Bennett Auditorium on Wednesday.
most popular universities, rais-
ing more than $20 million for the
USM Foundation and becoming C-USA champions. Unlike like last year’s convocation, in which only Saunders addressed the university, this year’s event allowed for many speakers. Provost Denis Wiesenberg was the first to speak after Lucas and spoke of more achievements for the university. Athletic Director Jeff Hammond also spoke at the convocation. While he spoke of upcoming events and accomplishments, much of his speech was about his time at Southern
See CONVOCATION, 3
RECRUITMENT Mary Margaret Halford Executive Editor After a six-day recruitment process, the seven College Panhellenic Council sororities at Southern Miss welcomed their new members home at a Bid Day celebration Tuesday afternoon. According to CPC President and Mobile native Eileen Dominguez, 340 women received a bid, or invitation to join a sorority, after participating in the recruitment process that began Thursday with a Meet-the-Greeks round. “We have a great group of quality girls,” Dominguez said. “I’m confident they will leave Greek Life better than they found it.” Dominguez said 412 girls registered for recruitment last week, and retention throughout the week was higher than last year. The number of bids offered was also up from last year. Dominguez said she was proud of everyone who came together make the week a success. “Everyone’s hard work paid off and it really shows,” Dominguez said. Susan Broadbridge/Printz
Freshman Sarah Thiel is welcomed to Chi Omega sorority by sophomore Madeline Varnado.
FARMER’S MARKET
FOOTBALL
SNARKY PUPPY
WEATHER Thursday
87/65 Friday
89/65 Saturday
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INDEX
Calendar ........................ 2 News .............................. 3 Football............................5 Feature ..........................17 Opinion ..........................18 Arts & Entertainment.....19 Sports............................20