Alumni Events

2019 Alumni Awards Gala

The Delta State University Alumni Association held its annual Alumni Awards Gala on Nov. 8, 2019, in the State Room in the H.L. Nowell Student Union during the 87 th Homecoming weekend. Delta State President William N. LaForge and Alumni Association President Patrick Davis welcomed the class of 1969 into the Golden Circle and recognized DSU Hall of Fame inductees and service award winners. Not pictured among the awardees: Dr. James Robinson ’66, a Hall of Fame inductee whose gala photo appears in his feature story on page 20; and Dr. Fred Pittman, of Sullivan’s Island, SC, a retired internist and specialist in digestive diseases and gastroenterology, recipient of the Gladys Castle “Friend of Delta State” Service Award.

Dr. Tyrone Jackson ’94, ’98, ’05 of Morehead: Hall of Fame inductee and Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award.

Renee Selby Deweese ’92 of Madison: Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Service Award.

Sam G. Britt of Cleveland: Legacy Award (former faculty).

Jessica M. Johnson ’05 of Cordova, TN: Kent Wyatt “Young Alumnus” Service Award.

Laura Haddock ’90 of Germantown, TN: Hall of Fame inductee.

David Heflin ’62 of Louin: Henry Outlaw Retired Faculty/Staff Alumni Service Award. His daughter, Spring Heflin Nunnelee, accepted the award on his behalf. Will Bradham ’01 of Cleveland: Hall of Fame inductee.

DeSoto County Chapter

Members of the prestigious Golden Circle—those who have graduated from Delta State 50+ years ago—pose with their commemorative medallions.

The Delta State University Alumni Association DeSoto County Chapter held its annual event on Oct. 26, 2019, at BankPlus Training Center in Southaven. Alumni enjoyed dinner and a silent auction. Delta State President William N. LaForge; Athletic Director Mike Kinnison ’77, ’78; and Dean of Education and Human Sciences Dr. Leslie Griffin ‘86, ‘91 spoke. The chapter awarded three $1,000 scholarships to local students who will attend DSU. Not pictured: DeSoto County scholarship recipient Anna Gregg.

Rick Munroe, vice president of university advancement and external relations, welcomes members of the Golden Circle during a social at Delta Meat Market in the Cotton House hotel in Cleveland on Nov. 7, 2019. Students stoke school spirit at a pep rally on Nov. 7.

The Homecoming parade begins with students holding a banner that displays DSU pride.

The Delta State University Band performs at the Homecoming parade.

L to R: Student Ambassadors Stephen Turner, a math education major ’23, Whitney Matthews, a graphic design major ’20, and Brittany Smith, a psychology major ’24, prepare free meals for alumni for tailgating, a new Homecoming activity, in Statesmen Park, before the football game on Nov. 9.

Jamal Jones ’15 tailgates for Homecoming.

President LaForge rides in the Homecoming parade.

Also part of Homecoming week: a lip sync contest on Nov. 7.

Students enjoy Aux Cord Wars on Nov. 6.