OLE MISS ALUMNI REVIEW
Fall 2010
FALL 2010
101 Must Reads Recommended reading for Ole Miss alumni
Students expand horizons through study abroad VOL. 59 N O. 4
Top alumni honored for achievement, service
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The University of Mississippi Alumni Association P.O. Box 1848 University, MS 38677-1848 (662) 915-7375 www.olemissalumni.com
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Vol. 59 No. 4
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18 Recommended ON THE COVER
Reading
101 books alumni should read before they lay dying.
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departments Going Global Students expand horizons through study abroad. BY JOHN MCMILLAN
36 Ahead of Their Class
Ole Miss honors top alumni for achievement, service. BY JIM URBANEK
6 FROM THE CIRCLE
The latest on Ole Miss students, faculty, staff and friends
14 CALENDAR 42 SPORTS
M-Club Hall of Fame inductees honored
44 ARTS AND CULTURE 46 TRAVEL 50 ALUMNI NEWS
On the cover: As home to William Faulkner’s Rowan Oak, Ole Miss’s love for great literature comes naturally. Photo by Robert Jordan
Ole Miss Alumni Review Publisher Warner L. Alford (60) Timothy Walsh (83) Editor Editor Jim Urbanek II (02) Jim Urbanek II (97) jim@olemiss.edu jim@olemiss.edu Creative Director Associate SabrinaEditor Brownand Advertising Director Designers Tom Speed (91) ? tom@olemiss.edu Contributing Editor Editorial Assistant Benita Whitehorn Macaulay Knight Editorial Assistant Correspondents Brandon ? Irvine Designer Eric Summers Correspondents Kevin Bain (98), Tobie Baker (96), Rachel Britton (10), Rebecca Lauck Representative ClearyAdvertising (97), Jay Ferchaud, Patrice Sawyer Cristen Hemmins (MA 96) Guilfoyle, Tina Hahn, Robert Jordan 662-236-1700 (83), Barbara Lago (82), Nathan Latil, Officers ofErin The Parsons, University Jack Mazurak, Elaine of Mississippi Alumni Association Pugh, Edwin Smith (80), Chance Laws (63), Matt Westerfield president Officers of The University David McCormick (77), of Mississippi Alumni Association president-elect Bill MayFlenorl (79), (79), Rose Jackson president vice president Richard Noble (68), John T. Cossar (61), president-elect athletics committee member Larry (74), Roger Bryan Friou (56), athleticsvice committee presidentmember Mike Glenn (77),Oxford Alumni Affairs Staff, athletics member Warner Alfordcommittee (60), executive director Wendy Chambers (97), Sam LaneCarmean (76), assistant director for marketing athletics committee member Clay Cavett (86), associate director Josh DavisAffairs (99), assistant director Alumni Staff, Oxford Timothly L. Walsh (83), executive director Martha Dollarhide, systems programmer II Joseph III Sheila Baumbaugh, Dossett (75), systems assistantanalyst director Clay Cavett (86),(79), associate director Annette Kelly accountant Martha Dollarhide, David Gilmore,systems systemsprogrammer analyst I II SheilaRobert Dossett (75), senior associate Radice, manager, director The Inn at Ole Miss Julian Gilner (04), alumnidirector assistant, Scott Thompson (97),assistant Sarah Kathryn M. Hickman (03), club coordinator assistant director for marketing Jim Urbanek II (02), Port Kaigler (06), for alumni assistant and assistant director communications club coordinator Tim Walsh (83), senior associate director Annette Kelly (79), accountant Rusty Woods (01), Tom Speed (91), assistant director forpublications informationeditor services Scott Thompson (97), assistant director James Butler (60), director emeritus Jim Urbanek (97), assistant director for Herbert E. Dewees Jr. (65), communications executive director emeritus Rusty Woods (01), assistant director for information services Alumni Affairs Staff, Jackson James Butler (53), director emeritus Geoffrey Mitchell (70), alumni director Warner Alford (60),(77), executive director Ginger Roby Daniels assistant director emeritus The Ole Miss Alumni Review (USPS The561-870) Ole Miss Alumni Reviewquarterly (USPS 561-870) is published by is published quarterly by The University of The University of Mississippi Alumni Mississippi Alumni the Office Association and Association the Officeand of Alumni of AlumniAlumni Affairs. Alumni Association offices Affairs. Association offices are are located at Triplett Alumni Center, located at Triplett Alumni Center, Room 651University, Grove Loop,MS University, 38677. 172, 38677.MS Telephone Telephone 662-915-7375. 662-915-7375. AA-10503 2451T
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Chancellor Dear Alumni and Friends, Fall 2010 has been an exciting and challenging time for Ole Miss. I want to start this letter with a sincere “thank you” to our loyal alumni. Your gifts of money, time and talent have been essential to the success of our university this fall. The University of Mississippi remains steadfast in its mission to serve the public interest by providing needed educational opportunities to citizens of our state and nation and to educate future leaders, innovators and global thinkers. We continue to enrich the classroom experience, increase research funding and seize opportunities to serve our community, the nation and the world. Throughout our history, Ole Miss has been the path of upward mobility for generations of Mississippians. This year we broadened that initiative by creating “Ole Miss Opportunity,” the first major need-based scholarship program sponsored by the university. Among those supporting this unique program are former Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning and his wife, Abby. Their generous $1 million gift to Ole Miss Opportunity will help hundreds of Mississippi students receive necessary financial support to attend Ole Miss. In addition, we have actively increased emphasis on our study abroad program. More than 700 Ole Miss students each year now participate in the program. Studying in another country can be the highlight of a college experience. Along with building and sharing knowledge that advances understanding of our world, a semester spent studying abroad can provide one of the best real-world challenges of a student’s education. One of the highlights of this issue of the Alumni Review is a poll of suggested great books. One of Mississippi’s and Ole Miss’s greatest achievements is our literary legacy. Just this fall, three of our faculty have published books receiving national attention. Writer-in-residence John Brandon, English professor Tom Franklin and journalism professor Curtis Wilkie have each written books that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Finally, the Alumni Association honored seven alumni with its highest annual recognition during Homecoming weekend. Inductees into the Alumni Hall of Fame were John H. Geary of Jackson, Jennifer Gillom of Phoenix, Ariz., Trent Lott of Washington, D.C., Ray Mabus of Ridgeland and Debra L. Starnes of Spicewood, Texas. William L. Freeman Jr. of Flowood received the Alumni Service Award for service to the university and the Alumni Association, and Maj. Sheldon Morris of Killeen, Texas, received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. All of these recognized alumni deserve our congratulations and appreciation for their service to our university and nation. During these days of decreasing state support for higher education, your involvement and support is critical to our success. Thank you for everything you do for Ole Miss. Sincerely,
Daniel W. Jones Chancellor
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President Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends, As I write this letter, I find myself experiencing both happiness and sadness—happiness for having had the opportunity to serve as your Alumni Association president, but sadness in realizing that my term has come to an end. Serving in this capacity truly has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. During the past year, our university has accomplished many great things and received many wonderful accolades, including the “Most Appealing” designation, record enrollment, the dedication of the Luckyday Residential College, the inauguration of our 16th chancellor and the 2010 Cotton Bowl championship. One of the most significant accomplishments for our Alumni Association has been the renovation and rededication of the Triplett Alumni Center. While the role of alumni president encompasses many duties and a significant time commitment, it requires a team effort. I thank our alumni board, executive committee, past presidents and officers for their commitment and counsel. I thank Chancellor Dan Jones for his support and participation, as well as the local alumni club officers for their hard work and dedication. I especially thank the Alumni Association staff under the leadership of Tim Walsh. As you have heard me say before—they get to do all the work while I get to have all the fun. Lastly, but certainly not least, I thank my wife, Ginger, who has been an incredible partner and first-class “first lady.” As I said in my installation remarks a year ago, I would not and could not do this job without her. Well, I can now absolutely confirm that I could not have done it without her. Bill May will be a spectacular alumni president, and his wife, Judy, will be a wonderful partner. I am confident the Alumni Association will accomplish great things under Bill’s leadership, coupled with his and Judy’s passion for Ole Miss. I wish them both the best and thank them for their continued service. In closing, I am proud to be an alumnus of Ole Miss, and I pledge to her my love, loyalty and support, unconditionally, until my dying breath. Again, thank you for the honor and privilege to serve.
Dear Alumni and Friends, What a great year for the Ole Miss Alumni Association and ou r b e love d Ole M i s s ! O u r deepest thanks and gratitude go to Charles Clark for his steady and strong leadership as Alumni Association president. Charles has served us well, and it has been an honor to work with him. It really has been a wonderful year. Need some examples? 2010 Cotton Bowl champs! Need I say more? The newly renovated Triplett Alumni Center was opened and rededicated, and it once again houses our incredible Alumni Association staff. If you haven’t seen our new “digs,” please drop by and visit. Our neverending thanks also go to Dr. and Mrs. Faser Triplett and their family, along with our other generous alumni and friends, for this beautiful facility. The investiture of Chancellor Dan Jones was a high mark of the past year. Dr. Jones already has proven to be a solid supporter of our Alumni Association, and we are grateful to him and his wife, Lydia, for their leadership and love of Ole Miss. Also, kudos to Alumni Association Executive Director Tim Walsh and his staff. They truly love Ole Miss, and we are blessed to have them serving our association! As Ole Miss “family,” we are constantly involved in matters affecting our university. I encourage you to be active in our Alumni Association and work to improve our great school. Our energy and focus always must be positive as we seek to support Ole Miss as a world-class university, and I invite you to join with me as we strive to do so. In the upcoming year, I foresee a bigger, better and stronger Ole Miss, both academically and athletically. May we as alumni and friends be faithful in giving our time and resources to this incredible and beautiful place. I urge you to love Ole Miss—always. Thanks for all you do for Ole Miss and for allowing me the honor and blessing to serve. Go mighty Rebels,
An Ole Miss Rebel always,
Bill T. May (BA 79, JD 82) Charles C. Clark (BBA 72)
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THE LATEST ON OLE MISS STUDENTS, FACULTY, STAFF AND FRIENDS
Population Boom
MORE THAN 19,500 STUDENTS SET ENROLLMENT RECORD AT UM
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Amanda Hardwick, a biochemistry major from Hattiesburg, is among 3,089 new freshmen enrolled at UM this fall. Hardwick says she chose Ole Miss over several other schools because it offered ‘a better environment, better scholarships and learning opportunities.’ Photo by Robert Jordan
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manda Hardwick had acceptance letters from Tulane University, Auburn University and the universities of Alabama and Georgia, but the biochemistry major from Hattiesburg chose The University of Mississippi, where she is part of a record-shattering freshman class this fall. “Ole Miss had a better environment, better scholarships and learning opportunities, and was in closer proximity to my hometown,” says Hardwick, who enrolled in the university’s Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. “There are so many opportunities for community service here, which really excites me. The Honors College and campus in general are also more inviting than other schools.” Hardwick is among 3,089 new freshmen on campus, a 19.9 percent increase over last fall. Among them are 34 National Merit and National Achievement finalists, and five National Merit and National Achievement semifinalists. Preliminary enrollment figures show UM’s total unduplicated headcount on all its campuses is 19,536, another record. That’s 1,192 students more than last fall, a 6.5 percent increase. “The most exciting thing about our large enrollment increase is that more and more students have the opportunity to experience amazing at The University of Mississippi,” Chancellor Dan Jones (MD 75) says. “Students come to Ole Miss to transform their lives. We are thrilled that more students are choosing to do this.” A record 2,469 students are enrolled at The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. That’s an increase of 57 students (2.4 percent) over last fall, with the largest increases coming in the School of Medicine (6 percent) and graduate medical education programs (14 percent), says Tom Fortner, the Medical Center’s chief public affairs and communications officer. The Ole Miss student body also includes 14,154 undergraduates, 2,104 graduate students, 519 law students and 290 students in the Doctor of Pharmacy program. AR
Legal Legacy OXFORD ATTORNEY NAMED SCHOOL OF LAW ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Aleita Sullivan, president of the Law Alumni Chapter board of directors, congratulates Jack Dunbar on being named the School of Law’s 2010 Alumnus of the Year.
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hile Jack Dunbar (LLB 57) already has been recognized numerous times for his professional achievements, none of those honors compares with being named the 2010 Alumnus of the Year of The University of Mississippi School of Law. “I was absolutely surprised receiving the award,” says Dunbar, who was presented the honor at the UM Law Alumni Luncheon during the annual Mississippi Bar Association Convention in July. “As the background on the recipient was being read, it occurred to me, ‘I think I know this guy.’”
I am and will be forever grateful for my legal education at The University of Mississippi School of Law.
— JACK DUNBAR Co-founder of Holcomb Dunbar P.A. of Oxford, Dunbar was also recently presented the Mississippi Bar Foundation’s 2010 Professionalism Award, given to an attorney whose life, practice and service display outstanding character and integrity. An Indianola native, Dunbar earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at Millsaps College before enrolling in the Georgetown University School of Law. He later transferred to the UM law school, where he was a member of the Mississippi Law Journal and served as student body president before graduating at the top of his class. After earning his degree, Dunbar began his legal career in the Mississippi Delta. Later, he returned to Oxford and established his own practice. Over the course of his 40-year career, he earned a reputation as one of the state’s most respected trial lawyers. He has been included in every issue of The Best Lawyers in America since its inception and has been selected as one of the top 50 lawyers in Mississippi by Mid-South Super Lawyers. Dunbar credits his alma mater as having been instrumental to his success. “I am and will be forever grateful for my legal education at The University of Mississippi School of Law,” he says. “I am also very grateful for the many lifetime friends I have, both from the law school experience and from the profession. Ole Miss law was a life-changing experience for me.” AR
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER ASSIGNED TO JOURNALISM SCHOOL
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ohn Festervand joined The University of Mississippi’s Office of Development as the first major gifts officer for the Meek School of Journalism and New Media, responsible for securing financial support for the school, which was created in 2009, as well as for the College of Liberal Arts. “We are delighted to have someone with John’s energy and experience on board to seek private gifts and network with our alumni and other potential donors,” says Will Norton, dean of journalism and new media. “John’s enthusiasm for the Meek School and his Ole Miss background will complement the school’s quest to attract funding to provide even greater opportunities and support for our students and faculty.” Festervand joins UM from Texas C h r i s t i a n U n i v e r s i t y, w h e r e h e was assistant director of athletics marketing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations with minors in business and speech from Middle Tennessee State University. He earned a master’s degree in sports management and higher education administration from the University of Alabama. Alumni and others interested in supporting the School of Journalism and New Media can call Festervand at 662-915-1757 or e-mail jfesterv@ olemiss.edu. AR
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Wave of the Future RESEARCHERS AIM TO CONNECT BRAIN WAVES AND COMPUTERS TO TREAT BRAIN-BASED DISORDERS
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magine that stroke victims could use a small electronic device, controlled by their own brain waves, to regain the ability to speak or walk. Or that epilepsy patients could use a similar device to control or even prevent seizures. Such devices might sound like Hollywood fantasies, but psychologists, computer scientists, biomedical engineers and software engineers at The University of Mississippi’s Brain Computer Interface Laboratory are probing how brain waves can manipulate computers and robots. “We use robots and computers to help reinforce specific brain activity in a way that could one day be applied to increase the quality of life for a lot of people,” says Scott Gustafson (MA 93), a UM clinical psychologist and one of the founding members of the BCI Research Group. BCI researchers are developing technology to use brain waves and computers to treat brain-based disorders by rewiring the brain. Studies have shown that combining this technology with basic behavioral principles can produce longterm changes that are as effective as medication but have no side effects and do not require the use of drugs. “Using brain waves to control robots, the BCIs provide a direct communication pathway between activity in the brain and an external device,” Gustafson explains. “A person can use this feedback to gain control over the robot and in the act gain control over some functions of [his or her] brain.” After a year, BCI researchers have successfully captured brain signals using a custom-made device the size of a mobile 8 Alumni Review
UM researchers Dwight Waddell (left), Pamela Lawhead, Scott Gustafson and Yixin Chen are searching for ways to use brain waves to control computers and robots in hopes of finding new treatments for people with brain-based disorders. Photo by Nathan Latil
phone that digitizes the electrical brain waves to communicate with both a computer and a robot, and they are working to develop sophisticated algorithms that can be used in the design of next-generation computer interface systems. Besides faculty researchers, a handful of students also are intimately involved, even down to developing the wireless robotic prototype the research group uses. Allowing students to have a hands-on role is essential because they are the future leaders in the field, says Pamela Lawhead (BA 68, PhD 94), associate professor of computer and information science. “Students know there aren’t any answers on the table and that they must discover the answers. It’s an apprenticeship type of learning.” BCI researcher Dwight Waddell, a biomedical engineer and UM professor of exercise science, serves as a bridge for the research group, bringing years of multidisciplinary biomedical research to the table. Waddell, who himself suffers from a nervous system disorder, has high hopes for the groundbreaking BCI research. He envisions one day establishing remote clinical locations in poor rural areas such as the Mississippi Delta, where psychologists and clinicians aren’t always readily available or affordable. “The chances of these people seeing a clinician now are almost zero,” Waddell says. “We want to intervene early with people who may have speech disorders or behavioral problems. We could actually do something to help.” AR
UM RESEARCHERS LAUNCH CLINICAL TRIAL ON DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
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Dynamic Duo MARRIED ENGLISH PROFESSORS WIN LITERARY GRANTS
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om Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly aren’t the only married couple employed at The University of Mississippi, nor are they the first faculty members to author books. They are, however, the first husband and wife to simultaneously receive Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) individual artist grants. “We were told that married couples have won before for other states in different categories in different years, but that a married couple has never won the same year before in Mississippi or any other state,” says Fennelly, who won her award in poetry. The associate professor of English, who serves as director of UM’s M.F.A. in creative writing and Summer Poet-inResidence programs, previously received an MAC grant in nonfiction. “Once, we each received a royalty check in the same amount on the same day, and that was fun. This blew that out of the water, though—the double surprise, the double celebration, and neither one had to feel guilty or apologetic in front of the other. It was pure joy,” she adds. “It does feel good, especially since there are so many amazing Mississippi writers out there,” says Franklin, assistant professor of English who won his award in fiction. He was also a John and Renée Grisham Writer-in-Residence at UM. As grant recipients, Franklin and Fennelly each were awarded $4,400 for their respective projects. They are attempting to co-write a novel about the flood of 1927. Both hope to have a first draft of their as-yet-untitled manuscript in January. Despite the local and global economic downturn, the commission has consistently and conservatively increased the grant programs from $1 million in 2007 to $1.64 million in 2011, says Malcolm White, MAC executive director. Fennelly and Franklin say they hope their latest honors bring more recognition to the English department and the university. A graduate of the University of South Alabama and the University of Arkansas, Franklin joined the UM faculty in 2000. Fennelly also joined UM’s English department faculty in 2000 and holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame, the University of Arkansas and the University of Wisconsin. AR
promising botanical compound is undergoing clinical study this fall to determine whether it improves cardiovascular health, glucose levels and cognitive function. The compound, pterostilbene (teroSTILL-bean), is found in blueberries, grapes and other small fruits, as well as the bark of some trees. It was licensed from The University of Mississippi for commercial development earlier this year by ChromaDex Corp., which holds worldwide patent rights to the natural product and is marketing it as pTeroPure. The clinical trial is being conducted at the UM Medical Center in Jackson, where investigators hope to evaluate the compound in patients with lipid disorders. Patients enrolled in the study will receive high and low doses of pterostilbene, with and without grape extract, or a placebo, says Daniel Riche, assistant professor of pharmacy practice and medicine, and the study’s principal investigator. “In addition to cholesterol and blood pressure, we will be evaluating urine tests and monitoring for inflammatory markers,” Riche says. “Reductions in these markers may correlate with improvements in oxidative stress.” Helping Riche with the study are Justin J. Sherman (BS 92), associate professor of pharmacy practice, and Dr. C. Andrew Brown, professor of medicine. “We are excited and gratified to work with ChromaDex to explore the potential of this compound to improve the health and well-being of people in the U.S. and around the globe,” says Barbara G. Wells, dean of the UM School of Pharmacy. AR
Fall 2010 9
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he University of Mississippi has cracked the top 25 again, this time as one of America’s Best College Buys. The list is part of the annual America’s Best Colleges section of Forbes, which includes several rankings and data on hundreds of colleges and universities. Ole Miss entered the list of Best College Buys at No. 24, sandwiched between the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry at No. 23 and the University of California at Berkeley at No. 25.
Tuition and fees at America’s four-year institutions have exploded over the last two decades, growing 91 percent beyond the rate of inflation, according to Forbes. “It is gratifying to see this type of external validation for the quality and value of our educational programs,” says UM Chancellor Dan Jones (MD 75). The Center for College Affordability and Productivity, in conjunction with Forbes, compiled the list using five general categories: student satisfaction, postgraduate success, student debt, four-year graduation rate and competitive awards. The rankings are aimed to assist families in their choice of colleges in regard to getting the most quality for each tuition dollar spent. Tuition and fees at America’s four-year institutions have exploded over the last two decades, growing 91 percent beyond the rate of inflation, according to Forbes. Ole Miss has several programs to help ease the cost of higher education for families. For example, the university annually awards hundreds of Luckyday scholarships, ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 a year. Another program is the Ole Miss Opportunity Scholarship program for low-income Mississippi students. Launched this year, Ole Miss Opportunity guarantees financial aid support for tuition, housing and meals. More than 100 students are enrolled this fall under the program. AR
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Face Time
MMRI RESEARCHER HIGHLIGHTS ADVANTAGES OF UM ENGINEERING ON ITALIAN TV SHOW
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ifteen minutes was all the time Leonardo Macelloni had, but it was also all the time he needed. Interviewed recently on an Italian television show, The University of Mississippi researcher praised his employer for its advanced technology, cutting-edge research opportunities and cordial people. He appeared on the two-hour program at the request of a colleague at the University of Rome. The show’s theme focused on why Italians often choose to emigrate elsewhere for educational advancement and career opportunities. A University of Rome alumnus, Macelloni spoke of his own experience. “I discovered the university while completing my master’s thesis six years ago,” he said. “The University of Mississippi has one of the most advanced tools for deep-sea exploration anywhere in the world. We’re also involved in installing the first sea f loor observatory in the Gulf of Mexico. Leo Macelloni (right), research profesThese things, plus the beausor in the Mississippi Mineral Resources tiful, historic campus and Institute, confers with visiting scholar warm faculty and students, Simona Caruso (left) in the geophysical appealed to me very much.” lab aboard the research vessel After f inishing his Urania while surveying offshore degree in Italy, MacelloSicily. The project is a joint venture of ni’s research interests led The University of Mississippi and him back to the Mississippi University of Rome, with Ole Miss proMineral Resources Instividing the cutting edge ocean-exploration equipment. t ute (M MR I), where he has worked for the past five years. He and his advising professor in Rome have been instrumental in bringing at least five Italian scientists to experience education in the UM School of Engineering. While he probably won’t become a celebrity as a result of his brief TV appearance, Macelloni says he feels certain that some of those who saw and heard him will investigate UM. And that’s enough for him. “When Italian scientists start looking for a university to further their education, I want them to consider coming to Ole Miss,” Macelloni says. “Why go anywhere else when what they seek can probably be found right here?” AR
Larry Walker, director of the National Center for Natural Products Research at The University of Mississippi, recently traveled to Switzerland to present some of his research team’s work to the Expert Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medicines for Malaria Venture. Photo by Kevin Bain
Life Savers RESEARCHERS TRAVEL TO GENEVA, PRESENT MALARIA DRUG-DISCOVERY PLANS
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alaria, one of the world’s most widespread infectious diseases, takes the lives of almost 1 million people a year. University of Mississippi researchers have been working for more than 20 years on antimalarial drugs in hopes of developing one that will save some lives. Larry Walker and Babu Tekwani traveled to Geneva, Switzerland, in September to present some of their research team’s work to the Expert Scientif ic Advisory Committee of the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) in hopes of winning continued funding for the project. L ed by Wa l ker, d i rec tor of t he
National Center for Natural Products Research at UM’s School of Pharmacy, the research is aimed at improving the malaria drug primaquine, which has been the only drug available for the treatment and prevention of relapsing malaria for the past 50 years. The UM project focuses on reducing the drug’s toxicity. The idea is to test whether one of the isomers the drug is made of will kill the malaria parasites but produce fewer side effects for people with enzyme deficiencies. “We’re trying to make primaquine better, safer and more effective,” Walker says. “Our consortium put in five proposals to MMV, and three of those were
short-listed for more detailed presentations in Geneva because they were viewed as exciting.” Walker says he hopes to develop a drug that is safe for children and pregnant women, which is greatly needed in public-health programs in Africa. The Medicines for Malaria Venture is a nonprofit public-private partnership, established as a foundation in Switzerland in 1999. Its mission is to reduce the burden of malaria in disease-endemic countries by discovering, developing and facilitating delivery of new, effective and affordable antimalarial drugs. AR
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Creative Writing STUDENTS TAKE TOP HONORS IN MAGAZINE COMPETITION
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wo University of Mississippi students have edged out hundreds of competitors for top honors in the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications’ annual student magazine competition. Nick Toce, a senior print journalism major from Jacksonville, Fla., received the first-place award for his entry titled Grease Monkey—a magazine about Southern food cooked by Southern chefs in a traditional Southern style. Lauren Zimmerman, a second-year journalism graduate student from Waveland, placed third for her proposed periodical Pappo—a magazine for the paparazzi. The judges’ remarks were complimentary of Zimmerman’s efforts with one judge writing “I was initially horrified by the idea of a magazine for the paparazzi, but the tongue-in-cheek humor of the issue and the brilliantly original and meta idea itself won me over.”
ENGINEERING ALUMNUS HONORED AS NATIONAL TAU BETA PI LAUREATE
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au Beta Pi, the world’s largest engineering honor society, recognized Christina Bonnington (BSEE 2010) as one of five laureates at its national convention in October. The laureates, who receive $2,500 and a commemorative plaque, are honored for excelling in areas beyond their technical majors. “There have been only 69 laureates named since 1982, and Christina is the first from Mississippi, so it’s wonderful to have someone from Ole Miss receive this recognition,” says Allen Glisson (BSEE 73, MS 75, PhD 78), UM electrical engineering chair. “This honor is well-deserved, and we congratulate Christina on this achievement.” While at UM, Bonnington was named a Taylor Medalist, UM’s highest academic honor. She also was a 2010 UM Outstanding Senior Engineer, inducted into Phi Kappa Phi and served as an engineering ambassador, helping to recruit potential students to Ole Miss as an alumna of the UM Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. The Houston, Texas, native currently lives in San Francisco, where she is working as an intern for gizmodo.com. AR 12 Alumni Review
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This is another example of the quality of the magazine program at Ole Miss. Magazine students on this campus can excel in competition with the best students in the best journalism programs.
—WILL NORTON
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Both students say they were stunned and excited by their respective wins. Ideas for their magazines arose from each person’s own reading habits and hobbies. “This is another example of the quality of the magazine program at Ole Miss,” says Will Norton, dean of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media. “Magazine students on this campus can excel in competition with the best students in the best journalism programs.” AR
Representatives from UMMC and the Mayo Clinic sign a translational research agreement. UMMC representatives include Dr. Louann Woodward, front left, and Dr. John Hall, front right. Mayo Clinic representatives include Dr. Robert Rizza, front center, Dr. Michael Joyner, back left, and Dr. Eddie Greene, back right. Dr. Dan Jones, UM chancellor, looks on from back row center. Photo by Jay Ferchaud
Long Live the Blues LIVING BLUES CELEBRATES ITS 40TH BIRTHDAY
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merica’s first blues publication, Living Blues, celebrated 40 years of setting the international standard for blues journalism when its 208th issue hit newsstands Aug. 1. “It’s a big deal for a small magazine like this to make it 40 years in such a narrow genre,” says editor Brett Bonner (BA 87), who has worked with the magazine for nearly 25 years. “We are fortunate to have a loyal core of people who love what we do, and they have kept us afloat. It’s cool for us to get this far.” Founded in Chicago in 1970, Living Blues has been the authoritative voice for blues legends. Acquired by The University of Mississippi in 1983, Living Blues is published by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture. “It’s remarkable for any magazine, let a lone a specia lt y bimonthly like Living Blues, to survive four decades,” says UM journalism professor Samir Husni, who also works as a consultant for the magazine. The cover of the milestone issue featured a collage of scores of the magazine’s past covers, encompassing the theme of the celebratory issue. Inside is the final installment of the “Best of the Decades” lists, assembled by one of the nation’s most respected blues journalists, Jim DeKoster. A Living Blues writer since the second issue, he has written more than 2,000 reviews during the magazine’s history. “The emotional connection with the listener is what I love most about the blues,” DeKoster says. “It’s rewarding to know that Living Blues is still going strong and better than ever.” AR
UMMC, MAYO CLINIC SIGN AGREEMENT
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n agreement signed by top researchers at The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and the Mayo Clinic sets the stage for an array of possible collaborations between the two institutions, such as initiatives to convert laboratory discoveries into new therapies, faculty exchanges and training opportunities for a new generation of medical scientists. The agreement was formally announced July 8 at UMMC during a visit from Mayo Clinic researchers. Through training, mentorship and research collaborations, the two institutions will look for ways to translate the understanding of diseases from basic-science research into clinically applicable methods, drugs, devices and therapies that will benefit patients. “This agreement represents the completion of a couple years of effort toward extending current collaborations and the advent of new opportunities between our institutions,” says Dr. John E. Hall (DMD 90), UMMC associate vice chancellor for research. “UMMC has certain expertise and accomplishments, and Mayo, as one of the most respected names in academic medicine, also has expertise and accomplishments in areas that are complementary to UMMC. The goal is to make a two-way street for training, research and learning opportunities.” AR Fall 2010 13
Calendar Ford Series: “Oklahoma!” NOV. 19
NOVEMBER
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hrough Dec. 11 Defining the Mainstream: The Southern Folk Art Experience. An inaugural folk art exhibition in the new Hattie Mae Edmonds Gallery, University Museum, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call 662-915-7073.
15
Mississippi Humanities Council Lecture: Growing Up on
14 Alumni Review
Film—Youth & Disaffection in Contemporary Spain. Barnard Observatory, 7-8 p.m. Call 662-915-1514.
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School of Business Social. Bravo Restaurant in Jackson, 5-7 p.m. Call 662-915-7375.
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Continuing Legal Education: Advocacy for the Ages: Persuading Genders and Generations, W
Hotel, New Orleans, La. Call 662-915-1354.
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Ford Series: “Oklahoma!” Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Cost: $32-$42. Call 662-915-2787.
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-20 Rugby Alumni Reunion. Ole Miss campus. Various times and locations. Call 662-9157375.
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Engineering Alumni Tailgate. In front of the Old Chemistry building. Two hours prior to kickoff. Call 662-915-7375.
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Artist Series: Christopher O’Riley. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Cost: $20-$28. Call 662-915-2787.
DECEMBER
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Holiday Concert: “An Ole Miss Tradition,” featuring UM choirs with orchestra and the Mississippians Jazz Ensemble. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Call 662-9155115 for information or 662-915-7411 for tickets.
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-5 Ole Miss Theatre: “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas.” Fulton Chapel, Dec. 2-4 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 and 5 at 2 p.m. Cost: $7.50-$10.50. Call 662-915-5816.
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Synergy Brass: Gingerbread and Brass for Kids. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 3 p.m. Cost: $5-$10. Call 662-9152787.
Classes end: Last day of fall semester classes.
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Synergy Brass: Gingerbread and Brass. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Cost: $32$42. Call 662-915-2787. (Friends Reception)
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ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting. Reception sponsored by the UM School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Alumni Chapter, MSHP and UMMC Alumni
Affairs, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Hilton Anaheim in Anaheim, Calif. Call 601-815-5081.
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-7 Continuing Legal Education: CLE by the Hour. The Hilton, Memphis, Tenn. Call 662-9151354.
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Christmas Concert: Mockingbird Early Music Ensemble. Music of the season from the 17th century and earlier played on historically appropriate instruments. Paris-Yates Chapel, 7 p.m. Call 8169959.
Synergy Brass: Gingerbread and Brass Courtesy Nebraska Theatre Caravan
DEC. 4
Ole Miss Theatre: “A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas” DEC. 2-5 Fall 2010 15
Calendar
SMART (Science, Math and Aerospace-Related Topics) 2011 Conference JAN. 22
JANUARY
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-9 Academic Traveler: Discover Costa Rica: Fragile Forests and Hidden Habitats. Call 662-9156511.
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: Urban Bush Women. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Cost: $20. Call 662915-2787.
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-21 Mississippi Crime Stoppers Conference. Imperial Palace
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in Biloxi. Coordinated by University Camps and Conferences. Call 662-915-1408.
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Artist Series: Emerson String Quartet. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Cost: $20$28. Call 662-915-2787.
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Black Alumni Advisory Council Meeting. The Inn at Ole Miss, 10:30 a.m. Call 662915-1868.
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Ford Series: “Forever Plaid.” Ford Center for the Performing Arts, 8 p.m. Cost: $32-$42. Call 662-915-2787.
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SMART (Science, Math and Aerospace-Related Topics): 2011 Conference for Math and Science Teachers, Ole Miss campus. Sponsored by the Mississippi NASA Space Grant Consortium. Call 662-915-1408.
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Classes begin: First day of spring semester classes.
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Continuing Legal Education: Winter Mississippi Municipal Attorneys’ CLE Seminar. Hilton Hotel, Jackson, Miss. Call 662-915-1354.
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Continuing Legal Education: Social Security Disability Law. Doubletree Hotel Memphis, 5069 Sanderlin Avenue. Call 662-915-1354.
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Learn more at umhc.com or call 888.815.2005.
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R E C O M M E N D E D
READING 101 Books
Ole Miss Alumni Should Read Before They Lay Dying
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Fall 2010 19
Photo by Nathan Latil
20 Alumni Review
1. William Faulkner: Light in August “Race, gender, murder, religion, history, travel, obsession and alcohol. A Southern Studies course in one novel.” 2. James Agee and Walker Evans: Let Us Now Praise Famous Men “Photography and poetic language about sharecropping.” 3. Mark Twain: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn “The failures and potential of humanity in an adventure story about slavery and freedom.” 4. Winthrop D. Jordan: White Over Black “A thorough, tragic history of some Americans’ ideas about race, written by a longtime UM professor.” 5. Kay Gibbons: Ellen Foster “A short novel from the point of view of a girl who wanted to be a foster child.” 6. Richard Wright: Black Boy “America’s best autobiography, full of honest anger.” 7. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: Cross Creek “Memorable observations of Florida people and wildlife.” 8. Charles Reagan Wilson and William Ferris, ed.: The Encyclopedia of Southern Culture “A good start to understanding the region, edited by UM faculty.” Ted Ownby, Professor of History and Southern Studies, Director of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture 9. Viktor Frankl: Man’s Search for Meaning Stefan E. Schulenberg, Associate Professor of Psychology 10. Mitch Albom: The Five People You Meet in Heaven “An outstanding book that shows that every thread of your life is woven together into a beautiful tapestry.” 11. Michael Lewis: The Blind Side “Seems pretty obvious for any Ole Miss fan, but beyond the Ole Miss connection, it is a great book about a great sport—football.”
12. Randy Pausch: The Last Lecture “Pausch’s final words are moving and touching.” 13. John F. Kennedy: Profiles in Courage “JFK’s classic account of U.S. senators’ courageous acts.” 14. John Lewis: Walking with the Wind “For anyone who finds the civil rights movement fascinating, this autobiography is a must read.” 15. William P. Young: The Shack “A book about profound loss and profound faith.” Rachel Burchfield, Graduate Student, Higher Education 16. Carrie Prejean: Still Standing “This book should be read by anyone who has been chastised because of his or her beliefs. It teaches you to stand up for what you believe in and to never let others put you down. It is a great book.” Jenny Urban, Senior, Public Policy Leadership and Political Science 17. Myrlie Evers-Williams: For Us, the Living “Written by the widow of Medgar Evers, this book is an uplifting and inspirational example of forgiveness and courage. Medgar Evers grew up in my home county of Newton and is one of my heroes in life. He lost his life seeking a better life for all Mississippians, and his wife’s book chronicles their journey and her ability to continue to love Mississippi despite having ample reason not to do so. Ms. Evers-Williams is a living tribute to all that is good about Mississippi … courage, forgiveness and love.” 18. Willie Morris: Terrains of the Heart “This book tugs at the heart of anyone who grew up in Mississippi and understands our love for the wonderful and, sometimes, maddening and unique place called the Magnolia State.” 19. Curtis Wilkie: Dixie “If you grew up in Mississippi during the ’50s and ’60s, this book will take you back and give perspective to events and times that are almost incomprehensible today. I wrote to Curtis Wilkie after reading it years ago and shared with him the impact it had upon me. Powerful and moving.” 20. The Holy Bible, Proverbs “Written thousands of years ago, it still imparts wisdom and knowledge.” Bill May (BA 79, JD 82)
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21. William Styron: Sophie’s Choice 22. Sylvia Plath: The Bell Jar 23. William Faulkner: Sanctuary 24. Larry Brown: On Fire Griff Brownlee, Instructor, Department of English 25. J.R.R. Tolkien: Lord of the Rings “I’m dating myself, but [this is] one book every person should read before [he or she dies]. As TIME once wrote, ‘The book is an entire continent, populated by elves, dwarves, orcs, wizards and ambulatory trees.’ I’ve lost myself in this book and the entire trilogy literally dozens of times—both in print and by listening to the stories as an audiobook. This novel is a fable in which good ultimately conquers evil and magic still exists; it embodies the essence of what good writing can do—it can transport you to another world.” Deb Wenger, Assistant Professor of Journalism 26. The One-Year Chronological Bible “I’ve finished it two times and still try to read it every year— this context (daily reading) is truly life changing.” Karen Crocker Lee (BAEd 73) 27. Mitch Albom: Have a Little Faith: A True Story “This true story by the famous sports writer and author of Tuesdays with Morrie is a must read. Mitch tugs at your heart by exploring the importance of faith and family at multiple levels. A powerful, emotional story for all ages. This book will stimulate thought and compassion for our diverse society and the importance of the acceptance of others.” 28. Dave Isay, ed.: Listening Is an Act of Love: A Celebration of American Life from the StoryCorps Project “While this book is our community book for Oxford and Ole Miss, the compilation of short vignettes will touch the heart of all. Each three to four-page interview shows the true power of America with real stories from our diverse culture. This book will reinforce some deep feelings many have for our country while showing how real people live, love and care about each other!” Dr. David Rock, Dean, School of Education 22 Alumni Review
29. Will Campbell: Brother to a Dragonfly “The author is a former UM chaplain. The book was pivotal in changing my understanding of the question: ‘Who is my neighbor?’” 30. William Faulkner: Absalom, Absalom “My favorite Faulkner.” 31. John Grisham: A Time to Kill “A great story, a great moral, great writing.” 32. Willie Morris: North Toward Home “Great insights on the complexities of ‘the South.’” 33. David Sansing: The University of Mississippi, A Sesquicentennial History “Not only an insightful history of the university, [it] helps in understanding our state and national history.” 34. Andrew Mullins, ed.: The Measure of Our Days: Writings of William F. Winter “William Winter is a giant of a statesman. There is much to learn from him.” 35. Charles Eagles: The Price of Defiance “This book provides keen insights about our university.” 36. Tom Franklin: Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter “This recent book by a talented UM faculty member resonated with me. This is a great Mississippi story and authentic writing.” 37. Beth Ann Fennelly: Great with Child: Letters to a Young Mother “Don’t miss the opportunity to read this UM poet. This collection of letters/essays is a pathway to her writing for those frightened of poetry. You’ll be glad you read this collection— and her poetry.” 38. Curtis Wilkie: The Fall of the House of Zeus “This UM author takes a very complicated contemporary story and reframes it in a unique way. I couldn’t put it down. “My list has a strong University of Mississippi influence. I’m trying to read as much writing by our faculty and Ole Miss family as possible. But we are such prolific writers; it seems I’ll never get around to all of it.” Dr. Dan Jones, Chancellor
Photo by Kevin Bain Senior journalism major Rebecca Streetman
39. Malcolm X: Autobiography of Malcolm X “One of the books I read as a teenager. After reading this work I came away with a very different perception of who Malcolm X was and what he stood for.” 40. W.E.B. Du Bois: The Souls of Black Folk “Written by the foremost black intellectual of the first half of the 20th century, the collection of essays is a well-grounded perception of the African American experience.” 41. John Helyar: Lords of the Realm “This very good history of labor relations in baseball, the greed of various owners and the exploitation of players prior to the formation of the players union is fascinating.” 42. John Blassingame: The Slave Community “Blassingame’s argument of slave autonomy within the reality of chattel slavery continues to hold its own within the evolving historiography of slavery literature.” 43. Woody Strode: Goal Dust “This autobiography helped me complete my dissertation and subsequent book on African Americans in the NFL.” Chuck Ross, Director of African American Studies, Associate Professor of History and African American Studies
44. Homer: The Odyssey “The mother (or is it father?) of all adventure tales.” 45. Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching “A tiny volume of timeless wisdom from the East.” 46. Miguel de Cervantes: Don Quixote “The world’s greatest novel. Period.” 47. Edith Hamilton: Mythology “Everything you ever wanted to know about classical myths.” 48. Jorge Luis Borges: Ficciones “The best book by the most famous and most influential writer who never won the Nobel Prize.” 49. C.S. Lewis: The Magician’s Nephew “The gateway book to the magic kingdom of Narnia.” 50. Jack Finney: The Body Snatchers “The finest science fiction novel of the 1950s. Beware! Your next-door neighbor could be an alien, or even worse, a Communist.” 51. Mircea Eliade: The Sacred and the Profane “Explains vestiges of primitive rites in modern-day life. Do you ever think about why we go through all those silly gameday rituals in the Grove?”
Fall 2010 23
52. Fulton J. Sheen: The Life of Christ “I could easily have filled my list with 10 books by Sheen—he’s that good. Experts call this the best single-volume treatment of this subject. I agree.”
virtue, character, emotion, action, pleasure and friendship ever penned in Western philosophy.” Steven Skultety, Assistant Professor of Philosophy
53. Umberto Eco: The Name of the Rose “A 14th-century Sherlock Holmes, a blind librarian and murder.” Melvin S. Arrington Jr., Professor of Modern Languages
54. Willa Cather: The Song of the Lark 55. Aaron Copland: What to Listen for in Music 56. Willa Cather: My Antonia 57. William Faulkner: As I Lay Dying 58. Jane Austen: Pride and Prejudice 59. Mary Shelley: Frankenstein 60. J.M. Barrie: Peter Pan Janna Montgomery, Office of Choral Activities 61. Plato: The Symposium “In what could be the most profound analysis of love in Western literature, Plato explores whether we love others because they give us something we lack and need, or because we consider them to be good in their own right. While Aristophanes the playwright is shown depicting love as a kind of medicine for repairing broken souls, the character of Socrates argues that true love tracks what is objectively good in life, and that in searching to understand this good in a careful and rational way, human beings will uncover the deepest organizational principles of reality itself.” 62. Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics “When all is said and done, what is it that we are aiming for in our lives? Aristotle believes that everyone would give the same answer to this question: ‘happiness.’ The problem, however, is that people have wildly different conceptions about the nature of happiness. Some people think happiness is found in making money; some think it is being esteemed by others; some think it is experiencing pleasure. In his Ethics, Aristotle argues that there is another conception of happiness that is, objectively, better than any other contender: human happiness is engaging in excellent theoretical and political activities over a complete life. In the course of prosecuting the argument for this thesis, Aristotle also delivers some of the most famous accounts of 24 Alumni Review
63. Milton Friedman: Capitalism and Freedom “A defense of capitalism as an economic and political force. Although this book was written more than 40 years ago, it provides a unique perspective on the role of capitalism and government. The book is as applicable today as it was in the 1960s and provides a libertarian view of markets and economics by one of the leading economists of the 20th century.” 64. F.A. Hayek: The Road to Serfdom “Written just after World War II, this book exposes the dangers to the state running the economy. A true classic in economics and political philosophy.” Ken Cyree, Dean, School of Business Administration 65. Spencer Johnson: Who Moved My Cheese? 66. Leo Tolstoy: War and Peace 67. Ernest J. Gaines: A Lesson Before Dying Derrick Wilson (BE 99) 68. Bob Buford: Halftime “There is a ‘halftime’ other than the one in football games: the halftime of life. This is usually age 45 to 55. Students in their 20s reading the book Halftime can jump-start their move from success to significance and perhaps achieve success and significance simultaneously.” Edith Kelly-Green (BBA 73) 69. John Barry: Rising Tide “My ‘must-read’ nonfiction for my fellow alumni is Rising Tide by John Barry. It’s a story about the Mississippi River, the engineering feats and defeats surrounding it, the Great Flood of 1927 and how it changed America. If you’re from Mississippi, it should be required reading.” 70. Greg Iles: The Devil’s Punchbowl “My fiction recommendation is anything written by Greg Iles, an Ole Miss alumnus from Natchez, who has written a dozen or
Photo by Kevin Bain Associate Professor of History Chuck Ross Fall 2010 25
more New York Times bestselling novels. My most recent read, The Devil’s Punchbowl, was a page-turning suspense thriller that takes place in Natchez. You will not be able to put it down until you finish it, unless you take a sleeping pill.” Charles Clark (BBA 72)
72. Frank McCourt: Angela’s Ashes 73. Wilson Rawls: Where the Red Fern Grows 74. Jack London: White Fang Danny White, Executive Director, UMAA Foundation
71. Kathryn Stockett: The Help “This book is absolutely incredible. It is the story of three women in Jackson, Miss. Two of the women, Aibileen and Minny, are black maids. The third woman, Miss Skeeter, is a white young woman who recently graduated from Ole Miss. In the book, these three ladies join together in an unlikely friendship to work on a project that puts them all in danger. The book is so unique because it gives the readers a glimpse into the life of a black maid in Mississippi in the 1960s, something we rarely hear about. As I read the book, I felt like I was right there beside these three ladies, treading through the danger with them, and that is only possible through the work of an incredible author.” Nick Castiglia, Junior, Public Policy Leadership
75. John Lachs: In Love with Life: Reflections on the Joy of Living and Why We Hate to Die “Reading this book really changed my outlook on life. It made me question why I’m involved in the things to which I commit my time. Lachs forced me to pay special attention to the things in life that make me happy, even if [they’re] really small. Now I try to surround myself with those things at least once a day. It truly causes me to have a positive attitude every day.” Abby Olivier, Junior, Public Policy Leadership 76. Yann Martel: Life of Pi Port Kaigler, Club Coordinator, Ole Miss Alumni Association 77. Plato: The Republic “One writer has said that ‘all of Western philosophy is a footnote to Plato.’ However, this classic of ancient Greek philosophy has had a profound influence not just on philosophy but on the whole of Western culture. For example, the ideas in this book had a significant impact on Christian thought.” William Lawhead, Professor of Philosophy and Chair of Philosophy and Religion 78. Shel Silverstein: The Giving Tree 79. Greg Iles: The Footprints of God 80. John Grisham: The Firm 81. Dan Savage: The Kid 82. Judy Blume: Then Again, Maybe I Won’t 83. Larry Brown: Father and Son 84. Jules Verne: A Journey to the Center of the Earth Hays Burchfield (BA 04, JD 10)
26 Alumni Review
Photo by Kevin Bain
85. Laurie Beth Jones: The Path “One of my favorite books is The Path by Laurie Beth Jones. I read it at a time in my life when I wanted to understand my purpose. What was my life’s mission? What did God create me to do? Jones dedicates the book to all those who truly seek The Path and then follow it with courage.” Rose Flenorl (BAEd 79) 86. J.I. Packer: Knowing God “Knowing God is an excellent theological study and resource for understanding the character of God. Packer presents who God is as revealed in the Bible and the individuals’ appropriate response. Chapter 5: ‘God Incarnate’ is a personal favorite and has become a routine to reread during the Christmas season.” 87. Timothy J. Keller: The Prodigal God: Christianity Redefined Through the Parable of the Prodigal Sons “Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God explains the true nature of God and therefore [reveals] the nature of humanity. Keller’s radical definition of the Gospel makes this short and easy-toread book essential for anyone—whether new to the Christian faith, a skeptic or a longtime believer.” 88. Willie Morris: Taps “My favorite literature to read is stories that capture Southern culture. On top of embodying the South, Taps is a coming-ofage story that captures important ideas and beliefs including family loyalty, the importance of personal history and commitment to community. Taps is a must read for boys and men of all ages.” Brantley Davidson (BE 09)
89. C.S. Lewis: Mere Christianity Joseph Martin, Senior, Psychology 90. Mitch Albom: Tuesdays with Morrie “This is a book I believe every Rebel should read. This book emphasizes the important relationship between a student and a professor during and after college. The lessons they learn from [each other] are truly remarkable.” Rebecca Streetman, Senior, Journalism 91. Bryce Courtenay: The Power of One “The Power of One is an international bestseller. It is the story of a boy growing up in South Africa and dealing with the early stages of apartheid as a white English speaker who was hated by the Afrikaners that his people had sent to concentration camps during the Boer War. His story is an incredible tale of learning about the differences [among] people, language and culture, and learning to reconcile these differences to love and learn from each of them. He dreams of going to one of the best universities in South Africa and one day becoming the welterweight boxing champion of the world. I truly enjoyed reading it and plan to read it again very soon.” 92. Donald Miller: Blue Like Jazz “The subtitle of Blue Like Jazz is ‘Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality.’ Currently, everyone wants to believe that whatever your God looks like is perfectly acceptable and will offer whatever salvation or afterlife you deem necessary. Donald Miller thought like that for a long time. Blue Like Jazz Fall 2010 27
Photo by Robert Jordan
is the story of how he came to meet God, but it is through the eyes of a real-life skeptic. He didn’t take anything for truth unless he found it to be true himself, and he didn’t do anything that anyone thought he ought to do unless he realized God wanted him to do it through a real relationship with Him. For a believer or a non-believer, this book is truly an excellent exploration of Christian spirituality that doesn’t force any ideas on anyone but are the thoughts of a real man who had real doubts and now has real beliefs.” Drew Taggart (BA 08) 93. C.S. Lewis: The Discarded Image “It is not about religion; it’s an astounding sketch of the worldview behind medieval poetry.” Robert Westmoreland, Associate Professor of Philosophy 94. Henry David Thoreau: Walden 95. James Joyce: Ulysses 96. Fyodor Dostoevsky: Crime and Punishment 97. Gabriel Garcia Marquez: One Hundred Years of Solitude 98. Herman Melville: Moby Dick Travis Montgomery, Adjunct Instructor of English
28 Alumni Review
99. Alan Lange and Tom Dawson: Kings of Tort “Since I am an attorney, I recently finished Kings of Tort. I had to read it twice because I wanted to make sure I got the straight story, sickening as it was.” Richard Noble (BBA 68, JD 73) 100. William Faulkner: Intruder in the Dust “For obvious reasons, such as author and assumed location of fictional story, as well [as] due to the movie and its lovely snapshot of Oxford 50 years ago. But, additionally, because this seems to be one of the most accessible Faulkner books. A great place for non-English majors to start. I taught this to ninth graders and think I might have recruited some Faulkner fans because of it!” 101. Sam Haskell: Promises I Made My Mother “This is a lovely coffee-table book and good read. Those pictures are priceless.” Amy R. Scruggs (BA 97) AR
Going Global Ole Miss students expand horizons through study abroad By John McMillan (BA 02)
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Fall 2010 31
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n Ole Miss student flies down a zip line through the jungle canopy of Costa Rica, leaps out of an airplane 12,000 feet over New Zealand or marvels at the glaciers of Patagonia. Thanks to the Study Abroad program, this is the face of a new, far-flung Ole Miss campus for many students. They are experiencing adventures across the globe, all the while earning university credit. With more than 60 different countries to choose from, they’re studying in places as varied as the desert and delta of Africa’s Botswana to the hauntingly beautiful ice floes of Iceland. Traveling, and indeed studying, in foreign countries provides students with a greater sense of social awareness and delivers an invaluable learning experience. It looks great on the résumé, too. But it’s more than that. Living abroad for a few weeks or a semester can be eye-opening, even life changing. “I feel that I have a more open mind about people from other cultures, and I think my unique experiences—experiences that can only take place in another culture—will set me apart from other students,” says Sarah Faggart, a senior communication sciences and disorders major scheduled to graduate in May 2011. “It really allows you to figure out who you are as a person and grow up.” Faggart attended Liverpool Hope University in Liverpool, England, where she earned 12 credit hours toward her Ole Miss degree. Though she had traveled extensively before, she says this trip was a uniquely positive step for her future. Her view is nearly universal among students who have taken advantage of the Study Abroad program. The program is growing quickly as more and more students recognize and seek the advantages that it provides. According to Study Abroad adviser Vanessa Cook (BA 02), 17 percent of Bachelor of Arts graduates have traveled abroad, and there’s a push to get that up to 20 percent by 2015. That number seems achievable considering past growth. “In 2001, we had roughly 13 exchanges with universities abroad, mostly in the UK,” Cook says. “Now, in 2010, we have 83 partners covering every continent but Antarctica. When I studied abroad in 2001 as an undergrad, our average was 20 students a semester.” The university now sends about 700 students abroad each year, with approximately half of them traveling in the summer. Interested students can take advantage of the Study Abroad program in several ways. They can enroll in programs that last two to six weeks and are taught abroad by a UM faculty mem32 Alumni Review
ber. Exchange programs involve partner universities around the world, and costs are based on UM tuition. In locations where the university doesn’t have a partner institution, an affiliate program is in place. Students are treated the same as those in the exchange program, but it can cost more. Students who enroll in the exchange program have access to several advantages. “The exchanges allow students to earn UM credit, pay UM tuition and use UM financial aid so they’re a great deal,” Cook says. “And we get students from those universities to come to Ole Miss, so there’s a great relationship [among] students from the various schools. This semester, we have 130 international students here at Ole Miss from our exchange partners, and they’re having a blast.”
‘I feel that I have a more open mind about people from other cultures, and I think my unique experiences— experiences that can only take place in another culture—will set me apart from other students.’ — Sarah Faggart, senior communication sciences and disorders major POPULAR WITH ALL MAJORS An estimated one-fourth of the students who study abroad for an entire semester are those who are enrolled in the Croft Institute for International Studies. The privately endowed, selective undergraduate program at the university requires intensive foreign-language training and study abroad for one or two semesters. But it’s not just international studies and foreign-language students who are participating. The Study Abroad program is popular with students from a vast field of studies. “While the Croft Institute was integral to the expansion of Study Abroad on campus, Croft students represent about a tenth of our total students each year,” Cook says. “We have a pretty good representation from all the schools and colleges.” Take art major Kristen Vise of Jackson, for example. Vise was one of 109 students studying abroad this past spring; she took classes at University of Ulster School of Art and Design in Belfast, Ireland. With such courses as corporate and advertising design, research and writing for design, and design for communication, she earned 15 hours of academic credit toward her UM degree.
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esley Addison Dent traveled to Belize for his study abroad experience during the winter 2010 Coral Reef Ecology program. The Coral Reef Ecology class is one of Study Abroad’s longest running programs, and the highly competitive course requires students to interview for spots. Once in Belize, students sleep in open-air accommodations and spend their days on a boat, snorkeling around coral reefs to identify species found in the waters and study their ecosystems. Dent is a biology major and expects to graduate in 2012. Fall 2010 33
“Studying at the university and living in Belfast, a big city with an interesting history, provided the opportunity for me to grow as a person, a designer and a member of society,” she says. “I took full advantage of the opportunity and for me, growth in these areas is what college should be about.” The spring semester-long experience led into a summer full of amazing travel for Vise, who expects to graduate in December 2011. During her European stay, she visited Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Croatia, Italy and the Czech Republic. For many students, adventure is a huge draw to the program. Majoring in international studies and Spanish, Rachel Johnson of Fort Collins, Colo., found the Study Abroad program to be a natural fit. She took classes this past spring in Quito, Ecuador, where she earned 15 hours of UM credit at Universidad San Francisco de Quito. She also experienced the region’s remarkable natural and historic surroundings by climbing the extinct volcano Mt. Fuya Fuya, visiting the historic ruins of pre-Columbian Inca site Machu Picchu and snorkeling for the first time off the beaches of Isla de la Plata. BALANCING WORK AND FUN But it’s not all about adventure and fun. Students must learn how to balance the fun of sightseeing with the challenge of a sometimes-strenuous course load. “I had to learn to manage my time wisely between schoolwork and traveling,” says Libby Paradoski from Webster Groves, Mo., who is scheduled to graduate from the UM School of Accountancy in May 2012. She spent her spring 2010 semester in Paris where she studied at the International School of Commerce. Paradoski earned 14 credit hours toward her UM degree while also traveling extensively throughout Europe. Schoolwork can sometimes be shockingly different from studying in the states. Study Abroad students who are not on a faculty-led program are graded by their host professors and, while the grading system transfers back into traditional A-B-CD-F grades, class schedules, classroom structure and, of course, the language barrier, can be exciting, new challenges. In Paris, Paradoski discovered that while her classes were taught in English, some aspects of her course work were notably different from typical UM courses. “There is hardly any homework given, and around 50 to 70 percent of the final grade is based on the final exam, which is a presentation in some cases,” she says. “They love presentations and case studies here. I have them for every class, but I am enjoying working in groups with students from all over the world.” Vise adds, “My classes [at the University of Ulster] were much different from my classes at Ole Miss because they meet only once a week and are intensive on that day. They were challenging, but I learned a lot.” The reward for many is worth the effort. Majoring in inter34 Alumni Review
national studies and Spanish, UM senior Leigh Cummins found out that hard work definitely pays off. “My study abroad experience is really helping me become more proficient in Spanish,” says Cummins, a Clinton native who studied at the Universidad Católica de Córdoba in Argentina. “As expected, I have been immersed—sink or swim—in the language. My classes are taught completely in Spanish, even the ones that are not language classes, and they meet for two hours, twice a week.” Students often come prepared for differences in schoolwork and classroom activities, but for those living abroad, the lessexpected, day-to-day challenges are the ones that provide some of the best, and most remembered, cultural experiences. Jennifer Urban of Littleton, Colo., is working toward her bachelor’s degree in political science and public policy leadership. Preparing to graduate in May 2011, Jennifer spent a semester in Sydney, Australia, studying at Macquarie University. Living off campus, her three townhouse roommates were from Australia, China and Norway, providing instant cultural awareness. “The living arrangement with international roommates helped me experience different cultures,” she says and notes that there were other houseguests as well. “We found spiders the size of our hands, foot-long lizards and birds that belonged in the zoo in our house.” Other “issues” come up: adjustment to weather differences, Internet struggles and homesickness. After spending several months in Argentina, Cummins says, “There is very little that I wouldn’t give for some sweet tea!” But no matter what challenges arise, these students believe they are better off for being a part of the Study Abroad program. “This has been a fantastic experience for me that many people don’t have the opportunity to do,” Cummins says. “It has also made me more mature and independent, which will be a great help in the long run.” After earning 12 credit hours studying in Sydney (as well as bungee jumping in New Zealand), Urban put it this way, “I think my study abroad has given me a unique edge in understanding another country’s political structure and education system, as well as learning to live in a new place and accept a different culture.” To learn more about the Study Abroad program, parents and students are encouraged to get involved early and to contact academic and Study Abroad advisers to learn all the details. The Study Abroad offices and library are located in 359 Martindale, or visit the website at outreach.olemiss.edu/study_abroad. Email questions to abroad@olemiss.edu. AR Rachel Britton, Erin Parsons, Elaine Pugh and Edwin Smith contributed to this article. Are you an alumnus or alumna with a Study Abroad story? The program staff would love to hear from you! Go to www.facebook.com/ umabroad and share your adventure.
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Ahead
Class O F
T H E I R
O L E M I S S H O N O R S T O P A L U M N I F O R A C H I E V E M E N T, S E R V I C E By Jim Urbanek
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even distinguished University of Mississippi alumni received the Alumni Association’s highest annual honors as part of Homecoming 2010. Created in 1974, the Hall of Fame honors select alumni who have made an outstanding contribution to their country, state or The University of Mississippi through good deeds, services or contributions that have perpetuated the good name of Ole Miss. Inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame were John H. Geary (BBA 52) of Jackson; Jennifer Gillom (BAR 87) of Phoenix, Ariz.; Trent Lott (BPA 63, JD 67) of Washington, D.C.; Ray Mabus (BA 69) of Ridgeland; and Debra L. Starnes (BSChE 75) of Spicewood, Texas. William L. Freeman Jr. (BBA 67) of Flowood received the Alumni Service Award for service to the university and the Alumni Association over an extended period. Maj. Sheldon Morris (BBA 00) of Killeen, Texas, received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which recognizes alumni who have shown exemplary leadership throughout their first 15 years of alumni status in both their careers and dedication to Ole Miss. The Alumni Association hosted a reception and dinner honoring the award recipients on Friday, Nov. 5 at The Inn at Ole Miss.
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John H. “Jack” Geary is a native of Vicksburg, Miss., and a 1952 graduate of the School of Business at Ole Miss. While a student, he was president of the student body, president of Kappa Alpha Order and inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa and the student Hall of Fame. After two years as first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, he worked for Mississippi Power & Light Co. in Jackson. A few years later, he entered the investment business with Equitable Securities Corp. (ESC), which later became the investment securities arm of American Express. Geary served as a senior vice president and a director of ESC. In 1971, he opened the first office in the Southeast for Paine Webber. He opened his own firm in 1978, which
was merged with Morgan Keegan in 1998. Geary retired as a managing director of Morgan Keegan. Geary has served as an officer and director of a number of organizations within the business, political, educational and religious communities of Mississippi. He was one of a small group in the late 1950s and early 1960s that reorganized and revitalized the Mississippi Republican Party. He served as membership chairman, as a member of the State Executive Committee, and he played a leadership role in most of the early statewide races. With others, he worked to develop a viable two-party system in Mississippi. He was the founding president of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Jackson and served as a member of the
Jennifer Gillom is the head coach of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA’s) Los Angeles Sparks. In 2009, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame on June 13, her 45th birthday. Gillom spent the 2008 season as an assistant coach for the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. In 2009, she was named the interim head coach of the Lynx three days before the start of the season. It was her first professional head coaching position. Gillom began her coaching career in 2004 with the girl’s basketball team at Xavier College Preparatory, a private high school in Phoenix, Ariz. During her six years as head coach, she compiled a 130-25 record. One of the first players signed by the
executive committee and chairman of the investment committee for more than 30 years. Geary is a past president of the Ole Miss Alumni Association and a past president and a former director of the UM Foundation. He also served as co-chairman of the university’s first major gifts campaign in 1984 and was a director of the Business School Advisory Board and a longtime member of the Joint Committee on University Investments. Geary is married to the former Shirley Hester. They have four married children and 12 grandchildren. All four children and two daughters-in-law attended Ole Miss. Geary and his wife are proud that three of their grandsons are current Ole Miss students.
WNBA, Gillom played seven seasons in the league, six with the Phoenix Mercury and her final season with the Sparks. She led the Mercury to three playoff berths (1997, 1998, 2000), where the team advanced to the 1998 WNBA Finals. Gillom retired from the WNBA in 2003 with career averages of 13.4 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. The WNBA’s 2002 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award recipient, she was selected to the 1999 All-Star team and also was named to the 1997 All-WNBA first team and 1998 All-WNBA second team. She was named the 1985 USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year. She collected a total of six gold medals, including the gold at the 1988 Olympics and one silver medal as a member
of USA Basketball. While at Ole Miss, Gillom was named the 1986 Southeastern Conference (SEC) Female Athlete of the Year. A 1986 Kodak All-American, she earned 1986 NCAA Midwest Regional MVP and 1985 NCAA All-Mideast Regional honors, and she was a four-time All-SEC first team selection. She led the Rebels in scoring her final three seasons and finished as Ole Miss’s second all-time leading scorer (2,186 points) behind her sister, Peggie. Gillom was named one of Arizona’s top athletes of the 20th century. The Gillom Sports Center at Ole Miss is named after her and her sister. Prior to joining the WNBA for its inaugural season in 1997, Gillom played for teams in Italy, Greece, Spain and Turkey.
Fall 2010 37
Trent Lott returned to his hometown of Pascagoula to practice law after graduation from the Ole Miss School of Law in 1967. A year later, he moved with his family to Washington, D.C., to work for Rep. William M. Colmer. In 1972, Lott was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he served for 16 years. The last eight years, he was the House Republican whip, the No. 2 leadership position for his party. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1988, he became the Senate’s 16th majority leader in 1996. He was twice elected Republican whip in the Senate, where he served 19 years. He is the only person in history to hold that position in
Ray Mabus is the 75th U.S. secretary of the Navy. As secretary, he leads America’s Navy and Marine Corps and is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $150 billion and almost 900,000 people. Mabus is responsible for conducting all the affairs of the Department of the Navy, including recruiting, organizing, supplying, equipping, training and mobilizing troops. Additionally, he oversees the construction, outfitting and repair of naval ships, equipment and facilities, and is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies and programs that are consistent with the national security policies and objectives established by the U.S. president and the secretary of defense. Prior to joining the administration of President Obama, Mabus served in
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both houses of Congress. In 1999, Lott helped raise the funds and created the Lott Leadership Institute at The University of Mississippi to promote leadership skills in high school and college students. The program is now an accredited degreegranting program in leadership and public policy. Lott left the U.S. Congress in 2007, where he had worked on behalf of the people of the state of Mississippi for 35 years. He remains dedicated to encouraging economic growth and protecting Americans’ economic security. Seven presidents have known both his cooperation and his opposition. After his retirement from the U.S. Senate, Lott founded the Breaux Lott
a variety of top posts in government and the private sector. In 1988, he was elected governor of Mississippi. As the youngest governor of Mississippi in more than 100 years at the time of his election, he stressed education and job creation. He passed B.E.S.T. (Better Education for Success Tomorrow), one of the most comprehensive education reform programs in America, and he was named one of Fortune magazine’s top 10 education governors. He was appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia for the Clinton administration in 1994. He also served as chairman and CEO of Foamex, a large manufacturing company, which he led out of bankruptcy in less than nine months, paying all creditors in full and saving equity. Prior to becoming governor, he was elected state auditor of Mississippi and
Leadership Group with former Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana, a partnership offering strategic advising, consulting and lobbying to a wide range of clients. The firm unites two former Senate leaders from opposite parties, with a combined total of nearly 70 years of experience in Congress. Lott was president of Sigma Nu fraternity and was a cheerleader while at Ole Miss. He is married to Patricia Thompson Lott, his college sweetheart. They have two children, Chester Trent Lott Jr. and Tyler Lott Armstrong, and have four grandchildren, Chester Trent Lott III, Lucie Simms Lott, Shields Elizabeth Armstrong and Addison States Armstrong.
served as a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the cruiser USS Little Rock. A native of Ackerman, Mabus received a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from Ole Miss, a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from Harvard Law School. He was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award, the U.S. Army’s Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the Martin Luther King Social Responsibility Award from the King Center in Atlanta, the National Wildlife Federation Conservation Achievement Award, the King Abdul Aziz Award from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Mississippi Association of Educators’ Friend of Education Award.
Debra L. Starnes was born in Beaumont, Texas, and grew up in Memphis, Tenn. After graduating from Overton High School, she headed to Ole Miss as a chemical engineering student. During her years at Ole Miss, Starnes was active in AIChE and Tau Beta Pi, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Starnes joined Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) in Houston, Texas, as a process engineer, and spent 10 years in both line and staff manufacturing and optimization assignments in Houston and Philadelphia, Pa. She earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and subsequently became the aromatics business manager for Lyondell Petrochemical Co., a division of ARCO headquartered in Houston. She was promoted and transferred to Los Angeles, Calif., as ARCO’s strategic plan-
ning manager for its integrated oil production, transportation and refining businesses. Starnes returned to Houston in 1989 to join the newly formed Lyondell Chemical Co., a spin-off public company holding ARCO’s commodity chemical and refining assets. She spent the next 16 years with Lyondell, serving in strategic planning, business management and merger/acquisition roles. Before her retirement in 2001, she was recognized as the highest ranking woman in the U.S. chemical industry and led a companywide business reorganization focused on using e-commerce while standardizing business practices across different acquired assets.
Starnes served as the chemical industry representative on the MTBE Blue Ribbon Panel, created to provide independent advice and counsel to the Environmental Protection Agency on policy issues. She received the Upward Mobility Award from the Society of Women Engineers in 2001. She is on the boards of directors of Parker Hannifin Corp. and Envera. She is a past member of the Ole Miss Engineering Advisory Board. Starnes is married to David Lindsay and divides her time between Spicewood, Texas, and Ruidoso, New Mexico. Their daughter, Shannon Hamilton, her husband, James Hamilton, and two grandchildren, Brennan and Sydney, reside in Southlake, Texas.
A L U M N I S E R V I C E A W A R D William L. Freeman Jr. is the adjutant general for Mississippi and also serves as the commanding general for the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard. He is responsible for providing Mississippi and the United States with a ready force of approximately 13,000 citizen soldiers and airmen, equipped and trained to respond to any contingency, natural or man-made. Freeman also directs the Mississippi Military Department and oversees the development and coordination of all policies, plans and programs of the Mississippi National Guard in concert with the governor and state legislature. Freeman enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard in 1966 as an artilleryman. Following the completion of Officer Candidate School at the Mississippi Military Academy, he
was commissioned in 1969 as an artillery officer. He has commanded on the battalion and brigade levels and was promoted to brigadier general in 1996 and appointed as the adjutant general by Gov. Haley R. Barbour in 2008. Freeman has more than 35 years of service in uniform. He is a Hall of Fame member of the Mississippi Military Academy’s Officer Candidate School and is an honorary member of the Ole Miss Army ROTC Alumni Board. The Newton native has earned numerous military decorations and awards, including the Legion of Merit, awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. In addition to his career in the military, Freeman has achieved success in the banking industry
and also served in local government with the city of Newton. He retired as the senior vice president and chief operating officer of Newton County Bank in 2008, with almost 40 years of service in the banking industry. Freeman also served on the city of Newton’s board of aldermen for three years prior to being elected mayor in 1980. He held that office for more than seven years. Freeman is a past president of the East Mississippi Ole Miss Alumni Club. He has served on the board of directors and as treasurer for the Newton County chapter for many years and as a key contact for the Alumni Association for more than a decade. He is married to the former Karen McEntyre of Meridian, and they have two children and six grandchildren.
Fall 2010 39
O U T S TA N D I N G Y O U N G A LU M N I AW A R D Maj. Sheldon A. Morris is the assistant operations officer for the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Morris played three years of football as a wide receiver while at Ole Miss, two of which while on ROTC scholarship and one earning a football scholarship his senior year. Morris also was a member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity. In May 2000, Morris was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry. He moved to Fort Benning, Ga., that same year and attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, Bradley Leaders Course and Ranger School. After graduating Ranger School in 2001, Morris moved to Fort Hood, Texas, and was assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. Morris served as a rifle platoon leader, scout platoon leader and company executive officer before deploying to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. After returning from Iraq in 2005, Morris attended the Infantry Company Command Course at Fort Benning before another stint at Fort Hood. He deployed to Iraq for his second tour in 2006 to Baqubah, Iraq, in Diyala Province, as the assistant
operations officer and company commander of Alpha Company 1-12 Calvary. Morris returned to Fort Hood in 2007, but he deployed for a third tour in December 2008 to Tal Afar, Iraq, in Ninewa Province, commanding the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop 6-9 Cavalry. After his promotion to the rank of major in April 2009, Morris assumed the duties of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team liaison officer to 25th Infantry Division before redeploying to Fort Hood, Texas. Currently, Morris is stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, for schooling. He plans to return to Fort Hood upon completion in preparation for his next deployment to Afghanistan. Morris’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab. Morris is married to the former Chelsea D. Carter of Bryan, Texas, and they have one daughter, Lauren.
“OLE MISS at OXFORD: A Part of Our Heart and Soul” William H. Morris, Jr. Over 300 beautiful, full-color photographs spanning 20 years of Grove Gatherings, Square Settings, Football Frenzy, and More
A book to be cherished by all who love this wondrous place Available now in your favorite bookstore Heart & Soul Publications • www.heartandsoulpublications.com
40 Alumni Review
Sports
Ansu Sesay (left), David Dellucci, Jerry Montgomery, Yolanda Moore and Bobby Bailess were honored at the M-Club Hall of Fame and Service Award Banquet in September. Hall of Fame inductee Deuce McAllister was unable to attend and was recognized the following week.
Thanks for the Memories M-CLUB HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES HONORED
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ix notable Rebels were honored in September when the M-Club hosted its 24th annual M-Club Hall of Fame and Service Award Banquet. This year’s class of Hall of Fame inductees includes David Dellucci (baseball), Deuce McAllister (football), Yolanda Moore (basketball), Jerry Montgomery (women’s tennis coach) and Ansu Sesay (basketball). The service award goes to Bobby Bailess. “We enjoyed a great turnout again this year,” says Ole Miss Alumni Association Associate Director Clay Cavett. “This is a wonderful opportunity to honor these great athletes for their accomplishments. We’re really proud to be able to put on a banquet again in The Inn at Ole Miss as well.” Dellucci (95) was named Athlete of the Year at Ole Miss in 1995 and twice earned All-SEC honors during his 42 Alumni Review
four-year tenure as an outfielder for the Rebels. He had an extensive career in the major leagues. After being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, he was on the World Series-winning 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks squad. During his 14-year career, he also played for the New York Yankees, the Texas Rangers, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cleveland Indians. McAllister (00) was a first-round draft pick of the New Orleans Saints in 2001. After his record-breaking career as a running back at Ole Miss, McAllister went on to play in two Pro Bowls and became one of the most beloved Saints of all time. He remains the all-time leading rusher for the Saints. He retired from the NFL last year. Yolanda Moore (BA 02) played basketball for the Rebs and was twice named All-SEC. She then enjoyed a successful WNBA career that included two championships with the Houston Comets. She
has gone on to become an accomplished speaker and author. Jerry Montgomery (BA 64) served as the women’s tennis coach from 19872001. His teams posted a 232-120 record and boasted five All-Americans. He was named SEC Coach of the Year twice and won one SEC Tournament title. Ansu Sesay (98) was named All-SEC in both his junior and senior seasons as a star forward for the Rebels. He led the team to back-to-back SEC West titles and NCAA appearances in 1997 and 1998. Bobby Bailess (BBA 73, JD 76) is this year’s service award winner. The Vicksburg native is a past president of the M-Club and is cited for his many years of leadership, commitment, dedication and service to the M-Club and Ole Miss athletics. AR
Coaching Community
MISSISSIPPI TOWN HONORS THREE SEC BASKETBALL COACHES
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le Miss men’s hoops Coach Andy Kennedy was honored in October in his hometown of Louisville as one of three current Southeastern Conference head basketball coaches that hail from the small Magnolia State town. The Louisville, Miss., Hoopla was held at Lake Tiak O’Khata Resort. During the 2010 regular session of the Mississippi Legislature, a concurrent resolution was passed recognizing this special distinction and the city’s three outstanding coaches. Van Chancellor (MEd 74), currently serving as head coach of the LSU Lady Tigers, and Matthew Mitchell, currently serving as head coach of the Kentucky Lady Wildcats, join Kennedy as SEC coaches born and raised in the east-central
Mississippi town of 7,000. At the luncheon event, they each were presented copies of the resolution and greeted by their many friends, relatives and other well-wishers for a homecoming “hoopla.” Mississippi Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant was the keynote speaker. “Louisville has many outstanding individuals who have contributed to the betterment of our country in so many ways and in so many areas,” said Sen. Giles Ward, who introduced the special legislation honoring the town and the coaches and coordinated the day’s activities. “The fact that all of these men were a part of our community, played their first basketball on our courts, and went on to bring such great recognition to their
Andy Kennedy
hometown and the state of Mississippi, as well as to their families and their schools, is a source of great pride for all of us. We think these guys who’ve made and coached more than their fair share of ‘hoops’ in their careers are truly deserving of this ‘hoopla.’” AR
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Fall 2010 43
arts &
Culture
In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving by Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy (with Sally Jenkins), 269 pages, $24 (Hardcover), ISBN: 9780805093384 First came the best-selling book, then the Oscar-nominated movie—the story of Michael Oher and the family who adopted him has become one of the most talked-about true stories of our time. But until now, Leigh Anne (BS 82) and Sean Tuohy (BBA 85) have never told this astonishing tale in their own way and with their own words. In this compelling, funny and profoundly inspiring book, the Tuohys take readers on an extraordinary journey of faith and love—and teach lessons about the power of giving. Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy live in Memphis, Tenn., and co-own a series of restaurants in addition to Leigh Anne’s work as an interior decorator and Sean’s work broadcasting Memphis Grizzlies basketball games. Chewing Gum, Candy Bars and Beer: The Army PX in World War II by James J. Cooke, 200 pages, $39.95 (Hardcover), ISBN: 9780826218674
44 Alumni Review
The first to talk in detail about the Army Exchange System, Cooke’s new book traces the concept of the PX back through World War I and to the Civil War, and how it evolved during World War II to become a system praised by GIs. Using letters from soldiers combined with colorful anecdotes and pieces of administrative history, Chewing Gum, Candy Bars and Beer provides an interesting addition to the historical record of World War II. James J. Cooke is professor emeritus of history at The University of Mississippi and author or editor of seven books including The Rainbow Division in the Great War, 1917-1919 and The Shamrock Battalion in the Great War. He lives in Oxford. Three Strikes by Carol Easley, 200 pages, $15 (Paperback), ISBN: 978144905682 A fter a career-ending injur y, former St. L ouis Cardinals star Tony Stephens returns to Ole Miss to complete his education. He meets former childhood friend Camilla James while there and is unable to renew their friendship, but years later, fate places the two of them together again. When he realizes his future happiness rests with Camilla, Tony tries to help her cope with the tragedy that separated them years before. Can he convince her to accept his love, or will he strike out? Carol Easley (BAEd 60) lives in the Mississippi countryside near Calhoun City with her husband, Richard. She is a school librarian in Calhoun County and the author of Post-season Legacy.
M a i n S t r e e t v s . Wa l l Street: Wake-up Calls for America’s Leaders by Dr. Norman Jones, 216 pages, $27.49 (Hardcover), ISBN: 9781449095956 In Main Street vs. Wall Street, Jones (EdD 77) challenges the leaders of industry, or any organization that values its people, to show a caring attitude. Examples of both right and wrong ways of treating employees are provided. He critiques the current ruthless “top-down” philosophy of management that has made employees less than satisf ied in the workplace and also looks at how the relationship b e t we en u n ion le a der s and their constituents has c h a n g e d . For me r N F L referee Dr. Jim Tunney authors the foreword. Jones is a retired professor who taught at Roosevelt University in Chicago and Northeastern Illinois University, and is the author of several other books including Performance Management in the 21st Century and Growing Up in Indiana. He lives in Crystal Lake, Ill. Information presented in this section is compiled from material provided by the publisher and/or author and does not necessarily represent the view of the Alumni Review or the Ole Miss Alumni Association. To present a recently published book or CD for consideration, please mail a copy with any descriptions and publishing information to: Ole Miss Alumni Review, Ole Miss Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677. AR
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he Ole Miss Alumni Association is offering a number of spectacular trips for 2011. Alumni and friends obtain group rates and discounts. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change until booking. Airfare is not included unless noted. For a brochure or more information, contact the Alumni office at 662-915-7375. The most current listing of trips and prices is available on the Ole Miss Alumni Association’s website at www.alumni.olemiss.edu. BELGIUM AND GERMANY JAN. 13-22, 2011 Join us as we visit Belgium and Germany, specifically the areas around Bruges and Mainz, which will be the two bases for our trip. Like Florence in the south, Bruges flowered during the Renaissance and was once the “chief commercial center of the world.” Its wealth enabled the city to afford the finest architecture and art, leaving the legacy of a UNESCOdesignated historic city center. Arranged
like Venice along canals, there are many notable buildings and landmarks dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. Mainz, located on the west bank of the Rhine at its confluence with the river Main, was a fort city at the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire. Mainz has been a wine-growing region since Roman times and is now the hub of the German wine economy. Travelers also have the opportunity to visit Antwerp, Gent, Brussels, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Koblenz and Rudesheim.—From $2,295 including airfare TANZANIA SAFARI DURING THE GREAT MIGRATION JAN. 16-26, 2011 Travel on the journey of a lifetime into the wilds of Tanzania, Africa’s premier safari destination. While in Tanzania, you will travel through Arusha, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Every morning at daybreak, you will experience a game drive and witness nocturnal animals
ending their foraging as the grazers of the plains begin theirs. Also, in the late afternoon, enjoy a second game drive and, as the day gives way to night, watch the radiant glow of an African sunset. In legendary Serengeti National Park, you will observe some of the more than two million animals on a mere 5,400 square miles of savannas and woodlands, and you may have the opportunity to gain an aerial perspective of the Serengeti’s herds on an optional hot-air balloon flight.— From $5,695 EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA FEB. 15-28, 2011 Arrive in beautiful Buenos Aires, and tour the city for two days before taking off on a nine-night cruise to Antarctica on the M.S. Le Boreal. Aboard the ship, enjoy views from the panoramic lounge, nightly entertainment in the main lounge, and lectures, cultural performances and film screenings in the state-of-the-art theater. Also, a library, Internet salon, sun deck, swimming pool and other top-of-the-line amenities are aboard the ship. While visiting Half Moon Island, observe the antics of the island’s colony of chinstrap penguins, and enjoy the lingering twilight of the Antarctic summer. You also will visit Paradise Bay, which is an ideal sanctuary for marine wildlife including humpback whales, crabeater seals and Cape petrels. During this luxury cruise, all meals, including afternoon tea and late-evening snacks, are included, as well as a souvenir red parka given to you on your trip to Antarctica.—From $7,595 MAYAN MYSTIQUE CRUISE FEB. 15-25, 2011 With 10 nights on Oceania Cruises’ Regatta and ports of call such as Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Maya, Mexico and Key West, this voyage will be one to
Antarctica 46 Alumni Review
remember. Oceania Cruises features smaller, more intimate ships, providing access to more exotic ports. On board, enjoy a large heated pool, three whirlpool spas and a state-of-the-art fitness center. While on land, enjoy swimming and snorkeling with shy and gentle stingrays in George Town, and discover Honduras’ natural wonders on a horseback ride along the beach and through a tropical forest past spectacular volcanic rocks. Enjoy diving to fabulous reefs or exploring the jungle with an ATV in Cozumel, climb among the ruins in Costa Maya, many of which are still being excavated, and look for toucans in the trees.—From $3,499 SWISS WINTER ESCAPADE FEB. 21-28, 2011 Visit Switzerland, the roof of Europe. With its stunning mountain peaks, this country offers most everything your heart desires in spectacular scenic variety. Even though this is a paradise for skiers, the Jungfrau Region also offers a wide range of activities for non-skiers, such as skating, tobogganing, romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides and magnificent winter walks. On this trip you will spend six nights in the picture-postcard village of Interlaken in the snow-covered Alps. This trip through Switzerland offers a stunning winter landscape, excellent skiing, great shopping and cultural opportunities throughout some of the country’s most famous towns and cities. Every morning, start your day off with a traditional Swiss breakfast buffet. During the days, you will have the opportunity to gain important insight into skiing in the Alps from local experts, walk along the town’s most fashionable promenade, admire the stunning Alpine scenery, or you may decide to visit the local museums.—From $2,195 CRUISING THE LESSER ANTILLES: ST. BARTS, ANTIGUA, GRENADA, DOMINICA, ST. KITTS & SAN JUAN MARCH 15-22, 2011 Join us for this seven-night cruise of the Lesser Antilles islands aboard the six-
St. Maarten, Lesser Antilles
star, all-suite M.V. Silver Cloud of the Silversea fleet, voted “World’s Best Small Ship Cruise Line 2008” by Travel + Leisure. Fly free from one of 22 gateways, and enjoy a selection of complimentary wines, spirits and nonalcoholic beverages served throughout the cruise, included onboard gratuities, gourmet dining, 24-hour room service, personal butler service and complimentary fitness classes. Port calls include charming Philipsburg, St. Maarten; sophisticated Gustavia, St. Barts; colonial St. John’s, Antigua; historic Iles des Saintes, Guadeloupe; and magnificent Castries, St. Lucia. A Barbados pre-cruise option will be offered.—From $2,798 CELTIC LANDS—FRANCE, ENGLAND, IRELAND, SCOTLAND AND WALES MAY 6-15, 2011 Discover the living heritage of the Celtic people on this eight-night cruise from the ancient Norman port of Honfleur, past the misty islands of the Celtic and Irish seas, to Scotland’s historic capital of Edinburgh aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. Le Boreal. By special arrangement, enjoy enriching lectures by President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s grandson and Sir Winston Churchill’s granddaughter. Walk along Normandy’s D-Day landing beaches, admire the lavish artistry of the 9th-century Book of
Kells in Dublin, and visit the impregnable 700-year-old Caernarfon Castle. Drive through the breathtaking Snowdonia Mountains, and find serenity in the stark beauty of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides and Orkney Islands. A Paris pre-cruise option and Edinburgh post-cruise option are offered.—From $4,995 CRADLE OF HISTORY—EGYPT, ISRAEL, GREECE AND TURKEY MAY 9-22, 2011 Sail through thousands of years of history as you cruise the Mediterranean on the elegant Oceania Cruises’ Nautica. Lose yourself at sea in the comfort and luxuries of fine cuisine, upscale amenities and lavishly appointed staterooms. Immerse yourself in the ancient legends, traditions and cultures of Greece, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus and Turkey, each destination with a different story to tell. From pyramids to palaces, discover the cradle of history.— From $4,299 MEDITERRANEAN INSPIRATION CRUISE JUNE 2-13, 2011 Discover some of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating ports of call while sailing on the beautifully appointed Oceania Cruises’ Nautica. Depart from enchanting Venice, a city of weaving canals, with your first ports of call in the countries of Croatia, Montenegro and Greece. Fall 2010 47
Tuscany, Italy
Behold the Venetian-tinged architecture of Dubrovnik, stroll the pink-paved streets of medieval Kotor, and revel in the glorious scenery of Corfu. Departing Greece, sail along the beloved and scenic west coast of Italy, stopping in some famous ports of call, including the ancient Sicilian town of Taormina, Amalfi and Positano with their charming harbors and brightly colored fishing boats, and Florence with Brunelleschi’s extraordinary Duomo and its world-renowned artwork. Admire the picturesque Italian towns of Cinque Terre before your voyage makes a stop in glamorous Monte Carlo, then concludes in legendary Rome via Civitavecchia.—From $3,699 including airfare CRUISING THE BALTIC SEA AND THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS JUNE 9-20, 2011 Experience the cultural rebirth of the Baltic States and the magnificent imperial riches of St. Petersburg while cruising for 10 nights under the spectacular “White Nights of Summer” aboard the exclusively chartered, deluxe M.S. Le Boreal, which launched in 2010. By special arrangement, enjoy enriching speeches by former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev and former president of Poland Lech Walesa. Sail across the Baltic Sea from cosmopolitan Stockholm, Sweden, to the magnificent fjords of 48 Alumni Review
Norway, with shore excursions in Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Riga, Gda´nsk and Copenhagen. A Stockholm pre-cruise option and Bergen post-cruise option are offered.—From $6,995 GREAT JOURNEY THROUGH EUROPE JUNE 11-21, 2011 Cruise along the fabled Rhine River aboard a deluxe vessel of the Amadeus Premium Fleet, ride aboard three legendary railways, and visit four UNESCO World Heritage sites on this unique 11-day journey. Wind through Holland, Germany and France—walk the streets of medieval Heidelberg, stand before the twin spires of Cologne Cathedral, and enjoy a refreshing glass of Riesling in Strasbourg. Travel the Swiss countryside in the shadow of the Matterhorn, cross the mountainous backbone of Switzerland aboard the Gornergrat Bahn and the Glacier Express, stroll along Lucerne’s covered bridges, and take in panoramic Alpine vistas from Mount Pilatus. An Amsterdam pre-program option is offered.—From $3,495 ITALY—TUSCANY, CORTONA AND FLORENCE JUNE 28-JULY 7, 2011 From the innovations of the Etruscans to the enlightenment of the Renaissance, Tuscany is a region steeped in history and
human achievement. Let the charming village of Cortona be your base as you travel through the surrounding Tuscan hill country, admiring the beauty of the land. In Siena, navigate narrow cobblestone streets lined with Gothic buildings, visit the magnificent Duomo, and stroll the Piazza del Campo, one of the loveliest squares in Italy. In the Umbria region, explore medieval Assisi, home to the exquisite Basilica of St. Francis, and Perugia, an ancient Etruscan city-state. Then, journey to tiny Montepulciano, set in the heart of Chianti country, and the delightful town of Pienza. Conclude with two nights in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, and experience its brilliant artistic and architectural heritage.—From $2,795 CRUISING ALASKA’S GLACIERS AND THE INSIDE PASSAGE JULY 7-14, 2011 Join this magnificent cruise from Vancouver, British Columbia, through the pristine Inside Passage, to Seward, Alaska, aboard the six-star, all-suite M.V. Silver Shadow of the Silversea fleet, voted “World’s Best Small Ship Cruise Line 2008” by Travel + Leisure. Fly free* from one of 22 gateways, and enjoy complimentary beverages throughout the cruise, gourmet dining, included onboard gratuities and personal butler service. Pass
Ceský Krumlov, Czech Republic
towering mountains, and watch for whales, sea lions and eagles. See Sawyer and Hubbard glaciers, and call at the historic towns of Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Sitka. Join the two-night Vancouver pre-cruise option and/or the extraordinary five-night Denali National Park and Fairbanks post-cruise option. *Subject to change and availability.— From $3,558, including airfare from 22 major gateways DANUBE RIVER AND THE CULTURAL TREASURES OF CENTRAL EUROPE JULY 14-27, 2011 This exclusive 14-day journey through the heart of Central Europe, once the glorious realm of Habsburg emperors, features visits to five UNESCO World Heritage sites on your way from Passau to Budapest, Prague and Kraków. In Passau, embark a deluxe vessel of the prestigious Amadeus Premium Fleet, and cruise the Danube River, stopping in Budapest, Hungary; Bratislava, Slovakia; Spitz, Vienna; and Melk, Austria. This comprehensive itinerary includes time in the medieval gems of Prague (three nights), Ceský Krumlov and Kraków (two nights), as well as a scenic rail journey across the Czech Republic and into Poland. A two-night Munich pre-program and a two-night Warsaw post-program are available.—From $3,495 ALASKAN ADVENTURES AUG. 24-31, 2011 Set sail on the elegant Oceania Cruises’ Regatta to some of Alaska’s most captivating attractions. This deluxe vessel comes complete with upscale amenities, exceptionally attentive service, lavish
staterooms and the finest cuisine at sea. Explore some of the last frontier’s most stunning sights, and revel in the rugged splendor of an unspoiled land as you visit the historic towns of Wrangell, Skagway, Kodiak, Sitka and Ketchikan, and savor the majestic beauty of ancient glaciers, icy-blue fjords, soaring granite cliffs and unique wildlife. Let Alaska’s unrivaled landscapes enchant you.—From $3,499 CHICAGO—AN INSIDER’S PERSPECTIVE AUG. 30-SEPT. 4, 2011 Once a small settlement and a military base, today Chicago is one of the world’s leading cities in business and the arts. From the fashionable department stores of Michigan Avenue to the impressive exhibits at world-renowned museums, from the history at Jackson Park to the dazzling modern architecture at Millennium Park, Chicago has something for everyone. Planned excursions include visits to the famed Art Institute to view its stunning works and Hyde Park to see the impressive architecture of the University of Chicago and the home of President Barack Obama. An exclusive series of discussions with Chicago insiders highlights the city’s famous politics, architecture, art and living in Chicago today. Best of all, ample leisure time gives you the freedom to explore other sites at your own pace from your city-center hotel.—From $1,995 JOURNEY FROM PROVENCE TO THE LIGURIAN SEA SEPT. 13-24, 2011 Join us for a unique journey that combines a delightful sojourn in Provence with a spectacular cruise on the four-star tall ship S.Y. Star Flyer along the French and Italian Riviera. Spend three nights in deluxe accommodations in Avignon; see Provence’s inspiring landscapes, palaces, monuments and ruins; walk in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh; and enjoy specially arranged wine tastings. From Cannes, sail to the seldomvisited islands of Corsica, Sardinia and Giglio and on to the stunning coast of the Italian and French Riviera. During the cruise, choose from a program of attractively priced shore excursions, such as a visit to Florence to marvel at Michelangelo’s iconic “David.”—From $3,995 AR
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Class Notes Due to space limitations, class notes are only published in the Alumni Review from active, dues-paying members of the Ole Miss Alumni Association. To submit a class note, send it to records@alumni.olemiss.edu or Alumni Records Dept., Ole Miss Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677-1848. Class notes also may be submitted through the association’s website at www.olemissalumni.com. The association relies on numerous sources for class notes and is unable to verify all notes with individual alumni.
’50s
DR. ROBERT EDWARD CROWE (BA 59) retired from dentistry practice after 41 years in Corinth.
’60s
LOUIS F. ALLEN ( L L B 6 4) wa s selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2011 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He is an attorney at Glankler Brown, PLLC in Memphis. SAUL C. BELZ (LLB 64) was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2011 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He is an attorney at Glankler Brown, PLLC in Memphis. DR. JIMMY “RED” DAVIS (BBA 62, MS 63, PhD 72) was recognized as the 2010 Sigma Nu Chapter Advisor of the Year at the Sigma Nu 64th Grand Chapter meeting in Boston this July. JAMES EPTING (BBA 64) of Pascagoula was elected to a two-year term as chairman of the board of trustees for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. BARRY MICKEY (BA 67) accepted a position with the United Methodist Church Committee on Relief to conduct an assessment of the Haitian Health Ministry in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit that country.
’70s
JAMES E. DONALD (BA 70) wa s elected to serve as chairman of the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles. He has been a member of the board since 2009 and previously served as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Corrections. MICHAEL DUCKER (72), chief operating officer for FedEx Express, was named to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy by President Obama. Ducker previously served on the APEC Business Advisory Council from 2003-2007 under President Bush, advocating for U.S. business interests in the Asia-Pacific region. JIM GREENLEE (BE 74, JD 81) joined the Holcomb Dunbar law firm in Oxford. Greenlee was previously U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi from 2001-2010.
50 Alumni Review
Jack (left), Elizabeth, Benjamin Anderson and Tom Speed
Babies on Board NEW REBELS JOIN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FAMILY
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le Miss Alumni Association Publications Editor Tom Speed (BA 91, MBA 03) and Systems Analyst III Joseph Baumbaugh welcomed new additions to their families recently. Benjamin Anderson Speed arrived on July 17 to Tom and his wife, Elizabeth, while Wesley Jonathan Baumbaugh was born to Joseph and his wife, Jeanna, on Sept. 9. AR
DR. NORMAN JONES (EdD 77) published a new book Main Street vs. Wall Street: Wake-up Calls for America’s Leaders. A review can be found in the Arts & Culture section on page 44 of this edition. BILL LAFORGE (JD 75) published a new book Testifying Before Congress. He is an attorney with the
Wesley Jonathan Baumbaugh
Winstead law firm in Washington, D.C. GEORGE J. NASSAR JR. (BBA 77, JD 79) was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2011 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He is an attorney at Glankler Brown, PLLC in Memphis. CONSTANCE SLAUGHTER-HARVEY ( JD 70) of
Forest was inducted into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame for her contributions to the African-American community and the cause of justice during 40 years in the practice of law.
dean of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media at The University of Mississippi. Mitchell was previously executive editor of the Vicksburg Post.
SEN. ROGER WICKER (BA 73, JD 75) was nominated by President Obama to represent the United States at the 65th General Assembly of the United Nations. Wicker will work with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (MA 73) to aid U.S. diplomats at the UN.
STEPHANIE RIPPEE (BAccy 88) was appointed vice chair of diversity for the Products Liability Committee of the International Association of Defense Counsel.
’80s
J. MAX EDWARDS JR. (BAccy 84, MAccy 87, JD 88) announced the opening of his new law office, J. Max Edwards Jr., Attorney at Law, in Pontotoc.
H. MALLOY MCDANIEL (BBA 97) joined the Blank Rome Government Relations firm in Washington, D.C. McDaniel previously worked on Capitol Hill under former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and current Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. MAJ. TARA SPEARS (BA 90) is stationed at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., as a clinical nurse specialist with the U.S. Army. Spears recently returned from her second tour of duty in Iraq.
’90s
J O H N B A I N E ( B PA 9 4 ) o f E l Dorado, Ark., was inducted as a Junior Chamber International Senator for his commitment to the principles and beliefs of the Junior Chamber organization, which he has served at the local, state and national levels.
BAILEY MAPP (BA 83) was promoted to colonel in the U.S. Air Force and commands the Clinical Laboratory at David Grant Medical Center on Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, Calif.
ADAM FARLOW (BBA 94) was named a partner at Baker & McKenzie LLP in London. Baker & McKenzie is an international law firm specializing in business and commercial law.
WILLIAM T. MAYS JR. (BBA 81) was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2011 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. He is an attorney at Glankler Brown, PLLC in Memphis.
JENNIFER GRAHAM HALL (BBA 99, JD 02) was chosen as president-elect of the Young Lawyers Division of the Mississippi Bar Association.
CHARLIE MITCHELL (JD 86) was named assistant
of Mississippi.
AMANDA MCMILLAN URBANEK (BPA 98, JD 01) was named deputy assistant director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Appeals Division in Memphis.
’00s
JANE MAPP (BBA 90, JD 93) was promoted to lead attorney for the Public Retirement System
WALKER AGNEW JR. (BBA 09) was named a regional admissions counselor in the Office of Enrollment Services at The University of Mississippi. JOHN BOYDSTUN (BBA 02) was named by Regions Bank as the community banking relationship manager in Baton Rogue. He previously worked
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Fall 2010 51
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for Bank of the West in Denver, Colo. ANDREW COFFMAN (JD 07) joined the staff of the National Center for Justice and the Rule of Law at The University of Mississippi. DAMON DERRICK (JD 08) was named general counsel for Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. LUCY PRIDDY (BSCVE 02) was awarded the 2010 Edmund Friedman Young Engineer Award for Professional Achievement. MCDANIEL WICKER (BA 09) was inducted into the Sigma Nu Alpha Chapter during the 64th Sigma Nu Grand Chapter event this July. RICHARD “RICKY” WOOD (BBA 09) accepted a position as assistant hotel manager with MGM Resorts International at Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. WEDDINGS Susan Margaret Barfield (BA 10, BA 10) and Tyler Daniel Craft (BA 10, BA 10), June 12, 2010. Carrie Leigh Benoist (BCR 05) and William Philip Petro (BBA 02), June 21, 2010. Kirsten Liane Butler (BA 04) and William Bradley Sloan (BA 00, BA 02, MEd 05), June 5, 2010. Victoria Gayle Cheatham (BSW 98) and Rob Pochert, June 18, 2010.
Joe of All Trades FILMMAKER TELLS FAMOUS DOG’S TALE
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le Miss alumnus Joe Camp (BBA 61), best known as the writer and director of the “Benji” series of movies, has written a new book titled Who Needs Hollywood, which tells the story of how Camp was able to make his first movie and have it succeed without any help from Hollywood. Camp’s website describes him as a “film writer, director, producer, author [and] a passionate speaker” who believes anything is possible with hard work and a little faith. That is the message he hopes to pass along in the book, which details his experience with the first “Benji” movie, which was dismissed by Hollywood executives but went on to become the third highest grossing movie of 1974. Camp also wrote the book The Soul of a Horse about his experiences on his California ranch. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, Kathleen. AR
Audrey Nicoal Crick (BAccy 03) and Christopher Alan Floyd (BBA 01), May 15, 2010.
Susan Leigh Hall (BAEd 06, MEd 07) and Paul Pacific Blake (BA 04, JD 07), April 10, 2010.
Whitney Lane Finn (BBA 10) and John Raymond Greer (BBA 09), June 5, 2010.
Whitney E. Inglis (BBA 06) and Julius Taft Sanders III, May 1, 2010.
Meghan Kathleen Frazier (BA 02) and J. Ryan Annison (BBA 02), July 9, 2010.
Amber Leigh Lewis (BSPhSc 08, PharmD 10) and Michael David French (BSPhSc 08, PharmD 10), Aug. 28, 2010.
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52 Alumni Review
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Honoring Helpers OLE MISS REPRESENTED WELL AMONG PHILANTHROPY GROUP
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ix Ole Miss graduates were honored with the distinction of being named to Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30, a group of young philanthropists honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Will Hicky (BBA 03, JD 06), Rachel Donahue (BA 05), Gabe Roberts (BBA 03, BAccy 03), Katie Lentile (BBA 08), Marcus Esposito (BBA 07) and James Story (BBA 06) were among those chosen to receive the honor, which recognizes outstanding individuals in the Nashville community for their philanthropic and professional achievements. Anne Elizabeth McIntosh (BSJ 02), co-chair of the event, said that the six UM alumni honored were the largest group of any university represented, adding, “It thrilled me to have such a large contingency of fellow alums.” The Top 30 Under 30 event is held annually as a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The 2010 event was held on Sept. 11 and drew more than 400 attendees. AR
Honorees Will Hicky (left), Gabe Roberts, Katie Lentile, event co-chair Anne Elizabeth McIntosh and honorees Rachel Donahue, Marcus Esposito and James Story at Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 event.
Sarah Jean Liddy (BA 87, JD 92) and Timothy Donovan Bisenius, April 24, 2010.
Georgia Anne Ray (BAEd 07) and Joseph Kyle Moore, July 25, 2009.
Anna Lysse Petty (BAEd 10) and William Keith McCarter, June 12, 2010.
Sarah Jean Robey (BBA 00) and Anthony Paul Bactad, May 1, 2010.
Preserving Family Wealth All your life, you’ve worked hard to achieve the measure of success you enjoy today. Through long hours, tough decisions, a little bit of luck, and countless blessings, you’ve established your business, built your home, developed your reputation, and provided for your family. Of all that’s important to you, your family takes precedence – your children and theirs will carry your legacy through future generations. But will they also carry your values? Will they continue to enjoy financial stability through challenging times? Can you be certain they’ll remain secure?
Margaret Elizabeth Shelton (BA 01) and Jacob Maurice Achee’, Sept. 10, 2010. Shannon Wylie Strobo (BBA 06) and Benjamin Thomas Bevill (BS 08), July 18, 2009. Ivy Katherine Summers (BAEd 07, MEd 08) and Matthew Christian Albarracin (BAccy 06, MAccy 07), Dec. 12, 2009. Lauren Manning West (BBA 06) and Mark Christopher Cleary (BBA 06), Aug. 21, 2010. Allison Marie Williams (BA 04) and James Herbert Daniels, June 26, 2010. BIRTHS Wesley Jonathan, son of Jeana K. Baumbaugh (95) and W. Joseph Baumbaugh Sr., Sept. 9, 2010. Cecilia Alice, daughter of Amanda Bourn Carr (BAccy 99) and James Richard Carr (BA 00, JD 03), Aug. 24, 2010.
Family Wealth Practices Mark C. Hartnett, JD, CFP ®, AEP ® 2084 Old Taylor Road, Suite 107 Oxford, Mississippi 38655 6 6 2 .540.1815 mhartnett@familywealthpractices.com
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Fall 2010 53
News alumni
World Cup Rebels ALUMNI WITNESS QUARTERFINAL SOCCER MATCH
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everal Ole Miss alumni and friends showed their Rebel spirit when they traveled to South Africa in July for the World Cup. Thomas M. Herrington (left) of Oxford, Mitchell Whaley of Birmingham, Ala., Timothy “Justin” Pepper of Memphis, Dr. Robert “Ramsey” Herrington of Burlington, Vt., Terry Polk of Birmingham, Ala., and Jason Baker of Austin, Texas, took time for this photo before the Spain vs. Paraguay quarterfinal match. AR Zoey Ariana, daughter of Aubrey Mangum Carter (BSW 07) and Mark Griffin Carter (BAEd 08), March 4, 2010.
Anderson Gray, son of Meredith Kirk Griffin (BA 01, MD 05) and Joshua Grant Griffin (MD 06), Aug. 17, 2010.
Grayson Lee, son of Jennifer Cross and James M. Cross (BA 86), Sept. 13, 2010.
William Winn, son of Julia Johnson Hudson (BAEd 95) and Robert R. Hudson (BSHPE 93), Nov. 12, 2009.
Elizabeth Claire, daughter of Andrea A. Faust and Thomas L. Faust II (BA 94), June 23, 2010. Katherine Taylor, daughter of Laura (Wooters) Graham (BS 07) and Thomas “T.J.” Graham (BS 05), June 22, 2010.
Sadie Marché, daughter of Logan Tankersley Imes (BA 08) and John “Trey” Imes (BA 06), June 15, 2010. Alice Mauldin, daughter of Mary Kempton Bise
Moore (BBA 02) and Paul H. Moore III (BS 01, MD 05), April 21, 2010. Aiden Alexander, son of Justyna O’Brien and Michael E. O’Brien (BA 90), Aug. 18, 2010. Benjamin Anderson, son of Elizabeth Anderson Speed and James Thomas Speed Jr. (BA 91, MBA 03), July 17, 2010. Gage Farris, son of Carol Farris Upton (BBA 98) and Michael A. Upton (BA 00, MA 02), July 13, 2010.
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News alumni
Lee Rogers Jr. (MedCert 40), Sept. 1, 2010 Annie “Puddie” Eason Ruff (BSHPE 48), Sept. 10, 2010 Loutrelle Stribling (MedCert 49), June 17, 2010 C.F. Stubblefield Jr. (MedCert 45), March 17, 2010 Dorothy E. Symonds (BM 47), July 9, 2010 Fred Pershing Wright (LLB 40), Aug. 5, 2010 1950s William R. Aikins (BBA 55), June 24, 2010 Austin H. Applewhite Jr. (52), Sept. 1, 2010 Elsie Brewer Ashford (BAEd 54), Sept. 29, 2010 Josephine Alford Bennett (BAEd 53), Aug. 22, 2010 Edgar Earl Bobo (MD 58), July 12, 2010 Clifton Dow Bryant (MA 57), Sept. 13, 2010
World Travelers ALUMNI VENTURE TO GREAT BRITAIN
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le Miss alumni and friends enjoyed a trip to the Celtic lands this summer, which included Scotland, England and Ireland as part of the Alumni Association’s travel program. For more information on upcoming trips, visit the Travel Planner department on page 46 of this issue, or visit the Alumni Association website at www.olemissalumni.com. AR
Ethel Maloy Champlin (BAEd 55), Aug. 4, 2010 John Honig Daniels Jr. (BBA 50), Aug. 27, 2010 Harry Lauder Davis (BSHPE 51, MEd 58), Aug. 1, 2010 Charles Richard Decker (BBA 59), July 26, 2010 David Leon Dickerson (52), Aug. 4, 2010 Dave Wade Dogan (LLB 51), July 25, 2010 John Byron Gathright Jr. (51, MedCert 55), Aug. 28, 2010 Elizabeth Leigh Greene (BAEd 57), Aug. 27, 2010 Paul Marrette Habig Jr. (BBA 56), Aug. 29, 2010
IN MEMORIAM
Betty Granberry Burgess (BA 44), Aug. 2, 2010
1920s
Dell Rawls Crisler (48), Aug. 26, 2010
A.K. Naugle Jr. (29), March 3, 2010
Robert Smith Ellis (BA 40), Sept. 20, 2010
1930s
Thomas Ramage Ethridge (BA 40, LLB 46, MA 51), Aug. 29, 2010
William D.M. Holmes (BPA 59, LLB 64), Aug. 25, 2010
Arnold Townsend Hammond (BBA 48), Sept. 22, 2010
James Herbert Hurst (BAEd 54), July 27, 2010 Cleo Duncan Ivy (BAEd 59), Sept. 12, 2010
William Walker Hargrave III (40), Aug. 22, 2010
Sally Keller Jackson (BAEd 59), Sept. 16, 2010
Dorothy Elizabeth Heard (BAEd 47), June 19, 2010
William Lee Jenkins (BSChE 59), July 20, 2010
Fred Deavours Hill (MedCert 49), Aug. 15, 2010
James Alton Kelly (BSHPE 54), Aug. 15, 2010
Robert Thomas Hollingsworth Jr. (MedCert 49), July 15, 2010
Tracy Wallace Lusk (BSGE 50, MS 51), June 22, 2010
Wilton J. Johnson Jr. (BBA 49), Sept. 7, 2010
John Hendrix Mitchell Jr. (BA 54), Feb. 25, 2010
Roland Marble Sr. (LLB 48), July 12, 2010
John Ben Nelson (BA 57, MA 58), April 24, 2010
Dolores McHenry Mauldin (42), Aug. 23, 2010
Norma Legget Nicholas (BAEd 50), July 12, 2010
Sarah Lear Morrisette (BA 40), Aug. 31, 2010
Karl Jackson Ott Jr. (BSHPE 54), Sept. 27, 2010
Gladstone Byrd Mortimer Sr. (BSC 42), July 5, 2010
Clementine Brown Palmer (56), Sept. 1, 2010
Cecil Louie Allred Sr. (BSPh 36), Aug. 20, 2010 Aileene Adams Brisco (BA 39), April 10, 2009 Rubye Smith Harden (BA 35, MLS 63), Dec. 19, 2009 Pratt Irby (MedCert 34, BS 34), July 23, 2010 Mary Kimmons Patterson (BA 37), Sept. 29, 2010 Sarah Everett Short (36), July 7, 2010 1940s James O. Alderman (BA 48, MS 49), Nov. 23, 2009 Walter Mcadoo Anglin (MedCert 47), Nov. 11, 2009 Myra Q. Barber (BAEd 49, MEd 66, AMEd 68), July 15, 2010 56 Alumni Review
Ralph Edwin Neunlist Jr. (BBA 48), June 29, 2010 Fred Wayland Norwood (BBA 47, MBA 48), March 17, 2010
Hazel Hewlett (56), June 28, 2010 Leroy Curtis Hinson Jr. (BBA 57), Aug. 1, 2010
Lois Payne Perrine (BAEd 51, MEd 65), Aug. 21, 2010 Herman B. Phillips (BBA 50), Dec. 9, 2009
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News alumni
Sale D. Randle Sr. (BA 56, MA 60, PhD 74), Sept. 25, 2010 Shelby C. Reid (MD 58), June 26, 2010 Frank Allen Riley (LLB 57), Sept. 16, 2010 Harry Lee Robinson Jr. (52), July 11, 2010 Janie Britt Silver (EdD 56), Aug. 12, 2010 Richard M. Smith Jr. (BA 52, BS 57, MD 60), Aug. 3, 2010 Moody L. Stewart (BBA 55), Sept. 25, 2010 Richard Clyde Tapp (BSPh 51), July 1, 2010 Elizabeth Lee Thompson (MA 50), Aug. 16, 2010 Wilbur H. Van Riper Jr. (BSCvE 52), Aug. 11, 2010 Louis Oscar Vause (BBA 50), July 8, 2010 Betty Gordon Watson (MA 51), Aug. 8, 2010 Layton Marion Williams (BA 52), Sept. 11, 2010 1960s Clyde Wayne Alexander Jr. (MD 64), Sept. 9, 2010 John Richard Arnold (BSPh 65), June 20, 2010 Brenda Barbee Ballard (BAEd 67), June 19, 2010 John Joseph Danos (MEd 65), July 17, 2010
Wish Fulfillment ALUMNA HELPS CREATE MAGIC MOMENTS FOR ILL CHILDREN
J
ulie Ward (BA 08) was elected to serve as the chair of the Junior Board of Magic Moments for 201011. Magic Moments is a nonprofit group that serves children in the state of Alabama who have been diagnosed with serious illnesses by granting them their wish to have a normal childhood, if only for a moment. The Junior Board is a group of young professionals in their 20s and Julie Ward 30s from the Birmingham, Ala., area who previously served the organization as volunteers. Their mission is to spread awareness of and raise funds for Magic Moments, as well as to continue to volunteer and help fulfill children’s wishes. The Junior Board’s biggest fundraising event for the year is the annual Kick’n Chick’n Wing Fest in Birmingham. AR
Gary Lee Fox (MS 67), June 15, 2010 Betty Buckley Fuller (BAEd 62), April 26, 2009 Ellen Eason Goldman (MA 60, JD 70), Sept. 13, 2010 Robert Edsalle Gramling Jr. (BSEE 64), July 19, 2010 Paul Edward Gray (BA 61), Sept. 11, 2010
58 Alumni Review
Walter Thomas Hendrix (JD 66), Aug. 21, 2010
Edward Earl Lewis (MS 60), July 27, 2010
James Howard Higgason (BSCvE 69), Aug. 10, 2010
Doris Allen Lynn (MEd 65), Dec. 2, 2009
Evelyn McGowen Hogden (BA 60, M A 76), March 26, 2010
Hilda Grafton McRaney (MEd 68, AMEd 68), July 10, 2010
John Wesley Kelly (MCS 63), Sept. 16, 2010
Billy Dewayne Lytal (MA 64), Sept. 21, 2010
News alumni
Legal Matters ATTORNEY JOINS BIRMINGHAM LAW FIRM
Clark A. Neal (MSS 63), Aug. 18, 2010 Irving DeForest Parks II (BA 63), Sept. 7, 2010 Charles B. Patton Jr. (BBA 68), Feb. 20, 2010 Guy Warren Pickle (BBA 65), Sept. 9, 2010 Charles E. Reaves (BS 64, MD 67), Sept. 16, 2009 Charles Herman Robb (MEd 67), Aug. 23, 2010 Nathaniel Vick Robbins III (MA 66), Jan. 16, 2010 Lynda Powers Terney (BAEd 67), March 30, 2010 E. Grant Tharpe (JD 65), Aug. 11, 2010 Leonard E. Thompson (MEd 67), June 23, 2010 William Terrance Thornton (BAEd 61, MCS 65, EdD 70), Aug. 9, 2010 Pascal Judson Townsend III (BBA 65), Aug. 26, 2010 Mebla Chilcoat Yancy (BAEd 60), July 5, 2010 1970s William Patrick Ball (BSHPE 77), June 27, 2010 Lawrence G. Bennett III (BBA 72), Sept. 8, 2010 John Walton Boling (BA 74, JD 79), March 3, 2010
J
ennifer Kimble (JD 05) joined the Birmingham, Ala., offices of Haskell Slaughter Young and Rediker, LLC. At Haskell Slaughter, Kimble works as part of the firm’s bankruptcy, reorganization and creditors’ rights practice team, representing creditors, debtors and Jennifer Kimble other parties in bankruptcy and civil litigation matters. In addition to that work, Kimble is also a founding co-chair of the Alabama Network of the International Women’s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation, a group dedicated to enhancing the professional status of women in insolvency and restructuring. The Alabama Network brings together female legal professionals from across Alabama to accomplish the group’s goals. Prior to joining Haskell Slaughter, Kimble had served in the legal department of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC, where she specialized in representing automobile manufacturers and sole-source suppliers in bankruptcy and litigation-related matters as well as financial disputes. AR
HERE’S YOUR LICENSE TO BRAG! Now you can sport the official University of Mississippi license plate! For an additional $50 a year — $32.50 of which returns to Ole Miss for educational enhancement — you can purchase this “license to brag” about your alma mater. When it’s time to renew your license plate, simply tell your local tax collector you want the Ole Miss affinity license plate. It’s an easy way to help your University. This particular tag is available to Mississippi drivers only. Some other states, however, offer an Ole Miss affinity license plate. Check with your local tax collector for availability.
60 Alumni Review
MISSISSIPPI IN TRANSITION
The Role of the Mississippi Humanities Council
Cora Norman / Edited by Judy Elgin Paperback, 317 pages, $19.95 $15 (Alumni Discount)
“Cora Norman not only was an astute witness to Mississippi’s racial and cultural transition, but she was a significant force in that transition. This volume represents a major contribution to our understanding of that intriguing period.” —William F. Winter, Governor of Mississippi 1980–1984
Order at 800-621-2736 or www.utpress.org/mississippi Use code UTPMIS when ordering.
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News alumni
Top Cop LONGTIME POLICE OFFICER PROMOTED
John D. Boyle III (BA 77), June 17, 2010 Gerald Duncan Cagle (BM 75), July 15, 2010 Opal Hood Daeschner (BA 72, MD 76), Aug. 8, 2010 Robert Joseph Day (BBA 71), May 2, 2010 Anne Gibson Eatherly (BAEd 73), Sept. 28, 2010 Robert G. Evans (BA 72, JD 74), July 13, 2010 Owen Lee Griffin (BSPh 70), Aug. 8, 2010 William Marion Hemeter (MD 76), Aug. 14, 2010 Ronald Leroy Holman (MCS 70), Aug. 3, 2010 Rocky Ming Joe (BA 72), March 12, 2010 Alan Campbell Kesler (BBA 74), Aug. 4, 2010 Robert Dees Laird (BA 79), Sept. 13, 2010 Ernestine Howell McFerren (MEd 70), July 14, 2010
J
ohn Houser (BPA 81) was promoted to chief of the Cobb County (Ga.) Police Department. Houser has been with the department since graduating from UM, working his way up from officer to deputy chief in charge of the department’s uniform division prior to his unanimous selection by the County Board of Commissioners to become the next chief. Houser’s new job includes supervising the more than 600 sworn officers in the CCPD. In an interview with the Marietta Daily Journal, Houser said he hopes to be “a chief that has the respect of the staff and the respect of the community,” adding police “have to have the respect of the citizens in order to be successful.” He calls his appointment an “honor” and says he has “enjoyed his career immensely.” AR
John Houser
David Bryan McMain (BA 78), Aug. 7, 2010 D. Allen Mott (BBA 72), June 30, 2010 Linda M. Partlow (MEd 77), Aug. 11, 2010 Alan North Perkins (74), Aug. 22, 2010 John Thomas Pinkston (BA 74), June 22, 2010
Randal Ragland (BA 73), Sept. 9, 2010
Sherri Roberson Sawyer (BS 73), July 8, 2010
Susan Quarterman Reid (BAEd 72), July 16, 2010
Netta Ockletree Taylor (BAEd 77, MEd 87), Aug. 4, 2010
Morris Lynn Rye (BBA 72), July 21, 2010
GOAL: 24,000 ACTIVE MEMBERS Only you can help your Ole Miss Alumni Association reach this important milestone! Make your Alumni Association the strongest in the SEC and the nation by renewing your alumni membership each year and encouraging classmates, friends, neighbors, fans and Ole Miss supporters to also join and remain active. Even fans who didn’t graduate from Ole Miss can join as Associate Members with full benefits. Single Membership __$40 Annual __$800 Life __$850 Life Plan ($170 x 5 years) Joint Memberships __$50 Annual __$995 Life __$1,050 Life Plan ($210 x 5 years)
62 Alumni Review
Last Name: ________________________First:_______________________ Middle Name: __________________Maiden Name: ___________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ City, State, Zip, Country: ________________________________________ E-mail: ________________________Phone:_________________________ Window Decal Preference: Inside _____
Outside _____
Go online to renew your membership and update your contact information at <www.olemissalumni.com> or fill out this form and mail to Membership, Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 38677. Phone 662-915-7375 CODE: REV
Serving Oxford, Lafayette County and the University of Mississippi
TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2010
142ND Year, No. 169 — 50 CENTS
Run-off solution sought E-Edition booming
INSIDE
Erosion problems wash away county officials’ patience BY ALYSSA SCHNUGG Staff Writer
The Lafayette County Planning Commission has ordered the owners of Williams Equipment Co. to
produce a plan of action on how it intends to solve erosion issues once and for all at its construction site located across from the Cumberland subdivision. “I need a schedule of how this is going to progress with a time frame I can put my hands on by June 1,” County Engineer Larry Britt said at Monday’s Planning Commission meeting. Williams Equipment started con-
struction in the summer of 2008 on its new home for the commercial business on 4.3 acres of land located on Highway 6 West. Since construction began, neighbors have complained the runoff from the graded property has caused silt to run onto their lawns, destroying grass and bushes, as well as cause local flooding. A year ago, a cease and desist order was issued until erosion problems were handled.
“We have had some problems with erosion out there that we’ve been dealing with for a year and a half,” Britt said. When 3 inches of rain fell in Oxford within 30 minutes last week, the issue resurfaced when silt and water caused erosion on some of the adjoining landowners’ property. See SOLUTION on Page 2
Oxford schools set budget hearing
GRADUATION CELEBRATION
POMERANZ HONORED Ole Miss left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz was named as the recipient of the 2010 Cellular South Ferriss Trophy given to the top collegiate baseball player in the state of Mississippi. For more details on the honor, see Page 6.
BUSINESSMAN ARRESTED A local businessman who has been on the lam from the law was arrested last week. Get the details on Page 2.
ONLINE
BY MELANIE ADDINGTON Staff Writer
Members of the Oxford School Board set a public hearing for June 14 at 5 p.m. for the public to discuss the district’s 2010-2011 budget. Despite continued budget cuts from the state during the past several months, the Oxford School District has put together a budget for the coming school year that ensures no jobs will be cut. The school board has a proposed $29 million budget that, while not yet finalized, won’t cut jobs and won’t raise the tax rate. On Monday, Gov. Haley Barbour signed the FY 2011 education funding bills, House Bill 1622 and House Bill 1059, Mississippi Department of Education Superintendent Tom Burnham said. “HB 1622 is the primary funding bill that we recommend (districts) develop the FY 2011 budget around,” Burnham said. “HB 1059 is contingent upon the passage of federal legislation that would extend the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage provided for in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.”
The Oxfo rd Eagle E-Edition helps you keep up w ith your home awa frcompanies’ om howork BP probe focuses onyother me Report: Oversite workers accepted gifts from oil companies daily loc al news & Compreh ensive Guinness finds Ole MIss sports co Minn. man is verage tallest in US EDUCATION NEWS
Turn to Pages 6 and 7 of Education to find out what’s happening with local teachers and students.
UM GRADS
BRUCE NEWMAN
Many of the students graduating from the University of Mississippi earlier this month were from the Oxford area. Turn to Pages 5 and 10 to read the names of the locals who picked up a diploma.
Brittney Deonna Jeffries (from left), Wesley Lane Carroll and Kimberly Annette Wilson throw their caps at the Scott Center’s graduation ceremony on Monday afternoon. Also graduating were Laura Leeann Brower and Dillon Lee Hopkins.
INDEX
Classifieds 12-13 Local 2-3 Comics 14 Obituaries 2 Editorial 4 Sports 8-9 Education 6-7 Weather 2
BY GREG BLUESTEIN AND
MATTHEW DALY
Associated Press Writers
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) — Guinness World Records has recognized a Minnesota man as the tallest man in the United States. The Guinness World Record Association measured Rochester’s Igor Vovkovinskiy (voh-kov-IN’-ski) at 7 feet, 8.33 inches tall during NBC’s “The Dr. Oz Show” on Monday. He edged out Norfolk, Va., sheriff’s deputy George Bell by a third of an inch. The 27-year- old Vovkovinskiy is originally from Ukraine but moved to Minnesota with his mother when he was 7 years old for treatment at the Mayo Clinic for a pituitary disease that spurred his rapid growth. Vovkovinskiy now attends the Minnesota School of Business and is pursuing a degree in paralegal studies. Guinness says the world’s urkey’s Sultan tallest man is Turkey’s Kosen. He measures in at 8 feet, 1 inch tall.
also owned the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. The other three areas of focus for the investigation involve the cementing and casing of the wellhead, which was Halliburton Inc.’s responsibility.
COVINGTON, La. — Oil giant BP said its internal investigation of Assessing decisions the unchecked Gulf oil spill In BP’s release, Chief is largely focused on work Executive Tony Hayward done by other companies as stopped short of assigning a new government report responsibility. President today showed workers at the Barack Obama has blasted federal agency that oversees executives from the compaoffshore drilling accepted nies for blaming each other sports tickets, lunches and during Congressional hearother gifts from oil and gas ings this month. companies. “A number of companies BP PLC said in a release are involved, including BP, that an initial investigation and it is simfound mulply too early tiple control “...it is simply — and not mechanisms too early — and not up to us — should have to say who p r e v e n t e d up to us — to say who is at fault,” the accident is at fault.” Hayward that started said. with an oil — TONY HAYWARD G e n e rig explosion Chief Executive, BP Beck, a April 20 off petroleum the coast engineer of Louisiana that killed 11 at Texas A&M at College workers. Station who worked in the Seeking the cause drilling industry for two BP, the largest oil and decades, said the list of gas producer in the Gulf, Gulf problems BP is investigating listed seven areas of focus appears exhaustive. But he as it hunts for a cause. Four said the company also needs involve the blowout pre- to look at decisions made by venter, venter a massive piece of people on the rig. machinery that sits atop the “That needs to be inveswellhead and should have tigated: Why did they do acted as a safety device what they did?” Beck said. of last resort but did not. “They need to ask themThat was manufactured selves that very very, very serious by Cameron International question: ‘Why did we make Corp. and owned by these choices?”’ Transocean LTD, which
Worst-case scenario
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Interior Secretary Ken Salazar (center) speaks at a press conference in Galliano, La., Monday. Standing behind Salazar are Sen. David Vitter, R-La., and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal.
Meanwhile, a new Interior Department report released today found that staffers in the Louisiana office of the Minerals Management Service violated a number of federal regulations and agency ethics rules, including accepting gifts from oil and gas companies and using government computers to view pornography. pornography The report by the department’s acting inspector general follows up on a 2007 investigation that revealed what then-Inspector General Earl Devaney called a “culture of ethical failure” and conflicts of interest at the minerals agency. agency
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar called the latest report “deeply disturbing” but stressed that it only covered a period from 2000 to 2008. He said he wants the investigation expanded to include agency actions since he took office in January 2009. BP filed its site-specific exploration plan for the Deepwater Horizon in February 2009. The Obama administration has come under increasing pressure as frustrations build, oil washes up in delicate Louisiana wetlands, and efforts to cap the well prove unsuccessful.
City school officials are basing their budget on the funding equation that provides Oxford the lowest amount of state funds. The board will not request any increase to the city’s tax rate, but the district still expects to experience an increase in revenue collections due to the additional taxes it projects to increase from new homes. Revenue is expected to be up about $420,000 from 2009-2010 for a total of $29.5 million. Mississippi Adequate Education Program funding is slightly down to $12.54 million from $12.56 million the year before. Ad valorem tax collections will go up from $14.1 million to $15.4 million. With athletic admission tickets expected to be down about $10,000, the district may have to dip deeper into its reserve funds. After the hearing, the board will vote on the budget. In other business, the school board: — Approved salary scales for employees, teacher assistants and administrators. — Approved a resolution in memory of the late Patricia P Aschoff SPED teacher at Aschoff, Oxford Learning Center. Marcia Cole accepted the plaque and resolution on family behalf of the family. —melanie@oxfordeagle.com —melanie@oxfor
www.oxfordeagle.com 662-234-2222 www.oxfordeagle.com
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512 Van Buren Oxford, MS 38655 662-234-8043 www.the512oxford.com
News alumni
Harry Maury Wilson III (MURP 70), Aug. 19, 2010 James Edward Wilson (MEd 75), Aug. 12, 2010 R. Christopher Wood (BA 72, JD 75), July 22, 2010 Robert L. Zimmerman (MEd 75), June 13, 2009
1990s
James P. Hogg, Sept. 27, 2010
Deborah Burney Brann (BSN 94), Aug. 20, 2010
Betty Harrison Ingram, July 22, 2010
Shane M. Duncan (BA 95), March 7, 2010
Paul E. James, Sept. 29, 2010
William Alan East (BPA 96), Aug. 8, 2010
Paul Skierkowski, Aug. 31, 2010
Susan Varas Hannah (BA 99), Sept. 17, 2010
Daniel Charles Stevison Jr., July 25, 2010
Cheri Spossey Tollison (JD 95), Sept. 16, 2010
Mary Clifton Rhodes Swayze, Sept. 22, 2010 Alta Marshall Terry, Sept. 24, 2010
1980s Edward Allen Albritton (BBA 81), Sept. 26, 2010 William Robert Amacker (BSPh 83), June 27, 2010 Timothy Lamar Bryant (BAEd 86, MEd 98), Aug. 16, 2010 Jerold Dennon Campbell (BAEd 82), Aug. 19, 2010 William R. Decota (BBA 80), Sept. 11, 2009 Saralyn Dickerson Gaylor (MLS 83), Aug. 2, 2010 Bradford Lee Henry (BAccy 85, JD 87), Sept. 4, 2010 James G. Hollandsworth Jr. (83, MS 83), Sept. 21, 2010
2000s
James Burney Terry Jr., Sept. 24, 2010
Dutch Parker Graves (BBA 02), Sept. 27, 2010
Loreen Sledge Tidwell, June 28, 2010
Richard George King III (MBA 09), Sept. 27, 2010
William Forsythe Wheatley, Oct. 13, 2009
James Edward Pitts (BA 02), Aug. 19, 2010
Robert Ellis White Sr., Aug. 9, 2010
2010s Clarence Thomas Robertson III (BAccy 10), July 30, 2010 Bebe Michelle Schiefer (10), July 7, 2010
Guy Ronald Wheeler, July 26, 2010
To submit a class note, send it to records@ alumni.olemiss.edu or Alumni Records Dept., Ole Miss Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1848, University, MS 386771848.
Faculty and Friends Marilea Aldag, Sept. 29, 2009
Malcolm Murphey Knight (BSPh 87), July 3, 2010
V.E. Bill Appleton, July 18, 2010
Ernest E. Laird III (BAccy 80, JD 82), July 3, 2010
Vanessa Dean Arnold, Aug. 4, 2010
Meade Slater Myres (BBA 84), July 13, 2010
Thelma McIlwain Garner, July 10, 2010
Laura Lightcap Barrier, Nov. 6, 2009
Class notes also may be submitted through the association’s website at www.olemissalumni.com. The association relies on numerous sources for class notes and is unable to verify all notes with individual alumni.
James A. Green, July 28, 2010
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C A L L T O DAY 64 Alumni Review
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