Spring 2011 Alumni Magazine

SUMMER 2011

THE MAGAZINE FOR DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

HOUSE COMES HOME

Patrick House talks about losing & winning

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 Contents Summer 2011 Alumni Magazine President .......................................................... Dr. John Hilpert Executive Director, Alumni-Foundation.................Keith Fulcher

Alumni Magazine Advisory Committee: Editor .....................................................................Jeffrey Farris Alumni Board Representative ....................................John Cox Foundation Board Representative ...................... Mike Neyman Alumni Staff Representative................................... Bevin Lamb Alumni Staff Representative...................................Liza Vaughn Foundation Representative ...................................... Ann Giger Athletics Department Editor .....................................Matt Jones Athletics Representative .................................Jeremy McClain Communications and Marketing Editor............. Michael Gann

Board of Directors Delta State University Alumni Association:

FEATURES NEVER SAY NEVER

Jutta Ferretti Defies Odds to Become Delta State’s Eldest Graduate

THE BIGGEST WINNER Delta State Graduate Patrick House’s Life-Changing Success Story

George Bassi, President; Richard Myers, President Elect; Serena Clark, Secretary/Treasurer; John Cox, Past President; Mike Neyman, Foundation President; Lana Aguzzi, Rob Armour, Johnny Arnold, Patrick Davis, Amanda Fontaine, Sayward Fortner, Lylla Joe, Chrissy LaMastus, Felecia Lee, George Miller, David Parker, Jeremy Pittman, Ron Selby, Chris Shivers, Lauren St. Columbia, Karen Swain, Walter Trevathan, Lynn Weaver

Board of Directors Delta State University Foundation, Inc: Mike Neyman, President; Anne Weissinger, Vice President; Tim Harvey, Secretary/Treasurer; Judson Thigpen, Past President; George Bassi, Alumni President; David Abney, Dr. Bill Alford, Louis Baioni, Anita Bologna, Ike Brunetti, Hunter Cade, Jeff Ross Capwell, John Crawford, Rex DeLoach, Keith Derbes, Dr. Anna Looney Dill, Hank Drake, Webster Franklin, Bryce Griffis, Laird Hamberlin, Earnest Hart, Tim Harvey, Tom Janoush, Peter Jernberg, Gloria Johnson, Ed Kossman, Jr., Rex Lyon, Ned Mitchell, Billy Nowell, Carol Puckett, Randy Randall, Nan Sanders, Deanie Stein, Jeff Tarver, Sam Waggoner, Brian Waldrop, Margaret Walker, Alan Walters, Dr. David Weber, Dr. Bennie Wright, Dr. Lynn Varner

The Alumni & Foundation Magazine is published by the Delta State University Alumni & Foundation DSU Box 3104, 1003 West Sunflower Road Cleveland, MS 38733 E-Mail: alumnimagazine@deltastate.edu Phone: 662.846.4660

Art and Layout by Mothlite Media mothlitemedia.com

Special Thanks to our Delta State Alumni Association Corporate Sponsors

STATESMEN LEVEL

Cleveland Medical Clinic, PLLC and Wright Surgical Services

Dr. Henry Outlaw ’61 and Dave Heflin ’62 along with Delta State Outdoor Recreation students on the Nantahala River in North Carolina.

THRILL SEEKER

Dave Heflin’s Quest to Keep the DSU Outdoor Recreation Program Afloat

DEPARTMENTS 2 President’s Message

8 Athletics

3 Alumni Message

12 Development

4 Campus Briefs

24 With the Classes

OKRA LEVEL

On the cover: Patrick Davis

Former Statesmen Patrick House in front of the Billy Dorgan Jr. Student Performance Center at Parker Field/McCool Stadium. Photo by Suzi Altman.

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 1

 President’s Message Dear Alumni and Friends, Universities would not thrive without strong and active alumni, and Delta State is fortunate to have a great Alumni Association that supports our university’s faculty, students, and programs. To pay tribute to and express appreciation to those who manage the affairs of the organization as members of the Alumni Board, I have listed below those who serve. The information includes names, year of baccalaureate graduation, current career position, and community of residence (Mississippi unless otherwise indicated). It is an impressive group.

Officers of the Board • President: George Bassi (’87), Executive Director, Lauren Rodgers Museum of Art, Laurel • President Elect: Richard Myers (’91), Partner, Stites and Harbison, Brentwood, TN • Past President: John Cox (’96), Attorney, Cox and Moore, Cleveland • Secretary: Serena Clark (’97), AvantGarde Strategies, LLC, Madison Members of the Board • George Miller (’00), Vice President of Development, Southern College of Optometry, Southaven • Rob Armour (’95), First Vice President of Marketing, Trustmark Bank in Jackson, Madison • Chris Shivers (’94), Farm Bureau, Hattiesburg • Patrick Davis (’96), State Farm Agent, Boyle • Ron Selby (’91), Sales Representative, Sanofi-Aventis, Leland • David Parker (’93), Senior Vice President Economic Development, Electric Power Associations of MS, Brandon • Sayward Fortner (’04), Attorney, Cleveland • Amanda Fontaine (’94), Executive Director of Mississippi Firefighters Memorial Burn Association, Inc., Brandon • Felecia Lee (’01), Art Teacher, Pearl High School, Brandon • John Arnold (’58), Teacher (retired), Cleveland • Karen Swain (’01), Special Agent Auditor, Clarksdale • Jeremy Pittman (’05), Instructor, Coahoma Community College, Cleveland • Chrissy Lamastus (’96), North Sunflower Medical Hospital, Cleveland

• Emily Hearn (current student), President, Student Government Association, Cleveland • Laura St. Columbia (current student), President, Student Alumni Association, Cleveland • Walter Trevathan, II (’97), Pilot, Pinnacle Airlines, Collierville, TN • Lynn Weaver (’97), Music Teacher, Petal High School, Raymond • Lana Aguzzi (’03), Radiation Therapist, Northwest Regional Medical Center, Cleveland • Lylla Joe (’00), Community Outreach Coordinator, MS Organ Agency, Madison • Mike Neyman (’72), Consultant, Hernando

The Alumni board works each year to raise money and generate support by holding annual events at home and in cities throughout Mississippi and elsewhere. The board members network with other members of the Delta State University family during these events. They have consistently worked to increase the attendance and support at DSU events and have had much success. The Alumni Association continues its work to build the organization toward an even more positive future.

We are tremendously grateful to all who serve and all who give. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John M. Hilpert President

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 Alumni Message Dear Alumni and Friends: I am honored and privileged to serve as the President of the DSU Alumni Association, particularly since I had the opportunity to work in the Alumni and Foundation office for five years after graduating from Delta State in 1987. Those five years under Hugh Ellis Walker, Executive Director of Alumni and Foundation, enhanced my appreciation for our university and the importance of the Alumni Association. They also fueled my commitment to make sure that I stay involved in the life of the institution that gave me so much.

I must commend my predecessor, John Cox, for his leadership as President of the Alumni Association over the past two years. John is an untiring supporter of Delta State and one of our most passionate ambassadors—he has set a strong course for the Alumni Association. I also want to thank those serving on the Alumni Association Board of Directors, all of whom were more than willing to become involved. I am grateful as well for the leadership provided by the Alumni Association staff.

Since I, too, have worked in the office, I have a unique perspective and special appreciation for them and their efforts to promote DSU. I hope that my two years as President will encourage all alumni to reconnect with their alma mater.

Specifically, I hope you will attend a chapter meeting when one is held in your local area, visit the campus at every opportunity, become a dues-paying member of the Alumni Association, and, most importantly, encourage a high school student to attend DSU. Our university needs all of us to participate in its activities and growth, and I look forward to your involvement. Go Statesmen!

All my best,

George Bassi ’87

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 3

 Campus Briefs School-community partnership programs receive Governor’s Awards The Mississippi Association of Partners in Education (MAPE) recognized Mississippi’s top school-community partnerships during the Governor’s Awards luncheon on Wednesday, March 23, at the Jackson Marriott Downtown.

The luncheon was part of the 26th annual State Conference co-hosted for the first time

by MAPE and the Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS), Inc. Two of the Governor’s Award winners honored at the luncheon were programs through the College of Education at Delta State University that partnered with schools in the Cleveland School District.

The results show a higher percentage of students have moved to the “healthy zone” with a decrease of students in the “at risk” category.

During fall 2010 and spring 2011 Delta State University’s Healthy Campus/ Community Initiative worked with Bell Academy in Boyle to engage fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students in a nutrition and fitness awareness program called Fit-Tastic Fridays. The purpose of the program was to improve diet and fitness habits and education, and it involved a registered dietitian, fitness coordinator, and Delta State physical education and nutrition majors to provide professional oversight and instruction. Activities included hands-on nutrition and fitness activities and parental involvement.

Fit-Tastic Fridays were created to encourage positive behavioral changes and to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Assessments of the program showed a 23% increase in knowledge of healthy nutrition and 18% increase in the number of students enjoying physically-active games at recess.

For the past three years, the Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER), with the Cleveland School District, has been involved in Project PEAK (Physical Education and Active Lifestyle for Kids).

The partnership created the Carol M. White Physical Education Program grant to provide funding for PE equipment, staff, and support.

PEAK Project has provided the Cleveland School District with improved capabilities to meet Code 4012 of the Mississippi Public Schools Accountability Standards. With more than fifty volunteers, over 3,500 students have been impacted through this partnership.

The results show a higher percentage of students have moved to the “healthy zone” with a decrease of students in the “at risk” category. Gains were made in optimal body fat percentage, cardiovascular fitness, abdominal muscular fitness, and upper-body flexibility.

A K–12 district curriculum guide was implemented to coordinate Physical Education instruction.

“Partnerships provide resources and funding for many innovative programs that simply wouldn’t exist without a communitysupport network,” said Debbie Anglin, MAPE president and director of communications for the Pascagoula School District. “In the face of mounting budget cuts in education, partnerships continue providing the resources that schools need to offer creative, high-quality learning opportunities that benefit students, teachers, parents, and communities.”

The Governor’s Award selection committee, comprising representatives from business, industry, nonprofits, and education, judged each entry using a uniform set of criteria to measure overall effectiveness of partnership activities.

Graduate student Tabatha Salsbury, a PEAK Project instructor provided by Delta State University, leads an exercise session for Cypress Park Elementary students.

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For information about the State Conference and Governor’s Awards, visit www.mapie.org or www.preps.msstate.edu. Details about each partnership are posted on the website.

Miriam C. Davis,

NEWSMAKERS

Dr. Lizbeth Carlson and Debra Allen of the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing at Delta State University were honored by the Mississippi Association of Student Nurses.

Carlson was named 2010 MASN Dean of the Year, and Allen was named 2010 MASN Advisor of the Year. MASN represents nursing faculty and students from schools throughout Mississippi including associate and baccalaureate degree programs.

Delta State Chorale performs at the 2010 ACDA Southern Division Conference in Memphis.

Delta State Chorale invited to perform at New York City’s Carnegie Hall Distinguished Concerts International New York City (DCINY) recently announced that Richard Waters and the Delta State University Chorale are invited to participate in a performance of The Choral Music of Eric Whitacre at the DCINY Concert Series in New York.

The performance at Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium will take place on April 1, 2012. These outstanding musicians will join other choristers to form the Distinguished Concerts Singers International, a choir of distinction. Composer/conductor Eric Whitacre will lead the performance and serve as clinician for the residency.

“The Delta State University Chorale received this invitation because of the quality and high level of musicianship demonstrated by its singers. It is quite an honor just to be invited to perform in New York. These wonderful musicians not only represent a

high quality of music and education, but they also become ambassadors for the entire community. This is an event of extreme pride for everybody and deserving of the community’s recognition and support,” said Dr. Jonathan Griffith, artistic director and principal conductor for DCINY. The singers will spend five days and four nights in New York City in preparation for their concert. “They’ll spend approximately 9–10 hours in rehearsals over the five-day residency.” says Griffith. “Not all of the time will be spent in rehearsals, since there is so much history and culture to see in New York City. However, the performance is the primary purpose for their visit to the city.”

Members of the community are encouraged to give financial support in sending these singers to New York by contacting the DSU Foundation at 662.846.4704 or via email at foundation@deltastate.edu.

Dr. Temika Michael Simmons, assistant professor of psychology at Delta State University, received the 2011 Distinguished Dissertation Award presented by the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools at its annual conference in Huntsville, AL. Simmons presented her dissertation research, wherein she developed a reliable scale in measuring relationships and saliency in identity development, teaching efficacy, and career expectations among graduate students.

Jeff Slagell, dean of Library Services at Delta State University, was elected American Library Association Councilor for the state of Mississippi.

Slagell will serve as a liaison between the Mississippi Library Association and the American Library Association and vote on behalf of the state of Mississippi at national meetings. Slagell also serves as chair of the Mississippi University Library Directors’ Council.

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 5

 Campus Briefs

Delta State partnering with Harvard Medical School Delta State University’s Division of Biological and Physical Sciences has formed a partnership with Harvard Medical School (HMS), allowing ten Delta State students to attend the New England Science Symposium (NESS) held in Boston on April 1. The event was a national symposium providing students and faculty an opportunity to meet representatives from the

world’s leading pharmaceutical companies and premiere medical schools and a chance to participate for scholarships.

Established in 2002, the NESS promotes careers in biomedical sciences. It provides a forum for students to share their biomedical and health-related research activities through posters and oral presentations. It’s also a way for students to engage in discussions related to career development in the sciences and to exchange ideas while expanding their professional networks.

J.L. Hubbard, Jr., M.D., adjunct professor of biology, Dr. Eric Blackwell, assistant professor of biology, and graduate student Justin Johnson have been selected to present research projects at the symposium. These include Hubbard’s abstract of placental stem cell research in comparison with other regions of the country and Blackwell/Johnson’s study of radio frequency tracking of salamanders for their potential use in novel medical treatments and therapies.

“This is a great opportunity for Delta State University and a great chance for ten of our students to be exposed annually to the top medical school and research facilities in the world,” said Hubbard. “By partnering with HMS, we will be eligible for a wide variety of grants, scholarships, and internships. We also will be able to utilize their many resources. We will have the opportunity to send them any sample/specimen and have the most modern tests known to man run on that sample. We can communicate in real-time with Nobelwinning researchers. Every year ten of our students will be able to participate in the NESS, an invitation-only symposium for the top researchers and students of the biosciences.”

The partnership was made possible by funding from the Harvard Catalyst Program, a $220 million federally-funded grant created

by HMS for issues dealing with health disparity/diversity and funding of novel research programs, and to enhance the research programs of underserved areas. “Mississippi, unfortunately, is the unhealthiest state in the country in every poll,” said Hubbard. “This partnership hopefully will lead to improved health care in our region and promote opportunities for students in the Division of Biological and Physical Sciences at Delta State University.”

Delta State opens PREP computer lab Delta State University’s Division of Biological and Physical Sciences recently celebrated the grand opening of the new Pre-Medicine Enrichment Program (PREP) computer lab located in the H.L. Nowell Student Union.

“We are very excited to be able to provide this service for our students,” said Lacey Fitts, PREP coordinator. “The primary purpose of the PREP project is to promote an increase in the numbers of residents from the region who are both successful in gaining admission to medical school and motivated to return to their home communities to practice medicine across the Mississippi Delta after graduation.”

This PREP program is funded by the Delta

6 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

Health Alliance and coordinated through Delta State’s Division of Biological and Physical Sciences.

To meet the objectives of the project, Delta State is providing many new services to premedical students, including: • One-on-one advising and counseling • Kaplan test prep courses for success on the MCAT • A new computing facility for MCAT preparation • Application assistance • Participation in the Physician Mentoring Program The new computer lab houses 30 private study carrels with computer/internet access.

Each of these computers is equipped with science resources and set up to allow students to participate in Kaplan online courses and other study programs.

Delta students who wish to go to medical school should enroll in either the Biology Premed or Chemistry Pre-med degree programs.

These degree programs are designed to give students the strongest background for success.

Delta State announces Faculty Development Scholarship The Delta State University College of Education, through the Dean’s Initiative for Excellence, formally announced the establishment of the Eloise Stratton Walker Faculty Development Scholarship during a reception on June 17 in the Leroy E. Morganti Atrium of Kent Wyatt Hall on campus.

The scholarship, initiated by former students and friends, honors Walker’s Legacy of excellence in teaching and will provide funding to allow elementary education faculty to attend conferences and classes or to engage in other professional development opportunities critical to staying abreast of current research related to teaching and the field of education.

Walker served as an associate professor and coordinator of the undergraduate elementary education program at Delta State from 1970– 1993. Current and retired university administrators, faculty, and former students expressed their congratulations and gratitude to Walker for her positive influence on their lives. Walker was praised for her exemplary teaching and communication skills, compassion for her students, and her legendary cooking.

“Eloise Walker was, and is, my role model,” said Dr. Patricia Anderson, Delta State graduate, and professor of curriculum and instruction at East Carolina University. “Her guidance and support helped me find a path of learning to teach and later learning to teach others to teach. It’s an honor to have been her student and to have carried a part of Eloise Walker forward in my career.”

Delta State Dean of the College of Education Dr. Leslie Griffin and Dean Emeritus Dr. E. E. Caston presented Walker with a gift honoring the occasion and unveiled the plaque that will hang in Ewing Hall honoring recipients of the annual scholarship.

Walker expressed her sincerest gratitude in acceptance. “All of you here know that I have never been speechless, but this reception has left me just that,” she said. “I thank each of you for your continued support and your presence here today. I am truly honored and humbled to have my name associated with this scholarship.”

Delta State’s Dean of the College of Education Dr. Leslie Griffin (left) and Dean Emeritus Dr. E. E. “Butch” Caston (right) present Eloise Walker with the plaque that will hang in Ewing Hall recognizing the recipients of the annual scholarship.

Delta State students launch record label Fighting Okra Records, a new student-run record label at Delta State University, officially launched on October 12.

Housed in the Delta Music Institute (DMI), the new label is the combined outcome of students enrolled in the Record Label Operations course at the DMI. The mission statement of the new label reads, “Fighting Okra Records is a student-run record label at Delta State University whose purpose is to provide a practical, real-world music industry experience to students. Our mission is to provide a variety of independent artists with professional quality music industry services in an effort to expose their names in recordings to the broadest possible audience.”

Students staffing the label are assigned responsibilities within divisions similar to real-world record companies, including A&R, publicity, promotions, sales and marketing, production, product development, and new media.

“The DMI is working to develop scenarios for students to apply what they are learning in the classroom,” says director Tricia Walker. “Having to handle the planning, development, and execution of an actual record release really accelerates that learning.”

The first release on the label will be a compilation CD with artists and songs chosen by the label staff from the ‘best of the best’ of DMI recordings completed over the past two years.

The CD release is scheduled for late November.

The Delta Music Institute is an independent center of study under the College of Arts & Sciences at Delta State University. It began with a generous donation by Fred Carl of the Viking Range Corporation in 2003. The focus of the DMI is to provide students with a broad and thorough education in the technological, creative, and business areas of the music and entertainment industries.

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 7

PHOTO BY MATTHEW WOOD

 Athletics

BA SK E T BOLLI:

Arian Maliqi’s Journey to the Hardwood The math teacher was trying to get his kin to safety, but a bottleneck had formed at the Kosovo border. The war had displaced over a million people, and as the 1999 NATO bombings wound down, the Maliqi family had made the decision to move back home.

The war was not going well for the Serbians, who still controlled the borders. The border guards, bristling with Kalishnikovs, pulled the refugee math teacher aside and threatened to kill his family of Albanian ethnic undesirables.

Luckily, there were too many witnesses, so the laughing guards roughly shoved the shaken man back into the throng. Arian Maliqi ’10, the teacher’s son, was 13 years old at the time.

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Maliqi is now 24 and will finish an MBA at Delta State University in 2011. He is a senior forward for the DSU Statesmen. While the nation salivates over college stars who play a year in the NCAA before joining the NBA, Maliqi instead decided to find a college athletic program that would be willing to pay for his MBA. He found that opportunity in the heart of the Mississippi Delta.

Yet, the road to Cleveland was a winding one. As a child, because of Serbian segregation edicts, Maliqi had no access to public schools for a decade. “Serbia didn’t want us to succeed at anything. We were denied public school access, so we educated ourselves in private

homes. We were not allowed to play organized sports, so we played illegal, secret games in the middle of the night.” These stringent laws were only lifted once NATO intervened. Schools and colleges opened for Albanian Kosovars, and organized sporting leagues began to form.

Maliqi explains, “In my younger years, Kosovars were more concerned about survival than sports, so I did not play basketball competively until I was almost sixteen years old. It did help that I was quite tall for my age and took the sport very seriously.”

It was in the Sigal Prishtina basketball club that an American scout noticed Maliqi’s work ethic, teamwork, and intelligence. Soon Maliqi

was filling out visa forms to play basketball at a community college in Panama City, Florida. After playing there for two years, Maliqi got a visit from DSU coach Jason Conner, drawling excitably about courses and majors. Soon Arian was trying to figure out where Cleveland, Mississippi, was, and how exactly Okra fights. He has been in Cleveland for almost three years, and he has enjoyed both his academic and athletic experiences.

Regarding American hoops, Maliqi points out, “the athleticism of American players is unmatched in any place in the world, although Kosovar basketball is very disciplined and makes for tough competition.

Unfortunately, Kosovo will have to wait to play on the international stage.”

What Arian refers to is that Kosovo is in international limbo. Kosovo is not yet an independent country because Serbia and its allies oppose full international recognition. While the U.S. supports Kosovo, only 72 of the 192 United Nations countries acknowledge Kosovar independence.

This means that Kosovar athletes cannot participate in the Olympics or other international competitions and, like the math teacher, are roughly pushed back into the throng.

Yet amazingly, Maliqi holds no ill will towards Serbians in the former Yugoslavia, stating, “I don’t hate anybody. No one can forget the past, but we must progress to the future.” Indeed. The world would be a better place if it were run by people like Arian Maliqi.

By Don Allan Mitchell, Assistant Professor of English This is an edited excerpt of an essay that appeared in the 2011 edition of Tapestry, the faculty journal of Delta State University.

For more information, contact amitchell@deltastate.edu.

Q&A Jeremy McClain, Athletic Director Q. What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

A. Watching our student-athletes succeed.

Not only having success in their sport, but more importantly being successful in life. Having the opportunity to watch them grow, mature, and become wellrounded adults.

Q. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

A. I think this answer will always be the same—funding. The cost of running an athletic department is constantly increasing, and finding funds to meet those increases is always a challenge.

Q. Have social media sites helped or complicated your job?

A. I believe social media sites have only helped us from an exposure standpoint. There has never been such a great opportunity to get our message to the masses at such minimal cost. Of course, we all know that there can be negative consequences to social networking as well, and we have to be very conscious of that.

Q. Explain what it’s like overseeing the athletic department in which you were once a student-athlete?

A. Quite frankly, there are not many days where I get to stop and

Aug 27 • Elizabeth City State Sept 3 • @ Northwestern Louisiana Sept 10 • @ Fort Valley State Sept 17 • @ Arkansas Tech Sept 24 • @ Henderson State Oct 1 • Ouachita BaptistPP Oct 8 • Arkansas-Monticello Oct 13 • @ North AlabamaTV Oct 22 • Valdosta State Nov 5 • West AlabamaHC Nov 12 • @ West Georgia

give that a lot of thought. However, when I do, I think there is definitely a sense of pride. The success of this athletic department is important to me on so many levels. The opportunity to give back to a university that played such an important role in my life is a blessing.

Q. What advice would you give someone who wants to become an athletic director?

A. First, I would say, be certain that you want to make the time commitment that is required for the job. Second, be certain you have a passion for athletics, people, and problem solving.

Lastly, gain any experience you can working within an athletic department in any role possible because they are all important.

Q. What sporting season is your favorite and why?

A. I can’t make that choice, so I will say the POSTSEASON. There is nothing more rewarding than watching our studentathletes compete at the highest level and represent Delta State University in a positive way.

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 9

 Athletics SPORTS SHORTS athletes on the USTFCCCA All-American Team. With a 3.57-combined GPA, Delta State has the second-highest GPA among Gulf South Conference schools receiving the honor.

Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year Stacey Hagenson headlines the list of Lady Statesmen receiving the honor this season. Joining Hagenson on the team are sophomores Ashley Carrillo and Maddie Glass, along with freshmen Annalee Pierce, Alyssa Shetley, and Hannah Grace Whitaker.

Members of the DSU and HSU softball teams collected over 400 pairs of shoes for Soles4Souls.

Micah Davis on the Rise

Lady Statesmen Softball Teams Up with Souls4Soles

DSU XC: Racing to the Head of the Class

On March 13 and 14, Delta State University Lady Statesmen softball teamed with Henderson State University softball in an effort to donate shoes for the non-profit group Soles4Souls. With the combined efforts of head coaches Casey Charles and Beth Jackson, over 400 pairs of shoes were donated. Those who donated shoes were given free admission.

Soles4Souls was founded by Wayne Elsey following the 2004 tsunami in Asia. Since then, nearly 14 million pairs of shoes have been donated to those in need.

“We are so thankful that so many people contributed to such a great cause. Hopefully now, more people will help those who are in need,” said Charles.

The opportunity to donate was provided during a one-day stop of the Soles4Souls 2011 National University Tour. Mutual friends of Charles and Jackson, Heath and Melissa Bain, are spending a year traveling to college campuses via motor home to encourage donations.

After turning in one of the best seasons in Delta State University cross country history, the Lady Statesmen received another prestigious honor as DSU was one of 107 Division II programs across the nation to receive “All-Academic Team” honors by the United States Track and Field/Cross Country Coaches Association.

The Lady Statesmen placed six student-

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Members of the 2010–11 Lady Statesmen Cross Country team are Amanda Cornelison, Hend Alboshaba, Ashley Carrillo, Hannah Grace Whitaker, Annalee Pierce, Tressa Lamb, Alyssa Shetley, Maddie Glass and Stacey Hagenson.

Delta State University versity record-settingg senior quarterbackk Micah Davis has been namedd an honorable mention preseason All-American by Consensus Draft Services, who in June released its annuall list of the top players in NCAA Division II. Davis led the Statesmen to an appearance in the 2010 NCAA Division II National Championship game and a share of the school’s fifth Gulf South Conference title last season after throwing for over 4,000 yards and 33 touchdowns.

The Wesson native completed 336 of 517 passes for 4,097 yards with 33 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. He established single-season records for completions, completion percentage (65.0), attempts, total offense yardage (4,289), and passing yardage. In fact, his 4,097 passing yards marked the first time a Statesmen quarterback topped the 4,000yard plateau.

Davis and the Statesmen will open the 2011 season on Saturday, August 27, versus Elizabeth City State at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 6 pm.

Kinnison Inducted into MS Sports Hall of Fame, Ties School Wins Mark Delta State University head baseball coach Mike Kinnison has had a year to remember, and the season is just a little over a month old. This summer, the Benton native and former All-American shortstop for the Statesmen will be inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. Kinnison is being inducted into the most prestigious sports body in Mississippi for his work as a player, coach, and ambassador for the game in the magnolia state.

On March 20, 2011, Kinnison added another notch to his lengthy list of accomplishments as Delta State’s head coach, tying the legendary Dave “Boo” Ferriss, who coached Kinnison as a player and the Statesmen for 26 seasons, for the school’s career win total. In 15 seasons, Kinnison has led the Statesmen to a 654-201-1 record, inclu including four Gulf South Conference titles and the 2004 NCAA Divisio Division II National Championship.

Sports Hall of Fame to Welcome Seven Inductees; Two Selected for Alumni Coaches Hall The Delta State University Sports Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed upon a student-athlete at DSU, and the Sports Hall of Fame Committee has officially announced its 2011 Induction Class. This year’s inductees include Jeannie Crnkovic Beach (Softball), Dee Haynes (Baseball), Billy Hood (Football), Dr. Mandy Lee O’Neill (Women’s Swimming), Jason Page (Baseball), Robert Pannell (Golf), and Elizabeth Wallace Woods (Women’s Basketball). The Sports Hall of Fame will also honor its 2011 Distinguished Statesman, Mike “Tolly” Tolleson. DSU will also induct two former Statesmen, Ed Rich and Beryl Shipley, into the Alumni Coaches Hall of Fame.

WALKER WINS CELLULARSOUTH GILLOM TROPHY Her work on the court is undeniable, and this spring the state of Mississippi took notice, as Delta State junior forward Veronica Walker was named the 2011 CellularSouth Gillom Trophy recipient. The CellularSouth Gillom Trophy is presented annually to the state’s top collegiate player.

Walker beat out Mississippi State senior Mary Katherine Govero and University of Mississippi senior Kayle Melson for the award.

The Indianola native led the Lady Statesmen to a 28-4 mark this season and a third-straight NCAA “Sweet 16” finish in the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament. Averaging 18.5 points and 9.8 rebounds, Walker was named the Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Year for a second year in a row this season. She ranked third in the GSC in scoring and led the league in rebounding and blocked shots (2.2) per game. Her 61.8 field goal percentage was also tops in NCAA Division II. Walker, a former standout at Indianola’s Gentry High School, ranks eighth all-time in DSU women’s basketball history in scoring 1,665 points and 12th with 834 rebounds.

Her 194 blocks are also good for third all-time in school history.

Since 2008, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and CellularSouth have recognized the state’s top collegiate women’s basketball player with the Gillom Trophy. The award is named in honor of former Ole Miss AllAmerican Peggy Gillom.

The two-time All-American and South Region Player of the Year is the second Lady Statesmen to win the award, joining Jennifer Rushing, who claimed the inaugural Gillom Trophy after leading Delta State to a 33-1 record and a trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four.

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 11

Development

Veteran earns degree after 37 years By most indicators, Anthony Norman Jr. should never have finished college. But, despite the odds against the 55-year-old, disabled military veteran from Mound Bayou, he did just that. Fulfilling a promise he made to his family, Anthony earned his political science degree from Delta State in May 2010.

“Earning my college degree is one of the greatest accomplishments in my life,” said Norman. “Though my dad, mom, and (cousin) Philip weren’t here to see it, I kept my word

12 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

to them.” His dad, Anthony Norman, Sr., a pharmacy technician and World War II veteran, died in 1984. His mom, Nerissa, a home economics educator whose 35-year career culminated at Mound Bayou, died in 2009. A family pioneer, she earned a college degree and served as mayor of Mound Bayou from 1991 to 2000. Anthony’s cousin, Philip Norman, a dentist who served in the U.S. Air Force and later established a business in Illinois, passed away in 2000.

Anthony was an honor student when he graduated from high school in May 1973.

He entered Delta State the following month, eager to get a head start on his college career. Inspired by his dad’s military service, Norman participated in Delta State’s Army ROTC program in 1974 and was one of three African-Americans in the first class. Before finishing college he entered the U.S. Army and carried out assignments in the United States, Honduras, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.

Suffering from Desert Storm Illness, he was honorably discharged in 1995.

Family responsibilities, career changes, and military obligations had forced Anthony to put his education on hold, but all the while he knew he would return to Delta State. Even though his mother passed away before he received his diploma, at least she “had the satisfaction of knowing the journey was almost completed.” Norman is a member of the Mound Bayou Volunteer Fire Department and a Life Member of the American Legion Green Post 220, the first African American Post in Mississippi.

Anthony received encouragement from Delta State faculty Leslie Fadiga-Stewart, PhD, Gary Jennings, PhD, and advisor Arlene Sanders, who were “instrumental to the completion of my academic journey. They encouraged me in many ways, and I’m eternally grateful to them for their time and assistance,” said Norman, who is mulling over plans to study graduate-level public administration.

“I’d encourage anyone to finish the requirements for degree completion just for the personal satisfaction alone,” he said. The saying “one is never too old to learn” is true, and Anthony Norman wants to set the example to others, that wherever you are in life it’s never too late to get an education.

Anthony’s name, along with all other known veterans from Delta State University faculty, staff, students, and alumni, is located in the Veterans’ Atrium in Jobe Hall. For more information on the Veterans’ Atrium project contact Dr. James Robinson at jrobinsn@ deltastate.edu or 662.846.4170.

For further information on entering Delta State under the GI Bill please contact Becky Finley in the Registrar’s Office at 662.846.4042.

Brett McClendon’s Legacy Brett Jefferson McClendon was an effervescent 13-year-old who relished the opportunity to play sports year-round in the Mississippi Delta. When the sixth-grader at Bayou Academy from Beulah, MS, died in an accident at the family’s rice farm on June 18, 2000, his family vowed to celebrate his life by keeping his memory alive. “That’s what a mother wants, for her son to be remembered and not forgotten,� said Diane Chenault, Brett’s mother, who established a $10,000 endowment at Delta State University in October 2002 for the Brett McClendon Memorial Baseball Scholarship Fund. “Knowing that students such as Jonathan Mitcham, Ryan Terry, Steven Oswald, and others received scholarships to play ball while earning a college education would’ve pleased him.�

Chenault recently established a second endowed scholarship fund at Delta State in her son’s memory: the Brett McClendon Memorial Women’s Cross Country Scholarship.

DSU Box 3213 : 6XQmRZHU &OHYHODQG 06

“I knew golf and tennis scholarships were available, in addition to the traditional sports, of course, but you don’t really hear much about women’s cross country,� explained Chenault. “I knew Delta State had a very good cross country program with girls from all over. I wanted to help where it was needed the most. Brett would’ve liked that.�

Chenault chose to establish scholarships at Delta State Brett McClendon at thirteen years of age. because it provided Brett’s family with an opportunity to annual Brett McClendon Memorial Baseball share Brett’s legacy with the recipients.

Classic raised more than $12,000 for Delta “At some colleges, students don’t even State scholarships. Visit www.brettsclassic.org know who a scholarship is from; it’s just a for details. credit on the account,� said Chenault. “At Delta State, they really want students to know who For more information on establishing a provided it and why.� scholarship fund at Delta State, contact In honor of what would likely have been Keith Fulcher at foundation@deltastate.edu or 662.846.4704.

Brett’s college graduation in mid-2010, the 10th

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Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 13

Development

Delta State University Foundation, Inc. celebrates 44 years of raising money!

“The Delta State University Foundation is proud to be celebrating 44 years of raising money for the University. It was formed in 1967

by Coach Dave “Boo” Ferriss,” said Foundation President Mike Neyman, Class of 1972. “I am honored to serve as the president of the Foundation for the next two years. We have listed on the following pages only a sampling of donors, alumni, and friends who are supporting the University. I invite everyone, regardless of the gift amount, to consider supporting the University by making a charitable donation. Please contact me at foundation@deltastate. edu if you have ideas on how we can generate more private support to assist our faculty and students in sharing in the wonderful experience you and I had as students at Delta State.”

–Mike Neyman, President, DSU Foundation, Inc.

14 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

1. Dr Leila Wynn (center front) was honored and thanked by faculty for her contribution to the Dulce’ Faculty Development Fund.

2. Bryce Griffis, of Starkville, (second from right), was honored

by Delta State in a reception for his contribution to the Bryce Griffis Presidential Endowment Fund. Also, shown with Dr. Griffis are Dr. and Mrs. Kent Wyatt (left) and his wife Nancy Griffis (right).

3. Robert E. Smith, of Cleveland, (center) was presented a plaque as the “Mississippi Philanthropist of the Year” by DSU President Dr. John Hilpert, as Ruth Ann Lopez Luciano, first recipient of the Robert Smith Nursing Scholarship, looks on.

4. William and Joan Holloway, of Louise, support Delta State University through the Holloway Graduate Accounting Scholarship which was established in 1995.

5. Wiley Hatcher, of Port Gibson, founder of the Madison Foundation, has provided $150,000 to the University in memory of his friend Allen Burrell, DSU Class of ’73.

Honor a Loved One

by Supporting Delta State University What is a gift in HONOR or MEMORY of a loved one?

Your gift is an expression of your love and respect for the person being honored or memorialized. The size of the gift you send is up to you. Many donors send the amount they would spend on flowers or on a birthday or anniversary present.

What is an Honor Gift?

An Honor Gift is a gift which shows admiration and respect for a loved one or friend on a significant day in that person’s life, such as a birthday or anniversary.

What is a Memorial Gift?

A Memorial Gift is a gift given in memory of a deceased friend or family member or former professor. It is a way to express sympathy and high regard and a means to remember special days in the life of a deceased loved one.

How are Gifts Acknowledged?

6. Teddy Kittle, of Cleveland, (center) has endowed four nursing scholarships: Kate Kittle Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship, Smith-Kittle Endowed Nursing Scholarship, Kate Smith Kittle Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship, and Eugene Kittle, Sr. Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship.

7. The Rock River Foundation sponsors the “Visiting Artist in the Humanities” position. World-renowned pianist Bruce Levingston (back right), who holds the position, worked with, and performed for school children in Charleston as part of the outreach.

8. Burnadette Wilson, (right) pre-med major and Eastside High School graduate, thanks the donor of her scholarship, Tot Buckley of Cleveland.

For a Memorial Gift, an appropriate card is sent to the family of the one you wish to memorialize.

For an Honor Gift, the honoree is sent an appropriate card listing the name of the giver, as well as the occasion for the honor.

For all gifts in honor or memory, the amount of the gift is kept confidential, and all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please send the gifts to: Delta State University Foundation, Inc. DSU Box 3141, Cleveland, MS 38733

“I frequently make memorial and honorary gifts to Delta State for those individuals who have impacted my life and whom I admire, love, and respect. I believe my gift is a lasting tribute to the important part that he or she played in my life. I see it as establishing a permanent link with the past and hopefully will encourage others to participate in a vision for the future of Delta State.”

9. Jim Brown (left), Instructor in the College of Business, and Owen Davies (right), CellularSouth Scholarship recipient, met with Leslie Bobo, Recruiting Manager of CellularSouth, during the Second Annual CellularSouth Scholarship Recipient Reception in Flowood.

Dr. Henry Outlaw, Chair Emeritus Department of Physical Sciences

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 15

Jutta Ferretti Defies Odds to Become Delta State’s Eldest Graduate

By LYNNE JETER

President John Hilpert awarded her a Bachelor Jutta (pronounced “Utah”) Ferretti had of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree. nearly completed her first semester at Rubicam Graduating magna cum laude, Ferretti became Business College when the United States entered the oldest graduate in school history. Capping World War II. She continued classes at night until her remarkable achievement, Delta State March 1942, when gasoline rationing made two daily trips into the city impractical, and business renamed the Special Records Room of the students were asked to fill employment gaps.

Roberts-LaForge Library the Jutta Karnstedt Fast forward 63 years: after her husband, Ferretti Room, in honor of the Ferretti family’s John, died in May 2005, Ferretti wasn’t sure what five scholarship endowments.

Born in the summer of 1924 in Magdeburg, to do next. “We weren’t blessed with children,” Germany, Ferretti was she lamented. “He a preschooler when her always encouraged me “I just wanted to at family emigrated to the to go back to school.”

States and settled That fall, Ferretti least begin the journey, United in St. Louis. Saturday enrolled at Delta State, and at my age, never outings to libraries and never dreaming she’d museums led to her love sustain good health and dreamed I’d finish it.” of books, art in all forms, complete the degree and romance languages. requirements. “I just She learned ballet and tap dancing, piano, wanted to at least begin the journey,” she said, fashion design, and poetry. “and at my age, never dreamed I’d finish it.”

On Dec. 11, 2010, Ferretti received a wellIn a poem that tells of her birth, she shares: “Poppie said I arrived in time for lunch and deserved standing ovation when Delta State

immediately demanded to be fed / a condition that followed me all through life and has often led / to marvelous luncheons, delightful dinners and hilarious Bloody Mary breakfasts that I have thoroughly enjoyed / when it comes to my appetite, family and friends know that no one ever toys / with me when I am ready to eat / just say the blessing, thank you, and be kind enough to have a seat.”

A whirlwind courtship with John Ferretti culminated in a November 1943 wedding before he headed to the South Pacific. When he returned from duty in 1945, the couple moved to Shelby, where he established his own building business in 1959. They worked side by side until retiring in 1987, with their global travels interrupted only by bouts with cancer—his in 1991; hers in 1995—and his final illness.

“It’s been a salvation to go back to school,” admitted Ferretti. “The entire faculty and administration have been absolutely wonderful to me, as they are to everyone. It’s a great school and I’m proud to be part of it.”

18 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

By Lynne Jeter

Patrick House won the hearts of viewers of the hit NBC series The Biggest Loser last fall when he tipped the scales at 400 pounds. Dropping nearly half his body weight, he posted the highest percentage of weight loss among Season 10 contestants.

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 19

“Setting goals and keeping them really helps me stay on target. It keeps me busy, but that’s what I need.”

ouse, who earned a business administration degree in 2005, attributed character-building traits he learned from professors and coaches at Delta State for helping him remain focused throughout his transformative journey.

“I learned so much from Delta State,” he said. “Delta State really has a great family atmosphere, and I’ll always cherish my days there. Many mentors helped along the way, including the very special Coach “Boo” Ferriss. He’s an amazing man and a person I’m extremely proud to call my friend. He’s the epitome of what Delta State is about.”

A native of Brandon, House grew up playing sports in Rankin County, eventually focusing on football and catching the eyes of college recruiters. “My brother was a baseball player at Delta State, and I knew the school had a great sports program,” he said of Donnie House, who earned an MBA from Delta State in 2000. “I looked up to my brother so much—and still do—and wanted to be close to him. I loved the small town feel of Delta State.”

20 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

Weighing around 300 pounds to play the offensive lineman position suited House until an injury sidelined him during his sophomore year. Like many athletes facing surgery and a long rehabilitation process, House continued to maintain the same food intake without the intense calorie-burning workouts.

In the fall semester after college graduation he enrolled in graduate school at Delta State but put his pursuit of an MBA on hold to join the marketing department at the Isle of Capri Casino (now DiamondJacks) in Vicksburg, where he handled special events and promotions. “I quickly became well known throughout the casino as the guy that gave away the cars and money,” he said. “It was a cool job.”

Unfortunately, he also enjoyed the casino’s endless buffets on a daily basis. His weight continued to climb.

After marrying his college sweetheart, Bradley Callendar, also a Delta State alum, House joined Merchants Foodservice in Jackson as a sales representative. Two sons, Colton and Caden, were born in quick succession. Concerned about his long-term health, his family and in-laws, to whom he is

very close, continuously encouraged him to embrace a healthier lifestyle. His mom pointed out the Biggest Loser opportunity.

“I knew I was putting on weight,” admitted House. “I’ve always been a bigger guy and just assumed that one day I’d change what I was doing and get healthier. I really enjoyed the sales job and even at 400 pounds was good at it. But I realized that I wasn’t being fair to my wife or kids. At my weight, I wasn’t able to get out and run around with my boys. I couldn’t wrestle with them on the floor without getting winded in just a minute or so. I didn’t want to be the dad that’s stuck on the sidelines because he was too fat to participate. I wanted to have a better life with my family.”

Losing his job last January propelled House into motion. After a fruitless search, he pursued and won a spot on fall season of The Biggest Loser. “It was tough getting started,” he admitted. “That first workout with Bob (Harper) and Jillian (Michaels) is something that I’ll never forget. People were screaming, crying, puking, and falling off treadmills. It was a pretty gruesome sight.”

Even though contestants became a tight-

PHOTOS BY MARYA PAOLILLO

knit group, competing for the top cash prize of $250,000 involved “much game play and strategy,” he recalled. “At the end of the day, someone’s gonna win,” said House, who viewed it as serendipitous when he was given a Biggest Loser t-shirt in Delta State green-and-white.

“Why not me?”

Behind the scenes, contestants spent much time alone maintaining a stringent fitness regimen and preparing their own meals. “One of the biggest surprises that most people learn about the show is the little time that we actually spent with Bob and Jillian,” he said. “Usually it was two days a week, about three hours per workout. It was up to us to have the self discipline and initiative to get out and work out on our own. We were also responsible for preparing all of our meals. Most people think that chefs cooked for us, but indeed we did all of our own cooking.”

His perseverance paid off when he reached a pivotal milestone. Encouraged from the sidelines by family and friends, including his father-inlaw, Robin, who drove from Port Gibson to Vicksburg to train with him, House crossed the finish line of the televised marathon in Los

Angeles, and donated the $10,000 prize to Camp Rainbow to benefit juvenile cancer patients.

After that, winning the series was lagniappe.

“The show literally gave me my life back,” said House, whose significant personal accomplishment in front of a national audience led to several positive life changes. When he returned home after a four-month absence, Bradley had dropped from a size 14 to a size 4. “It was amazing to see what my wife was able to do while I was gone,” he said of her 50-pound weight loss. He landed a plum job with Mindstream Academy in Bluffton, South Carolina, a boarding school for overweight teens. “One of our sayings here that I really like is, ‘at Mainstream Academy, it’s not about what you’re eating; it’s about what’s eating you.’ I can’t think of any better way for me to pay it forward than by fighting childhood obesity one-on-one.”

Between work, family time, and appearances—House recently wrapped a pound-by-pound segment for The Biggest Loser that highlighted his academy work and volunteerism at a local food bank—he plays sports year round in local leagues and coaches Colton’s youth soccer team. After putting

graduate school on hold, he plans to pursue his MBA online through Delta State. In April, House achieved a personal goal by participating in the Boston Marathon with Colton, nearly 5, and Colton, 3, cheering him on. He finished the 26.2 miles in a blazing 5:12:28.

“My self-esteem and self-confidence are through the roof,” he said. “My first impression to people has to be ten-fold better than when I was 400 pounds. It continues to amaze me that all the time, everywhere I go, people tell me how I’ve inspired or motivated them to begin their own weight loss journey. It’s a great feeling; I’m really enjoying life now!”

To maintain his weight and keep pace with a hectic schedule that also includes celebrity appearances and motivational speeches—he recently gave the keynote address at Delta State for the Mississippi Municipal League and reconnected on campus with pal Jeremy McClain, the university’s athletic director— House tracks his food intake and follows a 90-minute daily, five-days-a-week fitness regimen. “Setting goals and keeping them really helps me stay on target,” he said. “It keeps me busy, but that’s what I need.”

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 21

Dave Heflin’s quest to keep the adventure alive for Delta State students 22 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

By LYNNE JETER

On a Friday afternoon in early April, Dave Heflin loaded 34 metal sculptures from his Louin workshop into a truck to be auctioned on campus to raise funds for the Delta State Outdoor Recreation Leadership degree program, the only one of its kind at a Mississippi four-year university. Usually at the end of a week, Heflin would be packing kayaks or canoes, fishing poles, sailing equipment, skis or rock-climbing gear for weekend adventures.

These adventures laid the foundation for the program that bears his stamp.

“Whew! The pieces sold out,” said Heflin after the April reunion honoring his contributions, hosted by the Delta State University College of Education. “Twenty-some-odd

acting as the board of directors.

“We made extra money when we needed it. For the most part, everything was borrowed or rented,” he said. “I wore out four vans. We took off in groups, which you can’t do these days because of liability issues. We’d plan something eight weekends a semester, and then it became nine.”

After officially retiring at the age of 58, Heflin remained an adjunct professor for six years while also organizing trips.

In 2004, Heflin’s travel activities slowed down when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “I thought, well, it’s over,” he admitted. “But I came out of it kicking, and I’ve been rolling ever since. This marks my sixth year in remission.”

“I’d encourage students in my speech class to join us. I had a van, and that’s how we started, in a back door kind of way.”

flowers made out of horseshoes sold like hotcakes. So did four pink flamingos that were about five feet tall. I thought I had a sunflower left over, but it sold for more than $300. And I just knew I was going to be carrying all this stuff home!”

Since Heflin first arrived at Delta State from Itawamba Community College in 1960, he’s made an indelible mark on the university. Ironically, it wasn’t until he joined the Delta State faculty that he became an outdoor enthusiast.

“I was eaten alive by it,” said Heflin of the 1970 canoe trip to Buffalo River in Arkansas with fellow faculty members. “We began going somewhere once a month, and I’d encourage students in my speech class to join us. I had a van, and that’s how we started, in a back door kind of way.”

Heflin grew up in Baldwyn, the son of Noreen Butler, a thrifty country schoolteacher with a knack for creating art from junk. “I remember people would tell her about odd pieces they were going to throw away, and we’d go get them,” he recalled. “I didn’t do much camping, hunting, or fishing in those days.”

After earning an undergraduate degree focusing on English and speech from Delta State, Heflin earned a graduate degree in communications from the University of Southern Mississippi before returning to Delta State to join the teaching staff. In 1974, a sabbatical to pursue a doctorate degree in recreation and resource development from Texas A&M University led to an assignment in Delta State’s Physical Education Department.

“I inherited some older subjects like commercial recreation that didn’t hold my interest—or our students’,” he said. “So I started winging it. If I had a night class, we’d cook supper on the Mississippi River levee.”

For many years before the program was officially established, outdoor recreation was loosely set up like a club, with faculty

Heflin helped establish the Outdoor Recreation Leadership Program in 2009, with Todd Davis as program coordinator.

Heflin’s son, a professional kayaker in Mexico, helped organize more exotic trips. In fact, all of Heflin’s children have pitched in. In 2008, the family established the Dave Heflin Outdoor Recreation Professorship to ensure that a dedicated educator would organize outdoor recreation courses such as rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, and kayaking. Todd Davis, who has held the professorship for three years, “has built the degree program into one that translates into more meaningful careers,” said Heflin.

During spring break in mid-March, Davis led a student expedition down the Rio Grande River from Lajitas, Texas, to Santa Elena, a 32-mile stretch in a remote section of Big Bend National Park. Participants learned all necessary skills prior to departure on the six-day, five-night journey through the park by canoe down the river. The adventure taught students “leave no trace” ethics, canoe rescues and skills, primitive camping, dayhiking, and back-country cooking.

In the meantime, Heflin turned a gift from his children—a welding machine—into a way to raise funds for the program.

In retirement, he became a folk artist, sculpting metal into yard art critters and flowers in honor of his mother, who died from a stroke while teaching class, “the way she would’ve wanted to go out,” he said. A Mississippi Crafts Guild member, he’s been featured on Walt Grayson’s travel series.

“We raised enough money auctioning sculptures to continue the outdoor program,” said Heflin, who has barely slowed down since having knee replacement surgery earlier this year. “I’m so appreciative of the outdoor recreational opportunities this will afford our students.”

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 23

 With the Classes

Class Notes 1930s

1960s

1934

1963

1973

Durwin Carpenter Carpenter, of Greenwood, was elected to the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools 2010 Hall of Fame.

1970s

1941

Troy A. Ricks, Ricks Sr., Sr. of Raymond, was inducted into the NJCAA Basketball Hall of Fame for his years coaching at Hinds Community College.

1950s 1954

William S. Donald, Donald of Southaven, was elected to the Mississippi Senior Olympics 2010 Hall of Fame.

1956

Linda Brocato, Brocato of Wesley Chapel, FL, released the children’s book Ivan Becomes a Hero.

Dr. Kendall Harden Harden, of Carroboro, NC, is one of the scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine who has reported the exact molecular structure and mechanisms of a major cell signaling pathway that serves a broad range of functions in humans.

Dr. Elbert Hilliard, Hilliard of Madison, is one of seven who received the Mississippi Medal of Service.

The award recognizes people whose work has improved the state of Mississippi.

24 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

John Craven, Craven of Brandon, was named the 2009–2010 Pearl Public School District Administrator of the Year.

1982

Victor (Bubba Bubba) Cates Cates, of Martin, TN, was the winner of the 2010 Jerry Kindall Character in Coaching Award.

Kenneth Cummins Cummins, of Memphis, TN, was elected President of the Central Gardens Historic District Association.

Stansel Harvey, Harvey of Granbury, TX, has been named the new CEO of Delta Regional Medical Center in Greenville.

Bill LaForge, LaForge of Oakhill, VA, has opened LaForge Government Relations in Washington, D.C. (www.laforgegovernmentrelations.com)

NARON

HUBBARD HILLIARD

1958

HAMPTON

1980s

1970

1972

Billy G. Hubbard, Hubbard of Ocean Springs, had the new Ocean Springs High School gymnasium named in his honor.

Patricia Hampton Hampton, of Greenville, has been named Chief Nursing Officer at Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.

CUMMINS

1940s

Major General Al Hopkins, Hopkins (Ret.), of Gulfport, was awarded an honorary Master of Laws degree by the Board of Trustees of the Mississippi College School of Law on November 10, 2010.

Tommy Naron Naron, of Oxford, was hired as the new headmaster at Oxford University School.

Billy B. Nowell, Nowell of Cleveland, received the prestigious Kossman Award at the 2010 Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet.

HEDGEPETH

Amelia Turpin Beckham, Beckham of Cleveland, turned 98 on February 17 and received the Inspiration Award at the 18th annual Elliott-Nowell-White Science Symposium.

HOPKINS

BECKHAM

1974

Susie Hedgepeth Hedgepeth, of Greenville, Director of Materials Management at Delta Regional Medical Center in Greenville, was awarded the Mississippi Hospital Association Society of Hospital Purchasing and Materials Management Distinguished Service Award.

1983

Mark Hargett Hargett, of Cleveland, was named the recipient of Entergy’s Teamwork Mississippi Community Leadership Award.

1984

Glenn Holloway, Holloway Jr., Jr. of Drew, was recognized for exemplary environmental stewardship through the A.C.E. Pilot Program.

1995

1990s BURNHAM

1990

Rhonda Bagby Bagby, of New Orleans, LA, has been named President of Humana, Inc. Louisiana.

1992

Dr. Tom Burnham, Burnham of Ridgeland, was honored by the DSU Education Department as Outstanding Alumnus of the Year for 2010–2011.

Dr. Kimberly Broadwater Dr Broadwater, of Cleveland, has been named the Delta State University Music Alum of the Year.

Marjorie Akers Taylor, Taylor of Alexandria, LA, was hired as the Executive Director of The Orchard Foundation, a non-profit local education fund operated by The Rapides Foundation.

Chase Wright Wright, of Las Vegas, NV, was chosen as one of the 2010 DSU Outstanding Alums of the Year for the Accounting Department.

1993

Riley Ann Williams Smith, Smith of Jackson, TN, accepted a position as a School Counselor in the Jackson Tennessee School District.

1997

Dr. Michelle Roberts Roberts, of Cleveland, received the Chamber Award at the 2010 ClevelandBolivar County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet.

BASSI

Jeff Martin Martin, of Brandon, earned his Master of Business Administration from Belhaven University and is now employed at St. DominicJackson Memorial Hospital as the Director of Patient Care Services.

ROBERTS

1987

1996

Alicia Stafford, Stafford of Southaven, was recognized by the Southaven Rotary Club as Teacher of the Month from Southaven High School.

1994

1986

Keith Williams, Williams of Gulfport, was named the Mississippi President for commercial banking and senior regional credit officer for Hancock Bank.

Jeremiah Burks, Burks of Olive Branch, graduated from Arkansas State University-Jonesboro with his Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

CLARK

1985

Serena Clark, Clark of Madison, was selected as one of the Mississippi Business Journal’s top 50 Leading Business Women in Mississippi for the class of 2010.

George Bassi Bassi, of Laurel, was elected President of the Southeastern Museums Conference.

VICK

Laird Hamberlin Hamberlin, of Cumming, GA, is the President of Onity, one of the world’s leading providers of electronic locking solutions. (www.onity.com)

Dr. Dwight Vick Vick, of Canyon, TX, released the book Drugs and Alcohol in the 21st Century: Theory, Behavior, and Policy.

1989

Peter Woods Woods, of Merigold, received the Chamber Award at the 2010 Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet.

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 25

 With the Classes John Weaver, Weaver of Madison, has been hired as the Assistant Football Coach for Madison Ridgeland Academy.

Eli Whiteside, Whiteside of New Albany, won the 2010 Major League Baseball World Series as a team member of the San Francisco Giants.

WILLIAMS

Michele McCain, McCain of Jackson, was selected as one of the Mississippi Business Journal’s top 50 Leading Business Women in Mississippi for the class of 2010.

Mark Stanton Stanton, of Clinton, is the Director of Student Activities and Intramurals at Hinds Community College–Raymond Campus.

WHITESIDE

MCCAIN

2001

1998

Joey Erickson, Erickson of Clarksdale, has been promoted to Market President for seven branches of Southern Bancorp in Northwestern Mississippi.

Kristy Peacock Peacock, of Olive Branch, was promoted to Audit Advisor at FedEx.

1999

2002

2004

PEACOCK

Jen Waller, Waller of Clarksdale, was named the new Director of the Coahoma County Higher Education Center in Clarksdale.

Jamie Bailey Williams, Williams of Brussels, Belgium, was chosen as one of the 2010 DSU Outstanding Alums of the Year for the Accounting Department and was named the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) audit manager in Belgium.

Dr. Bueford O. Spain, Spain of Sarah, published a book called The Adventures of Capital and Lowercase Alphabet.

Lisa Bynum Bynum, of Brandon, was hired to serve as a Public Relations Manager for Godwin Group in the agency’s Jackson office.

DORSEY

2000s 2000

Todd Fuller, Fuller of Cleveland, received the Chamber Award at the 2010 Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce Membership Banquet.

Timothy Gardner, Gardner of Southaven, received the Award for Excellence in the Use of Historical Records in Grades K–12 from the Mississippi Historical Records Advisory Board.

Reed Abraham, Abraham of Cleveland, has accepted a position as Associate Vice President of Administrative Services for College Relations and Development/Executive Director for Alumni & Foundation at Mississippi Delta Community College.

PIERONI

Dr. Dwaun Warmack Warmack, of Daytona Beach, FL, completed his Doctor of Education Degree in Higher Education from Union University in Jackson, TN.

BYNUM

Joseph Pieroni, Pieroni of Memphis, TN, has taken a position as Assistant Vice President in business banking with Regions in Memphis.

Adrian Dorsey, Dorsey of Rolling Fork, passed the SLLA and was promoted to Assistant Principal and Athletic Director of South Delta High School.

2003

Christie Sledge Sledge, of Cleveland, was named the workforce Coordinator for the Delta Area Training Pilot Project.

Angela Pieroni, Pieroni of Memphis, TN, has accepted a job at St. Louis Catholic Elementary School in Memphis.

2005

Paul C. Artman, Artman of Greenville, received the Order’s Award for Distinguished Public Service from the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.

Kent Coppock, Coppock of Colorado Springs, CO, accepted a position at Devry University as an admissions advisor.

26 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

Ben Carver, Carver of Starkville, was elected to the Board of Alderman for the City of Starkville and has been promoted to Governmental Training Specialist at the Center of Governmental Training at Mississippi State University.

BENNETT

George Miller, Miller of Southaven, has accepted a position at Southern College of Optometry as the Vice President of Development.

CARVER

MILLER

2006

Steven Bennett, Bennett of Olive Branch, has accepted a position at the University of Mississippi as Financial Aid Advisor on the Desoto and Grenada campuses.

Dr. Marshall Burgess Burgess, of Pine Bluff, AR, received his Doctrate of Theology from the Andersonville Theological Seminary of Camillla, GA.

Noah C. Ryals, Ryals of Charleston, has been hired as the Supervising Exercise Specialist for the Aaron E. Henry Community Health Center in Clarksdale.

STARK

2010

Lisa Hall Hall, of Cleveland, has accepted a position at Walls Law Firm in Clarksdale as a legal assistant.

Jonathan Stark, Stark of Brandon, has accepted a position at US Food Services as Territory Manager in the Jackson Metro Area.

Ginger Koestler, Koestler of Oxford, is teaching Special Education classes at Lafayette Lower Elementary School in Oxford.

Matt Walker, of Clinton, was hired as the assistant Band Director at Clinton High School.

Friends/Professors

2007

SULLIVAN

Dustin Grubb Grubb, of Jackson, accepted a position at Morgan White Group as a Lockbox Specialist.

Dustin Sullivan Sullivan, of Greenwood, accepted a position as the new loan representative for the Planters Bank Greenwood branch.

Dr. John Alvarez (Professor Professor), of Cleveland, was presented the 2010 Honor Award by the Mississippi Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Aubrey Lucas (President President Emeritus Emeritus), of Hattiesburg, received a meritorious service award from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Kepler Martin, Martin of Greenville, has opened Kepler’s Italian Grill in Greenville.

Jack Moser, Moser of Blue Mountain, was named Dean of Students at Blue Mountain College.

2008

Brady Pate Pate, of Cleveland, was promoted to Director of Food & Nutrition Services with Morrison Healthcare Food Services.

Mary Claire Roberts Roberts, of Clarksdale, has accepted a job at LeBonner in Memphis as a Pediatric Nurse.

2009

ROBERTS

Laura Woods Woods, of Nashville, TN, has been promoted to Senior in Deloitte & Touche LLP.

Ron Roberts (DSU DSU Head Football Coach), Coach of Cleveland, led the Statesmen football team to the NCAA Division II National Championship.

He was also selected NCAA Division II Coach of the Year by Field Turf.

RED

Abby Red, Red of Senatobia, accepted a job as an Assistant Director of Recruiting for Northwest Community College in Senatobia.

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RUSHING

Drew Barham Barham, of Cleveland, was hired by Guaranty Bank and Trust in central credit loan review.

James Koestler, Koestler of Oxford, was appointed to the position of Assistant Band Director at South Panola High School in Batesville.

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Sandra Rushing (Head Head Women’s Basketball Coach), of Cleveland, led the Lady Statesmen Coach basketball team to the NCAA Division II National Tournament. She was also selected the WBCA Region 5 Coach of the Year.

Ted Poore, Poore of Madison, was named principal of Germantown High School which will open next fall.

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Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 27

 With the Classes

Baby Statesmen

All dates are in 2010 unless otherwise noted.

Luke Steven to M/M Alan McAfee ’01 (Stacy Stacy Beale ’01), ’01 of Cordova, TN, on August 12.

Mary Courtland to M/M Dave Crews (Attended Attended) (Maribeth Maribeth Hill ’04 ’04), of Cleveland, on Feb 21, 2011.

MCAFEE MITCHELL

Thomas Edward to M/M Harris Bond (Laura Laura Beth Sheilds ’00), ’00 of Slyacauga, AL, on May 9.

Annalise Dorgan to M/M William Dorgan, Jr. ’02 (Rebekah Rebekah Haire ’01), ’01 of Hattiesburg, on Feb 24.

Aiden Chandler to M/M Adrian Dorsey ’02 Kiona Thompson ’04), ’04 of Rolling Fork, on (Kiona December 27.

POWERS

John Randall to M/M Kyle Cunningham ’08 (Megan Megan Little ’04), ’04 of Merigold, on November 16.

RODGERS

DORSEY

Abbey McGrew, to M/M Mike Doyle ’71 (Allison Haliman), of Japan, on November 27.

Ella Carlisle to M/M Timothy Grommersch ’02 (Laura Laura Lee Griffin ’04 ’04), of Southaven, on January 11.

WALKER WARRINGTON

Manda Molly Jane to M/M Allen LaCaze (Manda Whitten ’05), ’05 of Huntsville, AL, on Jan 28, 2011.

WILLIAMS

Pearce Joseph to M/M Joey Kovarcik ’03 (Melissa Melissa Law ’04 ’04), of Batesville, on October 18.

Brewer Maranto to M/M Matt Maranto Attended) (Jennifer Jennifer Brewer ’01), ’01 of Greenville, (Attended on June 3.

28 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

WOODS

KOVARCIK MARANTO

Lake Barrett Martin to Kimberly Kilpatrick ’02, ’02 of Memphis, TN, on February 3, 2011.

WHITLEY

DOYLE

James Noah to M/M Ronnie Johnson (Mandy Mandy Michael ’05), ’05 of Pearl, on August 10.

JOHNSON

Elizabeth Andrews to M/M Brian Jacks ’03 (Courtney Courtney Hudson ’03 ’03), of Memphis, on May 4.

GROMMERSCH

Miriam Avery Elizabeth to M/M Michael Hart (Miriam Avery, Staff Avery Staff), of Cleveland, on Dec 22.

Heather Pierce Thomas to M/M Matt Jones (Heather Hilderbrand ’05 ’05), of Goodman, on May 9.

Molly Michael to M/M John Michael ’01 (Sarah Sarah Anderson ’01), ’01 of Ocean Springs, on December 30.

Edward David to M/M Don Allan Mitchell (Professor Professor) (Shelly Shelly Collins, Professor Professor), of Cleveland, on September 8.

Houston Scott to M/M Robbie Shane Powers ’03 (Anjanette Anjanette Pennington ’03), ’03 of Cleveland, on November 15.

Michael Clay to M/M John Price ’98 (Jennie Jennie Mitchell ’97), ’97 of Smyrna, TN, on August 9.

Lindon Crosby to M/M William Mark Robinette ’93 and (Aimee Aimee Hammack ’97) ’97 of Cleveland, on October 19.

PRICE

DORGAN

CUNNINGHAM

CREWS

BOND

Hutchinson “Hutch” Lee to M/M Blake Adams Riley Hutchinson ’07 ’07) of Little Rock, AR, on (Riley April 8.

Melanie Ann to M/M Shane Rodgers ’03 (Leigh Leigh Graham ’04), ’04 of Kosciusko, on May 27.

Deaton Elizabeth to M/M Eric Smith ’03 (Cobern Cobern Langley ’02), ’02 of Saltillo, on August 6.

Maritt Carroll to M/M Brian Street ’04 (Michelle Michelle Yarbrough ’02), ’02 of Greenwood, on June 29.

Eliot James to M/M Josh Walker ’04 (Laura Laura Fleeman ’05), ’05 of Cleveland, on October 9.

Ella James to M/M Trey Warrington ’07 (Amanda Amanda Stalling ’08), ’08 of Brandon, on November 22.

Wesleigh Evans to M/M Jeffrey Whitley ’00 (Stephanie Stricklin), of Memphis, on February 16.

Lindsey Bennett Burks, to M/M John Williams (Lindsey Smith ’06), ’06 of Brandon, on August 26.

James Mattox to M/M Matt Williams (Emily Emily Harber ’01 ’01), of Yazoo City, on August 20.

Darci Belle to M/M Jason Woods ’00 (Camille Camille Cole ’02), ’02 of Cleveland, on October 27.

Karlie Grace to M/M Jamie Wiley (Bobbi Bobbi Hale ’04), of Choctaw, on July 23. ’04 Bruce Austin to M/M Frederick William Wright II (Lisa Lisa McGuffee ’97 ’97), of Wilmington, NC, on September 9.

Wedding Bells Jaime L. Bailey ’03 to Robert M. Williams, of Brussells, Belgium, on September 25.

All dates are in 2010 unless otherwise noted.

Mary Gretchen Stubbs ’10 to Jason ason Paul Giachelli ’06, ’06 of Greenville, on June 26.

STUBBS-GIACHELLI

WILLIAMS-BAILEY

Heather Beeland ’03 to Michael Massaro, of Madison, on October 16.

BEELAND-MASSARO

YOUNG-POLLES

Angelia Beth Drury (Attended Attended) to Gary Louis Holecek (Attended Attended), of Cleveland, on November 6.

Leslie Turner ’06 to Jared Burrell (Attended Attended), of Cleveland, on November 6.

Brittany Lamb (Student Student) to William Kirkpatrick Attended), of Tupelo, on (Attended November 20.

KIRKPATRICK-LAMB

Deborah Brick ’09 to Benjamin Campbell ’09, of Edwards, on April ’09 16, 2011.

BRICK-CAMPBELL

Lindsay Malatesta ’08 to Jonathan Williams, of Cleveland, on August 14.

Amanda Robinson ’02 ’99, to Shea Christmas ’99 of Cleveland, on January 8, 2011.

Brittany Horton to Judson Thigpen ’09, ’09 of Brandon, on February 19, 2011.

HORTON-THIGPEN

Corley Luckett ’06 to Matthew Mullins ’07 ’07, of Merigold, on September 25.

Kristen Harmon ’06 to Bennett Crow ’03, ’03 of Jackson, on December 18.

Kristen Holcomb Attended) to John Weaver (Attended ’03, of Vicksburg, on ’03 December 18.

HOLCOMB-WEAVER

MULLINS-LUCKETT

CROW-HARMON

Samantha Allie Johnson ’05 to Rodney A. Tharp ’05, of Indianola, on ’05 May 14.

JOHNSON-THARP

MALATESTA-WILLIAMS

ROBINSON-CHRISTMAS

Andrea Tatum ’06 to Tres LeTard, of Knoxville, TN, on October 17.

TATUM-LETARD

DRURY-HOLECEK

BURRELL-TURNER

Amanda Young to John Polles ’05, ’05 of Madison, on September 25.

Brittany Stark (Student Student) ’10, of to Dave McCool ’10 Cleveland, on October 16.

STARK-MCCOOL

Angela Bailey ’08 to Macalaster James Deveney ’08, of Kansas City, MO, ’08 on July 24.

Chery Ramsey to Sid Naron ’03, ’03 of Greenwood, on July 17.

Brook Bardin to Robert Oren Newton (Attended Attended), of Madison, on November 6.

BAILEY-DEVENEY

Stephanie Batchelor ’08 to Jeffrey Farris ’04 ’04, of Cleveland, on November 20.

TM

BARDIN-NEWTON

Lee Claypool ’05 to Dustin Pambianchi ’08 ’08, of Flowood, on June 4.

BATCHELOR-FARRIS

Meg Warren ’06 to Jeremy Funderburk (Attended Attended), of Yazoo City, on October 2.

PAMBIANCHI-CLAYPOOL

Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 29

 With the Classes

In Memoriam

All dates are in 2010 unless otherwise noted.

Dorothy Avery ’47 ’47, of Elaine, AR, on August 27.

Emily C. Flowers ’74, ’74 of Greenwood, on April 14, 2011.

Louise V. LaMastus ’50 ’50, of Cleveland, on March 2, 2011.

Beryl Shipley ’51, ’51 of Lafayette, LA, on April 15, 2011.

Alva M. Blanton ’46, ’46 of Houston, on December 8.

Harriet B. Forman ’40, ’40 of Kansas City, MO, on February 14, 2011.

Mary E. McIntire ’54, ’54 of Chester, on March 10, 2011.

Anne C. Taylor ’63, ’63 of Wauchula, FL, on November 19.

Thelma McKnight, McKnight Attended Attended, of Biloxi, on October 25.

Douglas B. Taylor, Taylor Attended Attended, of Shaw, on April 4, 2011.

Lyles A. Freeze, Freeze Attended Attended, of Yazoo City, on October 9.

Daniel T. McQuagge, McQuagge (Faculty Faculty), of Cleveland, on March 19, 2011.

Morris K. Thompson Sr. ’50, ’50 of Jackson, on February 28, 2011.

Debra J. Gary ’83 ’83, of Brandon, on September 4.

Betty J. Neville ’66, ’66 of Bryant, AR, on September 25.

James W. Gorman ’53, ’53 of Jackson, on February 4, 2011.

Robert Dan Overly ’72 ’72, of Jackson, on October 18.

Otto W. Hall ’85, ’85 of Roswell, GA, on September 3.

Dr. William Pennington, Pennington Professor Emeritus Emeritus, of Cleveland, on November 29.

Angel Chatman ’99, ’99 of Oxford, on May 25.

Melissa S. Childress, Childress Friend Friend, of New Albany, on October 26.

John F. Clifton ’46, ’46 of Katy, TX, on April 3, 2011.

Ralph D. Conger Conger, Sr. Sr., Attended Attended, of Rosedale, on January 10.

Gene L. Coopwood ’62, ’62 of Shelby, on January 13.

William L. Cox ’51, ’51 of Las Vegas, NV, on October 26.

Barbara K. Daniels ’71, ’71 of Cleveland, on February 23, 2011.

H L. Dawkins, Dawkins Sr. Sr., Donor Donor, of Biloxi, on April 22, 2011.

Mary A. Drees ’61 ’61, of Gulf Breeze, FL, on January 6.

Joyce B. Fredric ’81, ’81 of Oxford, on December 29.

Albert M. Hand, Hand Sr. ’41, ’41 of Shreveport, LA, on April 20, 2011.

Jack E. Harper ’61, ’61 of Coffeeville, on April 18, 2011.

Elizabeth Holman Davis ’54 ’54, of Lubbock, TX, on December 26.

Verlon Honeycutt ’46 ’46, of Boonville, on January 22, 2011.

Trudy H. Erwin Erwin, Friend Friend, of Cleveland, on October 11.

Issac D. Pickering ’81, ’81 of Brandon, on September 8.

Emmitt P. Rose, Rose Donor Donor, of Kosciusko, on February 24, 2011.

Lois E. Ruth ’31, ’3 of Lambert, on December 20.

Leoda Sewell ’38, ’38 of Thaxton, on March 21, 2011.

Kaye Ventura, Ventura Friend Friend, of Greenville, on October 5.

James Walden (John John) Brewer ’51, of Mt. Olive, on December ’51 22.

William L. Walters ’70, ’70 of Grenada, on January 27, 2011.

Richard M Ward Ward, Jr., Jr. Attended Attended, of Leland, on October 9.

Lillie Flickner Whitcher ’39, ’39 of Tuscola, IL, on November 28.

Roy L. Wiley, Wiley Professor Emeritus Emeritus, of Greenville, on October 15.

Marie Caylor Wilson ’58 ’58, of Chesapeake, VA, on February 17, 2011.

Dixie Turnbo ’75 1954 – 2011 Lee “Dixie” Etheridge Turnbo ’75, of Hattiesburg, on February 12, 2011. She received her Associate Arts degree from Mississippi Delta Junior College (1973), her bachelors from Delta State University (1975), her masters in English from Delta State University (1976), and her masters in Speech Pathology from University of Southern Mississippi (1978). While at Delta State University, she was an announcer for the band, a member of the Credentials Committee for the Student Government, president of Lamda Iota Tau, and a member of the Literary Honor Society. She met her husband, James Turnbo, while they were students at Delta State. They married in May 1981 and lived in Dumas, AR, where they both taught in the public schools. They moved to Hattiesburg, MS in 1987. Dixie taught at Thames Elementary until 1997. She was an instructor at USM while working on her doctorate degree.

Dixie contracted polio at the age of 11 months and was confined to a wheelchair due to paralysis. In 1975 the Greenville Optimist club sponsored Dixie in the Miss Wheelchair of Mississippi pageant. She claimed the title in July 1975 and entered the national pageant in which she was sponsored by the Capital City Optimist Club of Jackson. She was crowned Miss Wheelchair America 1976 in Columbus, OH, on September 28, 1975. Greenville named September 25, 1975, as Dixie Etheridge Day and she was presented the state’s highest honor, Governor Bill Waller’s “Outstanding Mississippian Award”.

Dixie fought the battle of polio, paralysis, scoliosis, breast cancer, post-polio syndrome, kidney stones, esophageal cancer, and many other maladies with the courage of a warrior and the spirit of a champion. She is survived by her husband, James Turnbo of Hattiesburg, MS; a brother, David Etheridge, Jr. (Connie) of Greenville, MS; and a sister, Debbie Waldrop (Gene) of Madison, MS.

30 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

MILES AWAY Where has the road taken you?

Share your travels with us. Let us see where you’re reading the Delta State alumni magazine. E-mail your photos to alumni@deltastate.edu.

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Summer 2011 • Delta State Magazine • 31

 Alumni Happenings

Michael Aguzzi ’97, Nancy Gerrard ’50, Dr. Rose Strahan (Friend), and Ronnie Mayers ’72 received alumni service awards at Homecoming 2010.

Class of 1960 newly inducted into the Golden Circle at the 2010 Alumni Awards Gala and Dinner.

2010 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, Maj. Gen. Thomas Moore ’82, Dr. Wayne Blansett ’73, and Dr. Joe Whitehead.

Members of the 2011–2012 National Alumni Association Board of Directors at the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni House.

Dr. John Hilpert, Dr. Kent Wyatt ’56, Bill LaForge ’72, and Mike Neiman ’72 in the Roberts LaForge Library during Homecoming 2010.

Craig Verhage ’92, Chris Gaines ’06, Will Bradham ’01, Shea Skeen ’96, and Andy Lee ’96 at the 2011 Bolivar County Crawfish Boil.

A group of dedicated alumni and friends of the university supporting the Statesmen Baseball team at Ferriss Field.

Earnest Hart ’77 and Dr. Joe Whitehead ’82 (honoree) at the 2010 Alumni Awards Gala and Dinner.

DeSoto County alumni volunteers present 20112012 DeSoto County Scholarship to recipients Rachel Byrd & Sarah Davis.

Bob Ferguson ’62 and Amario Cole ’10 at the Northeast area alumni meeting in downtown Tupelo held at the Gardner-Watson Icehouse.

DSU Alumni group at the 25th annual Pig Pickin’ enjoying the Statesmen football game from the Billy Dorgan Jr. Student Performance Center.

Jamie ’01 and Courtney Everett (Friend), of McComb, with their family as they are awarded the Hansel King Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Paul Mancini ’00, George Miller ’00, Matt Jones ’04, and Michael Aguzzi ’97 at the Alumni Association National Championship event in Florence, AL.

Bryan Thomas ’99, Betty Lynn Cameron ’69, Margaret Walker ’67, and Lakeaver Flowers Thomas (Friend) at the Washington County alumni meeting.

Anna Looney Dill ’74, Ned Mitchell ’62, and Margaret Walker ’67 at the Alumni & Foundation Board Homecoming luncheon, held at the DMI (Old Whitfield Gym).

32 • Delta State Magazine • Summer 2011

Stand Out.

Delta State’s Career Services can help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Contact Career Services to learn about employment opportunities, get career coaching, or to jazz up your resume. Employers can research job seekers and post positions on the online job board. Whether you’re looking for a job, or seeking a new employee, Career Services can help you stand out above the competition.

Contact us at careerservices@deltastate.edu.

careerservices.deltastate.edu 662.846.4646

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.

PURCHASE YOUR DSU ALUMNI CAR TAG TODAY Contact alumni@deltastate.edu or call 662.846.4660