Mississippi State Alumnus Summer 2002 by MSSTATE

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CIVIL ENGINEERING

100 years of Building

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2002

C O N T E N T S

ALUMNUS Summer 2002 Volume 78 Number 2

USPS 354-520

Interim President Charles Lee

In cardiology, orthopedics, mammography, and other medical areas, Mississippi State engineers are making research contributions that seek to improve human health.

Vice President for External Affairs Dennis A. Prescott

Alumni Association Executive Director John V. Correro (’62)

Famous Maroon Band celebrates 100 years Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band this year commemorates its 100th anniversary, continuing to build on a tradition of outstanding performing ensembles as it marches into a new century.

Stubborn, blessed, or both? LPGA golfer Kim Williams’ dogged determination—or, as she likes to say, her stubbornness—has enabled her to persevere in the face of several career threatening incidents.

MSU boasts a dance card to envy Many alumni fondly remember the golden age of entertainment at MSU, when such musical celebrities as Louis Armstrong, Woody Herman, and Stan Kenton highlighted the social calendar.

Associate Editor Kay Fike Jones

Designer Becky Smith Student Writer Jessi Parker (’02)

MSU research helping protect “Gorillas in the Mist” Scientists at the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center are using their expertise with high-tech tracking systems to help protect the few remaining great apes of Africa.

Photographers Fred Faulk Russ Houston (’85)

Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

Holy judicial proceedings, Batman! Federal district court judge William Alsup (’67) of San Francisco has come a long way since his days—er, nights—in the “bat cave” at MSU.

Editor/Designer Allen Snow (’76)

www.msstate.edu

Mini Baja entry captures design honors Mud, dust, water, and bumps—lots of bumps—were waiting for five MSU engineering students at the end of a recent long road trip.

Mississippi State Alumnus is published three times a year by the Office of University Relations and the Mississippi State University Alumni Association at Mississippi State, Miss. Send address changes to Alumni Director, P.O. Box AA, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526; telephone 662-325-2434; or access by web browser at http:// msuinfo.ur.msstate.edu/alumni/ alumni.htm. Editorial offices: 102 George Hall, P.O. Box 5325, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5325. Telephone 662-325-3442; fax, 662-325-7455; e-mail, snowa@ur.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University Alumni Association National Officers Allen Maxwell (’78), national president; Gary Blair (’81), national first vice president; Keith Winfield (’70), national second vice president; David W. Jones (’81) national treasurer; Robby Gathings (’81), immediate former national president.

Who’s on the medical research team? Often, an engineer

Civil engineering celebrates 100 years of building One hundred years ago, engineering was a major strength of the institution, as it is today. Civil engineering was especially important because of the rapid growth of the nation’s transportation infrastructure.

On the cover: Established in 1902 as part of the new School of Engineering at Mississippi A&M, the department of civil engineering has evolved to meet the needs of society and to ensure that its graduates remain at the forefront of their profession. Story on page 28. (Photo by Fred Faulk.)

16 Campus News 24 Athletics 30 Alumni Activities 34 Philanthropy 38 Class News 43 In Memoriam

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The beat really isn’t steady

Who’s on the medical research team?

To use an analogy from music, a healthy heart is not like a metronome, Kerut explains. “A metronome by design keeps an exact, nonvarying rhythm,” he said. “Most healthy hearts demonstrate some variability in their rate. With development of various cardiac problems, that variability often disappears. “Drugs under evaluation are among a class of pharmaceuticals that can improve autonomic tone, and hence heart rate variability,” Kerut said. “What is the effect over 24 hours? When does its effect begin to wear off? When would the next dosage be most effective?” Computer software developed by Kerut and To is designed to chart the point at which a drug’s effect diminishes in individual patients. “If a drug is administered at 8 a.m., for instance, we can chart the heart’s precise response until the next dosage,” Kerut said. “Our goal is to prescribe precise amounts at precise times for the greatest benefit to the patient. Ultimately, the engineering technology may provide a way to determine most effective dosages and frequencies—and help save lives.” Wavelet transform techniques also are the basis for a project in which Kerut seeks to diagnose cardiomyopathy (a condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and weakened) earlier than presently possible with other noninvasive methods. Wavelets are used to quantitate and identify early textural changes of heart muscle. This noninvasive technique has proved successful in Kerut’s laboratory tests, where he introduced heart disease into rats

Photo by Fred Faulk

As a cardiologist, Dr. Edmund K. Kerut sees firsthand the human toll of numbers reported by the American Heart Association: One person in four suffers from some form of cardiovascular disease. One death occurs every 33 seconds. Cardiovascular disease affects nearly 60 million people in the nation. As an engineer, Kerut also knows that medicine and technology can work together to improve some of those statistics. A 1978 biological engineering graduate of Mississippi State, he is drawing on research expertise at MSU to seek improved treatments for those with heart disease. In cardiology, orthopedics, mammography, and other medical areas, Mississippi State University engineers are making research contributions that seek to improve human health. “As a physician, I know which questions to ask,” says Kerut, who is in private practice, and is also associate professor of mediDr. Edmund Kerut cine at Tulane University’s School of Medicine and is on the faculty of Louisiana State University’s School of Medicine. “Engineering can help provide some of the answers.” An adjunct faculty member in MSU’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Kerut is collaborating with Dr. Filip To of the department on a project that examines the effects of certain drugs over time. They are using a mathematical technique called the wavelet transform to analyze long-term electrocardiograms of heart patients and the influence of cardiac medications on these recordings.

Dr. Filip To

and was able to detect the onset of cardiomyopathy weeks before traditional tests identified a problem. He recently received a patent on ways to use image technology to quantitate the texture of organs.

positioning system and a cell phone, the “smart” monitor would use algorithms to collect EKG history of the wearer. “If the computer predicts the probability of a heart attack, the person wearing the monitor could be beeped,” he said. “If the person is unable to respond, the monitor might automatically call 911 and provide GPS information to Echocardiography is a non-evasive technology for pinpoint the person’s location identifying heart disease. for emergency personnel. The system could significantly shorten emergency response times.” The project, supported by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, was initiated as a collaboration among MSU biological engineers Jerome In a separate project, Filip To has A. Gilbert, Joel A. Bumgardner, and To; worked with a number of MSU colleagues, Robert B. Reese and James C. Harden of as well as researchers at the University of electrical and computer engineering; and Alabama at Birmingham, on developing

Warning: heart attack is imminent

issues, but Marcum said the engineering technology has broad applications. His group collaborated with University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers and provided software tools developed at MSU that improved the modeling of an artificial heart under development. “We created mathematical algorithms in the form of software that allows the complex geometry of an artificial heart to be modeled on a computer,” he said. The high-end computational tools allowed Pitt researchers to advance their work by reducing the time required to create advanced computer models. “The applications are not so different from the work we do with turbomachinery,” Marcum said. “It’s an example of our industrial and Department of Defensefunded research being applied to a medical problem.”

Often, an engineer proof of concept for a wearable EKG monitor that can predict heart attack probability. The current portable monitors—about the size of a small transistor radio—use leads attached from the chest to record an electrocardiogram, usually over a 24-hour period. In the prototype new system, the monitor not only will record but, using embedded algorithms, interpret and respond to data. “Our concept is to develop a wearable monitor that adds computer intelligence,” To explained. Connected to a global

Dr. Raymond E. Ideker, professor of cardiovascular disease at UAB. Dr. To since has completed two iterations of the system to make it more miniaturized and to demonstrate the feasibility of embedding the prediction algorithm into the system. Algorithms also are the basis for a heart-related software project undertaken by mechanical engineering professor Dr. David Marcum of the university’s Engineering Research Center. The ERC typically works on large-scale field problems such as submarine, ship, aircraft, rocket, and automotive design

By Maridith Walker Geuder

Wavelets give new images to mammography Dr. Lori Mann Bruce of electrical and computer engineering hopes the same technologies she uses in her remote sensing research will help in developing even more effective ways of identifying breast cancer.

DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY Benign

Round

Malignant

Oval Lobulated Nodular Stellate

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OBJECT SEGMENTATION Region of Interest

Contrast Enhancement

Edge Detection

Shape Contour

The same techniques used in remote sensing research are being applied to a study of breast cancer.

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In the bones Biomedical engineers at Mississippi State also are conducting basic research that can help doctors find more effective ways of treating osteoporosis, improving the success of joint replacements and dental implants, and treating joint deterioration caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis. A long-term project begun by department head Dr. Jerome A. Gilbert in the 1990s received National Institutes of Health funding to study sheep as a possible model for postmenopausal osteoporosis. A condition of decreased bone mass that can lead to fractures and breaks, osteoporosis is a threat for about 44 million men and women in the U.S, the National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates. Significantly more women than men suffer with the condition. A team that also included researchers Dr. Jerome Gilbert and at the student College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Mississippi Medical Center tested the theory that the mechanisms for bone damage are triggered at menopause with a decrease in the hormone estrogen, even though the results occur later. To simulate human menopause, the researchers removed ovaries in the sheep Photo by Fred Faulk

Photo by Fred Faulk

“The software we’re designing could Among her MSU projects, she is detect the tumor, tell the radiologist what collaborating with plant and soil science shape it is, and whether it’s benign or professor Dr. John D. Byrd on a NASAmalignant,” she said. funded effort that uses remote sensing— In 2001, breast cancer was the second images gathered from space-based leading cause of cancer death for women platforms—to detect kudzu. The project in the U.S. and the leading cause of cancer contributes to a federal goal of eliminating death for women worldwide, according to the imported, prolific vine. the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Using similar imaging techniques based on wavelet transform, she also is working to develop an automated image analysis that can detect and classify tumors according to their pathology. “Our goal is to use this as a second opinion tool for radiologists,” she said. She is collaborating with the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Databases of mammograms screened by radiologists there are being used to test her methods. Dr. Lori Bruce “Shapes of tumors have a great deal to do with the diagnosis,” she explained. Using the same “We’re hopeful that this technology can techniques she uses in remote sensing, she improve response time in diagnosing and is trying to quantify the shape and texture treating the disease,” Bruce said. of the tumor numerically and to assess its statistical probability of being malignant.

Finding a ‘good’ environment for cartilage

Osteoclasts Osteoblasts—bone-forming cells that lay down collagen—work sequentially with osteoclasts—bone-resorbing cells—in a process through which older bone is replaced with new bone. and documented a resulting decrease in bones mass. A follow-up study looked at bone loss around the teeth. Other researchers have continued to take the sheep model to full development, Gilbert said, including a Mississippi State biological engineering graduate now at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Engineers brought to medical research the quantification and methodology to help move our understanding of osteoporosis forward,” he noted.

CANCELLOUS BONE LOSS ASSOCIATED WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Pre-Menopause

Post-Menopause

Photo by Fred Faulk

Osteoblasts

At the end of bones such as the hip, A rotary wall knee and jaw, cartilage provides a cushion- bioreactor used to ing to allow flexible, pain-free movement. promote the Trauma or conditions such as osteoarthritis growth of cartilage for can cause the cartilage to deteriorate, tissue resulting in pain and restricted movement. engineering. Biological engineering assistant professor and MAFES researcher Dr. Steven H. Elder Elder is interested in is studying ways how the mechanical that cartilage environment influences can be regenercartilage formation. ated once it Using cells from rats, breaks down. A pigs, and chicks, his specialist in research group has tissue engineerdeveloped devices to ing, cellular apply mechanical stress biomechanics, —pressure, for instance— and biotechnolto coordinate trends in ogy, he says that mechanical signals with cartilage serves the cells’ biological primarily a response. mechanical “We want to identify function. the optimum mechanical “If cartilage environment for cartilage begins to break regeneration,” Elder Dr. Steven Elder down, the explained. “That includes resulting pain the mechanical aspects usually is from the nerve that would stimuendings in the bones, not late growth, as well from the loss of cartilage. It as those that would is there for mechaniprevent damage.” cal purposes and its He currently mechanical environhas a $210,000 ment influences how grant from the it forms.” Virginia-based Because Whitaker Foundacartilage has no tion to further his intrinsic ability to research goal of heal itself, most contributing to biomedical strategies Cartilage cells (green) growing on improvements in chitosan (red) as seen under a for regenerating tissue engineering confocal laser scanning microscope. cartilage involve the therapies for introduction of new cartilage defects. cells to induce repair. But to make An article about his work appeared in a healthy cartilage, the cells require recent issue of the journal Annals of the right physical and physiologiBiomedical Engineering. cal environment.

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Cells, loads, and joint implants

Photo by Fred Faulk

interactions, expanding knowledge of how the body interacts with biomaterials. Most recently, he has focused on the In a related area, biological engineering effects of mechanical stress, or loading, on associate professor Dr. Joel D. the cells surrounding implants. Bumgardner, who in 1999 received “An implant such as in the jaw, for $141,000 in Whitaker Foundation funding, instance, transfers a load to the adjacent is researching the interactions between tissues during human cells and chewing.” dental and orthopedic Bumgardner wants implants. Artificial to know how cells joints or dental receiving the load implants typically are respond—in the made of stainless jaw, hip, knee, or steel, titanium, or other joints. other alloys. “We know if While many you overload the implants successfully cells close by, they function for 15 to 20 will no longer years, the biological produce bone,” he reaction of the explained. “The surrounding tissue implant tends to cells has much to do lose stability.” with the loosening of To precisely the device over time, Dr. Joel Bumgardner measure mechanical researchers believe. strain, Bumgardner In Bumgardner’s has developed a flexible device that gauges MSU lab, an electrochemical corrosion the stress at the cellular cell culture device he designed can level. In his laboratory, measure and evaluate cellular-material bone-like cells are helping him learn more about the effects of mechanical loading. “It’s important to understand the mechanisms of how the load is transferred and how the bone tissues respond,” he said. “Are there particular loads the cells like? Will a particular load stimulate the bone and help keep the implant in place?”

Device for evaluating effects of mechanical strain on bone cells in culture.

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The work is helping advance research that can lead to better and longer-lasting implant materials, he said. In these and other projects throughout the college, engineering faculty members and their students are making contributions that will advance medical research, Dean A. Wayne Bennett said. Noting that more than 40 percent of MSU’s biological engineering graduates head for medical school or pursue graduate degrees, he said, “Exposing students to the excitement of biomedical research will impact the quality of health care for years to come. The growing use of technology in medicine is making an engineering degree an excellent background for medical school or graduate work in bioengineering.” And engineering students educated at Mississippi State are finding themselves well equipped for the profession and for research, he said. “I’m especially proud of the 90 percent acceptance rate of our students applying to medical school.”

Bone cells labeled with fluorescent stain to reveal cytoskeletal elements after being mechanically stretched.

Mini Baja entry capturesdesignhonors By Bob Ratliff

Photos by Fred Faulk

Mud, dust, water, and bumps—lots of bumps—were waiting for five MSU engineering students at the end of a recent long road trip. The five, all mechanical engineering majors, were the university’s 2002 Midwest Mini Baja team and on May 31 they traveled to Waukesha, Wis., for three days of competition against more than 120 other teams from throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea. The field was the largest in the more than 25-year history of the event. The Mini Baja, sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers, is a way for students to put what they’ve learned in the classroom to the test by designing, building, and racing an off-road, dune-buggy type vehicle, said professor of mechanical engineering and SAE student chapter adviser Bill Jones. “Each team uses their own design, building a vehicle from the ground up around a 10-horsepower engine donated by Briggs and Stratton Motorsports,” he added. “The project provides skills highly valued by the automotive industry, including project management and teamwork, as well as design and manufacturing experience.” The sleek maroon vehicle built by the MSU students features a high ground clearance and a unique cable steering system that eliminates the need for a steering column, providing the driver with more leg room. Much of the vehicle’s body and even parts like the gearbox and rear axle housing were designed and built by the students at the university’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, a research arm of the aerospace engineering department. “The entire car was drawn entirely in the computer before any part was built,” said team member Steve Neese of Laurel, a May graduate who is departing this summer for a job at Nissan Motors’ Arizona testing facility. “The file was about 100 megabytes, but it had every single bolt, plate, nut, and rivet in the entire car, and that made it easier to build the car because everything fit.” The effort impressed the Mini Baja judges, who awarded the MSU team a tie for first place in the design report competition. The honor was shared with Virginia Tech. The team also fared well in most other aspects of the competition, which includes a series of tests of vehicle maneuverability, acceleration, pulling, and other factors. The MSU vehicle finished eighth overall, despite a breakdown in the last five minutes of the final event—a grueling three-hour endurance run at the Aztalan Motocross Track. Overall firstplace honors went to the University of Akron. “The course was really rugged and our car did well until the very end when an axle broke,” Neese said. “Despite that, it was a great experience.” In addition to Neese, the 2002 MSU Mini Baja team members included May graduates Ramsey Callahan of Middleton, Tenn., and Jim Ragsdale of Newellton, La., and juniors Kenny Brister of Osyka and Brad Warner of Brandon.

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Holy judicial proc Holy judicial proc Holy judicial judicial proce proc Holy oce Federal district court judge William Alsup of San Francisco has come a long way since his days—er, nights—in the “bat cave” at MSU, but could there still be a bit of the joker in him? By Kay Fike Jones

Federal district court judge William Alsup of San Francisco has come a long way since his days-er, nights-in the “bat cave” at MSU, but could there still be a bit of the joker in him? Alsup, a Jackson native, received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from MSU in 1967 before moving on to Harvard University Law School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he earned joint degrees in law and public policy, respectively. He credits his interest in law to his exposure to Mississippi’s struggles with civil rights while a Mississippi State student in the ’60s. “Growing up in Mississippi and attending MSU in a time of great unrest had a large impact on my views of social justice and led me to want to be a lawyer,” Alsup explained. After graduating from Harvard in 1971, he spent 26 years as a trial lawyer, helped, no doubt, by the time he spent on Mississippi State’s debate team. Alsup said participating in MSU debate laid a foundation for future professional success. He learned much from coach Brad Bishop and debate partner Kirk Shaw (’65). Of course, he didn’t spend all of his four years at Mississippi State engaged in such intense matters. Occasionally, he and his friends had to burn off a little youthful energy. The infamous “bat light” story illustrates one of those instances. As he tells it, he and a friend (now a 8

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high-ranking MSU administrator) had acquired access to the basement of the YMCA—then serving as the student union and a residence hall—where they uncovered an old slide projection lantern still in working order. Knowing the lantern would project a powerful beam of light a great distance through whatever slide was placed in front of it, the boys decided a silhouette of Batman’s famous bat signal would be the perfect image to send to the stars. “We shined the light from our rooms upstairs at the ‘Y’ into the night sky and if there was no dust in the air, you couldn’t tell where the signal was coming from,” Alsup recalled. “It fit perfectly on top of the Chapel of Memories tower.”

Well, it didn’t take long for passersby to see the bat signal and as they pointed and wondered, it gave Alsup and his friends lots of laughs. He said students seemed to expect the Batmobile to race up Lee Boulevard at any moment. Eventually, though, all good things must end. Campus security tracked the light to its source and ordered the boys to flip the off switch. A now-famous Mississippi trial lawyer (then Alsup’s roommate) spoke up and asked what law made their bat light illegal. The campus officer’s response was immortal: “There may not be a law, but there may be a rule.” The two sides finally reached an agree-

Bill Alsup, right and two of his hiking buddies, Kirk Shaw (’65), left, and Danny Cupit (’67), unfurl a Bully banner atop Mt. Whitney, Calif., in August 2000. The three were debate team members in the mid’60s at MSU. Shaw is a Mobile, Ala., attorney while Cupit practices law in Jackson. At nearly 14,500 feet, Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the 48 contiguous states.

ceedings, Batman! ceedings, Batman! ceedings, Batman! eedings, Batman! eedings, ment—the boys could shine the light if they notified Chief B.S. Hood of campus security first. Needless to say, the bat light receded into MSU lore. When he wasn’t keeping folks on the lookout for the Dark Knight, Alsup was attending class and particularly remembers a 7 a.m., Monday-Friday, calculus class. Once a student asked the teacher, Professor Gaddis, whether zero was a “real” number (as opposed to an “imaginary” number). The professor, without breaking stride, replied, “Son, I have had zero dollars many times and it is real.” He also fondly remembers his old debate coach, Brad Bishop, now a judge in Alabama. In addition to living in the YMCA building, Alsup also served as president of the campus organization. It was through his work with the “Y” that he met his future wife Suzan, another YMCA officer. Eventually, they married and moved to California, her home state, and he continued the law practice he had started in Jackson. Among his career highlights, Alsup spent a year clerking for U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas and two years with the U.S. Solicitor General, then joined the San Francisco law firm of Morrison & Foerster, where he spent 26 years. During his time as a trial lawyer, he was listed in “Best Lawyers in America, Business Litigation” and was tapped for membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers. In 1999, Alsup became the first Mississippian appointed to the federal bench in California when he was named one of 14 U.S. district judges in the state’s Northern District. Although Sen. Barbara

Boxer (D-Calif.) nominated Alsup for the post, he also gives credit for his approval to then-Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (RMiss.). “I didn’t know Sen. Lott and am forever indebted to him,” Alsup said. “He was extremely helpful to me.” Once on the bench, Alsup quickly made a name for himself when he wrote an opinion that many called “a landmark ruling in securities law” in a complicated securities class action suit some three months after assuming the judgeship. Now, after three years as a federal judge, Alsup has a routine established. He arrives at work early— 5:30 a.m.—and spends the first two hours working on orders and opinions, sometimes hearing from his two law clerks. At 8 a.m., court begins, breaking at 1 p.m. for a 30minute lunch and then concluding around 4 p.m., although it sometimes goes until 6 or 7 p.m. When he has time away from the bench, however, Alsup isn’t a couch potato. He coaches and umpires Little

William Alsup

League baseball and watches his son pitch for his high school baseball team. He also keeps up with MSU’s Diamond Dogs. In addition, he is very active in conservation work on behalf of Yosemite National Park and is a Sierra Nevada historian. In fact, he wrote a book that details the mysterious disappearance of Walter “Peter” Starr, a San Francisco attorney who disappeared in the rugged Minarets region of the Sierras in 1933. Missing in the Minarets: The Search for Walter A. Starr Jr. was published last year by the Yosemite Association. It is available through yosemitestore.com. As for the future, Alsup is very happy being a trial judge and has no higher aspirations. “I honestly think this is the best job I could ever hope for and the best job any lawyer could have. I’m making our system work like it’s supposed to and I want to keep doing exactly what I’m doing now.” A Summer 2002

Famous Maroon Band celeb By Allen Snow Mississippi State’s Famous Maroon Band this year commemorates its 100th anniversary, continuing to build on a tradition of outstanding performing ensembles as it marches into a new century. The band as we know it today, however, is a far cry from its earliest predecessors. The first musician at then-Mississippi A&M College was likely the bugler who woke his fellow cadets with reveille each morning and signaled lights out with taps at night. Drum and bugle corps came and went at the discretion of the commandant, but not until 1902 did the state College Board establish the first formal performing band at the fledgling agricultural and mechanical college. That original, eclectic group included A&M students, faculty members, and students of the agricultural high school located on campus. In 1911, Iowa native and manual training instructor Carl Leake was named the band’s first official director. Practice sessions were held in the campus woodworking shop. Putting his carpentry skills to work, Leake made 40 wooden music stands, some of which were still in use as late as the 1950s. Photo by Fred Faulk

Today’s Famous Maroon Band has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

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The 1902 performing band was composed of A&M students, faculty members, and agricultural high school students. Leake died in 1919, and following stints by several interim directors, Henry Wamsley assumed leadership of the band in 1922. Wamsley was to remain in that post for 30 years, a time in which the band experienced tremendous growth and reached numerous milestones, including admission of the first female members and—in 1924—its first performance at halftime of a football game. At the 1926 A&M vs. Alabama football game at the East Mississippi Fair stadium in Meridian, the respective bands were to hold a contest with the winner receiving a trophy and bragging rights. Unknown to the Alabama band, the A&M band had broken with military tradition and purchased new uniforms: maroon coats and white trousers. At halftime, the 40member A&M band performed first and received a thunderous ovation from the crowd. The Alabama band refused to perform, and The Famous Forty was born.

In the early 1930s—shortly after A&M was newly designated Mississippi State College—a sportswriter referred to the ‘Forty’ as the Famous Maroon Band, and the moniker stuck. Wamsley is credited with taking the band program to unparalleled heights, and by 1940, it was considered by many to be the premier band in the South and one of the best in the nation. A featured twirler was added in the ’40s, and many schools modeled their music programs after the one established by Wamsley.

Band seeks new rehea Like most Bulldog fans, I can’t imagine a football or basketball game without hearing “Hail State” as played by the Famous Maroon Band. If you have followed the program closely over the years, you know that the band has been housed in the same inadequate rehearsal facility for 50 years. Our band deserves a facility consistent in quality with its own level of musical performance. In celebration of the band’s 100th year of existence, wouldn’t it be great if this was the year someone stepped forward and made the dream of a new rehearsal facility come true? While some funds have been

brates

And the beat goes on . . .

100

During World War II, the band declined somewhat, as did every aspect of college life, but immediately following the war a majorette line was added and the glory days resumed. Wamsley, his hearing deteriorating, retired in 1952 and W. Thomas West became the Famous Maroon Band’s third official director. He assumed leadership of a 100-member ensemble, 89 of whom were freshmen. West, a professional musician, was instrumental in establishing the first New Materials Clinic in 1953, and in 1957 the music education department was established in the College of Education, with the director serving as department chairman in addition to his other duties. West resigned as director of bands in 1967 to devote his energies full time as chairman of the growing department. Assistant director Peyton Crowder replaced him, and under Crowder’s leadership, the band program grew dramatically. In the mid-’60s, membership increased to 150 and the band split into two concert bands for the first time. Also during that period, assistant director Kent Sills established the university’s first stage band. James Hejl replaced Crowder in 1978 and was instrumental in forming the Maroon Alumni Band in 1979. The alumni band allows former members to get

arsal facility raised in the past, we still need a leadership gift in the range of $1 million to build the project. Magnificent buildings such as the Swalm Chemical Engineering Building, the Bryan Athletic Administration Building, and most recently the Hunter Henry Center were all made possible with private funds. If you love the Famous Maroon Band and are interested in adding to this legacy, please give me a call at 662-325-9306.

Dennis A. Prescott Vice President for External Affairs

together annually to renew old friendships and meet other band members. Kent Sills became band director in 1983, serving until 1997 as the band’s membership swelled to more than 300, making it the largest student organization on campus. In 1999, Rod Chesnutt assumed the director’s duties, and in July of this year, he was succeeded by Elva Kaye Lance, who is director of the Maroon Band Program and the first female director. Lance is excited about the future of the band as it enters its second century. “Students of today, just as those in the past, give countless hours and effort to be a part of the band, and they do it because they love music and Mississippi State,” she said. “I’ve received letters from hundreds of alumni who say that their time in the Famous Maroon Band was one of the defining experiences of their early lives. I’m determined that the students of this generation will continue to say the same thing.” Currently, the program consists of the Famous Maroon Band, the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and two basketball Pep Bands. The concert bands maintain an active performance schedule, with the Wind Ensemble conducting recruiting tours of area schools each spring. With the increased success of the university’s athletic programs, the band appears regularly at bowl games and regional basketball tournaments. The contributions of MSU’s band program extend beyond entertaining audiences and athletics fans. “The Famous Maroon Band is at the heart of the Mississippi State family,” said

years

The tradition continues . . . This year’s Famous Maroon Alumni Band reunion will be held Sept. 13-15 in conjunction with the MSU vs. Jacksonville State football game on campus. The schedule of events includes a Jazz Band rehearsal, majorettes’ practice, and an informal majorettes’ dinner on Friday evening. Saturday events include Alumni Band registration and rehearsal, Jazz Band rehearsal, majorettes’ run-through, Alumni Band luncheon, and a Jazz Band performance. Step-off is set for 5 p.m. at Colvard Union. On Sunday morning, band alumni are invited to a Dutch-treat breakfast at Perry Cafeteria. For more information or to register for the reunion online, visit the Alumni Band’s Web site at https:// www.ur.msstate.edu/alumniband. The registration deadline is Aug. 30.

Dr. Michael R. Brown, professor and head of the Department of Music Education. “Hundreds of music educators have been among the thousands of students who have grown in leadership and musicianship in the band during the past century. We hope that the band program will continue and flourish for another 100 years.” The Famous Maroon Band has a rich heritage as one of the oldest and best university bands in the South—a heritage built on the pride and enthusiasm of the students and directors who have made it an organization that represents the highest ideals of the university.

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Kim Williams—

Stubborn, blessed, or both?

By Dale Dombrowski Photos by Dale Dombrowski

Kim Williams stands out on the Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour. Not only is she one of the tallest professionals on the tour at a shade over six feet, but her shoulder-length red hair makes her easy to identify on and off the golf course. But these characteristics aside, what makes Williams stand out is her dogged determination, or—as she likes to say—her “stubbornness,” that has enabled her to persevere in the face of several career threatening incidents. Whichever word you choose, determination or stubbornness, either defines the Mississippi State alumna and her golfing career. Williams has been a member of the LPGA Tour since 1986, and three times during her career she has had to work on more than just her golf game to compete through the rigorous tournament schedule. The first time was in 1994 when she was competing in the Youngstown-Warren LPGA Classic in Ohio. “One evening in July 1994, I was walking into a drugstore in Warren when a stray bullet struck me in the neck,” Williams recalled. The bullet, fired by a man who was target shooting about a half mile away, missed all her major arteries, but required Williams to be hospitalized and miss the remainder of the tournament. “It was a miracle I wasn’t hurt more seriously,” said Williams. “I was playing really well at the time, and was only one stroke off the lead when I got shot.” However, she was back competing eight days later in the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic and recorded her highest finish of the 1994 season as she tied for 10th place. Williams said she didn’t want the

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incident to affect her in the same way a similar incident affected Women’s Professional Tennis pro Monica Seles. “When Monica Seles was stabbed, which was a totally different incident because someone specifically targeted her, she went home and didn’t want to leave,” Williams explained. “It would be easy to go home and then become really isolated, but I felt it would be better for me if I got right back out.” Despite making the decision to return to competition within a few days of the incident, it wasn’t easy. “Going back out was still a hard thing to do, though,” she said. “I didn’t go to the mall very often after it happened and I am still very conscious of being in crowds, but I felt it was best for me to get right back out and try not to dwell on it.” The fact that the U.S. Women’s Open was being played the week after the Toledo tournament also played a part in her decision to return quickly. “Qualifying for the Open was the next week and it wasn’t like anyone was going to give me an exemption into the tournament, so I had to go to that,” she said. Williams posted her best year on the tour in 1997 as she tied for third place at the Star Bank LPGA Classic and posted her career low tournament score of 64 in the State Farm Rail Classic the next week, where she finished fourth. She also won more than $129,000 during the season.

But coming off the successful 1997 season, Williams injured her back in the second tour event of 1998 and played a limited schedule until September, when she had surgery to correct a ruptured disk. The surgery kept her from competing for much of the 1999 season. “The injury was misdiagnosed for a long time,” Williams said. “The doctors said I would get better by resting it, so I would go home and rest for three weeks and come back out, play a week, and I’d hurt it again. “I was in excruciating pain at the end of the year and saw another doctor,” she explained. “The doctor said I had ruptured a disk and I had surgery two days later.” Getting back out and playing again didn’t happen quickly this time, however. “The rehab was long and tough,” she explained. “I couldn’t do anything for 90 days and I didn’t leave the house for over a month.

Kim Williams at MSU Kim Williams attended Mississippi State 1982-85 and left before finishing her degree in business. She was a three-time letter winner at MSU, tied for 18th place in the 1985 NCAA Championships, and was named All-SEC that year. In 1984, Williams finished second in the U.S. Amateur Championship and won the Canadian Amateur Championship. In 1985,

As a result of her limited activity while recovering from surgery in 1999, Williams’ status on the tour changed from “exempt” to “non-exempt,” which limited the number of events in which she could play during the 2000 season. According to the LPGA, a player with exempt status is given priority in signing up for events during the year, while a player with non-exempt status must wait to see how many spots are open in any given tournament after the exempt players have signed. Despite her non-exempt status in 2000, which limited her to playing in only 14 events all season, Williams recorded her second most successful season ever on the tour, finishing in the top 10 three times and winning more than $118,000. She finished 74th on the LPGA Tour money list, regained her exempt status, and was named The Jackson Clarion-Ledger’s women’s golfer of the year. “I played really well despite the limited schedule,” she said. “I had three top-10 finishes and tied for fourth at the Oldsmobile Classic. I also finished 11th at the du Maurier Classic, which is one of our majors.”

she again posted a victory in the Canadian Amateur, captured the Southern Amateur, the Eastern Amateur, and the Doherty Challenge Cup. Williams, who has won more than $600,000 since joining the LPGA in 1986, has never posted a victory, but she has tied for the lead and lost in a playoff. She has posted 12 top-10 finishes during her career.

The first tournament in 2001 was the YourLife Vitamins LPGA Classic in Orlando, and after posting an even par round of 72, Williams fell victim to her third setback. She was involved in a head-on collision after leaving the course, when a driver heading in the opposite direction crossed into her lane and struck her car. She suffered numerous injuries. “I broke my collarbone, snapped it right in two, broke my sternum, cut my right knee all the way into the joint, tore my left hip flexor, and tore lots of cartilage in my ribs,” she said. “And then later, in March, I had major abdominal surgery. “The knee really hurt, but the sternum and collarbone were big hurdles and they still are. They don’t hurt anymore, but the injuries changed my mechanics,” she explained. “I learned that the collarbone doesn’t grow back the same, so now my shoulder sits a little differently, and as a result I do a lot of rehab, including heavy lifting and swimming.” Williams said the cumulative effect of all three incidents has altered her expectations. “Physically, I can’t practice as long as I used to and I’m sure the accident last year didn’t help my back either,” she explained. “I can’t hit balls like I used to, so that’s been hard from a mental standpoint, but I deal with it and just keep going. What else can you do?” Despite the setbacks, she doesn’t believe she has had bad luck. Things have just been “crazy.” “It seems like every time I play really well, something crazy happens,” Williams said. “But, I’m stubborn and I just keep barreling through.”

As a result of all the adversity and setbacks, Williams also believes she is blessed. “I do feel very blessed because I could easily have been killed or paralyzed or even been a quadriplegic when I got shot,” reflected Williams. “Every medical person I have talked to said it is amazing I came through the shooting as I did because a bullet hitting you in the neck can cause a ton of damage. I was very lucky. “And, in my accident last year, if she had hit me at a little different angle or something, I could have been killed very easily, so I feel stubborn and I feel blessed. “You don’t want to feel sorry for yourself, but there are times when I think, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this crazy stuff has happened to me,’ and then I think, you know, I am really lucky to be here.” It is because of the crazy things that have happened to her that she feels a deep empathy with others who have had similar setbacks. “Everybody remembers the little girl who was killed when she was hit by a hockey puck earlier this year, and that was really hard on me,” she confessed. “I think that’s because I have had all these crazy things happen to me and yet I am still alive. I looked at that little girl and it was so devastating. I can look back at what has happened and see how that could so easily have happened to me. It almost makes me feel guilty, but it gives perspective.” Whether stubborn or blessed, Williams has persevered for more than 15 years on the LPGA Tour, and she’s not done yet.

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MSU b

o en

n c a e d c a a r s

By Jessi Marla Parker

Mississippi State has built a consistent reputation for academic and athletic excellence, but less known is that the university long was recognized for another kind of excellence— entertainment. Alumni who were fortunate to see and hear such musical celebrities as Louis Sta Armstrong, Woody nK ent Herman, and Stan Kenton also on may remember when MSU topped the charts of Billboard magazine for having the best college concert series in the country. 14

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Dr. Roy H. Ruby (’61), dean of the College of Education, was a student at MSU when dances and weekend concerts highlighted the social calendar. “Mississippi State had a significant entertainment program in terms of bringing in name entertainers,” Ruby said. Students anticipated the weekends when such talents as Louis Armstrong, WC Handy, and Les Brown performed on campus. The weekend concerts were sponsored by the Student Association to give students a chance to unwind from a hectic week of books and tests.

In 1953, the Student Association’s Social Committee, headed by student body vice president Dewitt Hicks (’54) of Columbus, was in charge of arrangements for the performances. During Hicks’ and Ruby’s day, the SA committee hosted monthly concerts and fraternity dances were scheduled almost every weekend. “The dances were big social events, there is no doubt about that,” Ruby said. Because Mississippi State was a male institution at the time, coeds from Mississippi State College for Women (now Mississippi University for Women) in Columbus attended the dances. Most of the dances were weekend events. According to

Hicks, the girls would come from MSCW Ruby recalls a unique story of a concert and the boys would rent rooms for their that took place in the Animal Husbandry dates in town so they could stay the building. weekend. “When you got a date from the “W” for Hicks said there was more to organizing a special program, she had to be back by a the dances and concerts than just booking certain time,” he recalled. This presented a the entertainers. problem if the concert ran long. “I had to get special permission to let “Fred Waring sang all sorts of popular Louis Armstrong eat at the cafeteria,” Hicks music from that day. He was a very famous said. “He was very gracious, even though recording artist and had his own radio he had to eat behind a roped-off area program,” Ruby said. because of his color.” Despite the popularity of Fred Waring Hicks showed genuine hospitality to and the Pennsylvanians, the crowd began to Armstrong by joining him for the meal. In dwindle somewhat early as the boys left addition to getting the entertainer fed, with their dates to meet curfew. Hicks also had to find him a room for the “Fred Waring was so mad he sat down weekend. on the stage and stared at the audience as “Despite his race and the times, the they left. It was an embarrassment at the town was very receptive to him,” Hicks time, just as it was an embarrassment to added. rope off the cafeteria for Louis Armstrong,” Students and their dates filled auditoriRuby said. ums across campus to see such performRuby said one major entertainer ers. Ruby recalled that Les received a geography lesson when Brown and His Band of he performed on campus. Renown was one “Bob Hope was in his of the most prime when he came here to popular perform in the Animal during his Husbandry Building,” years as a Ruby said. “He said student. something about Elvis “They were a Presley being from nationally known Memphis.” big band and they With a smile, were the regular band Ruby recalled on the Bob Hope Show, that a rowdy en hm s e r a very popular radio fraternity boy interrupted rF Fou Hope and yelled, “Tupelo!” Hope e program of that day,” Ruby h T said. looked out into the audience and said, Ruby also remembers The “Tupelo? What’s Tupelo?” Four Freshmen, a vocal jazz quartet from As a new generation came along, big Butler University, being a favorite among band jazz was on the way out and folk Bulldogs. They were known for such songs music grew in popularity. With the shift in as “It’s a Blue World,” “Graduation Day,” genre, MSU brought in The Brothers Four, and a number of other hits during the midThe Cumberland Three, and Peter, Paul & 50s. Since their early performances at Mary, among others. Mississippi State, the original membership Ruby remembered that country music has changed, but they are still performing.

patriarch Johnny Cash preformed in Starkville and received inspiration for a song. “During the late ’60s, Johnny Cash came to MSU for a concert, and he was arrested in Starkville for picking flowers in someone’s yard,” Ruby said. “He wrote a song called ‘The Starkville City Jail.’ Unfortunately for us, it was a dud of a song. It would have benefited Starkville if it had become a major hit.” Mississippi State’s concert series remained strong through the big band era, the folk music phase, Elvis mania, and even hard rock. “Humphrey Coliseum brought a lot of new names to MSU. There was nothing like the Hump in North Mississippi. It provided for a large portion of concertgoers from all over Mississippi and Alabama,” Ruby said. Since 1974, the Hump has hosted such musical stars as Garth Brooks, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, George Strait, Jimmy Buffett, and James Taylor. Those performances remain alive today in the memories of many former students. When it comes to entertainment, MSU has a dance card history that would be the pride of any university.

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SEC votes for penalties for cowbell use The Southeastern Conference at its spring meeting May 31 adopted a policy that provides for yardage penalties to be assessed against a football team when its fans engage in use of artificial noisemakers such as cowbells. Presidents of the member universities voted 11-1, with MSU Interim President Charles Lee dissenting, to add penalties to the rule banning noisemakers that has been on the books since 1975. Following the conference decision, Lee said: “Cowbells have been a symbol of Mississippi State spirit and pride for more than 75 years, and we understand the deep attachment that many alumni and friends have for this unique tradition. Efforts over the past 25 years to enforce the Southeastern Conference ban on artificial noisemakers inside the stadiums have met with limited success. This has led now to a provision that our teams can be penalized on the field if our fans disregard the longstanding rule. “We know that many Mississippi State supporters are disappointed, but we are confident that our fans will not engage in actions that would compromise the ability of our athletes to be competitive on the field. As an institution, we will continue as we have in the past to abide by the rule and we urge all Mississippi State fans to do likewise. “There is no limit on the amount of enthusiasm and spirit that we can demonstrate in ways that can only help our teams succeed, and I am

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confident that Bulldog fans will be more determined than ever to show their team spirit in appropriate ways. Membership in the Southeastern Conference is a tremendous benefit to the institution and our fans, and along with the benefits of that association comes the responsibility to adhere to policies adopted by a vote of the member universities.” The SEC presidents’ vote changes the existing bylaw on Playing Conditions to extend the ban on artificial noisemakers to “any sports venue” in addition to making provision for playing field penalties. Previously, the language of the cowbell ban cited only football stadiums and basketball arenas. President Lee appointed a task force to consider university practices, procedures, and communications with fans related to cowbells. The game management rules adopted by the SEC presidents are as follow: 1. Artificial Noisemakers— Football. In the sport of football, the game officials are charged with enforcing the conference ban on artificial noisemakers utilizing the following procedures: a. The first time the referee detects the significant use of artificial noisemakers by those in the crowd, he will call a referee’s timeout and issue a verbal warning through the public address system.

b. On the second incident involving the significant use of artificial noisemakers, the home team shall be penalized 5 yards. c. On the third, and any subsequent, incident involving the significant use of artificial noisemakers, the home team shall be penalized 15 yards. d. Game officials have the discretion to determine if the penalty is enforced against the home or visiting team. 2. Artificial Noisemakers— Other Sports. The ban on artificial noisemakers will be extended to all conference-sponsored sports. It was noted that the NCAA playing rules of many sports prohibit artificial noisemakers. In cases where the rules of the sport do not prohibit artificial noisemakers, the conference has the authority to impose fines as deemed necessary by the commissioner. 3. Institutionally-Controlled Artificial Noisemakers. In cases where member institutions violate policies regarding institutionally-controlled artificial noisemakers (i.e., bands, P.A. systems, etc.), the conference office shall first warn the institution and then impose fines no less than $5,000 for subsequent violations. 4. Fans Rushing Field/Court. Each institution is required to submit to the

conference its plan for students and fans rushing the playing field or court at the conclusion of an athletic contest. It is suggested that each athletics department work with the respective president’s or chancellor’s office to adopt these policies and inform students. 5. Courtside Seating— Basketball. The conference office will provide a letter from the commissioner to be sent to any patrons holding courtside seats in the sport of basketball. Said letter should remind these seatholders of their higher level of responsibility for actions and conduct before, during, and after games. Game officials will not tolerate profanity, racial or other taunting, or any threatening remarks or actions from these seatholders. Officials shall have the authority to remove the individuals from the seats and/or assess a technical foul to the home team.

▼ Ruby named education dean; gives up job as v.p. for student affairs Dr. Roy H. Ruby has been named dean of the College of Education at Mississippi State after serving on an interim basis for the past year, and has chosen to give up his duties as vice president for student affairs when a successor can be appointed to that post. Ruby will continue to do double duty as vice president and dean, as he has since May 2001, pending a search for a new vice president for Ruby student affairs.

Georgia college dean, theater historian to lead MSU-Meridian The arts and sciences dean at Georgia Southwestern State University is the new dean of the Meridian Campus of Mississippi State. Dr. Harold J. Nichols assumed leadership of the MSU-Meridian regional campus in July. Nichols Nichols had been dean at the Americus, Ga., school since 1997. Prior to that, he served for four years as dean of the College of Fine Arts and Humanities at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a regional campus. He also spent nine years as head of the speech department at Kansas State University and was a KSU

faculty member 1971-93. Nichols, who holds a doctorate in theater history, joins MSU-Meridian as work gets under way to restore the historic downtown Grand Opera House, which will be managed by the university as part of the Riley Education and Performing Arts Center. He succeeds Bev. Norment, who now works full time coordinating the Riley Center project. Dennis Mitchell, chair of the arts and sciences division at MSU-Meridian, served as interim dean.

Chemistry head now College of Arts and Sciences dean Chemistry department professor and head Philip B. Oldham is the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Mississippi State. Oldham, who had filled the dean’s position on an interim basis since July 2001, was selected following a national search. “Dr. Oldham comes to this position with a great knowledge of the university and the college,” said Dr. George Verrall, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. Oldham “He has served successfully as a department head and interim dean and I believe he is, without question, the best person for this job.”

Moore, Pearson receive teaching honors Dr. J. Elton Moore was named a W.L. Giles Distinguished Professor and Dr. Rodney A. Pearson was selected a 20012002 John Grisham Master Teacher during the spring Moore Alumni Association Faculty Recognition Program. Moore is director of the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Counselor Education. A Giles Distinguished Professorship is the highest academic honor the university can bestow on a faculty member. Pearson is a professor of management and information systems in the College of Business and Industry. He received a cash award and is responsible for Pearson conducting workshops and other instructional improvement activities for faculty colleagues. Grisham Master Teacher Awards are named for the bestselling novelist who graduated from MSU in 1977.

Grisham endows MSU teaching awards, scholarships Best-selling novelist John Grisham has made another major contribution to his alma mater by endowing new teaching awards and scholarships at Mississippi State. Grisham and his wife Renee donated $1.5 million to the university. The gift is divided into equal endowments supporting faculty awards for undergraduate teaching and scholarships for academically talented students. Starting during the coming academic year, faculty members will be honored for outstanding teaching at the undergraduate level with $10,000 Grisham Teaching Excellence Awards. Half of the Grisham gift will help support the university’s Presidential Endowed Scholarship program, which provides four-year scholarships and special learning opportunities to some of the university’s most academically promising freshmen.

TVA chairman addresses spring graduates The former Tupelo mayor who now heads the Tennessee Valley Authority addressed about 1,400 spring graduates May 11. Glenn L. McCullough Jr., named last year McCullough by President George W. Bush to chair the

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▼ nation’s largest public utility, was the university’s spring commencement speaker. McCullough congratulated the spring graduates on overcoming “doubt, sleep deprivation, homesickness, and some heartache,” to earn their degrees. He challenged the new graduates to combine their knowledge with today’s technology to improve the world, noting that the events of Sept. 11 put the spotlight back on individuals who take action in service to their fellow man.

Engineering faculty members honored for excellence Nine College of Engineering faculty members are new Hearin Professors. The Robert M. Hearin Foundation of Jackson sponsors the annual recognition of professional excellence in teaching and research. Each recipient receives $1,000 and an engraved plaque. This year’s group includes Royce O. Bowden, professor, industrial engineering; Susan M. Bridges, professor, computer science; Joel D. Bumgardner, associate professor, biomedical engineering; Steven R. Daniewicz, associate professor, mechanical engineering; James E. Fowler, associate professor, electrical and computer engineering; Allen G. Greenwood, associate professor, industrial engineering; Michael S. Mazzola, associate professor, electrical and computer engineering; Rayford B. Vaughn, associate professor, computer science;

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and Mark E. Zappi, professor, chemical engineering. Also honored during recent campus ceremonies were B. Keith Hodge of mechanical engineering, who received the college’s Engineering Career Achievement Award; Roger L. King, electrical and computer engineering, Outstanding Engineering Research Award; Robert L. King, aerospace engineering, Outstanding Research Paper; Masoud RaisRohani, Outstanding Instructional Paper, aerospace engineering; and Rayford B. Vaughn, Outstanding Engineering Educator Award.

MSU professor named Outstanding Young Engineer A Mississippi State associate professor of electrical and computer engineering is being honored by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Dr. Noel Schulz is receiving the IEEE Power Engineering Schulz Society Walter Fee Outstanding Young Engineer Award. The honor is presented each year by the international professional organization to a member of its Power Engineering Society who is 35 years of age or under “for outstanding contributions in the leadership of technical society activities.”

Breaking ground for the future Helping break ground for MSU’s new Franklin Center for Furniture Manufacturing and Management recently were, from left, state Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Lester Spell; College Board President Bryce Griffis; Interim President Charles Lee; lead donor and building namesake Hassell Franklin; Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck; Interim Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Vice President Vance Watson; College of Forest Resources Dean Sam Foster; and state Sen. Jack Gordon.

Two faculty members edit Malcolm X encyclopedia A new scholarly work by a Mississippi State historian and his political science colleague provides a detailed examination of the influences, ideas, actions, and personality of civil rights activist Malcolm X. The Malcolm X Encyclopedia, a 643-page reference published by Greenwood Press of Westport, Conn., is co-edited by university associate history professor Robert L. Jenkins and political science professor Mfanya D. Tryman. Jenkins, who holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from MSU, Jenkins teaches courses

in African-American history and the modern civil rights movement. Tryman, whose courses include AfricanAmerican politics, civil rights, and affirmative action, holds a Tryman bachelor’s degree from the California State Polytechnic Institute and master’s and doctoral degrees from Florida State University.

Effort seeks to preserve history of rural life in Mississippi From documenting longvanished activities such as local canning clubs to developing oral histories focusing on the state’s farm economy, a new

▼ Mississippi State effort is preserving an important part of Mississippi’s past. The newly formed Consortium for the History of Agricultural and Rural Mississippi, housed in MSU’s Mitchell Memorial Library, is collecting historical materials related to Mississippi agriculture, forestry and rural life. Initial CHARM partners are the MSU Libraries, the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, the MSU Extension Service, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Business college, accountancy school earn reaccreditation Mississippi State’s College of Business and Industry, including its School of Accountancy, is receiving a new stamp of approval from the international organization that reviews the academic programs in the field. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business recently reaffirmed accreditation for the college’s bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. The School of Accountancy, a major unit within the college, also has received separate reaccreditation.

MSU team takes lead role in biomedical computing initiative Mississippi State is among seven institutions receiving funding under a new National Institutes of Health initiative to expand the use of computers in improving human health.

Giles Distinguished Professors Janice E. Chambers and Joe F. Thompson recently were awarded a three-year, $1.1 million grant to lay the groundwork for a biomedical computing research center at MSU. At the end of a two-year planning and organizational period, they will seek additional funding to have the center designated an NIH Program of Excellence in Biomedical Computing.

Research fraternity honors Lewis Brown Mississippi State’s chapter of an international research fraternity is bestowing its highest honor on one of the university’s most senior faculty members. Dr. Lewis R. Brown, a professor of biological sciences, received Sigma Xi’s 2002 Ralph E. Powe Research Award. A Sigma Xi member since 1958 and a faculty member since 1961, Brown is recognized worldwide for his basic and applied research in environmental, industrial, and petroleum microbiology. He holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Louisiana State University. Brown The Powe Award is a campus memorial to the former Sigma Xi member and university research vice president who died in 1996. The award was first presented in 1997.

Hearin Foundation grant advances biotechnology Biotechnology research at Mississippi State is receiving a $2 million boost from the Jackson-based Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation. The grant provides support for university scientists whose research includes human and animal health, disease- and insect-resistant crops development, natural resource protection, and computational biology. The Hearin Foundation is the namesake of the late Mississippi business leader and philanthropist who created it in 1965.

Representative named outstanding woman State Rep. Eloise H. Scott of Tupelo is this year’s selection for the 2002 Outstanding Mississippi Woman Award at Mississippi State. Given annually by the MSU President’s Commission on the Status of Women, the honor recognizes individuals with a history of dedication and achievement toward the betterment of life in Mississippi. A Benton County native, Scott has represented District 17 and Lee County in the House of Representatives since 1988. She chairs the House Ethics Committee and is a member of the Appropriations, Banks, Education, and Juvenile Justice committees.

author is adding another recognition to his long list of honors. Dr. John F. Marszalek, who has written eight books and more than 150 articles, is one of two Mississippi authors who received the Richard Wright Literary Excellence Award presented by the Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration. Also honored was Lewis Nordan, a Forest native who holds a master’s degree from MSU and currently teaches at the University of Pittsburgh. Nordan is the author of four novels, including the awardwinning Wolf Whistle and Sugar Among the Freaks.

National professional society honors MSU educator A Mississippi State administrator is receiving a major honor of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Dr. Thomas W. Hosie, professor and Hosie head of the department of counselor education and educational psychology, is one of two selected this year for the association’s Distinguished Professional Service Awards. He is recognized for professional service deemed to be of national importance to the counseling profession.

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▼ Poultry-judging team is selected nation’s best A four-person team from Mississippi State is nesting the top award of the 2002 national collegiate poultry-judging contest. Seniors Corey Davis of Fulton and Shelley Hill of Laurel, along with juniors Ellen Phillips of Bay Springs and Judd Stevens of Clara, recently defeated 10 other university teams. The 55th annual competition of the United States Poultry and Egg Association was held this year at Louisiana State University. The student challenge involves three divisions—production, breed selection, and market products—with team and individual awards presented in each division and for overall achievement.

Itawamba student receives national research award A Mississippi State biological engineering major who graduated in May is a 2002 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. Betsy M. Chesnutt’s fellowship totals $96,000, including $21,500 annually for three years of graduate study, Chesnutt plus up to $10,500 a year for tuition and fees. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Mann Jr. of Fulton. 20

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Her selection marks the third consecutive year an MSU biological engineering major has received the prestigious honor.

Former MSU head Zacharias taking on new campus duties The president emeritus of Mississippi State has assumed new leadership of the university’s two premier scholarship programs. Dr. Donald W. Zacharias succeeds veteran historian and author John F. Marszalek as the Ottilie Schillig Leadership Scholars Program Mentor. Marszalek, who has served as mentor since 1998, is retiring after nearly three decades of teaching and research at the Starkville school. In addition to his Schillig responsibilities, Zacharias will help coordinate the Presidential Endowed Scholarship Program that was introduced last year.

Engineer receives Young Investigator Award An assistant professor of aerospace engineering at Mississippi State is a 2002 selection for the United States Office of Naval Research’s Young Investigator Award. Dr. James C. Newman III is among 26 university scientists receiving the national research honor, which includes up to $100,000 annually for three years. He also Newman will receive additional funds for equipment

needed to advance his investigation. A member of the MSU faculty since 1997, Newman works in the area of computational simulation and design. Reducing the time and cost of new-generation ships, aircraft and other advanced military vehicles by simulating performance characteristics and sensitivities of design variables are the goals of his current effort.

Scientists work to fill wood preservative gap The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the phase-out of chromated copper arsenate— CCA—a wood preservative used to pressure-treat lumber for protection against termites, fungi, and other wooddestroying organisms. Currently, more than 95 percent of all treated lumber used in homes, decks and for other residential purposes is treated with CCA, according to Dr. Tor Schultz, a wood chemist in the Forest Products Laboratory at Mississippi State University’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center. Schultz and other MSU scientists are moving to fill the gap left by the elimination of currently available wood preservatives. Anticipating the eventuality of a CCA ban, Forest Products Lab scientists began work in 1988 on new types of preservative mixtures. Termed “totally organic biocides,” these preservatives will be easier to dispose of because they are environmentally benign.

Ripley banker receives honorary doctorate Northeast Mississippi banker, economic development leader, and higher education supporter Bobby P. Martin received the honorary doctor of business degree during Mississippi State’s May 11 commencement ceremony. A 1956 MSU agronomy graduate from Ripley, Martin is chairman of the board and president of The Peoples Bank in Tippah County. Martin The MSU Alumni Association’s 1999 National Alumnus of the Year, he has amassed a long and impressive record of public service during his professional career.

NWF recognizing MSU for recycling Mississippi State is receiving national attention for its campus recycling programs. In a new report titled “The State of the Campus Environment,” the National Wildlife Federation designates MSU as a “Leading School” among nearly 900 American colleges and universities. The Starkville institution is given highest marks for its environmental goal-setting and environmental policies.

Geology prof heads accreditation body A Mississippi State geologist is the new leader of a national organization that

▼ oversees state professional licensing boards. Dr. Darrel W. Schmitz, a professor in the geosciences department, recently began a one-year term as president of the national Association of State Boards of Geology. The organization serves as the Schmitz liaison between individual state licensing boards and the general public.

Jabberwock looking for a few good writers The Jabberwock Review, Mississippi State’s literary magazine, is published twice a year and features poems, stories, essays, and artwork from all over the country. Subscriptions are only $10 a year and help support the arts at Mississippi State. Single issues are $5. Make checks payable to The Jabberwock Review and mail to the address below. In addition, work is always welcome from alumni writers and artists. Submissions are accepted August through March. Please send fiction (under 30 pages), poetry (no more than five poems at a time), nonfiction, or cameraready black-and-white artwork and photography (prints or slides) to: The Jabberwock Review Drawer E English Department Mississippi State, MS 39762 Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with all submissions.

Signup for free e-mail newsletter The latest news about Mississippi State athletics, academics, and alumni interests is as close as your next e-mail message. Join the many friends and alumni of Mississippi State who subscribe to ThisWeek@MSState, a free email newsletter that provides concise news summaries and links to additional online information. “It’s an easy and convenient way for the Mississippi State family to keep up-to-date about their university,” said Dennis Prescott, vice president for external affairs. To subscribe, visit the “ThisWeek” web site at https:// www.ur.msstate.edu/thisweek/ and follow the simple subscription directions. ThisWeek@MSState is produced by the Office of University Relations.

Reference source aids architects, building professionals Charter memberships now available through an information center in Jackson provide reference resources for the state’s practicing architects and construction industry professionals. Established by the Mississippi State University Libraries, the Architecture Industry Information Center offers customized, focused searches on a variety of topics related to architecture, said Kathrin A. Dodds, assistant professor and information specialist.

The information center is located in the library of the MSU architecture school’s fifthyear program offices and studio at 736 South President St. For a membership fee, professional firms can receive individualized research consultations, circulation of materials privileges, standards and article retrieval, and other related services. Through its own holdings and others available through interlibrary loan, the center can obtain all manner of data related to city planning, art, construction, landscape architecture, and interior design. For more information about the Architecture Industry Information Center, contact Dodds at 601-354-6184 or kdodds@library.msstate.edu.

Institute hosts Webbased news program A new Internet-based video program from Mississippi State University is keeping Mississippians informed about issues affecting the state’s economy. The recently launched “Mississippi Economic Report” is featured on the Web site of MSU’s John C. Stennis Institute of Government, www.sig.msstate.edu. The economic issues video is hosted by Phil Hardwick of Jackson. An economic development specialist and author, he works with communities throughout the state on economic development planning.

Graduate student receives national research award A Mississippi State graduate student in computer engineering is a 2002 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. Whitney J. Townsend of Townsend Fayetteville, Ark., is receiving an award totaling $96,000, including $21,500 annually for three years of graduate study, plus up to $10,500 a year for tuition and fees. A 1981 Harrison High School graduate now completing a master’s degree in computer engineering, she is the daughter of Judith Townsend and the late Richard Townsend. Two years ago, she received a bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in computer systems engineering from the University of Arkansas. She graduated from MSU in May and plans to use the fellowship to pursue a doctorate in computer engineering at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

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Wilkerson MSU’s first female four-year all-American A Mississippi State softball player became the second four-year all-American at Mississippi State and the first woman to earn such honors when she was recognized for her performance by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Senior first baseman/pitcher Kellie Wilkerson of Jacksonville, Fla., was decorated with second team honors at a preWomen’s College World Series awards banquet in Oklahoma City in May. Wilkerson, who this Wilkerson season helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to their second NCAA Regional appearance in three years, became the first four-year all-American in Starkville since track star Lorenzo Daniel accomplished the feat 1985-1988.

2002

Football Schedule DATE

OPPONENT

AUGUST 31

at Oregon

TBA

SEPTEMBER 14 JACKSONVILLE STATE 19 * AUBURN (ESPN-TV) 28 * at LSU OCTOBER 5 12 19 NOVEMBER 2 9 16 23 28

TIME

6:00 p.m. TBA TBA

* at South Carolina TROY STATE [HC] at Memphis

TBA 1:30 p.m. TBA

* KENTUCKY * at Alabama * TENNESSEE * ARKANSAS * at Mississippi (ESPN-TV)

TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

DECEMBER 7 # SEC Championship (CBS-TV)

TBA

All dates and times subject to change. *-Denotes SEC game #-Georgia Dome (Atlanta, GA)

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Wilkerson is the only female at Mississippi State to earn all-America laurels in four straight seasons. The owner of 26 single season or career records at Mississippi State, Wilkerson pulled up one hit shy of shattering former all-American Keri McCallum’s career hits record (319) after a 2-for-3 effort in a loss to Louisiana-Lafayette in NCAA Regional play this spring. McCallum reached her career milestone in 76 more at-bats than Wilkerson. Wilkerson exited MSU with a .429 (318for-742) career average to go along with 114 extra-base hits (44 HR) and 175 RBIs, as well as Southeastern Conference career

records in both on-base percentage (.544) and walks (177). She shattered the NCAA’s single-season record for saves with 14 this season, while also topping the NCAA’s career list with 32. Her walk total also ranks fourth on the NCAA’s career list. Adding to her list of honors, Wilkerson in June was one of 17 players named to the USA Elite national team. The team was chosen from participants at the Women’s World Championship Tryout Camp and will help prepare the World Championship team for upcoming international events by competing in scrimmages and exhibition games beforehand.

All-SEC honors for lefty Paul Maholm Sophomore left-hander Paul Maholm of Holly Springs is one of 25 players accorded All-Southeastern Conference baseball honors for the 2002 campaign. Maholm, MSU’s lead pitcher in its weekend rotation, was named to the AllSEC second team as selected in a vote of the league’s 12 head baseball coaches. The Bulldog southpaw registered five complete-game pitching performances during the 10-week SEC season. He had seven SEC wins and three against teams

that have held top 10 status during the season. He enters this week’s SEC Baseball Tournament with a 9-3 record, leading the club in both innings pitched (93.1) and strikeouts (71). Bulldog teammate Tanner Brock was MSU’s last All-SEC selection, earning firstteam all-conference honors as a junior on State’s 2001 NCAA Super Regional team.

Green, green grass of home—Bart Prather, left, and Bobby Tomlinson observe the progress of a newly planted sprig of grass on the reworked surface of Scott Field. The Davis Wade Stadium field recently was releveled and replanted with MSU’s own hybrid Bermuda grass, Mississippi Choice. In addition, drainage problems around the field were corrected. Prather is sports turf manager for Campus Landscape and Tomlinson is assistant athletics director for game operations and facilities.

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MSU’s winningest basketball team honored Mississippi State’s winningest basketfoes (Kentucky and Alabama-twice). In ball team in school history was honored in leading the SEC in team field goal percentApril for its 27-8 record at the 24th annual age (48.0 percent; 12th in the NCAA) and Babe McCarthy Tip-Off Club Awards rebounding margin (+6.5 rpg; 13th in Banquet. NCAA), while ranking second among the In claiming the most single-season wins league leaders in assists (16.2 apg) and in the 90-year history of MSU’s basketball three-point field-goal percentage defense program, the 2001-02 Bulldog contingent (30.1 percent), this year’s Bulldog club captured the school’s second SEC Tournaestablished new single-season school ment championship with wins over standards for most points scored (2,582), nationally ranked Florida, LSU, and SEC most rebounds (1,359), most assists (566), Champion Alabama during successive days and most steals (294). at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Having Individually during MSU’s seasonalso earned the SEC Tournament title in ending basketball awards banquet, all-SEC 1996, MSU joins perennial league powers sophomore Mario Austin collected a teamKentucky and Alabama in ranking as one of high three awards Monday night in claiming only three Southeastern Conference schools the Bulldogs’ Best Offensive Player and to claim more than one league tourney title Bailey Howell Rebounding Awards, as well dating back to 1980-81. as sharing the club’s Most Improved Player While earning its eighth Award. This year’s SEC postseason tournament Tournament MVP and appearance since 1990, two-time SEC Player of including their first NCAA the Week ranked eighth Tournament berth since the among the SEC’s leading team’s 1996 Final Four scorers (16.1 ppg) and showing, this year’s Bulldog fifth in rebounding (7.6 club posted a 70-58 openingrpg) this past season, round tournament win over along with rating second McNeese State in Dallas in the league in fieldbefore dropping a 68-64 goal percentage (55.7 second-round decision to percent; 28th in the Texas. With a school-best NCAA). No. 3 seeding in this year’s Austin shared this Zimmerman NCAA Midwest Regional year’s Most Improved bracket, Mississippi State has Player honor with junior now advanced beyond the first round of the guard and fellow all-SEC standout Derrick NCAA Tournament during each of the Zimmerman. A third-team all-SEC school’s last three tournament appearances. selection (Associated Press) and a member Ranked 17th nationally in the final of the 2002 SEC All-Tournament Team, Associated Press wire service poll and 21st Zimmerman also garnered State’s Most in the season ending USA Today/ESPN Assists Award after leading the league in coaches’ poll, the 2001-02 Bulldogs assists (6.0 apg) and ranking 20th nationmatched a single-season school record, for ally. Along with averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 the second consecutive campaign, with 13 rebounds and 2.1 steals per contest, home victories this past year. In addition, Zimmerman became just the second player MSU claimed four wins (in eight decisions) in Mississippi State hoops history (joining over nationally ranked opponents this Chuck Evans) to total both 200 or more season, including three victories over top 10 assists (210) and 75 or more steals (75)

during the same season. Also collecting a pair of awards this year were Gardner Bulldog seniors Marckell Patterson, Michael Gholar, and Guy Gardner. A native of nearby Eupora, Patterson claimed the club’s Best Free Throw Percentage Award for the second straight season by ranking fourth among SEC leaders (77.9 percent) from the line this past year. An 86-game starter during his 122-game MSU career, Patterson completed his collegiate playing days ranked 17th on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,168 career points. Gholar, who is scheduled to play for coach Jackie Sherrill’s 2002 Bulldog football squad after helping lead the State hoopsters to 79 wins in four seasons, earned the team’s Best Defensive Player Award for the second time in his roundball career. Joining Patterson and Gholar, along with third-year walk-on guards Brandon Carr and Corey Stidham, and veteran managers Vince Ford and Troy Kestenbaum, as a recipient of a Senior Award, Gardner was honored with the prestigious Babe McCarthy Memorial Award, presented annually to the Bulldog player who best exemplifies the highest traits of character, leadership, desire and hustle. A two-year walk-on guard by way of Northeast Mississippi Community College, Gardner proved to be a valuable role player as a back-up point guard for the Bulldogs, in addition to compiling a 3.4 overall grade-point average in social studies education. Rounding out Mississippi State’s award winners this season was second-year guard Roy Goffer, who garnered the team’s Academic Award for the second straight year by virtue of his 3.83 grade point average during the fall semester and a 3.53 cumulative GPA in business information systems.

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MSU research helping protect

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gorillasin

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By Bob Ratliff Photos courtesy of Dr. Mike Cranfield, The Baltimore Zoo

Mississippi State scientists are using their expertise with high-tech tracking systems to help protect the few remaining mountain gorillas of Africa. Scientists at the university’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center are using technology that generates information based on geographic location to determine when and where the endangered great apes come in contract with humans and domestic animals. The Mississippi State effort is part of the

cross paths with humans,” Minnis said. Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, which “During the next nine months, we expect to provides health care for the 650 remaining record about 1,200 gorilla observations, gorillas in the Central African countries of which, once incorporated into the GIS, will Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic tell us where the gorillas travel and at what Republic of the Congo. times and locations they come in contact The tourists who pay to trek into the with humans or livestock.” gorillas’ habitat provide much-needed The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project revenue in the region, but they also pose is funded by the Morris Animal Foundation possible health risks to the animals. and includes scientists from Johns Hopkins “The mountain gorillas have been University, the Baltimore Zoo, and the catching diseases from tourists in the Uganda Wildlife Association, among Virunga Mountains and Vwindi Impenothers. The Englewood, Colo. based etrable National Park,” said organization began its work with the MSU research scientist Rich gorillas in 1986 at the urging of anthropoloMinnis. “Only about 10 gist Dian Fossey, whose 18-year study of tourists, plus guides, visit the the endangered primates inspired the movie gorillas each day, but a recent “Gorillas in the Mist.” outbreak of mange among the animals has prompted scientists to look at the interaction of the mountain gorillas with humans, other primates, and livestock.” The research being conducted at MSU focuses on spatial information—time and space—in relation to the gorillas, Minnis said. Using data collected by guides as they take tourists into the refuge, the researchers record the location of the animals with a global positioning system, which uses satellite signals to plot locations on the ground. “This data can then be incorporated into a geographic information system, or GIS, to determine where Rich Minnis

Photo by Fred Faulk

intheMist”

the gorillas travel and when they

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Civil engineering celebrates 100 years of Buildin By Bob Ratliff Contributions from Patsy Foster

One hundred years ago things were very different on the Mississippi State campus—the institution was then named Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College, the student body was almost exclusively male, and there was only one dormitory, Old Main, which at the time was the world’s largest campus residence. Some things, however, were the same—engineering was then, as now, a strength of the institution. Civil engineering was especially important because of the rapid growth of the nation’s rail and other transportation systems. Prior to 1902, most engineering courses were taught as part of the agriculture program. That changed in 1902 with the establishment of the School of Engineering, which included the new civil and rural engineering department. The early leaders of the department recognized Mississippi’s need for well-trained civil engineers. Professor Robert W. Gay, who served as department head from 1910 to 1918, “proposed an extensive statewide educational program in road construction, drainage, sanitation, and related subjects to fill a definite need for a state trying to get itself out of the mud,” according to a bi-annual report to the college’s Board of Trustees. Then: Early 1900s group of Mississippi A&M engineers .

Dewey McCain The department continued to grow, despite the hardships of the Depression and World War II. One department head, Dewey McCain, guided the program from the era of the Model T through the early years of the space program. Affectionately dubbed the “Li’l Professor,” McCain was department head from 1930 until his death in 1966. In November of that year, the Engineering Building was renamed McCain Hall in his honor. Throughout the past century, the Mississippi State civil engineering program has changed to meet the needs of society.

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Road building and steam engines were important parts of the civil engineering program a century ago. Photo by Fred Faulk

“Civil engineers have a major role in the responsibility of establishing quality of life through the engineering and construction of civilization’s infrastructure, including buildings, roads, airports, and wastewater disposal facilities,” said current department head Tom White. “Civil engineering involves such a wide range of subjects that it never gets boring.” To ensure that its graduates remain at the forefront of their profession, MSU is continually upgrading its curriculum. In addition to the traditional engineering courses, the program also emphasizes communication and interpersonal skills, along with computer experience. “Our faculty is aggressively evaluating the needs of the profession and, as a result, we currently are focusing on the use of computers and high-end design software,” White said. “The emphasis on design software education is paying dividends because employers are enthusiastically accepting our graduates.” The civil engineering students also are enthusiastic about their experiences and prospects. Jennifer Hunt, a senior from Huntsville, Ala., says the program has exceeded her expectations and has provided an excellent foundation for her chosen profession. “The teachers have been great and have made the classes exciting,” she said. “I’m really interested in design aspects, especially those involved with building bridges and dams, and my experiences at MSU have helped prepare me to work in that field.”

Now: Civil engineering student Jennifer Hunt

Civil engineering department heads J.W. Fox, 1902-08 David Waller Brown, 1908-10 Robert W. Gay, 1910-18 G.P. Stoker, 1918-19 T.G. Gladney, 1919-30 Dewey McCain, 1930-66 R.M. Scholtes, 1966-89 Joseph Sherrard, 1989-98 Adnan Shindala (interim), 1998-99 Thomas D. White, 1999-present

Civil engineering float in a 1951 campus parade.

Hunt, who will graduate next spring, is one of about 200 students currently enrolled in the civil engineering program. When she graduates, she will join the more than 3,100 alumni of the program, about 500 of whom gathered on campus recently to celebrate the 100th anniversary of civil engineering at Mississippi State. “The celebration was a great success and enjoyable for the alumni,” White said. “Our current students were on hand to answer questions and did an excellent job of representing the department, college, and university. They are our future and I am confident that wherever they go, they will make a difference in their field.”

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MSU Alumni association names new officers A New Albany insurance executive is the newly named national president of the Mississippi State University Alumni Association. E. Allen Maxwell, a 1978 general business graduate, will serve during the next year in a leadership role for the more than 94,000 MSU alumni. Manager of The Peoples Insurance Agency, he has served on the Alumni Association’s board of directors since 1997, most recently as national first vice president. He succeeds Robert M. “Robby” Gathings of Jackson, a 1981 accounting graduate who is chief financial officer for USave Auto Rental of America. “The national president plays a critical role in establishing the directions and programs of the alumni organization,” said executive director John V. Correro. “We’re fortunate to have someone who brings a high level of knowledge and commitment to his position.” Other 2002-03 association leaders are: —Gary A. Blair of Brookhaven, national first vice president. Regional vice president of the Federal Land Bank Association of South Mississippi, he is a 1981 agribusiness administration graduate. He has served on the alumni association’s board

Mississippi State University Alumni Association national officers for 2002-03 are, from left, David W. Jones, national treasurer; S. Keith Winfield, national second vice president; E. Allen Maxwell, national president; Gary A. Blair, national first vice president; and Robert M. Gathings, immediate former national president. of directors since 1995. —S. Keith Winfield of Starkville, national second vice president. A 1970 accounting graduate and partner in the accounting firm of Watkins, Ward and Stafford, he has served on the association’s board of directors since 1993, most recently as national treasurer. —David W. Jones of Jackson, national treasurer. A vice president of Trustmark National Bank, Jones is a 1981 accounting graduate. He served 1995-2001 as the association’s chapter director for Central Mississippi. Regional officers also recently elected include:

—Randy Allen of Olive Branch, North 1 Region director. He is a 1987 business administration graduate. —Moody Culpepper of Vicksburg, Central 3 Region director. He is a 1962 engineering graduate. —Henry Hamill of Brookhaven, South 3 Region director. He is a 1990 business graduate. —Natalie Gibbs of Ridgeland, Young Director-Central Region. She is a 1995 marketing graduate. —Haley Fisackerly of Little Rock, Ark., out-of-state director. He is a 1987 business graduate.

Challenge provides opportunity to help build Henry Center The Alumni Challenge for the Hunter Henry Center had generated $418,000 from alumni and friends of Mississippi State as of June 30. With $182,000 in matching funds still available, the opportunity remains for MSU supporters to help guide the project to completion. In January 2001, the Alumni Association allocated $600,000 in the form of a matching grant to challenge its alumni and friends for contributions to construct the Henry Center, which will become the new home for the Alumni Association and the Foundation. “As an alumnus or friend of Missis-

sippi State, the Alumni Challenge is your chance to help build this new state-of-theart facility,” said John Correro, executive director of the alumni association. “The challenge was issued to allow everyone an opportunity to make a commitment to support the project.” Through the challenge, the Alumni Association will match gifts up to $49,999. Gifts of $1,000 or more may be made over a three-year period. Gifts of less than $1,000 must be completed within one year. Contributors through the challenge will have their names permanently displayed in the new facility. For their tax-deductible

gifts, donors will also become active members of the Alumni Association as well as receive recognition in the appropriate giving levels within the MSU Foundation. “The Alumni Challenge will match not only your gift, but your company’s matching gift dollars as well, dramatically increasing the impact of your gift,” Correro said. “We want to encourage everyone to take part in this effort to build one of the finest alumni centers on any university campus.”

For more information regarding the Alumni Challenge, contact the MSU Alumni Association at 662-325-8399. 30

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Alumni Association

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Nominations sought for officers, board of directors Nominations for national officers and directors of the Alumni Association are being sought prior to elections scheduled for January 2003. The Nominating Committee will present a slate of names for election at the association’s annual business meeting during the Leadership Conference weekend. The new officers’ terms will begin on July 1, 2003. No person is eligible to serve as director for more than two consecutive terms. The officer positions open for consideration include national president, national first vice president, and national second vice president. Positions on the national board open for consideration include North 3 Region Director: Clay, Grenada-Montgomery, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, and Webster chapters; Central 2 Region Director: Attala, Kemper, Neshoba, Noxubee, and Winston-Choctaw chapters; South 1 Region Director: Clarke, Jasper, Jones, Lauderdale, Newton, and Wayne chapters; Southern Region Young Director: Adams-Franklin-Wilkinson, Amite, Claiborne-Jefferson, Clarke, Copiah, Covington, George-Greene, Hancock, Harrison-Stone, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lincoln, Newton, Pearl River, Pike, Simpson, Southeast Mississippi (Forrest-Lamar-Marion-Perry), Walthall, Wayne chapters; and Out-of-State Director. A young director must be 32 years old or younger at the end of the term to which he or she is elected. No state shall have more than one out-of-state director. Current directors are from the states of Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas. All alumni are eligible to recommend names for consideration. Send the names to: Nominating Committee, MSU Alumni Association, P.O. Box AA, Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526. Recommendations must be received no later than Oct. 1, 2002.

August 29— Sept. 1 MSU vs. Oregon travel package. Make your reservations today at 888-367-8781 or visit Web site at www.TotalSportsTravel.com. 13-14

SEPTEMBER Famous Maroon Alumni Band Reunion (celebrating 100 years) OCTOBER Deadline for nominations for Alumni Association national officers and directors for term beginning July 1, 2003

MSU vs. Troy State-Homecoming

21-29

Travel with MSU Alumni-Alumni College in Normandy. For details, contact Dianne Jackson at djackson@alumni.msstate.edu or 662-325-3444.

24-25

Alumni Fellows Program

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NOVEMBER Travel with MSU Alumni-Prague Escapade. For details, contact Dianne Jackson at djackson@alumni.msstate.edu or 662-325-3444. Alumni Association Executive Committee meeting and National Board of Directors meeting

Faculty Award winners announced Four faculty members received 2002 Faculty Recognition Awards at the annual banquet sponsored by the Mississippi State Alumni Association. This year’s award winners are, from left, Masoud Rais-Rohani, associate professor of aerospace engineering, Upper Level Teaching Award; Dr. Cathy W. Grace, associate professor of curriculum and instruction and coordinator of the Early Childhood Institute, Service Award; Dr. Ana Maria Hernandez de Lopez, professor of foreign languages, Research Award; and Dr. Wanda L. Dodson, professor of human sciences, Graduate Level Teaching Award . The honors program recognizes significant contributions to the welfare of humankind and the stature of Mississippi State in the categories of classroom teaching, research, and service.

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Show your pride in MSU Alumni and friends of Mississippi State can support the university and show their Bulldog pride at the same time by ordering an MSU License Plate through their county license office. Proceeds from the sale of the MSU collegiate tags fund priority programs at the university. Promoted by the Mississippi State University Alumni Association P.O. Box AA Mississippi State, MS 39762-5526 662-325-2434 www.msubulldogs.msstate.edu

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2003 Travel Program

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Finding old friends

has never been easier!

Keeping alumni connected is important to the MSU Alumni Association. That is why the Alumni Association has launched a new, secure Online Community exclusively for Mississippi State alumni. Two features included in the community are an online Alumni Directory and ClassNotes. Similar to the printed directory, the online Alumni Directory is a powerful tool that allows registered community members a simple way to search for old friends either by name, geography, class year and occupation. Or, depending on the users networking needs, a more advanced search feature is available. There is also a MyContacts feature that allows members to bookmark frequent contacts for easy access. Registered members also can update their personal information, and post information regarding births, engagements, marriages, moves, and career changes via the ClassNotes feature. Access to the Alumni Online Community is limited to Mississippi State alumni who log on using a User Id and personal password. There are no fees or obligations associated with the Community. To register, go to the alumni Web site at www.msubulldogs.msstate.edu, click on online directory, and follow the instructions to set up your password. The Alumni Online Community is an exclusive service that alumni can enjoy and find to be a valuable resource for every day use.

Realize a travel dream with one of the 2003 travel opportunities listed below. Share with us the incomparable beauty from around the world, whether by air, motorcoach, or luxury cruise ship. You’ll feel comfortable and confident traveling with experienced tour guides who will attend to all of your needs. Madrid Deluxe Escapade Feb. 5-12, 2003 Alumni Campus Abroad in Tuscany-Pienza April 8-16, 2003 Alumni Campus Abroad in the Swiss Alps May 25-June 2, 2003 Alumni Campus Abroad in the Loire Valley July 1-9, 2003 SEC Cruise, The Baltic Sea and Norwegian Fjords July 8-19, 2003 Canada/New England Fall Foliage Sept. 15-26, 2003 Germany’s Holiday Markets Nov. 21-29, 2003

For more information, contact Dianne Jackson in the Alumni Association at djackson@alumni.msstate.edu, 662-325-3444, or see our Web page at http:// www.MSUbulldogs.msstate.edu/travel/ travel.htm.

The Mississippi State University Alumni Association needs your help! We ask for your assistance in updating and adding alumni information to our database. You can update your information by registering online at http://www.alumniconnections.com/msubulldogs/ or you can e-mail your change of address to mcm7@alumni.msstate.edu. If you would prefer to mail the information, please send the form to Frances Carr, MSU Alumni Association, P.O. Box AA, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Name Social Security Number* Graduation Year

College or Major

Preferred e-mail address

Business

Home

*Your Social Security number will be used to match university records. It will not be published or used for any other purpose.

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Fund-raising efforts for Henry Center top $8 million mark Donors have contributed in excess of $8.5 million to date for the Hunter Henry Center as fund raising for the new alumni and foundation complex enters the next phase. “The fact that alumni and friends have committed to the full construction cost of the building, per se, in such a short period of time is absolutely outstanding and shows the kind of commitments that these folks have to the betterment of the university,” said Hunter Henry Jr., lead donor for the project and a 1950 alumnus. The center is named for Henry, retired president of Dow Chemical USA and a San

Bulldog Week festivities. Henry is hopeful that the new facility will help expand the university’s outreach. “The center will allow the Alumni Association and the Foundation to grow, increase the productivity of both organizations, and thus better serve Mississippi State University,” he said. The Henry Center’s location on the western edge of campus will provide easy access and maximum exposure to donors, visitors, and other guests. It also will provide the university and the Starkville community with a much needed meeting and dining site. Henry believes the cutting-edge design of the facility will lend itself to being a new showplace for the university. “At the time that I made the commitment as lead donor, the plans were not in hand,” he said. “However, as soon as they were presented to me, it was clear that here was a unique and innovative Construction work continues on the 41,000-square foot Henry design which would be Center at the intersection of Barr Avenue and University Drive very indicative of the across from Bost Extension Center. The Alumni Association forward thinking of the and the MSU Foundation will move into the new facility this leaders of the university,” fall. he said.

Marcos, Texas, resident who made a commitment of $3 million in the spring of 2000 toward the project. Groundbreaking for the center followed in March 2001 and erection of the structural portion of the facility was completed in April of this year. “Now the task at hand is to raise enough funds to furnish the Henry Center, landscape the grounds, and begin an operating endowment so we can open the building to our alumni and friends,” said Dennis Prescott, vice president for external affairs. Completion of the Henry Center is scheduled for mid-October. A public dedication is slated for spring 2003, most likely to be held in conjunction with Super 34

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Recent Commitments Henry has committed another $100,000 to fund a special room to honor recipients of university scholarships bearing his name. The room, just off the upstairs Legacy Hall mezzanine, will be known as the Henry Scholar Graduates Room. To date, 10 students have received degrees from the College of Engineering as a result of Henry’s scholarship support. “It is very important to recognize achievement so that is why I chose to name this room for the student scholars I assist through scholarships,” Henry said. A gift of $500,000 from Leo and Susie

Seal of Bay St. Louis will honor members of the Seal family who have attended Mississippi State through the years. Previously, the Seals had committed to a meeting room, but have generously decided to raise their level of support. Spire Walk, the pathway extending from Barr Avenue up to the Henry Center’s spire, has been secured with a $100,000 commitment from James and Julia Rouse of McLean, Va. Rouse, a 1962 MSU management graduate, is a longtime employee of ExxonMobil in Washington, D.C. Fifty granite and glass pillars flanking the hallways of each wing will bear the names of donors to the project at the $50,000 level. Approximately 32 remain for naming. Recent commitments for pillars include a pledge from Mr. and Mrs. Bobby S. Shackouls of Houston, Texas. He is president, chief executive officer, and chairman of Burlington Resources Inc. and a 1972 MSU chemical engineering alumnus. Another pillar commitment comes from Davis K. Mortensen, retired executive vice president of Georgia-Pacific Corp. and a 1956 management graduate. He and his wife Ann reside in Greensboro, Ga.

Remaining Opportunities Opportunities ranging from $25,000 to $1 million still exist for interested donors seeking to have a specific area of the Henry Center bear their name. “There are still several affordable options available for donors who seek prime opportunities,” Prescott said. “Through multi-year pledge commitments, persons may take up to five years to pay off their pledges for major gifts to the Henry Center,” he added. The Alumni Association’s challenge remains open, as well. Individuals who give from $100 up to $49,999 to the Henry Center are eligible to have their gifts matched at a 1:1 ratio by the Alumni Association’s challenge until the $600,000 in matching funds is used.

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From the building’s second-floor mezzanine, visitors will be in close proximity to the Henry Center’s signature spire. The mezzanine area, known as Legacy Hall, will be used to recognize major donors to the university. “Support for the Henry Center is still needed at any level and the Alumni Challenge incentive is a great opportunity for persons who are unable to make larger commitments,” said Richard Armstrong, executive director of the MSU Foundation.

Interior Features

Exterior Features

Several prime opportunities inside the Henry Center remain available for naming. Separate wings of the complex will house the staffs of the Alumni Association and the MSU Foundation. Donors may select either wing for a commitment of $1 million. The upper level of the building, known as Legacy Hall, will contain in excess of 1,200 square feet. This versatile mezzanine area, where major donors to the university will be recognized for their cumulative giving, is also available for a gift or pledge of $1 million. The Henry Center complex will contain a multi-purpose ballroom and meeting rooms of various sizes. Executive committee rooms for the Alumni Association and the MSU Foundation will anchor each wing of the building. These high-end conference rooms may be secured with commitments of $500,000. Only one of the building’s meeting rooms remains available. Interested donors may secure it with a $250,000 commitment. The Planned Giving Suite, one of four office suites in the new facility, will house the director of planned giving and staff. The suite is available for a $250,000 commitment. Recently identified opportunities include two apses located in the building, one in the lobby area and one in Legacy Hall. Each semicircular vaulted area is available for naming with a commitment of $50,000.

The signature feature of the Henry Center, the unique spire adjacent to the building, remains unnamed. Towering 80 feet in the air and measuring 8.5 feet across its base, the opportunity to name the spire is available for a commitment of $1 million. Once completed, the landscaped grounds of the Henry Center will be home to several attractive water features as well as planting beds. A large reflecting pool, the centerpiece of the garden, is available for naming for a commitment of $250,000. Other available opportunities occupying prominent locations on the grounds include a large water garden, available for $250,000, two small water gardens for $100,000 each, and planting beds for $25,000. The walkway between the garden area and the east wing of the building remains available for naming. Appropriately called Alumni Alley for its location adjacent to the Alumni Association offices, the passageway may be named with a $100,000 pledge. More than $30,000 has been raised toward the effort to name the flagpole area at the Henry Center in memory of Lt. Col. Jerry Dickerson Jr., an MSU ROTC and economics alumnus who died during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the Pentagon. The flagpole monument is the goal of alumni and friends of the university’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Proceeds received for the flag monument beyond the $50,000 goal will be applied to the Dickerson Memorial Scholarship established by the university.

REMAINING NAMING OPPORTUNITIES $1 Million Level

$500,000 Level

$250,000 Level

$100,000 Level

$50,000 Level

Alumni Hall (Wing)

Alumni Executive Committee Room

Conference Room No. 3

Alumni Alley

Legacy Hall Apse

Foundation Hall (Wing)

Foundation Executive Committee Room

Large Reflecting Pool

Seating Ring

Lobby Apse

Legacy Hall (Donor Recognition Area)

Large Water Garden (Wetlands Pool)

Small Reflecting Pool

Pillars

Spire

Planned Giving Suite

Terra Basin

*All major commitments to the Henry Center are payable over a five-year period.

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Foundation, SA kick off new giving program

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Four named to advancement posts The MSU Foundation recently welcomed two alumni as new fund raisers for the university and promoted an additional two. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, MSU’s oldest academic unit, has selected Judson H. Skelton as its development director. A Mississippi Delta native, Skelton was born and raised in the Washington County community of Winterville. Skelton is a 1998 MSU business administration graduate. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Millsaps College. Prior to returning to MSU, he held a management position for two years with Bryan Foods Inc. of West Point, a division of Sara Lee Corp. The College of Engineering has promoted John P. Rush to director of development. Rush, a 1994 political science graduate, received his master’s in public policy and administration from the university in May. A native of Leakesville, he has been a fund raiser for the College of Engineering since 1997. Assisting Rush will be Tupelo native and MSU alumnus Blake Hudson who joins the foundation team from MSU’s Campus Crusade for Christ. Hudson was associate director of fund development for Campus Crusade’s Southeast region, where he was responsible for coordinating development events for 10 college campus ministries and tracking more than 700 donors. Prior to that, he spent five years as a senior campus staff member for the organization. Hudson received his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1989 after briefly attending Memphis State University. Following graduation, he spent six years as an industrial engineer with Memphis Light, Gas and Water. Trish Newman Hughes now is leading the university’s efforts to raise private funding for special gifts and scholarships. Hughes assumed the position of director of Special Giving Programs in March. She is responsible for the President’s Cabinet program, Presidential Endowed Scholars program, and general university fundraising. Hughes has been with the MSU Foundation since 1989, most recently as its assistant director of development. A native of Valley Park, she earned a bachelor’s degree in English from MSU in 1986.

Hudson

Rush

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Skelton

Hughes

Currently enrolled MSU seniors and recent MSU graduates now have an opportunity to take part in a new giving program. The Senior Walk program, a new recognition effort sponsored by the MSU Foundation and the MSU Student Association, offers recent graduates an opportunity to purchase a name-inscribed brick in the sidewalk near Perry Cafeteria. The $50-per-brick contribution is tax-deductible. “The Senior Walk area will serve as a tribute to all recent graduates who have walked this campus and contributed to the enrichment of the university,” said Lori Smith, director of the foundation’s Fund for Excellence program. It also helps the foundation educate future alumni on the importance of supporting the university as soon as they are able, she added. “Private support is vital to the future of MSU,” Smith said. “By getting them on board as seniors, we believe they will come to appreciate how private dollars are critical to the university’s future growth.” The Student Association is equally excited about what Senior Walk means for the university, said 2003 senior class president Dustin Williams of Lexington. “Senior Walk is a great project,” Williams said. “It allows senior class members to give something back to MSU and become active alumni as well.” The Senior Walk program applies to all students who were classified as seniors (90 completed semester hours) on or after Jan. 1, 2000. “We included graduates since 2000 because we really wanted this project to be the start of something we can associate with a new century and a new era at the university,” Smith said. Former teachers, friends, and family members may purchase bricks in honor or in memory of recent graduates as well. To find out more about the Senior Walk program or to make a gift online in a secure environment, visit http:// www.msuseniorwalk.com or contact Smith at 1-877-677-8283 (toll free).

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Laurel couple’s planned gift will assist MSU Planned giving at Mississippi State is on the rise and a significant deferred gift from a Laurel couple is assisting the College of Forest Resources. Tom and Page Harris have given the university approximately 430 acres of timberland in Newton County with an estimated value of $1 million. The property has been owned by the Harris family since 1932. The College of Forest Resources will manage the property, and funds generated from its management will be used to create a twoPage and Tom Harris life charitable gift annuity for the Harrises. Tom Harris, the retired president of Harris, Wilcock Timber, is a 1957 graduate of MSU’s forestry program. “Timberland is dynamic and renewable, and this very generous gift will have a lasting impact on our college,” said Sam Foster, CFR dean. Future funds generated from the proper management of the timber will be used by the college to establish the Tom and Page Harris Endowment for

The Old Main Society recognizes donors who:

Forestry Excellence. The land will be used as a teaching tool for forestry students and as a demonstration forest for forestry extension activities. “We are committed to being good stewards of the land we receive,” said Foster. “Therefore, the CFR will establish a management plan for the property using the best science-based forestry principles and practices.” Over time, the income will be used to create endowed faculty chairs and professorships, purchase equipment, establish scholarships and fellowships, and fund faculty development and other general program enhancements.

Forest land: A special kind of asset Many people are fortunate enough to own forest land that has increased in value over the years. But, like all appreciated assets, forest land is subject to capital gains and estate taxes when the time comes to sell or bequeath it. As you make plans to meet your financial goals for family and charity, consider the benefits of giving your

• Include the MSU Foundation as a beneficiary in a will (and provide a copy of the will or that portion of the will pertaining to MSU) • Make a deferred gift to the MSU Foundation (i.e., charitable remainder trust, charitable gift annuity, or life estate)

Benefits of membership include:

• Co-equal status with other donor recognition clubs, including invitations to special donor events on campus

appreciated property to Mississippi State. A carefully planned charitable gift can bring some or all of the following benefits:

• • • •

Lifetime income based on a fixed or variable rate A shield from capital gains and estate taxes A significant income tax deduction The satisfaction of supporting excellent teaching, research, extension, and other programs at Mississippi State

“Deferred gifts are critical to the future growth of Mississippi State,” said Vance Bristow, director of planned giving. “These types of gifts greatly assist the university and provide the donor with significant tax benefits as well.” For more information on making a deferred gift to Mississippi State please contact: Vance Bristow The Office of Planned Giving P. O. Box 6149 Mississippi State, MS 39762 662-325-3707 877-677-8283 vbristow@foundation.msstate.edu or visit us at www.msufoundation.com

• Make the MSU Foundation a beneficiary in a life insurance policy, IRA, qualified retirement plan (pension plan), or revocable trust and provide a copy of the form or document to the foundation

• A special edition copy of the book, Old Main: Images of a Legend

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Edited by Jessi Parker (’02)

51 Sara Cagle Crawford of Marion, Ark., is serving as president of the Marion Rotary Club.

52 Ernest Crawford Jr. of Marion, Ark., recently was chosen as an Outstanding Senior Employee for the State of Arkansas. He is a building inspector in Marion.

56 William R. Meredith of Stoneville has been named Outstanding Senior Research Scientist of 2001 by the Agricultural Research Service. Ernest H. Randall Jr. of Richardson, Texas, has been honored by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce with the establishment of a permanent award. Randall is a real estate developer for the Vantage Companies.

57 Jane Gregory (M.Ed. ’66) of Pontotoc, a retired math teacher, has been named NFL Teacher of the Year. She was nominated by Wesley Walls, an NFL player for the North Carolina Panthers. She received $5,000 and a weekend trip to see the Panthers play, and a $10,000 grant was awarded to the South Pontotoc School System.

63 Sam Richey of Baldwyn, men’s basketball coach at Baldwyn High School, has become Mississippi’s winningest basketball coach with 868 victories.

64 Larry E. Calvert of El Lago, Texas, retired after 37 years with Union Carbide Corp. He is now self-employed as a consultant and trainer.

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66 Linda M. Calvert of El Lago, Texas, began a new career as a clinical psychologist in private practice in 2002.

has returned to Fort Bragg from a two-year assignment as Eighth Army G2 in Seoul, Korea. He is the deputy chief of staff for intelligence at the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Christopher Sieverdes (Ph.D. ’73), a professor at Clemson University, received the Outstanding Leadership Program Award from the Association of Leadership Educators.

70 John Hardin has been appointed executive director of the St. Anthony Foundation. He entered the Franciscan order in 1981 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1986.

71 James E. Cofer (M.B.A. ’75) is the new president of the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He most recently served as vice president for finance and administration for the University of Missouri System. Cofer Lamar Conerly Jr. of Destin, Fla., was selected to serve as Honorary Commander for the 33rd Fighter Wing of the Air Force for 2001. Don H. Roberts of Jackson has been named corporate vice president of Roy Anderson Corp. He recently retired from a 30year career at BellSouth. Roberts

72 Stephen S. Holcombe of Columbus was admitted to membership in the professional designation category of the Appraisal Institute. He is a commercial real estate appraiser and consultant in Columbus.

73 Ernest T. George of Starkville is a contributing author to Strictly Business: Planning Strategies for Privately Owned Businesses. George is a certified financial planner practitioner. Steve C. Schrum of Fayetteville, N.C.,

Koerber

James A. Koerber of Hattiesburg has been appointed by Gov. Ronnie Musgrove to represent the Fifth Congressional District as a member of the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy. He is the owner of the Koerber Company.

77 Ron Goldman of Vicksburg has been promoted to chief of the hydraulics branch, Engineering Division, at the Vicksburg District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Goldman

Peggy J. Long (M.Ed. ’80) of Owens Cross Roads, Ala., was selected to be a master trainer for the Alabama State Department of Education. She is a special education teacher at University Place Elementary. Shelley Cameron Smith of Germantown, Tenn., is president of the Memphis chapter of the Tennessee Society of CPAs for the 2001-2002 year. She is a partner in the accounting firm of Smith & Smith, CPAs in Memphis. Lynn M. Phillips of Starkville, a registered principal and financial adviser with Raymond James Financial Services, has been named to the firm’s 2002 Executive Council in recognition of outstanding client service and exemplary professional growth. Wallace Carl Wallace of Yazoo City has been named vice president of the technical group by the Mississippi Chemical Corp. board of directors.

85 James E. Newsome of Washington, D.C., has been appointed chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission by President George W. Bush.

▼ Stan C. Weeber of Lake Charles, La., is an assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice at McNeese State University. He was named a Shearman Research Fellow for 2001-2002 and received a grant to study citizen militia.

79 Carl Pennington of Wagarville, Ala., has been promoted to lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He previously served as major in the Alabama Army National Guard.

80 Darrel W. Schmitz, geosciences professor at MSU, has assumed leadership of the national organization overseeing state geologic registration licensing boards; he was named president of the national Association of State Boards of Geology in January.

84 Carl Henry Burnham of Sioux Falls, S.D., recently wrote Web Hosting, A Complete Strategy. His book provides strategies and insights for the IT professional and for businesses wanting to fully understand Web-hosting technologies. Carleen J. Gilmore of Sebastopol has received national board certification. She teaches fifth grade at Newton County Elementary School. Cynthia SpellHumbert of Austin, Texas, Gilmore has written Deceived By Shame, Desired By God. She speaks nationally at churches for women’s retreats and marriage conferences.

86 Chris Boone of Gulfport has been promoted to executive vice president of Property and Casualty Insurance after joining Stewart Sneed Hewes/BancorpSouth Insurance in 1992. Tracy Hubbert of Fayetteville, Ga., recently completed an educational specialist degree in social studies education from the State University of West Georgia. He coaches football and golf at Fayette County High School. David Marchetti of Jackson is a member of the law firm of Wells Marble & Hurst in Jackson. He practices in estate planning, business planning, and taxation. Brad Allen Ward of Columbus relocated to Bend, Ore., in June. He is a practicing neurosurgeon and will join the

Dallas

T. Walton Dallas of Jackson has been elected president of the Financial Planning Association. He is a partner in the law firm of Barnes, Broom, Dallas & McLeod. Paul David Fullerton of Amory is a manager with Toys “R” Us in Tupelo.

82 Charles Farrior of Vancleave has been elected a Fellow of the National Contract Management Association. He is a certified professional contracts manager and a member of the national board of directors for the Mississippi State University Alumni Association.

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89 ▼ Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Center of the Cascades in Bend.

87 Jeff Blackledge, principal of Archimania, has been published in Water Spaces of the World, a book highlighting architectural designs. He also received a Gulf States American Institute of Architects Award of Merit for Christ Community Medical Center. Builder Blackledge Magazine recognized Blackledge with its Grand Award for Delmar-Lema Village. Jim Spencer recently received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service for outstanding contributions and teamwork to the Southwest Hydropower Region Process Action Wallace Team. He is a project manager in the Operations Spencer Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District. Todd Walker, principal of Archimania, has received Metropolitan Home magazine’s award for Home of the Year-2002 for the residence he designed for his family. “Hannah’s House” also received an Award of Excellence in Masonry from Walker the Masonry Institute of Tennessee and an Award of Merit from the American Institute of Architects, Tennessee Chapter. He received the Grand Award from Builder Magazine for Delmar-Lema Village.

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88 Adam R. Alger of Nashville, Tenn., has joined CB Richards Ellis as a sales professional. Jim Jeffords Jr., chief of the navigation section, Operations Division, at the U.S. Alger Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg District, recently earned an award for developing a video that identifies the Jeffords different types and importance of maintenance dredging.

Mohammad H. Hosni of Manhattan, Kan., has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers International. He received a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering at Mississippi State. John Thomas Arnold of Southaven has been named a senior consultant with AG Consulting.

90 Jeffery Monroe Williams of Hattiesburg graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994 and the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2001. He is a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Charles Pickering Sr.

91 Tom Livingston recently moved to Central Pennsylvania and is employed by Danskin Inc. as vice president of operations.

ATTENTION MSU STUDENTS! WHY PAY RENT? THIS IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BE IN STARKVILLE! EXCELLENT LOCATION IN UPPER CROSSING! Enjoy the benefits of home ownership with payments that are less than rent. Convenient to shopping and entertainment! Corner lot in a student friendly neighborhood, extremely attractive three-bedroom, two-bath home, low maintenance—brick siding with vinyl trim, built to last—concrete and steel permaform construction, two-car garage, gas fireplace, in-ground irrigation system, gas grill, Berber carpet, ceiling fans, garbage disposal, Whirlpool gas range, wired for sound system, security system, satellite television (Dish Network), motion sensor security lights, and priced to sell at $103,000. Visit us at www.fsbo.com. Call 662.320.9085 (evenings) or e-mail tjohnson@saffairs.msstate.edu.

98 ▼ Chris Marszalek of Palm Harbor, Fla., is the new branch manager at the Millington library. He recently moved from the Tampa Bay area, where he worked as a branch manager for three public library systems. Chet D. Shermer, M.D., of Brandon has completed emergency medicine residency, where he was one of the chief residents. He is an assistant professor of emergency medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Kimberly Ann Ivy Swicegood of Houston, Texas, works with Griffin/Juban Properties as an accounting manager.

92 Joe Milton Turner of Tucker, Ga., wrote and produced the StoryTraveler Illusion Show, which toured the U.S. during fall 2001. Sponsored by Coca-Cola and Reading is Fundamental, the StoryTraveler tour was related to Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of the Harrry Potter movie. Shannon Williams Henneke of Carrollton, Texas, is the accounting supervisor at Premier Designs in Irving, Texas.

93 Mary Hill Shular (M.S. ’97) of Meridian recently achieved national board certification in career and technical education.

94 Joseph Leo Assell of Denver, Colo., has been named a “Top 40 under 40 Most Influential People in Golf” by Golfweek magazine. He is president of GolfTEC. Madrina Bokenkamp (’94, ’97) of Katy, Texas, has received the 2001 Outstanding Young Alumna Award, presented by the MSU Alumni Association. She teaches history at Mayde Creek High School in Katy. Lela Ann Ladner of Brandon was named Teacher of the Year for 2001-2002 at Madison Avenue Elementary.

Kelly L. Mims of Tupelo has graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Law and passed the Mississippi Bar. He now is practicing law in Tupelo with T.K. Moffett Law Firm. Janet Chism Thompson of Corinth has achieved national board certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

95 Anna P. Ferrell of Charleston, Mo., has been named director of marketing for BancLease, a leasing software and consulting service provider for community banks. She is responsible for BancLease’s overall marketing and strategic planning programs. Susan L. Fulgham of Maben has been promoted to interim preschool coordinator at Emerson Family School in Starkville. Patrick Jue (M.B.A. ’98) of Houston, Texas, is a financial analyst for AIM Management Group. Sonya Tharp-Graham carried the 2002 Olympic Torch through West Memphis, Ark., on its way to Salt Lake City. The Coca-Cola Co. selected Tharp-Graham for the honor. She works for the Department of Veteran Affairs at Birmingham Hospital. Rosemary Speakman Turner of Tucker, Ga., has been named director of Steps of Faith, the dance ministry of First Baptist Church of Tucker.

96 Jana Bean of Minneapolis, Minn., has been named a site development manager for Target Corp. Stephanie Jue (M.S. ’99) of Houston, Texas, is in her third year of law school and will graduate in December 2002.

97 William Brett Lacey of Canton, Mich., is a criminal investigator on the AntiTerrorism Task Force, United States Customs, in Detroit, Mich.

Chad Adams of Brandon has been named district manager of operations in the South for Ziggity Systems. He will advise poultry producers and distributors on the best use of Ziggity products. Laquita M. Cox of Adams Jackson has been recognized in U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine. Cox, an Entergy employee, has been nominated for Up and Coming Modern Day Engineer for her accomplishments in the field of engineering. Jamie K. Ferrell (’98) of Cordova, Tenn., is president of Savage Ferrell, a private asset management and investment firm. Ferrell is also executive officer for Memphis Benefits, which provides group health insurance, retirement plans, cafeteria plans, and financial advice to mid-South businesses. Karl Frederick Hess of Carriere is branch manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car for the Bay St. Louis and Picayune offices. Kimberly Peeples (M.S. ’01) of Virginia Beach, Va., is a clinical dietitian at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Va. Michael E. Richardson recently completed a master’s degree in public policy and administration at Mississippi State. He is director of development for the School of Architecture at MSU. Shan Stookey Wilkinson of Mount Joy, Pa., has been named laboratory director of Em Tran in Lancaster, Pa.

99 Julie Monk Loftin of Red Banks is event coordinator for the DeSoto Civic Center in Southaven. Staci Allison Morgan of Washington, D.C., has been promoted to project manager for Winning Connections, a D.C.-based voter contact and grassroots mobilization firm. Verlechia Evette Porter of Ridgeland is a medical technologist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Jackson.

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00 Tracey Cooksey of Kansas City, Mo., is an artist/designer for Hallmark Cards. W. Scott Joyner of Kennewick, Wash., has been transferred from Birmingham, Ala., to Tri-Cities, Wash., to assist in the design and construction of the world’s largest nuclear waste verification plant for the U.S. Department of Energy. Bridgette Evette Neely of Dacula, Ga., is a lab analyst for Coca-Cola Enterprises and a technical support representative for Nextel Communications.

Dallas Michael Alford and Bailey Michelle Alford, Oct. 24, 2001, to Jeff Alford (’91) and Leslie Lamonds Alford (’92) of Huntsville, Ala. Sydney Alise Adair, Jan 5, 2002, to J. Aubrey Adair (’90) and wife Cindy of Columbus. Campbell Allen Anderson, Sept. 7, 2001, to Janet Campbell Anderson (’88) and husband Donnie of Collins. Elijah Cade Brooks, March 16, 2001, to Daniel Brooks (’93, M.S ’94) and Hollie Wigington Brooks (’93) of Knoxville, Tenn. Lillian Eileen Burke, December 15, 2001, to Paige Thaxton Burke (’96) and husband Sharkey of Jackson. Cooper Layton Clark, Oct. 1, 2000, to Marissa Leanne Brantley Clark (’91) and husband David of Lena. Camille Anne Coffey, March 13, 2002, to Chris Coffey (’98) and Mamie Patterson Coffey (’96, ’00) of Asheville, N.C. Robert Walker Dean, July 24, 2001, to Holly Powell Dean (’94) and husband Scott of Jackson. Emily Noelle Dear, June 3, 2001, to Donna Michelle Reed Dear (’94) and husband Noel of Heflin, Ala. 42

S Summer 2002

Victoria Elaine Slade of Birmingham, Ala., has joined Southern Progress Corp. and is working with Oxmoor House Books as a marketing assistant.

01 James Glenn Beck of Houston, Texas, has joined ExxonMobil as an advanced systems analyst. David Blake of Brandon is a software engineer for SAIC in New Orleans, La.

Bradley Christopher Dossett, March 21, 2002, to Chris Dossett (’91) and Missy Irby Dossett (’91, M.A. ’92) of Diamondhead. Lauren Marie Eastman, Dec. 21, 2001, to Steven Michael Eastman (’90) and wife Martha of Louisville, Ky. Annie Grace Gibson, Oct. 6, 2001, to Lane Gibson (’90) and Carol McQuary Gibson (attended) of Houston. Jeffrey Robert Earnest Greer IV, June 11, 2001, to Jeffrey Greer (’84) and Rena Collier Greer (’87) of Upper Marlboro, Md. Samuel Jackson Greer, March 10, 2002, to Rusty Greer (’86) and wife Elizabeth of Los Gatos, Calif. Sammy Dalton Higdon, Jan. 7, 2002, to Margaret Hill Higdon (’95, M.T.X. ’96) and husband Trea of Water Valley. Nathan Dale Hollingsworth, July 4, 2001, to Kathy Moreland Hollingsworth (’90) and husband Marc of Colorado Springs, Colo. Renee Alexandra King, Aug. 26, 2001, to Tracee M. Lancaster King (’92) and husband Matthew of Memphis, Tenn. Catherine Alston Landrum, Dec. 20,

Justin Wesley Markham of Ackerman has been promoted to bank officer at Citizens National Bank of Meridian at the Kosciusko office. Marc McIntyre of Baton Rouge, La., is a financial adviser for Peters Financial Services. Laura R. Sidney of Mesa, Ariz., is pursuing a master’s degree in geography at Arizona State University. Amanda Nicole Walker of Tupelo works for the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation as a community director. Beth E. Wissinger of Weaverville, N.C., is enrolled in her first year of law school at Vermont Law School.

2001, to Jim Landrum (’88) and LeAnne McGahey Landrum (’94) of Columbus. James Spencer Mills Markham, Nov. 30, 2001, to James Jeffrey Markham (’96, M.P.P.A. ’97) and Leann Mills Markham (’97, M.B.A. ’98) of Starkville. Brayden Knight McLellan, Dec. 3, 2001, to Todd Knight McLellan (’95) and Stephanie McLellan (attended) of Maumelle, Ark. Maggie Elizabeth Miller, Aug. 29, 2001, to Greg Miller (’93) and Lanna Miller (’93, M.S. ’95) of Starkville. Morgan Rose Minton, Aug. 15, 2000, to Jeffrey Minton (’93) and Kere Parent Minton (’93) of Vero Beach, Fla. Lindsey Karen Nelson, March 7, 2002, to Keith T. Nelson (’93) and Laura Field Nelson (’93) of Columbus. Ashley Danelle Nocera, June 21, 2001, to Mickey Ralph Nocera (’89) and wife Krista of Knoxville, Tenn. Jack Douglas Patterson, July 31, 2001, to Donna Moreland Patterson (’91) and husband Doug of Madison.

Mikayla Marie Peterson, Nov. 4, 2001, to Jennifer King Peterson (’91) and husband Greg of Fair Grove, Mo. Madeline Grace Pickle, Sept. 19, 2000, to Lori Tubberville Pickle (’91) and husband Terry Lee of Madison. Sarah Anne Powell, Jan. 14, 2002, to Kyle Banks Powell (’95) and wife Annessia of Warsaw, Mo. Andrew Paul Purvis, Oct. 4, 2001, to Stan P. Purvis (’88) and wife Jill of Ridgeland. Katie Caroline Reich, Dec. 18, 2001, to Ken Reich (’83, ’93) and Susan Brannon Reich (’91) of Pensacola, Fla. Lydia Leigh Sorgen, Dec. 22, 2001, to Virginia Leigh Herring Sorgen (’91,

M.B.A. ’92) and husband Dale of Everett, Wash. Patrick Lamar Swindle, Feb. 22, 2002, to Sherri Roark Swindle (’91, M.P.A. ’93) and husband Mike of Olive Branch. Andrew Gage Thompson, Oct. 8, 2001, to Chris Thompson (’96) and Amy Thompson (’96) of Harvest, Ala. David Gaston Walker, Nov. 5, 2001, to Dustin Walker (’92) and Stacy Burgess Walker (’94) of Brookhaven. Laura Katherine Watkins, Nov. 12, 2001, to Richard Watkins (’93) and Kendra Watkins (’93) of Lena. Lucy Caroline Wells, Jan. 10, 2002, to Jack D. Wells (’88) and Aubre Jordan Wells (’97).

Howard Graham West, Nov. 20, 2001, to B. Wade West (’88) and wife Kathryn of Memphis, Tenn. Maggie Adelle Wilkinson, March 14, 2002, to Shan Stookey Wilkinson (’98) and husband Neal of Mount Joy, Pa. Mary Morgan Williams, Jan. 11, 2002, to Damon Williams (’95) and Victoria Williams (’96) of Leeds, Ala. Reagan Presley Wooldridge, to Lee Wooldridge (’95) and Kim Biddy Wooldridge (’94) of Grenada. William Tucker Young, May 11, 2001, to Camille Scales Young (’94, ’96) and husband Keith of Madison.

William C. Williams (’45)—March 5, 2002. J.P. Kirkland (’76)—81, retired Army chaplain, pastor, and World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteran, April 1, 2002. Francis L. Ray (’47)—81, Starkville; retired principal, teacher, and coach and World War II veteran, Feb. 20, 2002. Hugh I. Scott (’47)—74, Jackson; U.S. Navy and Army reserves and former president of Mississippi Home Builders Association, Feb. 24, 2002. John E. Johnson (’48)—81, Amory; retired lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve and former Monroe County chancery clerk, Feb. 19, 2002. John W. Murphy (’48)—77, Clinton; family practitioner, chief of staff at Hinds General Hospital and World War II veteran, Feb. 18, 2002. Quentin L. Rivers (’48)—83, Starkville; World War II veteran, April 18, 2002. Elred W. Nelms (’48)—81, Derby, Kan.; retired Boeing Aircraft Co. engineer, Jan. 26, 2002. Martin Earl Johnson (’49)—77, Vicksburg; former county agent in Marshall and Benton counties and World War II veteran, Feb. 12, 2002. Wallace Matulich (’49)—78, Columbia; April 15, 2002. Ellis G. McNeel (’49)—76, Atlanta,

Ga.; retired BellSouth employee, March 14, 2002. Charles Robert Riser (’49)—76, Punta Gorda, Fla.; former U.S. Department of Agriculture auditor and World War II veteran, March 6, 2002. Robert N. McCarthy (’50)—75, Baldwyn, retired employee of Swift & Co. and Delta Inc. and World War II veteran, March 5, 2002. Charles E. Shannon (’50)—75, West Point; retired shift supervisor at Mississippi Chemical Corp., Jan. 26, 2002. Stancil Wise (’50)—75, Marietta, Ga.; former Eastern District commissioner of Cobb County, former Agricultural and Stabilization and Conservation Service director, and World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veteran, April 3, 2002. Alton F. Moss Sr. (’51)—74, Ellisville; former medical director at Ellisville State School, administrator of Ellisville Municipal Hospital, and World War II veteran, Feb. 15, 2002. William Alvis Parks (’51)—New Albany; Chevrolet dealer with Parks Chevrolet Co. and retired colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Feb. 19, 2001. William W. Adams (’52)—74, Jackson; consulting electrical engineer and former member of the MSU faculty, Jan. 27, 2002. William Y. Sudduth (’55)—90, McAdams; retired instructor for Holmes Community College, Jan. 12, 2002.

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Edited by Jessi Parker (’02) George W. Howard (’32)—90, Tucson, Ariz.; former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employee and engineering faculty member at the University of Arizona. Thomas H. Golding Jr. (’34)— Vicksburg; retired towboat and barge company owner, March 19, 2002. Cammie N. Godbold Jr. (’37)—87, Phoenix, Ariz.; retired Soil Conservation Service employee, March 29, 2002. Marvin Alvin Sanders (’37)—88, Brandon; former teacher and coach, retired sales supervisor with L.M Berry & Co., and World War II veteran, Jan. 23, 2002. George Evans Baird Jr. (’38)—86, Inverness; retired farmer and World War II veteran, Jan. 9, 2002. George L. Disharoon Jr. (’40)—82, Port Gibson; farmer and World War II veteran, Jan. 11, 2002. Clyde E. Wood (’42, ’53)—83, Moorhead; retired vocational agriculture instructor and World War II veteran, Feb. 9, 2002. John K. Scoggin Sr. (’43)—78, Winchester, Del.; retired research entomologist with DuPont and World War II veteran, Oct. 15, 2001. Sam Emerson (’44)—80, Meridian; Emerson, Williams & Steverson CPAs employee and past president of the Meridian Rotary Club, March 12, 2002. John Smith Weems (’44)—78, Jackson; retired schoolteacher and counselor, Jan. 28, 2002.

A Summer 2002

▼ Thomas G. Hilton (’58)—Colonial Heights, Va.; retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, contracts manager for Virginia Department of General Services, and Vietnam War veteran, buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery, July 18, 2001. William Daniel Synnott (’58)— Starkville; retired special projects coordinator of the MSU Department of Housing and Residence Life and retired from U.S. Army Reserve, March 25, 2002. David R. Lee (’59)—65, Vicksburg; retired mechanical engineer with International Paper Co. and former Air Force pilot, Nov. 12, 2001. O.G. Maganos (’59)—88, Weatherford, Texas; member of Jackson Rotary Club and Mississippi Gem and Mineral Club and World War II veteran, Feb. 22, 2002. Joseph R. Curro Jr. (’60)—63, Vicksburg; retired U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station employee, Jan. 26, 2002. David L. Murphee (’60)—63, Starkville; former aerophysics and aerospace engineering professor at MSU and founder and director of the Institute for Technology Development in Jackson, March 18, 2002. Harry Leroy Trammell (’61)—65, Indianola; retired district conservationist with the Soil Conservation Service, March 24, 2002. Talmage P. Walker Jr. (’61)—63, Jackson; owner of T.P. Walker Realty and the Shop of John Simmons, April 10, 2002. Bill Neville (’70)—Meridian; attorney, Nov. 27, 2001. W.R. Daniels (’73)—61, Jackson; former teacher and employment interviewer for the City of Jackson, April 3, 2002. Roger Neal Hill (’73)—50, West Point; certified public accountant, founder of Roger Hill & Co. CPAs, and president of West Point School Board, April 2002. Alice Merritt Burgoyne (’75)—95, Starkville; retired elementary teacher and retired MSU professor of education, Jan. 10, 2002. Jerry D. Chappelear (’76)—53, selfemployed in home maintenance, March 28, 2002. 44

S Summer 2002

Edith Chapman Farley (’76)—78, retired MSU history professor, Jan. 6, 2002. Thomas Larry Hillhouse (’76)— Concord, Calif.; retired market development director with Syngenta Crop Protection, Nov. 1, 2001. Zora A. Brown (Ph.D. ’77)—67, Greenville; former executive secretary of Friends of ETV and PRM, Feb. 21, 2002. William Joseph Redditt (’78)—49, Sidon; agricultural chemical sales representative for Kalo Labs, American Cyanamid and the FMC Corp., April 14, 2002. George Gary Barnes Jr. (’80)—43, Clinton; tax specialist for Mississippi State Tax Commission, April 6, 2002. Mark F. Smith (M.S. ’80)—49, Jackson; executive director of the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, Feb. 29, 2002. Rebecca Jewel Taylor Bourne (’81)— 62, Lugoff, S.C.; teacher, Jan. 25, 2002. Birtie L. Roebuck Savell (M.S. ’81)— 55, retired schoolteacher, March 28, 2002. Cynthia Gail Littlejohn Yeager (’90)— 37, Eupora; teacher at Eupora Elementary School, Feb. 12, 2002.

Napoleon L. Cassibry (attended)—83, Gulfport; retired attorney and member of the Mississippi Bar Association and American Bar Association, March 21, 2002. Eli S. Davis (attended)—North Little Rock, Ark.; owner of David Realty and World War II veteran, Feb. 15, 2002. Barrett Francis (attended)—42, Amory; insurance broker and owner and operator of the Francis Group, Feb. 9, 2002. Carl A. Haynes (attended)—82, Richmond, Va.; Jan. 10, 2001. Luther W. Kea Sr. (attended)—80, Jackson; U.S. Treasury Service employee and World War II veteran, Dec. 18, 2001. Joseph Elton Lee Jr. (attended)—21, Pascagoula; MSU junior majoring in computer engineering and a systems administrator at Gateway Computer in Starkville, Feb. 7, 2002. Malcolm Broox Sledge (attended)— 83, Macon; former Macon Beacon employee, retired U.S. postal worker, and World War II veteran, March 13, 2002.

William L. Cross (former associate dean)—79, Starkville; retired associate dean of Mississippi State College of Business and Industry, Feb. 26, 2002. Zoel Wayne Daughtrey (former professor)—61, Starkville; Tenneco Professor of Accounting in the College of Business and Industry at Mississippi State, member of the Executive Committee of the MSU Agribusiness Institute, March 17, 2002. Ranville Tom Sawyer (former professor)—91, Starkville; retired professor of political science and varsity tennis coach, U.S Air Force veteran, March 27, 2002. James Murvin Woolington (former professor)—69, Starkville; retired professor, former acting department head in the Educational Psychology Department, and Korean War medic, Nov. 5, 2001. Billy C. Fields (friend)—75, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; retired cotton producer and ginner, Jan 27, 2002. Rosalie S. Kowalski (friend)—78, Brandon; homemaker, Feb. 16, 2002. Kathryn D. Little (friend)—92, Meridian; former president of Judge Little Sporting Goods, Jan. 9, 2002. S.L. Millsaps (friend)—80, West Point; farmer, retired employee of Babcock & Wilcox and Calvert Funeral Home in West Point, May 1, 2002. Terry S. Ozier (friend)—86, Brandon; retired veterinarian, tree farmer and forester, and World War II veteran, Jan. 21, 2002. Sara H. Patton (friend)—82, homemaker and Trustee of the Durant Public Library. Alcyone Potts (friend)—93, Brooksville; former industrial engineer with Berger Brothers in New Haven, Conn., and retired teacher with Brooksville Elementary School and Central Academy, March 8, 2002. Bertrand Donald Reed (friend)—54, Starkville; retired sergeant in the U.S. Army, Boy Scout leader and Eagle Scout, and veteran of Desert Storm, Jan. 29, 2002. Willie Fate Sisson (friend)—71, retired co-owner of Sisson Trucking Co., March 9, 2002.