Summer 2014
T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R D E LTA S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y A L U M N I A N D F R I E N D S
Rekindling a Rivalry We’re Ready. Are You?
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 1
Diane Woods Blansett '76, Dr. Wayne Blansett '73, Anna Hebert, Mary Neal Hebert, Jackson Blansett, Brian Blansett '04, Sulee McCarty Blansett '06, Melanie Blansett Hebert '00, and Ed Hebert II '04
GROWING UP GREEN & WHITE
You know what it means to be a true Statesman, now pass it on! Start a legacy by sending your child’s name, birthdate, and address to enroll them in Delta State’s Legacy Program.They will learn about everything bright, green, and fun in their future.
We want to get to know the small smiles on your kids’ faces so we can see their giant grins at graduation. KEEP THE TRADITION ALIVE. The Alumni Association has recently partnered with Admissions and Recruiting on an initiative to better recruit children of alumni. Send us your child’s name, birthdate, and address, and he or she will begin receiving information from the Delta State Alumni Association. Send information to alumni@deltastate.edu. For more information, contact us at 662.846.4660. Know a student who would be a great fit at Delta State? •Tell us by 2014 using the Good Student Referral at www.deltastategiving.org/alumniassociation/goodstudentreferral. 2 • Delta State Magazine Summer
CONTENTS
Alumni Magazine President..............................................William “Bill” N. LaForge ’72 Executive Director, Alumni-Foundation.................Keith Fulcher ’83
2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
10 DEVELOPMENT
3 ALUMNI MESSAGE
24 PROFESSOR PROFILE
4 CAMPUS BRIEFS
26 WITH THE CLASSES
8 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Alumni Magazine Advisory Committee: Editor............................................................... Jordan Thomas ’11 Alumni Board Representative.............................Richard Myers ’91 Foundation Board Representative.................. Anne Weissinger ’81 Alumni Editor.........................................................Jeffrey Farris ’04 Foundation Editor..................................................... Ann Giger ’93
Board of Directors Delta State University Alumni Association:
14 REKINDLING A RIVALRY
Richard Myers ’91, President; Rob Armour ’95, President Elect; Patrick Davis ’96, Secretary; Sayward Fortner ’04, Treasurer; George Bassi ’87, Past President; Anne Weissinger ’81, Foundation President; Michael Ainsworth ’94, Angela Boone ’02, Serena Clark ’97, Brad Evans ’87, John Fletcher ’91, Angela Grayson ’94, Chrissy LaMastus ’96, Paul “Bubba” Mancini ’00, George Miller ’00, Henry Outlaw ’61, Jeremy Pittman ’05, John Polles ’05, Chris Shivers ’94, Reagan Smith ’08, Lauranne Tomaszewski ’03, Sydney Hodnett ’14, Amy Scott ’14
Board of Directors Delta State University Foundation, Inc:
Anne Wynn Weissinger ’81, President; Tim Harvey ’80, Vice President; Nan Sanders ’67, Secretary/Treasurer; Mike Neyman ’72, Past President; Jeff Tarver ’76, Finance Chair; Tom Janoush ’90, Trusteeship Chair; Ned Mitchell ’62, Campaign Chair; Judson Thigpen ’79, Development Chair; Richard Myers ’91, Alumni President; David Abney ’76, Louis Baioni ’56, Dr. William C. Bell ’82, Anita Bologna, Amanda Borgognoni ’82, Hunter Cade ’66, Jeff Ross Capwell ’60, Kay Clark, Dr. Anna Looney Dill ’74, Hank Drake ’69, Bryce Griffis ’54, Laird Hamberlin ’87, Earnest Hart ’77, Peter Jernberg ’65, Gloria B. Johnson ’79, Ed Kossman Jr. ’59, Draughon McPherson, Rex Lyon ’73, Billy Nowell ’72, Carol Puckett, Randy Randall, Krista Roberts, Homer Sledge III, Sam Waggoner ’76, Margaret Walker ’67, Alan Walters, Dr. David Webber ’78, Jimmy Wilson ’68, Dr. Bennie Wright ’74
4 GO GREEN WEEKEND
The Alumni & Foundation Magazine is published by the Delta State University Alumni & Foundation DSU Box 3104, 1003 West Sunflower Rd, Cleveland, MS 38733 E-Mail: alumnimagazine@deltastate.edu Phone: (662) 846-4660
8 ALUMNUS DAVID ABNEY
Note: In an effort to reduce our environmental impact, only one magazine per household is mailed.
Art and Layout by www.mothlitemedia.com
Special Thanks to our Delta State Alumni Association Corporate Sponsors
STATESMEN LEVEL
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Rekindling a Rivalry
20
Growing Up Green & White
Statesmen face Choctaws for the first time in 19 years
Legacy Program creates Statesmen and Lady Statesmen at a young age
OKRA LEVEL
On the cover: Patrick Davis
Delta State students, alumni, fans, and football players get in the spirit for this year’s Homecoming Game while showing off the Heritage Bell Trophy. Photographed by Rory Doyle ’11.
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 1
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
To My Fellow Alumni, Colleagues, and Friends: In May, Delta State completed another successful academic year, with more than 400 spring graduates entering the work force with quality academic credentials. The University has refocused efforts and strategies in the area of recruitment this year, and I have visited more than 40 high schools to meet students and encourage them to come to Delta State. Early indicators show that students are very interested in Delta State, and they like what we offer in the way of academics and an all-around college environment. Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Charles McAdams is leading a Student Success Task Force that is revamping the “first-year experience” and other factors that will enhance student success and retention. I am happy to report that a lot of good things are happening on campus. A new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. David Breaux, joined us on July 1. Our Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series—the Delta State Colloquia— continued this past semester, headlined by former Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat and by UPS COO David Abney, one of our most distinguished alumni. In intercollegiate athletics, both basketball teams had winning seasons, were nationally ranked, and made respectable appearances in post-season tournament play. Delta State sent 15 swimmers and divers to the national meet. The tennis and golf teams had successful seasons as well. Our softball and baseball teams advanced to the NCAA Division II South Region Tournament. The football program signed 40 recruits on signing day, including 28 high school seniors with an average ACT score of 21. In January, I attended the Grammy week festivities in Los Angeles along with a number of our DMI students who put on a terrific performance at the Grammy Museum. Another group of DMI students had the opportunity to visit the White House in April for a special program. And stay tuned for the opening of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi right here on campus in late 2015. This spring, Delta State received its largest gift in history—$3.1 million from the estate of Robert Smith of Cleveland, a long-time supporter of the School of Nursing. These funds will provide vital support for the Nursing School’s expansion and growth. When you come to campus over the next several months, you will see progress in the form of construction. We are repaving campus streets and parking lots, completing work on the Caylor/White-Walters science and math complex, and doing major renovations on the Zeigel music building and YoungMauldin Dining Hall. Other activities on campus include a successful race relations conference in April—“Winning the Race;” the first International Conference on the Blues scheduled for October 6–7 this fall; ongoing support from the Dedicated Statesmen Association— our retired faculty and staff who are giving back to the university in so many ways; a new campus low-power FM radio station for which we just received a license; our off-campus work-study program entitled “Okra Works;” and continuing efforts to boost our international student program. We hosted professors from universities in Bulgaria and Russia this year as we made plans for student and faculty exchange programs, and I will visit and teach at the John Paul II Catholic University of Poland in May. I have just concluded my first year as President, and I am enthusiastic about our students, our faculty and staff, and the university’s future. I am very pleased with the engagement and support of our alumni and friends, and I look forward to seeing many of you at alumni chapter events in the year ahead. Please continue your financial support of Delta State. To reach new levels of success, we need everyone on board. I also look forward to seeing you at Pig Pickin’, Homecoming (we are renewing our rivalry with Mississippi College as they re-enter the Gulf South Conference), and other upcoming events on campus. Please recommend prospective students for us, and stay connected through Facebook, Twitter (follow me @presidentDSU and DSU @DeltaState), YouTube, Flicker, and the Delta State website at www.deltastate.edu, where you will find a wide array of timely information including a link to my weekly “Fireside Chat.” And you can always reach me at president@deltastate.edu or (662)846-4000. All the best, William N. LaForge ’72 President
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ALUMNI MESSAGE
Dear Alumni and Friends, It’s time for another exciting year at Delta State University. Although campus was quiet over the summer without the students, your Alumni Association stayed busy traveling for alumni events and preparing for the new academic year. This summer, Alumni Association staff members traveled to New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Memphis, Gulfport, Jackson, and Louisville, MS, for the “Ole Grad” Reunion. Several Delta State faculty and staff members traveled with us to help share what’s going on at your alma mater. The Legacy Program is a new initiative that the Alumni Association created to begin reaching out to children and grandchildren of Delta State alumni at an early age. We have been collecting information on legacies and recently sent out a postcard to all legacies inviting them to join us in the Legacy Tent on Statesmen Park for Pig Pickin’ this year. Starting in January, these legacies will begin receiving age-appropriate gifts and/or birthday cards each year. When the legacies turn 16, their information will be turned over to the Admissions staff for the recruiting process to begin. Another exciting program at Delta State is the Sustaining Life Member program. Now in its second year, the program has continued to grow. The Sustaining Life Member program was implemented for paid-in-full life members of the Alumni Association to give additional annual support. The $100 yearly gift goes straight to the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Scholarship Fund which is a one-time gift to children of Delta State Alumni Association members. As we approach fall, we are preparing for the 29th annual Pig Pickin’ on September 26 and 27. Homecoming is set for November 15 this year, with the annual Alumni Awards and Gala Dinner set for November 14. There are many events going on this fall, and we hope to see you back on campus soon. Lastly, I’d like to congratulate our 2014 Alumni Awards Winners. This year’s winners are: Patrick Davis ’96 (Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Service Award), Will Bradham ’01 (Kent Wyatt Young Alumnus Service Award), The Left Field Crew (Gladys Castle Friend of Delta State Service Award), Mary Ellen Leftwich ’39 (Legacy Award), Gary Gainspoletti ’74 (Hall of Fame), Dwaun Warmack ’99 (Hall of Fame), and Tony Garcia (Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and Hall of Fame). This year, the Alumni Association is implementing a new award—the Henry Outlaw Faculty/Staff Alumni Service Award. This award was established as a way to recognize former DSU faculty or staff members who have had a significant influence in the life of the university and/or the National Alumni Association. The inaugural award is going to Dr. Henry Outlaw ’61. The outstanding recipients will be recognized at the Alumni Award and Gala Dinner at Homecoming this November. Best regards, Richard Myers ’91 National Alumni Association President
Be an active Alumnus and stay in the know . . . Future issues of the Delta State Magazine will only be mailed to dues-paying members of the National Alumni Association. If you are not an active member, this will be your last issue. To update your membership or check your status, contact the Alumni Association at (662) 846-4660, scan the QR code, or visit www.deltastategiving.org/alumniassociation/jointhealumniassociation.
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CAMPUS
4 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2014
This spring, Delta State University started a new tradition with Go Green Weekend. The event, held April 3–5, was a collaboration of several university departments to bring prospective students, current students, alumni, and friends together. Events included Springfest, the Bolivar County Alumni Crawfish Boil, Spring Sports Weekend, tailgating, live entertainment, a cook team competition, the Delta Duathlon, and a touring day hy by Rory D ograp Phot
hopefully become a tradition at Delta State.
oyle
for prospective students. The event was a huge success and will
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 7
CAMPUS
OKRAWORKS PROGRAM You’ve put in countless hours of hard work studying, you’ve obtained your degree, and you’re ready to start your career. For many, taking this step can be difficult. Luckily for students and alumni of Delta State, the Career Services Office is here to help. The top priority of the Career Services Office is to get Delta State students and alumni hired. They assist in every step of the process— from resumè consultations to career coaching, mock interviews, and even career fairs. With the implementation of two new programs, they are taking their services to the next level. When Davlon Miller ’08 came on as Director of Career Services in December of 2012, one of his first goals was to streamline some of the processes for both employers and students. In October of 2013, he launched Statesmen Connect, an online career services manager. “We’re able to handle a lot of processes online that we normally would have handled in the office,” said Miller. “It makes it easier for employers to recruit on campus, whether it’s posting job openings, registering for our career fairs, viewing student resumès, or planning oncampus recruiting opportunities.” It’s also a great asset for students and alumni looking for job openings. Employer profiles are available to view, and the Career Services team can send out job announcements to students and alumni who are in the system. “We send out emails twice a week,” explained Miller. “On Mondays, we send all jobs that have been posted in the last 15 days, and on Wednesdays, we send out a list of postings within a 30-mile radius.” As far as registering for career fairs, Statesmen Connect has made the process much smoother for both the Career Services Department and employers. Without the excess paperwork, it is also much more eco-friendly. Other features in Statesmen Connect include the Career Explorer option and the Career Finder option. The Career Explorer option allows students to search for career paths within their majors. They are able to pull 6 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2014
APPLY / Student Applies for OKRAWORKS Program SELECTION PROCESS / Interview with selection committee SPONSORSHIP / If selected, 15-week sponsorship begins WORK / Student placed at work site by OKRAWORKS Program PAYMENT / Student begins paid work by employer at $7.25/hr (15 hrs per week) PAY DAY / Employer pays merit Scholorship to DSU by the term mid-point OKRAWORKS Program AWARD
ION L COMPLET SUCCESSFU holorahip sc arded merit Student is aw term by the the at the end of Program KS OKRAWOR
up categories that they may be interested in, and are given the demographics, average salary, personality type, and requirements. This option gives them an opportunity to explore career options in the major. The Career Finder is a survey that features a series of questions designed to determine what type of career would best suit the student. Miller is also in the process of implementing the Okra Works program, currently in the beta stage, but planned to launch this fall. Okra Works is another means for students to earn money to pay for tuition while working towards their degrees. The program is modeled after the work-study program at the university, but the students will actually be working for outside employers. Students will apply to the program, and a selection committee will choose the participating students. Once selected, students will work 15 hours for the employer, and they
PLETION SFUL COM UNSUCCES disciplinary hip void and Merit scholora ted by the cilita action are fa Program KS R O W OKRA
will be paid and evaluated by the employer. “Working 15 hours a week at minimum wage will not hit the semester tuition mark, so at the end of the semester, if they’ve done well, the employer will pay the rest of the money for that semester through a merit scholarship,” explained Miller. “Not only are we trying to assist students in paying their tuition, but we’re also trying to help students learn more about work force development—how to work for someone, how to answer phones, and other skills needed.”
More information will be provided to students in the coming weeks. Employers who are interested in participating in the Okra Works program can contact Miller at (662) 846-4502. For more information on the Career Services Department, visit the website at www.deltastate.edu/student-affairs/career-services.
“We can not fly, we can not achieve, we can not move forward without it. We need to know what has happened in the past to keep it from happening again.” –Georgene Clark
Delta State honored with Civil Rights & Social Justice Award With June 21 marking 50 years since the Ku Klux Klan killed three civil rights workers in Philadelphia, MS, in 1964, a number of historical leaders, families of the victims, and friends gathered Sunday to pay tribute and discuss continued race relations efforts. The crowd lit candles in the trio’s memory within the rebuilt Mount Zion United Methodist Church, a site that the Klansmen burned to the ground just days before the murders. The three were slain during the Freedom Summer campaign while attempting to register African Americans to vote. The event also acted as a precursor to the 4th National Civil Rights Conference that took place Meridian. The cities of Meridian and Philadelphia co-sponsor the conference focusing on civil rights, social justice, and human dignity. With great distinction, Delta State University was also recognized Sunday for its recent efforts dedicated to race relations. The university was honored with the 2014 Civil Rights and Social Justice award, thanks in large part to the institution’s inaugural “Winning the Race” (WTR) conference hosted on campus in March. The annual award is presented to individuals or community-based organizations who promote human dignity, civil rights, and social justice through actions characterized by great personal initiative, selflessness, fearlessness, compassion, imagination, and achievement, or compelling personal stories that encourage and inspire creative and effective action in support of human dignity, civil rights, and social justice. Nominating Delta State for the award was Georgene Clark, chair of the WTR conference. “I’m honored and thrilled that Delta State received the award,” said Clark. “The institution needs to be recognized for its efforts. We have a strong diversity awareness campaign going on, we have a program on cultural awareness, and
we also have the Winning the Race conference. “Delta State is setting the vibe — acting as a forerunner for the kind of dialogue that should be going on everywhere, but especially in the Delta.” Being a part of a university attempting to break the mold of racial discussions, Clark said these foundational efforts show that Delta State is on the right path. “This means that the university is doing something right and taking a leadership role by actually promoting the type of education that should be promoted at college campuses, institutions of higher learning, and within communities,” Clark added. “We can not fly, we can not achieve, we can not move forward without it. We need to know what has happened in the past to keep it from happening again.” President William N. LaForge, who accepted the award on the university’s behalf, could not be more pleased with the recognition — especially at an event attended by some of America’s civil rights icons. In the audience was U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga; Mississippi civil rights leader Bob Moses; former Gov. William Winter; Freedom Summer veteran Roscoe Jones; Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of Medgar Evers; and more.
“It’s a great honor for Delta State to be recognized for its efforts in continuing the dialogue and improving understanding of race relations, especially in the Delta,” said LaForge. “In the context of the National Civil Rights Conference and the memorial service where this award was presented, it was especially humbling for me to accept this on behalf of Delta State. The credit goes to all of those on campus who organized and participated in the “Winning the Race” conference, and I accepted the award on their behalf. “Now with the moniker award-winning conference, we have a wonderful foundation and additional inspiration on which to build future conference programs.” Also in the audience were members of Delta State’s Delta Music Institute. Director Tricia Walker and students Mic Hargrove and Jarrick Finkley facilitated a youth workshop at the conference. The workshop operated under the envelope of “Healing With A Groove,” a DMI platform with the mission of promoting racial healing through the creation and production of original songs and recordings. For more information on the National Civil Rights Conference, visit www.civilrightsconference.com.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
David Abn DELTA STATE ALUMNUS NAMED CEO OF UPS
United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE:UPS) recently announced that Chief Operating Officer David Abney, Delta State University graduate of 1976, has been promoted as its next chief executive officer. Abney started with the shipping giant as a part-time package loader in 1974 and will take over for Scott Davis, who served as UPS’s chairman and CEO since 2008. Davis will retain the role of chairman. The moves are effective September 1, and the turnover is consistent with the company’s past practices in which chief executives typically serve five-to-seven years. UPS is known for promoting executives from within its ranks. “I am deeply honored to be selected by the board to serve as CEO,” Abney said in a UPS press release. “The company has provided me tremendous opportunity, amazing career experiences, and rewarding professional development. I believe it is my duty to create an environment where talented UPS people can excel by helping our customers to accomplish their goals. Ultimately, I believe that is how, together, we will build on the UPS legacy of success.” Abney, 58, held various operational positions at UPS prior to his stint as operating chief, including president of UPS International, where he led the expansion of the company’s
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global logistics capabilities. He also served as president of SonicAir®, UPS’s same-day delivery service. While president of the airline, Abney was honored with the Professionalism in Services/Support Management Award by the International Association of Services Management for demonstrating exemplary managerial characteristics. This is big news for Delta State graduates, as Abney continues to make his presence felt in the international business world. Abney studied marketing at Delta State and was named the 2007 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. He currently serves on the Delta State University Alumni Foundation Board of Directors. Delta State President William N. LaForge was thrilled to hear about Abney’s most recent development. “Abney’s appointment indicates an outstanding accomplishment by an outstanding individual,” said LaForge. “It reflects prestige and credibility on Delta State University, where he received his education. The Delta State family is thrilled with this announcement of his promotion. We know he will serve with great distinction, and he is clearly one of our best and brightest graduates. “To see one of our graduates at this level of corporate America makes it all the more admirable that he remains engaged on our
campus through his annual sponsorship of the International Business Symposium and as a prestigious member of the Delta State University Foundation.” This spring, Abney keynoted Delta State’s ninth annual International Business Symposium. He and his wife, Sherry, both Delta natives, have sponsored the IBS at Delta State since its inception. “Sherry and I wanted to do something meaningful for the Delta. By bringing global leaders onto campus and sharing their experiences with students, I believe we’ll be able to expand Delta State students’ horizons in how they see and prepare for their futures,” Abney said in a previous Delta State interview. Keith Fulcher, executive director of the Alumni-Foundation at Delta State, was also delighted with Abney’s progression. Abney has remained a valuable asset through the years to the Delta State University Foundation. “Delta State University and the National Alumni Association, with its 32,000 members, are very pleased with David’s promotion to CEO,” said Fulcher. “David’s involvement as a Foundation board member, and his financial support of the International Business Symposium, has brought visibility and recognition to Delta State University as a leader in higher education in
ney preparing our students for working in the global economy.” To this day, Abney remains proud of the path Delta State helped pave for him, something he indicated as the most recent lecturer for the Delta State University Colloquia Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series. “Obtaining my degree from Delta State was like crossing the continental divide. I was the first in my family to graduate from a university,” said Abney. “I also transitioned from the hourly ranks to management at UPS. My education at Delta State certainly helped prepare me for the ‘real world’ of business. “As I now travel throughout the world, I proudly refer to Delta State wherever I go. I wholeheartedly recommend Delta State to anyone that is interested in continuing their education.” As CEO, Abney will be tasked with improving UPS’s efficiency as it looks to keep up with a boom in e-commerce. Average daily package volume at UPS has grown 12 percent over the past five years. Meanwhile, competition in the shipping industry is likely to increase as a number of retailers like Amazon and Wal-Mart test their own delivery networks.
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DEVELOPMENT
There are races to run, statues to be raised, and even buildings and fields renamed to honor special people. But when an education is continued, a degree is attained, and a career begun due to the love of one’s university by a generous alumnus, now that’s special.
Mary Camille Carunchio ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND
ary Camille Carunchio loved Delta State. As a Life Member of the Delta State University Alumni Association, she kept up with her beloved alma mater no matter where life took her. From Northeast Mississippi to the outskirts of Italy and many other destinations in between, she kept the Statesmen spirit in her heart. The 1968 graduate passed away this past March, and to honor her memory and love for her school, and to provide a path for others to attain an education, her husband Don has created a scholarship in her name. The Mary Camille Carunchio Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established to assist incoming biology students. Camille graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and then studied for an additional year at the Medical Laboratory Technology Program at the St. Joseph Hospital School of Medical Technology in Memphis. For the next eight years she worked in various hospitals and doctors’ offices. While his future wife was working as a medical technologist, Don was assigned to the Memphis Naval Air Station. Don’s roommate was Camille’s next-door neighbor, and Don tagged along on a dinner outing. The Philadelphia, PA, native had found his soul mate. They dated for a while and eventually married in 1974. His Naval career took them to outposts in Italy, Puerto Rico, and across the US. Camille would weave herself into whatever local culture they were living in. While in Italy, she enjoyed the mid-week outdoor grocery markets that were actually a fleet of nearly 20 trucks parked in an area for shopping. “She would go down there like a good Italian housewife and do her shopping,” he said. “She had her favorite vendors that she’d go to and argue. She enjoyed it. And we’d go down to the waterfront when the fishing boats were coming in to buy fish.” 10 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2014
The Carunchios followed Delta State sports as best they could at each outpost, and Camille enjoyed taking in professional baseball games across the U.S. when travelling with Don. But her top sports priority was always the Statesmen. Enough so that she ventured into “enemy territory” to cheer on her favorite team. In 1983, the Carunchios were stationed in Florida, and they started attending the University of West Florida athletic events. When Don retired in 2007, they attended more games and eventually became financial supporters of the athletic department. But even though Camille and Don gave out the “green” for support, she wore the green to show her true colors. “We would go watch women’s basketball,” he said. “She didn’t like to sit home and watch on television. You should have seen the looks she got when we walked in the Argonaut Athletic Club and she was dressed all in her Delta State colors. That locked down a couple of jaws real tight. And Delta State won that game. The athletic director would get on her case about it and it was funny. But they respected her as she wore her colors and cheered on her team.” When the Statesmen were in town, Camille would go from one stadium to the next in the same day to cheer on as many sports as she could. When Camille passed away in March, Don decided to honor her memory, and there was no better place to do so than her alma mater—Delta State. “She had a very nice life insurance policy, and I decided to put part of it into an endowment for a biology major,” he said. “Once the endowment is fully funded there will be a $1,000 scholarship each year.” Camille’s love for her university will continue through this gift, blessing generations of students to come.
This is the first step in insuring that Delta State and the Cleveland community pay rightful tribute to a true legend— and one of ours. She was the mother of basketball. — WILLIAM N. LAFORGE
Delta State Legend Honored with Statue C O A C H M A R G A R E T WA D E A statue honoring legendary Lady Statesmen basketball coach Margaret Wade was erected recently in front of Walter Sillers Coliseum on the campus of Delta State University, where she is best known for leading three national title teams. Plans to memorialize Wade began in 2006, and fundraising for the recognition kicked off in 2008. In just a short period of time, 210 contributors made the effort possible through a statue fund. Donations have come nationwide, with 22 states represented. Spearheading the development were community members Caroline Gaines, Lucy Janoush ’78, and Ed Kossman Jr. ’59, along with Keith Fulcher, executive director of the Alumni-Foundation. Wade’s former students and players at Cleveland High School and Delta State were very supportive in the fundraising efforts. Delta State Athletic Director Ronnie Mayers welcomed a crowd as the statue was installed. He announced that an official dedication is scheduled for the week of Homecoming. Viewers admired the work of artist Bill Beckwith, a Greenville native, who commented on the piece. “I think we got it right. It’s very respectful, and I think she would like it,” said Beckwith.
Kossman knew right away Beckwith was the man for the job and felt that Wade’s recognition was long overdue. “Coach Wade was everything a lady could be throughout her life and always had a smile,” said Kossman. “She was just loved by everyone that knew her. The statue may be a tremendous tourist attraction to basketball fans all across the nation and is a big asset to the Delta State campus. It portrays her life so well and represents what she stood for.” Gaines played with Wade at Cleveland High School and feels she should be honored for her leadership in women’s basketball. “To watch her rise and be honored was a goal that I had—to see to it that she was recognized in a way that she should be,” said Gaines. President William N. LaForge is looking forward to seeing Wade from his office window in Kent Wyatt Hall. “This is the first step in insuring that Delta State and the Cleveland community pay rightful tribute to a true legend—and one of ours. She was the mother of basketball,” said LaForge. The legacy of Coach Margaret Wade will live on forever thanks to the support of the lives she touched. To read more about her life and legacy, visit facebook.com/coachmargaretwade.
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DEVELOPMENT
TRANSFORMING
Former Administration, Faculty & Staff Honored through Scholarships Kent and Janice Wyatt Retention Scholarship A gift from President Bill and Nancy LaForge was made in honor of Dr. Kent and Janice Wyatt. The Wyatts designated the gift in support of the university’s efforts in the retention of students who may be experiencing financial hardships that would result in them not completing their college degree.
Kent and Janice Wyatt Retention Scholarship For a message from Dr. Kent Wyatt, scan the QR code:
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1 The Janie Allen Bradley Literacy Endowment was created in 2012 with the intent to provide means for continuing literacy education. 2 The Martha Davis Biles World Civilization History Award started in 1996 and is awarded annually to an outstanding student in World Civilization. 3 The Wayne Blansett Leadership Scholarship began in 2005 in honor of Dr. Wayne Blansett, Vice President for Student Affairs, and is presented to an incoming freshman or transfer student who displays strong leadership skills during high school or at the Junior College Level. 4 The Gladys Castle Award was developed in 1984 and is presented to a non-alumnus who has made outstanding service and contributions to Delta State University. 5 The Outlaw-Sullivan Professorship in Biotechnology was created in 2001 in honor of Dr. Henry Outlaw, Chair Emeritus of the Department of Physical Sciences and in memory of physician Dr. Barry Sullivan. The Outlaw-Sullivan Professorship in Biotechnology recognizes two men closely identified with the progress of science and medicine in the Delta and Delta State University in the frontier of biotechnology. 6 The John Ford Award was established in 2014 and is presented to an outstanding Shakespeare student. 7 The Dana Lamar Nursing Scholarship was established in 2003 in honor of nursing instructor Dana Lamar. 8 The Dr. Barbara Powell Memorial Scholarship was created in 2007 in memory of the former Dean of the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing. 9 The Rose Strahan Scholarship for Mathematics was initiated in 2009 to help students receive a quality education in Mathematics. 10 The Eloise Stratton Walker Scholarship Fund was established in the spring of 1998 in honor of Eloise Stratton Walker, who served as associate professor and coordinator of undergraduate elementary education program from 1970–1993. 11 The Leola Gregory Williams Award was named for the first African-American Instructor in the Department of Languages and Literature. The award was created in 1992 and is presented to students who have written outstanding papers in general education courses. 12 The Ray and Jo Wilson Endowed Scholarship was established in 2002 in honor of Ray and Jo Wilson. Ray Wilson was an instructor in the Department of Mathematics, and Jo was the Assistant Director of Library Services. 13 The Dr. John Gibson-John Yurkow Scholarship was established to honor the late Dr. John C. Gibson, Dean Emeritus of the College of Business, and the late John Yurkow, Jr., Chair Emeritus of the Department of Accountancy. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding incoming freshman enrolled in the College of Business, demonstrating good character and possessing high scores on the ACT and/or SAT. 14 The John Yurkow Chair of Accountancy Fund was initiated in 1991 to provide the necessary accounting program enrichments. 15 The Kent Wyatt Enrichment Fund and the Kent Wyatt Presidential Scholarship were both created in 1998 to honor the President Emeritus. The Kent and Janice Wyatt Faculty Development was also initiated in 1998 for faculty support that has an impact on faculty members’ work with students. 16 The Janice Wyatt Summer Arts Institute was established in 1998 to provide opportunities for young artists to begin or continue their pursuits in the fine and performing arts from age five through graduating high school seniors. Janice Wyatt was the First Lady of Delta State University from 1975–1999.
This is not a comprehensive list of scholarships established for former administration, faculty, or staff. To search for additional scholarships, please go to www.deltastategiving.org/fun/search. For more information on how you can
15 & 16
establish a scholarship, please call (662) 846-4704 or email foundation@deltastate.edu.
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 13
11 . 15 . 2014 Rekindling a Rivalry We’re Ready. Are You? By: Jordan Thomas
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Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 17
Nearly two decades ago . . . . . . the Statesmen took Parker Field to face their in-state rivals— the Mississippi College Choctaws. After four quarters of blood, sweat, and maybe even a few tears (shed by the Choctaws), the Statesmen reined victorious, defeating MC 14-0. The beloved Heritage Bell was the Statesmen’s to keep. After years of intense battles, the rivalry ended with Mississippi College being reclassified as NCAA Division III. Although the series dates back as far as 1935, the Heritage Bell Trophy was established in 1979, making the rivalry official. An excerpt from The Broom (1980) explains: “The long standing football series between Delta State University and Mississippi College took on an added dimension when the winner received a newly established trophy. The trophy was initiated and designed by both schools, giving it a touch of creativity. Both school mascots were used, along with a bell, also the symbol of victory by both institutions. The trophy will go to the winner following the annual football game between the Statesmen and Choctaws. In case of a tie, the school that is designated as the visitor for the next season will keep the trophy the first six months before transporting the trophy to the other school where it will be on display the remaining six months. “This permanent trophy was designed to promote spirit at both schools and preserve tradition as well as give added prestige to the game. Both alumni associations have shown strong support for this project.” Dr. Kent Wyatt, President Emeritus at Delta State explained that DSU vs MC was always a natural rivalry. The other in-state rivalry in Mississippi, Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State, had always been signified by the passing back and forth of the Egg Bowl Trophy. It was time for Delta State and Mississippi College to make their rivalry official. “The Alumni Associations and Student Government Associations at the two universities got together and decided it would enhance our competition,” remembered Wyatt. “The worst part was at the end of the game, the losing team had to present the winning team with the trophy. The first game we played with the trophy Delta State lost, and I had to present the trophy to
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Mississippi College.” Several meetings between both Alumni Associations occurred to etch out the details. At the time, the head of the Mississippi College Department of Art was Sam Gore, a world-renowned sculptor. Both schools decided to grant him the rights to design it, with input from the schools, according to Hugh Ellis Walker, Director Emeritus of the Alumni-Foundation Office. The rivalry soon intensified between both schools. The Mississippi College game had always been one of the biggest games of the year for Delta State, but now the winning school had something tangible to brag about. In certain groups of Delta State alumni, the rivalry stories still resurface. Tales of painting the Mississippi College steps green and sticking DSU decals on road signs all the way to Clinton are of legend, although no one will go on record and take credit. After Mississippi College was reclassified as Division III, all that was left of the rivalry was these fond memories—until now. After 19 years in Division III, the Choctaws are finally returning to the Gulf South Conference with Division II status. The Statesmen and Choctaws will face off once again at Parker Field McCool Stadium on November 15, Homecoming for the Statesmen. The thought of reviving the old rivalry has brought excitement to many of our alumni, faculty, staff, and coaches. However, our student body and football team was unaware of the competitive spirit between the two schools. Many of them were not even born the last time the Statesmen and the Choctaws met. But with the enthusiasm of those who still tell the old stories and remember traveling back and forth between Cleveland and Clinton, word has started to get out. “We are excited about the opportunity to renew a great rivalry within our home state,” said Head Coach Todd Cooley. “We look forward to competing with MC this year and in the future. I feel that this will be good for both schools.” Cooley and his staff have been educating the players about the tradition of the Heritage Bell Trophy. Just having the trophy back on the Delta State campus has ignited something within the team. This is their trophy, and they don’t plan on giving it back anytime soon.
The Statesmen and Choctaws will face off once again at Parker Field-McCool Stadium
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 19
Heritage Bell Trophy
1979 This photo from 1979 shows the first presentation of the Heritage Bell Trophy. Delta State presented the trophy to Mississippi College. From left: Suzanna LaForge, DSU Student Government President; Dr. Kent Wyatt, President of Delta State; Bobby Moore, President DSU Alumni Association; Harry Upton, President MC Alumni Association; Dr. Lewis Nobles, President of Mississippi College; and Tom Alexander, President of Student Body at MC.
18 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2014
1985 The rivalry between the fans became intense as the years went on. Fans would deck out in their school’s colors to show their team spirit.
1987 A Statesmen football player proudly displays the Heritage Bell Trophy after defeating Mississippi College 21–10.
Through The Years Delta State leads the all-time series 17–15–2, but in the Heritage Bell Rivalry the Choctaws lead the series 10–6–1. Delta State won the final two games in the series, winning 14–0 in Clinton in 1994 and 14–0 in Cleveland in 1995.
1987 In the 1987 game, the Statesmen upset the Choctaws 21–10, bringing the trophy back to Delta State.
1990 The 1990 Statesmen defeated the Choctaws to keep the Heritage Bell in Cleveland.
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 19
Growing Up Green & White P.J. Davis has spent countless hours on the Delta State Baseball Field. He’s been on campus more times than he can count, and his closet is full of DSU gear, but he’s only 13 years old. Delta State has been a part of P.J.’s life since before he was born. His grandmother, Susan Davis Maiten ’76, and his parents, Patrick ’96 and Tomeka ’95, are alumni of Delta State, and his sister, Courtney, is currently pursuing a degree in Biology and will graduate in December. As a “Delta State Legacy,” P.J. has learned what it means to “Grow up Green and White.” “He attends functions there, he goes to camps there, so it’s what he knows,” said Patrick. “I’m sure when he gets older and has the chance to go out and see other schools, he’ll compare it to what’s comfortable to him. I can see him wanting to continue the tradition as well. It’s his school.” Whether or not P.J. ultimately decides to attend Delta State, he is aware of what life at Delta State is like. With the establishment of 20 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2014
the Delta State Legacy Program, the Alumni Association hopes to groom more children of alumni like P.J. to treat Delta State as “their school” as opposed to “Mom’s school” or “Dad’s School.” Alumni can enroll their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc . . . in the Delta State University National Alumni Association Legacy Program, and they will receive free Statesmen/Okra-themed, age-appropriate gifts, invitations to campus activities (Athletic Department sports camps, BPAC summer camps, Okra Kids Camp), or personalized postcards on each birthday through age 16. At the age of 16, legacies’ names are turned over to the Admissions Department and will begin being recruited by their area Admissions Recruiter. The Alumni Association’s definition of a legacy is anyg child fortunate enough to have one or even two parents, grandparents, or legal guardians who are alums or friends of Delta State University.
“By branding legacies with Delta State at an early age, we hope that they will remember Delta State when it comes time for them to choose a college to attend,” said Jeffrey Farris, director of alumni affairs. “The goal is to help recruit more quality students and help spread the word of what Delta State has to offer.”
The Legacy Program will go into effect in January 2015. To enroll your legacy, visit www.deltastategiving.org/alumniassociation/ deltastateuniversitylegacyprogram.
It was a banner night on June 26 for the Delta State University Department of Athletics at the Gulf South Conference Awards Banquet held inside the Hilton Pensacola Beach Conference Center. DSU claimed the Men’s All-Sports Trophy, Annalee Pierce was recognized as a GSC Top 10 honoree, and Jordan Chovanec became the 13th Commissioner’s Trophy winner in the school’s history.
Jordan Chovanec (Baseball, Senior, Inez, TX) is DSU’s second Male Commissioner’s Trophy winner in three years after former Statesmen quarterback Micah Davis held the trophy in 2012, pushing the Inez, TX, native pushes the number of all-time baseball winners to 12 and increasing Delta State’s all-time Commissioner’s Trophy lead to 13. The Commissioner’s Trophy is the highest honor bestowed by the Conference and one of the most prestigious individual honors in Division II. The league initiated the men’s award in 1974–75 and added the women’s honor in 1982–83. The Commissioner’s Trophies were announced at the annual GSC Awards Banquet where the Conference also recognized its “Top Ten” recipients (released on June 23) and All-Sports Trophy Champions (Overall: West Florida, Men: Delta State, Women: West Florida). Chovanec was exemplary in his senior season, both on and off the field, hitting .330 with nine doubles, four triples, a homerun and 35 RBI in 2014. He earned a plethora of conference and regional accolades. He was named GSC Player of the Week and NCBWA Region Player of the Week (04/7). He earned a place on the All-GSC First Team, the ABCA/
Rawlings All-Region Second Team, Daktronics All-South Region Second Team and NCBWA All-South Region Second Team. His stellar 1.000 fielding percentage also earned him an ABCA/Rawlings South Region Gold Glove Award. He also made the watch lists for two College Baseball Lineup awards, the Tino Martinez, for National DII Player of the Year, and the Josh Willingham, which is given to the Most Valuable DII Player. His biggest honor of 2014 was being named DSU’s Charles S. Kerg Senior Athlete of the Year Award. With a 3.75 GPA, Chovanec was named to the GSC Academic Honor Roll and secured a spot as a GSC All-Academic Team honoree. He assisted in off-campus community service in 2014 with the Women’s Resource Center in helping with landscape and lawn care, engaged in the Pearman Reading Program, and took part in the Cleveland Downtown Cleanup. Senior cross country standout Annalee Pierce was also recognized for her outstanding career. Pierce has embraced the NCAA Division II model of “Life in the Balance,” not only excelling on cross country courses but also demonstrating a strong commitment to her campus and local communities. The team captain earned GSC Runner of the Week honors in 2013, while also running her way to her third consecutive All-GSC post-season team, finishing in 19th place at the Conference Championship meet. Academically, the senior carries a 3.86 gradepoint average in her Business Management major. She earned back-to-back spots on the GSC Fall All-Academic Team and became a
four-time member of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association AllAmerica and All-South Region Teams. The Yazoo City, MS, native also made the Delta State President’s List for Fall 2013 and Spring 2014, was the recipient of the Management Student Excellence Award, and earned memberships to the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, and the Delta Mu Delta National Business Honor Society. Pierce has demonstrated strong leadership qualities on campus, serving as a chair on the school’s Student Government Association for four years, heading the university’s FCA Leadership Team since 2010, and working on the DSU Hall of Fame Selection Committee in 2013 and 2014. Pierce shared her community service efforts throughout the Southeast to the continent of Africa. She led the DSU Pearman Elementary School Reading Project for two years and coordinated the Crosstie 5K, the DSU Triathlon, and the DSU Trunk or Treat for three years. Pierce worked with tornado relief efforts in Birmingham, AL, and Yazoo City, and traveled to Accra, Ghana, to work with the Rafiki Orphanage. Thirteen student-athletes (eight females and five males) were nominated for the GSC’s 18th Annual “Top Ten” (previously the “Top Eight” until 2005), which combines athletic achievements and academic excellence with extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service. The male(s) and female(s) earning the most points receive the Commissioner’s Trophy.
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 21
Delta State blues project receives large-scale funding To further establish its standing as the academic home of the blues, Delta State University is proud to announce the creation of the International Delta Blues Project. The three-tiered project will feature an International Conference on the Blues, development of a blues curriculum, and a Blues Leadership Incubator, which will align with GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. “Delta State’s vision of becoming the academic center for the blues is gaining traction,” said President William N. LaForge. “I am pleased to announce that Delta State has received a $598,000 grant over a three-year period from the Robert M. Hearin Foundation to support the International Delta Blues Project.” The Hearin Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Jackson, has supported Delta State through numerous grants over the years. The organization backs Mississippi
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higher education and economic development. Robin Boyles, director of the Office of Institutional Grants at Delta State, said the grant would provide numerous opportunities for a number of departments on campus. “This multi-faceted project will increase opportunities for academic study in a multitude of disciplines, as well as create jobs in various sectors of the creative economy,” said Boyles. “We are grateful to the Hearin Foundation for the continued support they have provided throughout the years.” Charles McAdams, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said Delta State deserves to be coined the academic center of blues studies. Progress is underway to establish a blues studies minor that could move into an academic major for students wanting to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees. The hope is to bring visiting scholars, lecturers, artists, and artists‐in‐residence to
the Delta to teach and learn the blues. “Delta State University is the rightful place for an academic study of the blues and blues culture,” said McAdams. “We are fully committed and uniquely positioned to be the center for blues studies in the world. The Delta Blues is a separate genre of music that has influenced many other styles of music and continues to be a prominent style on its own today. “This grant will enable us to systematically approach the development of a blues curriculum. We will carefully design a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the blues, which will include music, art, literature, history, economics, and social justice.” Co-chairs of the International Conference on the Blues, Don Allan Mitchell and Shelley Collins, are thrilled to see support for this unique programming. “Shelley and I were excited to be part of
“Delta State University is the rightful place for an academic study of the blues and blues culture. We are fully committed and uniquely positioned to be the center for blues studies in the world. The delta blues is a separate genre of music that has influenced many other styles of music and continues to be a prominent style on its own today.” – DR. CHARLES MCADAMS
the Hearin grant proposal team,” said Mitchell. “When we looked for models for a blues studies curriculum, we kept two ideas in mind. The first was that we wanted to build on the strengths of Delta State, such as our music department and our Delta Music Institute, but also The Delta Center for Culture and Learning and the wide array of faculty who are interested in interdisciplinary studies. “Secondly, we wanted to make sure that current faculty would have opportunities to experiment with teaching the blues in a variety of contexts. Our current Delta State faculty and students will first see the Hearin Foundation’s generosity at work at the International Conference on the Blues scheduled for October 6–7.” The annual conference will feature a full schedule of workshops, presentations, and performances that take not only an academic approach to the blues, but also one that is accessible to even casual blues fan. Topics of interest will include: AfricanAmerican musical tradition; influence on American music and culture; the blues; folklore; history; ethnicity; the Delta; and more. Featured speakers and performers will include GRAMMY Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli; GRAMMY-winning artist Alvin Youngblood Hart; and Scott
Barretta, host of the “Highway 61 Radio Show” for Mississippi Public Broadcasting. While the focus will be academic, a unique feature will be the Juke Joint on the Stage. This sampler concert/jam session will include local musicians, visitors, and scholars. Local artists interested in performing are asked to email blues@deltastate.edu. This interdisciplinary conference will be free to Delta State faculty, staff, and students, with many opportunities for the Delta State family to learn about the Delta’s rich African-American blues tradition. The third tier of the project — the Blues Leadership Incubator — allows for community outreach and engagement through public lectures and workshops that have practical applications in entrepreneurship and economic development. It also aligns with the great anticipation for GRAMMY Museum Mississippi. Slated to open on Delta State’s campus in 2015, the museum will become the only GRAMMY museum in the world outside of Los Angeles. “With the opening of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in 2015, and the anticipated tourism that will accompany this opening, it is imperative that Delta State provides opportunities for local business owners to gain insight and knowledge on how best to promote and portray the blues, and to be able to communicate its rich tradition,”
said LaForge. “The project will maximize Delta State’s existing partnerships with entities such as the Mississippi Development Authority and the Mississippi Blues Trail to bring experts to the region to engage local businesses and entrepreneurs in promoting and providing positive Delta‐centric tourism experiences.” LaForge added that Delta State is eager to enhance its role as a beacon of opportunity in the region. “Delta State University’s International Delta Blues Project is poised to have a significant impact on the Mississippi Delta in many critical areas, including an increase in tourism to the Delta, a revival in the interest of the blues, increased opportunities for study and employment in the creative economy, and growth in the number of economic partnerships created. “With the engagement of the Hearin Foundation as a partner, Delta State is ready to launch this creative and meaningful project. We look forward to the effort and support ahead as we realize the vision of becoming the academic center of the blues.”
Learn more about the project and follow conference details at www.deltastate.edu/ president/international-blues-conference.
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 23
PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT
Josh Armstrong Assistant Band Director and Professor of Music
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Q. Where are you originally from? A. I grew up in a small town right outside of Houston, TX, called Manvel. The town, along with the neighboring town, was about the size of Cleveland.
Q. Where did you go to school, and what did you study? A. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance from Texas Tech University. I went on to receive my Doctor of Musical Arts Degree with a minor in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Arizona.
Q. How long have you been at Delta State? A. I am just now finishing my third year at Delta State. Q. What brought you here? A. One of the big draws was the fact that there was a steel drum band here, and that I could be the Assistant Director of Bands as well. I felt that this was a job that afforded me the opportunity to put into use all of the skills I had worked on for so long in school.
Q. What courses do you teach? A. That’s quite a list it seems. I teach all private percussion lessons, percussion ensemble, two steel drum bands, and co-direct the Community Drumming and Dance Experience. I am also in charge of the drumline with the marching band, conduct the symphonic band, and direct the basketball pep band.
Photo by Rory Doyle
Q. What do you like most about Delta State? A. I love the smaller school setting. I did my degrees at larger universities, and while I did get to know some professors on a more personal level, I didn’t get to know that many of them. Here, I feel that I get to know more students on a one-on-one basis. I think that makes for an excellent academic environment, where the students feel, and know, that their professors actually care about them. One other aspect is the support I feel I’ve received from the Cleveland community. Our steel band has played at Crosstie, and for local parties, as well as playing for trivia at Hey Joe’s. The percussion ensemble has also played at a variety of locations throughout the Cleveland area. The local business owners have always been inviting and very receptive to letting us perform around the community, instead of just performing on campus.
Q. What do you like most about teaching? A. It may sound cheesy, but I love the moment when you see the light bulb turn on over a student’s head, that moment when they finally understand and can replicate a certain technique or musical idea. In the music arena, specifically with private lessons, I feel that I get to see that quite often. I like to push my students to work harder and play better music, and I have often heard them say, “I can’t do that.” Then after putting in the work, they suddenly get it, and their face just lights up. There’s something about that moment that I just love.
Q. What is your favorite memory as a professor? A. One thing Delta State does not lack in is creating memories! I would have to say my favorite moment so far actually just happened on April 10. We had our percussion ensemble concert, and I might have picked some pretty difficult music. The students worked so hard to learn the music; I hadn’t seen that intense level of effort up to that point. The concert went off splendidly and I was so proud of the students. I hope they learned that hard work really does pay off and never forget that feeling.
Q. What is one thing you hope your students will take away from having you as a teacher? A. Never stop having fun. Music is a job for me, but a job that I love. I once had a professor tell me that we “play” music, we don’t “work” music. We get to play for a living. Music is supposed to be fun, and I like to have fun doing it, and I hope my students learn that fact. There is hard work involved with the preparation, and it can be frustrating, but ultimately we get to play for a living.
Q. How would you encourage a prospective student to attend Delta State? A. Whenever I’m talking to a prospective student I always tell them to come visit us before making a decision on Delta State. Once I get a student on campus they usually fall in love with the school, and Cleveland. I always offer a free lesson to any student interested in coming here, which helps them to get a feel for how I teach.
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 25
WITH THE CLASSES
CLASS NOTES Garcia Named CEO of Foresters
Anthony (Tony) Garcia (’86) was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Foresters, an international financial services provider based in Canada. With more than 26 years of executive management and leadership experience in the U.S. life and annuity industry, Garcia was most recently President of Western and Southern Agency Group in Cincinnati, OH. Previously, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company. Other financial services industry experience includes positions with Allstate, HSBC, and the HealthMarkets life and health subsidiaries. Garcia currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the American College and Board of Trustees for the Center of Ethics for the American College. Formerly, he served on the Board of Directors for the American Council of Life Insurers. Garcia and his family will be relocating to Toronto and look forward to making Canada their home.
Ronald Braswell has been appointed chief of surgery at the Jackson VA hospital.
1970
Jay Fletcher was elected into the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Athletic Hall of Fame.
1972
Gary Walker has been named to Florida Super Lawyers 2014, a distinguished designation based on peer review and professional achievement. He has received this recognition every year since 2006. Gary is a partner at Allen Dell, P.A. in Tampa, where he practices in the areas of health care and corporate law.
1978
Robert Fahey was named Senior Vice President and Senior Commercial Banker at IBERIABANK in Baton Rouge, LA.
1979
Laureen Bagley, a partner with Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry Law Firm, has been elected to membership in the prestigious Fellows of the Texas Bar Foundation.
1981
Paula Simon Ainsworth has been selected as “Teacher of the Year” at Nettleton High School. She teaches special needs teenage students with intellectual disabilities and autism.
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Harry Lott, Jr. was promoted to Executive Vice President and elected to the Board of Directors of Cleveland State Bank.
1986
Monica Daniels was named Director of Annual Giving at Millsaps College. Anthony Garcia has been named the President and Chief Executive Officer of Foresters, an international financial services provider.
1987
John Strange is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, North Little Rock, AR.
1993
David Parker was named the Economic Development Director for the city of Gulfport.
1996
John Cox, of Cleveland, was named Super Lawyer Rising Star in the MidSouth by their magazine for the second consecutive year. He was also named the Top 10 under 40 for excellence in the field of family law by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys. He is the chairman of the State Presidents Group for USTA Southern.
1998
Gene Bell has been promoted to vice president and commercial relationship officer at Renasant Bank–Grenada.
1999
John Rouse has been selected to participate in The Mississippi Bar’s Leadership Forum Class of 2014. Dr. Dwaun Warmack has been named the President of Harris Stowe State University.
2005
Nicole Dozier was named Eighth Grade Outstanding Teacher at the Armstrong Middle School in Starkville.
2006
Valerie D. Fairley recently published her latest children’s book, Denver Joe’s Third Grad Experience. The official release date was July 22, and the book is currently available on the Tate Publishing Website. Charles Lamb was named Mississippi Highway Patrolmen Trooper of the Year for Troop D. Jonathan Stark, of Madison, was awarded territory manager of the year and received senior territory managing status.
2007
Baby Statesmen
Danny Strickland to M/M Reed Abraham ‘04 (Laura Howarth ‘09) on October 16, 2013.
Drew Fioranelli is now the GIS Director for Fauquier County, VA. Fauquier is home to the Marine Corps Base Quantico and Potomac Yards.
Thomas Randle to M/M Ryan England ’02 (Betsy Griffin ’00) on November 21, 2013.
Mitchell T. Pannel joined Kennedy and Coe, LLC as an agriculture technician in the AgKnowledge division.
2009
Charles Allen and Samuel Owen to M/M Darrin Hardesty ‘09 (Natalie Pickard ‘08) on May 28.
2010
Walter Raymond to M/M Justin Huerta ’07 (Tasha Belokon ’07) on October 15, 2013.
Jud Thigpen was named Head Baseball Coach at Pillow Academy in Greenwood.
Phillip Carter was named Director of the Bolivar County Library System.
THOMAS RANDLE ENGLAND
Hannah Grace to M/M Brian Jackson (Tara Wilson ’04) on July 26, 2013.
2012
Brittany Davis was named Assistant Director of Public Relations at Coahoma Community College.
Joseph Creed To M/M Charles Lamb ’06 (Bevin Lenahan ’11) on August 28, 2013.
2013
Lindsey Funk will teach junior high English in Leland this fall.
William Thomas to M/M Jonathan Stark ’06 (Vanessa Brooks ’07) on April 16, 2013.
Kevin Pearson is now a page designer at the Pulitzer Prize-winning Glens Falls Post-Star in Glens Falls, NY.
Stephen Thomas “Tripp” III to M/M Stephen Waggener, staff (Brittany Lawrence ‘09) on July 14.
2014
Hillary Ladner will teach middle school English and coach soccer in Biloxi.
JOSEPH CREED LAMB
Ellie Brooke to M/M Luis Ybarra ’07 (Natalie Ditcharro ’09) on March 12.
FACULTY/STAFF
Talbot Brooks, director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information Technologies, was recently selected to work as part of an Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) team addressing the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management activity. Renelda Owen’s English 204 course was selected by the national Canvas staff for a Canvas Showcase Award. Dr. Jim Tomek was selected as the 2013–14 Humanities Teacher Award.
Wedding Bells
Brittany Davis ’12 to LeMarrick Green on May 24. Jessica Griffith ’08 to Joey Parrott, of Cleveland, on February 22. Melissa Watkins to Brian Pender ’96, of Pearl, on April 25.
GRIFFITH-PARROT
Holly Radicioni ’03 to Timothy Williams, of Brandon, on March 8.
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 27
IN MEMORIAM Emily R. Baggett ’76, of Rolling Fork, on March 19.
Peggy A. Etheridge ’58, of Vicksburg, on December 6, 2013.
Samuel Steve Morlino ’76, of Leland, on February 17.
Marilyn Barnard, of Port Orange, FL, on April 12.
Georgia T. Fisher ’53, of Orange Beach, AL, on February 20.
Charles C. Newton (Friend), of Cleveland, on April 30.
Cynthia S. Barnes ’77, of Oxford, on May 21.
Evelyn B. Fondren ’37, of Memphis, TN, on December 23, 2013.
Charles Nichols ’83, of Greenwood, on January 6.
Robert C. Barrett ’53, of Baton Rouge, LA, on December 16, 2013.
Bettye E. Gartrell ’68, of Rosedale, on March 16.
Kathy T. Overstreet ’71, of Asbury Park, NJ, on February 2.
Sara B. Bean ’73, of Tupelo, on March 10.
Sarah Glassco ’52, of Memphis, TN, on December 26.
Annette B. Pavolini, of Long Beach, on December 6, 2013.
Byron Greene, of Crawfordville, AR, on March 9.
Phillip Payton ’98, of Jackson, on December 16, 2013.
Michael W. Haile ’70, of Marianna, FL, on April 29.
Marilyn Michael Ragan ’59, of Memphis, TN, on March 26.
Eugene W. Hanna Jr. ’68, of Grenada, on January 29.
Edgar A. Rector ’70, of Greenwood, IN, on February 13.
Diana L. Hawkins ’58, of Carrollton, on May 26.
Mary D. Reid ’72, of Jacksonville, AR, on March 8.
Earnest J. Hengst ’71, of Las Vegas, NV, on February 3.
Milton D. Richardson Jr ’91, of Yazoo City, on February 5.
Helen Herman (Attended), of Rolling Fork, on May 9.
Michael W. Rosa (Attended), of Itta Bena, on May 19.
William Herrington, of Clarksdale, on February 2.
Ann W. Sayle ’49, of Charleston, on December 29, 2013.
Ashley Ann Hopkins, of Gulfport, on April 29.
Audrey Scarborough ’73, of Meridian, on February 4.
Jerry A. Johnson ’64, of Pascagoula, on March 1.
Robert L. Schmitz, of Clarksdale, on April 23.
Joann H. Jones ’93, of Greenville, on February 1.
Ralph Self ’64, of Vaiden, on May 22.
Whitman A. Bell, of Clarksdale, on April 12. Susan B. Blaine ’68, of Greenville, on April 18. Opaline H. Brazil, of Southaven, on April 21. Lucille Brown ’35, of Oak Ridge, TN, on February 9. William “Bill” Buckner ’74, of Madison, on May 23. Mary Carunchio ’68, of Pensacola, FL, on March 17. Lucille B. Caruthers ’35, of Madison, on April 25. Valerie Christensen, of Cleveland, on June 5. Dr. Louise Clara ’66, of Glen Allen, VA, on March 14. Charlene S. Crumby ’63, of Greenville, on January 6. Emry J. Cumbaa ’88, of Leland, on February 6. Joe DiFabio ’73, of Cranford, NJ, on March 21. John D. Drainie ’74, of Beulah, on February 10.
James L. Long ’95, of Cleveland, on March 27. Dr. Lawrence Lee Magee (Faculty), of Cleveland, on March 4.
Carmen Smith ’73, of Greenville, on March 18. William Ross Smith Jr. ’76, of Fort Worth, TX, on December 13, 2013.
William T. Martin, of Madison, on May 17.
Adelyn Stokes ’67, of Greenville, on February 19.
Mary McGuffee ’58, of Jackson, on February 12.
George M. Templeton ’75, of Shaw, on March 25.
Freddy Easterling, of Tupelo, on December 17, 2013.
Percy E. McInnis, of Vicksburg, on April 30.
Kenneth Turfitt ’80, of Ridgeland, on March 1.
Michael T. Engle ’77, of Madison, on January 29.
Daniel C. Medley, of Humble, TX, on January 29.
Sim C. Dulaney Jr. ’50, of Port Gibson, on December 1, 2013.
*Due to space limitations, beginning with the Summer 2013 Delta State Magazine, listing priority in the “With the Classes” section of the Alumni & Foundation magazine will be given to dues-paying members of the Delta State University Alumni Association. To submit a Class Note, Baby Statesmen, Wedding Bells, In Memoriam, or Miles Away photo, send it to alumni@deltastate.edu or DSU Box 3104, Cleveland, MS 38733. The Association relies on numerous sources for “With the Classes” information and is unable to verify all notes with individual alumni.
28 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2014
Delta State’s Career Services is customizable to meet the demands of your organization, providing access to our quality students.
Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 31
MILES AWAY
Where has the road taken you? Share your travels with us. Let us see where you’re reading the Delta State Alumni & Foundation magazine. Email your photos to alumni@deltastate.edu.
5,299 MILES AWAY
Peggy Lucius Palmer ’66 in Rome, Italy.
1,627 Miles Away
rol Larry Laster ’76 and Ca as, Veg Las in Laster ’89 Nevada.
y r es Awa ne Kelle 749 Mil nelli ’72, Katheri ll, Charles e ra ss io ki F a Ru Vic ind rst ’96, L ussell Batenho 2, and Terry R ’7 e, FL. lli in e n st Fiora St. Augu in ) d e (attend
9,833 Miles Away
4,634 Miles Away
Beth Rogers ’76 in Paris, France.
30 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2014
Amanda Santmyer ’13 in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Taken in the Eastern Cape of South Africa while completing research for Delta State’s MAS GIS program through Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
AN EVENING WITH CLINT BLACK
THURSDAY • SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 • 7:30 PM
CIRCUS ELECTRONICA
TUESDAY • OCTOBER 7, 2014 • 7:30 PM
SISTER ACT
ANYTHING GOES
TUESDAY • JANUARY 27, 2015 • 7:30 PM
POPOVICH
THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 5, 2015 • 7:00 PM
THE GREAT GATSBY
TUESDAY • NOVEMBER 11, 2014 • 7:30 PM
THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 26, 2015 • 7:30 PM
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER , THE MUSICAL
THE HEART BEHIND THE MUSIC
TUESDAY • DECEMBER 9, 2014 • 7:00PM
TUESDAY • MARCH 24, 2015 • 7:30 PM
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
TUESDAY • APRIL 28, 2015 • 7:30 PM
FOR TICKETS, CALL OR VISIT US ONLINE | (662) 846-4626 | WWW.BOLOGNAPAC.COM Summer 2014 • Delta State Magazine • 33
ALUMNI HAPPENINGS
Delta State Alumni at Coahoma County College Day in Clarksdale, MS.
Charter Members of the Advisory Board for the Division of Family and Consumer Sciences.
Alumni and friends gathered at Bayou Bluff Tennis Club for the Gulf Coast Alumni Chapter Meeting.
Alumni and friends at MS in the Park this summer in Central Park, New York City.
Vicki Fioranelli ’68, Mike Palazola (attended), and Jeffrey Farris ’04 at the Memphis Alumni Meeting.
Alumni and friends at Mississippi on the Mall in Chastain Park in Atlanta, GA, this summer.
Spring Heflin Nunnelee ’89, President LaForge, Dave Heflin ’62, and Brenda Heflin at the Deoto County Alumni Event in August.
Committee Members of the Jackson Alumni Chapter met twice to help plan the annual event.
Floyd Eppinette ’57, Coach Todd Cooley, Fred Foster ’55, and Newt Willis ’74 at the Natchez Alumni Social.
UPCOMING REUNIONS Kappa Alpha Order will celebrate 50 years on campus at Homecoming this year. For more information, contact Will Bradham at bradhamwill@yahoo.com. The Delta State Class of 1964 will be the featured class at Homecoming this year. They will be inducted into the prestigious Golden Circle at the Alumni Awards and Gala Dinner Friday, November 14.
The undefeated 1954 Football Team will have their 60-year reunion this year at Homecoming (November 14 & 15). All football players and cheerleaders from that season are invited to attend. The Alumni Association is hosting a reunion for the students who attended the Hill Demonstration School, which was in operation from 1927 to 1957. The event is scheduled for the weekend of October 17 and 18 in Cleveland.
For additional information on any of these events, contact the Alumni Association at (662) 846-4660 or alumni@deltastate.edu.
32 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2014
Become a Sustaining Life Member Today! By becoming a Sustaining Life Member, you are making a difference in the lives of Delta State students. This program was launched for current paid-in-full lifetime members of the Delta State University Alumni Association who are looking for ways to provide additional annual support. By donating a yearly gift of $100, you will be supporting the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Scholarship and helping a deserving student complete their education. Sustaining Life Members will be recognized for their generosity in an issue of the Delta State Magazine and listed on the Alumni Association’s website. They will also receive a Sustaining Life Member Certificate and a special edition 2014 lapel pin.
2014 Sustaining Life Members Lana Aguzzi
Julie Jackson
Michael Aguzzi
Leslie Jenkins
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Aguzzi
Thomas Lampkin
Mike and Angel Ainsworth
Pat Lewis
Stephen Baronich
Cynthia McNair
Mr. and Mrs. John Brown
George Miller, Jr.
Dr. Robert Buckley, Jr.
George Miller, Sr.
Drs. Walker and Sharon
David Neal
Campbell
Joseph Smith
Mr. and Mrs. James Carter
Dr. Rose Strahan
Karen Cummins
Sara Trotter
Mr. and Mrs. Archie Dean
Jay and Shirley Turner
Martha Evans
Newt Willis
Vicki Fioranelli
Joyce Dugan Wood
John Fletcher
Paula Yeska
Dr. Leslie Griffin Hal and Elizabeth Holbrook
*As of August 15, 2014
For more information, contact the Alumni Association at (662) 846-4660 or email alumni@deltastate.edu.
DSU Box 3104 1003 West Sunflower Road Cleveland, MS 38733 www.deltastate.edu In an effort to reduce our environmental impact, only one magazine per household is mailed.
Help Us Reach 800 Purchase your DSU Alumni Tag Today alumni@deltastate.edu 662.846.4660