2010_09_23

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The

S TUDENT P RINTZ www.studentprintz.com

SERVING SOUTHERN MISS SINCE 1927

Thursday, September 23 , 2010

UND BROADWAY BO

ALUMNI

Yes, Jimmy Buffett graduated Ashton Pittman Printz Writer

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ETT JIMMY BUFF ERY PHOTO GALL

Jimmy Buffett’s visit to campus earlier this month breathed new life into the old debate over whether or not he graduated from USM. At the time of writing, only 53 percent of respondents to the poll at studentprintz.com believed Buffett graduated from USM, while 41 percent thought he did not and 6 percent asked, “Who is Jimmy Buffett?” The Student Printz can confirm that, at least in the late 1960s, Buffett was too busy working toward a degree at Southern Miss to spend much time wasting away in Margaritaville. “I never understood exactly why there’s been a question,” said University Registrar Gregory W. Pierce. “But from a professional standpoint, I can unequivocally confirm that he did indeed graduate.” A May 1969 USM graduation program also confirms Buffett’s alumni status, listing him among the year’s graduating class. For any who remain unconvinced, the USM Alumni Association lists Buffett in its “prominent alumni” section alongside Miss. Lt. Governor Phil Bryant, world renowned chef Cat Cora and football star Brett Favre.

I can unequivocally confirm that he did indeed graduate.

Gregory W. Pierce, University Registrar

Bryant Hawkins/Printz

Found in the McCain Library archives, a graduation program from the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 1969, at Reed Green Coliseum shows Jimmy Buffett’s name as one of the graduates.

James Jones, a student during Buffett’s era at USM, remembered thinking Buffett was “strange” during his time here. “He used to sit in front of the Hub with his legs steeped out, and we used to have to step over him,” Jones said. “We all thought he

was strange and that he wasn’t a really good musician. But he had the last laugh because he’s apparently a pretty good businessman if nothing else. “We thought he was the strangest thing sitting out there playing that guitar. And when

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he made it big, we were like, ‘Oh well.’” Now that the question of Buffett’s graduation is laid to rest, the real question may be in regard to Buffett’s alleged strangeness: Was there “a woman to blame?” Sources could not say.

College Republicans promote the vote Meryl Dakin

TODAY

Volume 95 Issue 10

The College Republicans at Southern Miss are holding a voter registration drive on campus next Monday through Friday. President of the organization, Edward Kramer, said that the drive would be non-partisan. “It’s not a Republican thing. One of our key goals is that we foster political awareness on campus, not necessarily the Republican party,” he said. The group will set up tables in the LAB lobby from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and in the library lobby from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Kramer said the volunteers are well-informed of the registration process and are prepared to answer students’ questions. The members of the group also plan to canvass all campus residence halls to give as many students as they can reach the opportunity to vote in the

November elections. “The decisions made by today’s government will influence the future of our generation more than those of our parents and grandparents,” Kramer said. “Fortunately, we have a tool with which to influence those decision – our right to vote.” Megan Bennett, secretary for the group, said she joined the club because she wanted to continue her political activism after being in Young Republicans in high school. When asked why she is helping with the voting drive, she said, “It’s important that people get involved in politics and are aware of the world around them.” The organization plans to demonstrate that involvement this semester through projects such as campaigning for Steven Palazzo, who is running for Mississippi’s fourth district U.S. Congressional seat. Kyle Williams, the political director of the College Republicans, said Palazzo was the reason he became

Bryant Hawkins/Printz

Steven Palazzo, republican canidate for 4th District Congressional seat, talks to Bob Pruett, left, and David Rogers, right, at the Sigma Chi house on Wednesday. Palazzo spoke to the fraternity for their bid day.

involved in the group in the first place. “Steven Palazzo is an alumnus of my fraternity,” said Williams, a Sig-

ma Chi. “The College Republicans was a good way to get involved and help him with his campaign.”

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