Delta StateSPRING 2010

THE MAGAZINE FORR DDELTAEL TA SSTATETATE UUNIVERSITYN IVER SITY AALUMNIL U MN I AANDN D FFRIENDSR IEN D S

Ticket to Ride Liz Davis wins MTV’s Starmaker Fraternities compete in tug-of-war on the Quad during Homecoming Week 2009.

PULL YOUR WEIGHT! Show your school pride by helping recruit future Statesmen and Lady Statesmen.

There are several ways alumni can help recruit. Try staffing a college fair in your community, submit names and addresses of the college bound students in your family or community, and market Delta State in your community or work place.

Contact the Office of Admissions at 662.846.4020 or visit www.deltastate.edu to find out more ways you can help! 1.800.GO.TO.DSU . www.deltastate.edu  Contents Spring 2010

FEATURES Alumni Magazine 16 PPAYINGAYING ITIT FORWARDFORWARD President...... Dr. John Hilpert Making it Possible for Future Generations to Alumni Magazine Advisory Board: Pursue Higher Education.

Editor ...... Dr. Michelle Roberts

Managing Editor ...... Michael Gann

Alumni Board Representative ...... John Cox 18 HHITTINGITTING THETHE HIGHHIGH NOTESNOTES

Alumni Representative ...... Edward Pope Alumnus Liz Davis convinces P. Diddy to do something

Foundation Representative ...... Billy Nowell he has never done before.

Academic Council Representative ...... Jeff Slagell

Staff Council Representative ...... Deborah Moore

Alumni-Foundation, Department Editor ...Jeffrey Farris

Athletics, Department Editor ...... Matt Jones

Executive Director, Alumni-Foundation ... Keith Fulcher

Board of Directors Delta State University Alumni Association: John Cox, President; George Bassi, President Elect; Serena Clark, Secretary/Treasurer; Daye Dearing, Past President; Judson Thigpen, Foundation President; Michael Aguzzi, Rob Armour, Billy Dorgan, Ryan England, Sayward Fortner, Chrissy LaMastus, Felecia Lee, Mary Luther, Richard Myers, Cary New, Jeremy 18 Pittman, Russ Russell, Karen Swain, Sarah Tapley, Liz Davis performs Walter Trevathan, Dwaun Warmack, Dana Warrington, during MTV’s Starmaker Lynn Weaver competition. Image Courtesy of Mark Burnett Productions.

Board of Directors Delta State University Foundation, Inc.: Judson Thigpen, President; Mike Neyman, Vice President; Anne Weissinger, Secretary/Treasurer; Frank Sibley, Past President; John Cox, Alumni President; 22 A TRUETRUE STATESMANSTATESMAN David Abney, Dr. Bill Alford, Louis Baioni, Anita Bologna, Ike Brunetti, Hunter Cade, Jeff Ross Capwell, Charlie Capps kept the Delta at the forefront John Crawford, Rex DeLoach, Keith Derbes, Dr. Anna of Mississippi politics. Looney Dill, Hank Drake, Carl Easley, Webster Franklin, Bryce Griffis, Earnest Hart, Tim Harvey, Tom Janoush, Peter Jernberg, Gloria Johnson, Ed Kossman, Jr., Rex Lyon, Ned Mitchell, Billy Nowell, Carol Puckett, Randy Randall, Nan Sanders, Jeff Tarver, Sam Waggoner, DEPARTMENTS Brian Waldrop, Margaret Walker, Dr. David Webber

The Delta State Magazine 2 President’s Message 8 Athletics is published by the Vice President for University Relations, DSU Box A-1, 1003 West Sunflower Road Cleveland, Mississippi 38733 3 Alumni Message 12 Development E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: 662.846.4000 4 Campus Briefs 24 With the Classes Design: Laura F. Walker, Department of Communications and Marketing

Note: In an effort to reduce our environmental impact, only one magazine per household is mailed. On the cover: Liz Davis in studio. Photo by Michael Gomez Photography.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 1  President’s Message

Dear Friends,

If one works for several years in higher education, it is a certainty he or she will have experienced what I like to call the vicissitudes of funding. In other words, the amount of money available to open the doors, fill the seats, and operate is changeable, usually within a reasonable range of variability. During my 32 years in senior administration, funding has been pretty stable within such a range . . . until recently. Now budget cuts prompted by the sluggish national economy and the resultant shortfalls in state revenues remind me of the surf. As one retreating wave drags sand and shells into the ocean, the next wave rolls in steeper and crashes harder. We’ve cut millions because of four mid-term reductions this year alone, and almost surely there are more rollbacks on the way. Believe it or not, many higher education colleagues in other states are facing even worse situations. Though managing for stability and quality in a long and deep recession is difficult, it is unquestionably worth the time and energy everyone is giving. When you see students graduating and taking the first steps toward career success, you know the teaching, research, and service of the university deserve our best efforts. As you read the contents of this alumni magazine, you will enjoy a small sampling of the many accomplishments, events, and developments happening at your university. Every day I remind folks that despite the budget reductions, more than 90 percent of our funding resources are intact and our organization is strong. We are fortunate to have a history of sound operations and a resilient team of faculty and staff. We’re also fortunate to have generous alumni and friends. At the Delta State Foundation and the Delta State Alumni Association giving has never been better. Folks know it is time to help with scholarships and unrestricted gifts available for the areas of greatest need. We are very grateful to everyone whose heart and billfold open a little wider these days to help us meet our challenges. All the best to you for a pleasant and productive summer! Visit when you can.

Sincerely,

John M. Hilpert President

2 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010  Alumni Message

Dear Alumni and Friends:

Just the other day, a friend of mine asked me, “Why do you spend so much time with Delta State?” The answer to that question is very simple. Like most of you, I love our University, and I want it to continue to be the jewel in the Delta that we all know it to be. I loved my time at Delta State, and I want to see other students enjoy similar experiences. I simply feel that it is our duty to give back to the University who has given us so much. We have a very ambitious year planned for your Alumni Association. We have over twenty-five chapter meetings planned for the upcoming year, as well as our special events for Spring Sports Weekend in Cleveland, New York City, Atlanta, and Lake Tiak-O’khata. I have had the pleasure of meeting a great number of you when I have visited the local chapters, and the enthusiasm that everyone brings for our alma mater is refreshing. I am pleased to report that membership in the Alumni Association is at an all- time high, and that the Statesmen Nation is alive and well. I cannot say “thank you” enough to all of our many friends and volunteers who have helped our Alumni Association continue to grow and prosper. I am sure that a great number of you have heard or read about the great challenges that our University is facing in these tough economic times. However, I want to personally encourage each of you to remain positive about our University, and to continue to do your part to make it grow. While many of you lend important and significant specific support to the University throughout the year, please know that one of the greatest gifts you can give the University is your loyalty. I have said it at countless chapter meetings in the last fourteen months, but in my mind, the single greatest marketing tool this University possesses is each alumni’s individual support. When a friend or colleague inquires of you where you went to school, I want you to stick out your chest with pride and say, “Delta State University.” Please recommend a potential student to our recruiting office. Please continue to do your part to help further the legacy of our great university. Your continued good work “in the field” will only further our mission of being one of America’s greatest regional universities. It continues to be an honor to serve all of you as your National Alumni Association President. I look forward to seeing all of you in the year ahead. Go Statesmen!

All my best,

Jo Johnohhn CC.. CoCoxx ’9’9696 National Alumni Association President

JOIN YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Make check payable to DSU Alumni Association MAIL TO: DSU Box 3104, 1003 West Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 38733

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1 year ($20 Single, $30 Joint) Life ($400 Single, $600 Joint) Name ______(for our tax records, please use your full legal name) Select which Alumni groups you would like to join: Nickname ______Birth date ______/ ______/ ______ Accounting $10 Black $5 Music $5 Aviation $5 Economics $5 Nursing $5 Address ______ Art $5 Family and Consumer Science (H. Ec.) $5 Athletics $10 City/State/Zip ______Total amount enclosed: ______Employer ______ Check VISA MasterCard

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Phone (H) ______(W) ______(C) ______Life dues can be paid in installments of $50 each year Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 3 Campus Briefs Campus Enhancement Project

The Delta State Quadrangle is the highly visible, major entrance to the University from Highway 8. Several historically significant buildings face the Quad. But one of the most recognizable and significant features of the Delta State campus has been the magnificent heritage oak trees that surround it. The original oaks were planted in 1926. Unfortunately, the large heritage oaks were ravaged by the Ice Storm of 1994, and many had to be removed after the storm. Some of the original oaks that remain have continued to decline in structural stability and had to be removed. During the winter break, the Department of Facilities Management embarked on a Severely damaged trees were removed from the Quad campus enhancement project that included as part of the Campus Enhancement Campaign. the removal of damaged oak trees that posed a possible safety hazard. oak trees on the Quad, however safety for “I am one of many alumni who graduated students and campus personnel cannot be on the Quad, and I have fond memories compromised. Having to remove some of the collection of of times spent there as a student and old oaks is regrettable, but necessary, and I am native Mississippi oaks, which will restore the administrator,” said President Emeritus Dr. confident the restoration plan will preserve the visual and architectural aesthetics of the Quad Kent Wyatt (’56). “In 1994 we were advised aesthetic identity of the Quad.” and preserve a significant part of the identity of that the severity of the ice storm damaged Funding for the project, which includes Delta State.” the trees to the extent that most would not replacement of the trees and other landscape Tree replacement began in early January be sustainable over time. Following the ice improvements, is provided through a $15,000 with approximately 30 new oaks of various storm, new oak trees were planted between grant from the Mississippi Transportation species planted. The new trees range from 12 each of the existing oaks that remained Enhancement Tree Planting Program. to 15 feet tall and will be part of a developing knowing that at sometime in the future the “Since 1994, we have replaced some of the landscape master plan designed to create a damaged oaks would have to be replaced. I heritage trees with new oak trees,” said Linda campus arboretum and gardens of horticultural have great sentiment for the A. Smith, Delta State’s landscape architect and significance. The oaks will be a significant tree alumnus. “The grant will provide the resources collection for Delta State and will provide to fill in the spaces on the Quad with a educational resources for the University and the community.

Students stay healthy by participating in several of Delta State’s 23 intramural sports.

4 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 Miriam C. Davis, Delta State Assists NEWSMAKERS

Dr. John M. Hilpert Haitian Relief Delta State University Delta State’s Center for Interdisciplinary President Dr. John M. Geospatial Information Technologies (GIT) Hilpert was elected to was recently called on once again by the the prestigious position of Chair of the Southern federal government to produce maps to assist Association of Colleges the earthquake stricken area of Haiti. The 7.0 and Schools (SACS) Commission on magnitude earthquake struck the capital and Colleges at the organization’s annual most populated city of the Caribbean island conference in December. He assumes nation, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding the duties of Chair in 2010 after serving areas causing incalculable loss of life. as 2009 Vice Chair and having served With a host of rescue missions being on the 2008 Executive Council of the sent to assist in relief efforts, Delta State’s Commission. Center was contacted by a member of the Michael Maloney, US National Grid Coordinator at Delta State, works with GIT students Jeremy Pat Hilpert Department of Homeland Security with a Simmons and Chris Smith to develop maps to aid Delta State University request for maps that could assist the efforts search and rescue responders on the ground in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. First Lady Pat Hilpert of numerous government and independent was selected to the relief agencies. According to Director Talbot Brooks, editorial board of the A U.S. National Grid, which is a “The Center has extensive experience in Clarion Ledger. Chosen coordinate system that helps responders working during times of crisis from both the from more than 100 by providing a common, spatially-based emergency response and geospatial support applicants, Hilpert will reference in a landscape devoid of the visual perspectives. We hope we may contribute to serve on the 12-member reader board cues (street signs, buildings, etc.) that are the larger effort by creating usable products that is charged with analyzing latest news and opinion trends and discussing needed for navigation, is being conducted by and services that will help save lives in the what position the newspaper will take on Delta State’s GIT Center with the support of immediate term and facilitate recovery in the a range of issues. the U.S. Geological Survey. longer term.” Dr. Paulette Meikle-Yaw Dr. Paulette Meikle-Yaw Celebrating the Year of the Arts was selected as the 2010 Educator of the At this year’s opening convocationcation OtherOther Orbits.”Or Music and film buffs year by the Mississippi President John Hilpert watchedwatch “Out of This World: Board of Trustees of the announced that Delta State AnA Avant-Garde Adventure Institutions of Higher University would celebrate the ini Film and Music” with Learning. She is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Community Development “Year of the Arts” as part of its thet score performed live and has introduced students to diverse ongoing series of annual “Year of”f” byby BBruce Levingston. Literary perspectives and cultures in the themes. andand musicm writers attended classroom. The Year of the Arts Planningng TheThe MississippiMi Writers Round Committee, chaired by Collier Parker Table, and music lovers were treated to Dr. John C. Merrill (’79), dean of the College of Arts and “Thacker Mountain Radio: Delta Edition,” at Dr. John C. Merrill Sciences, organized a series of musical the Delta Music Institute. (’49), journalism performances, plays, art exhibitions, lectures/ “The Year of the Arts provides a educator and author, presentations, brown bag lunches, in-service tremendous opportunity for Delta State donated the awards he has earned during workshops, afterschool sessions, etc. that University and the Cleveland community his journalism career took place throughout the year. to showcase the special relationship and and his 33 published Delta art lovers were treated to a number appreciation that has always existed between volumes to the Delta State Archives and of events such as the sculpture exhibition by the University, the community, and the arts,” Museum. Glenn Zweygardt titled “Green Logic and said Parker.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 5  Campus Briefs

Delta State to Become Tobacco-Free

This fafall,lll, DeltaDelta State UniversitUniversityy will kick the habit and snuff out tobacco use on campus to help reduce the health risks caused byby tobactobaccocoo aandndn to try and ensensureu a healthier environment for faculty, staff, and students. TobaccoTobbaca co dependence is the nation’s most preventable cause of death and disease. Nationally, tobacco use is responsibleresponsible for nearly oonen in five deaths or an estimated 440,000 deaths per year in the United States or approximately 1,200 people each day.*da The university’suniversi new tobacco-free policy will affect all grounds and buildings on the campus, and follows a seriesseries of steps to ccurb the use of tobacco on university grounds. “We are developingdeve a cessation support program with assistance from the Bolivar Medical Center that we hopehope willwill creatcreatee an easier, successful transition to a tobacco free environment,” said Vice President of Student Affairs WaWayneyne Blansett (’73). “The decisiondecis to become a tobacco-free campus aligns perfectly with the goalsgoals of theth Healthy Campus/Community Initiative to improve the health of our ccommunity,” said President John M. Hilpert. “We will make this changechan gradually with input from the campus communitycommunity on hhow best to put our new policy into practice.”

*Source: Florida HospitalHospital AAssociation and the University of Florida Health Science Center (http://tobaccofree.health.ufl.edu/about/index.php)(http://tobaccofree.health.u

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6 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 Celebrating 70 years of Childhood Memories The Delta State University Hamilton-White Child activities and materials. The curriculum is centered on developmentally appropriate Development Center has a long and proud history of service language, art, math, and science activities. to the University and the community. The Center, which To help celebrate this outstanding achievement of service and to say thank you serves as a laboratory school within the College of Education, to all of the families who have supported it over the years, the Center is planning a provides a supervised environment for students in the College series of events to celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2012. If you or a family member of Education to gain hands-on experiences in working with attended the Child Development Center, please contact Leigh-Anne Gant at preschool children. 662.846.4320 or e-mail at [email protected]. The Center dates back to 1942 when Miss Minnie Patton, an Associate Professor in Home Economics at Delta State College, organized a nursery school which offered half day educational experiences for preschoolers. Over the past 68 years the Center has experienced significant changes. What once housed two half-day classrooms for four- and five-year- old children, has grown to a full day, year-round program with five classrooms. The Center currently serves 70 families with children from six weeks to five years of age. Nearly 70 years after its creation, the Center is still providing excellent care and education to small children and providing hands-on experiences for Child Development students. And although the Center has expanded, the philosophy

has remained the same. Children are able to Taylor Montessi, Cruz Oguz, and Elaine Weiss learn while they play at the Hamilton-White actively explore with appropriate developmental Child Development Center. Staying the Course President John M. Hilpert has vowed to anticipated net reduction $604,477. personnel—layoffs, lost positions that maintain stability in academic programs despite About 45 percent of the total cuts to happened to be vacant, or reductions in the the budgetary challenges facing all Mississippi the university budget have directly affected amount of state support. The personnel universities. To date, decreases to budgets reductions come from all divisions of across Mississippi’s public universities the university, and to date all have been are nearing $40 million, with Delta State staff positions. experiencing a decrease of $3.5 million. “We are working to minimize the cuts Commissioner of Higher Education and to maintain stability in academic Dr. Hank Bounds predicts cuts to the programs to the extent possible,” said university system that will result in a Hilpert. “As I said earlier this year in reduction of $1,031,045 for Delta State the State of the University address and next year. Expected mandatory increases in in previous correspondence, nearly costs—health insurance, retirement plans, 90 percent of our overall university and faculty promotions—could bring the budget remains intact. Our most total to be addressed in FY11 to $1,797,977. important efforts must go toward The Institutions for Higher Learning Board fulfilling our teaching, research, and SGA President Taylor Miller, of Duncan, talks with Senator Terry recently granted the request for a nine percent Brown (’72), of Columbus, during the 2010 Brown Bag Legislative service missions for our students and tuition increase for next year, making the Luncheon in Jackson about the impact of budget cuts on students. for the citizens of the Mississippi Delta.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 7  Athletics Giving Back to Community and Basketball

Kevie Dixon (’92) has always been a giver. From his playing days for Head Coach Steve Rives and the Delta State basketball team, to the present, where he gives freely to the youth of Paulding County, Ga., as the director of the Boys and Girls Club. Dixon came to Delta State from Meridian as a freshman in 1988. According to Rives, hard work was always the great equalizer for Dixon. “He was a good athlete, not a great one, but he made himself into a good player because he worked so hard. My ultimate compliment to give to any player was to refer to him as a warrior.” Recalling his playing days under his former coach, Dixon was nearly brought to tears as he heard Rives’ words repeated. “When I was playing, all I knew how to do was to play hard. I wanted to be the best. I did the extra things. I ran, jumped rope, and lifted weights. I always wanted to feel that if I wasn’t the best, that I was close to the best,” Dixon said. Fighting through adversity is something Dixon learned early in his career as Rives was trying to build the Statesmen into a winning program. The Statesmen failed to win more Kevie Dixon (left) meets with the Atlanta Boys and Girls Club to motivate students to live a healthy lifestyle. than 13 games in any of Dixon’s first three seasons, but it all paid off his senior year as the and Girls Club in Dallas, Ga., Dixon faces the who have been a part of the program, giving Statesmen finished 20–8 in 1991, including 10 heavy-hearted task of molding boys and girls back to the Delta State family. We wanted to wins in league play. “When you lose enough, into young men and women. The challenge make sure that we left a legacy. These guys you learn how to win,” added Dixon. “We had is made easier by knowing he has helped to (current and future student athletes) deserve the respect of everyone in the league.” change a life while building relationships that the best, and it’s our job to help make that Dixon finished his career as the sixth last forever. happen.” leading scorer in Statesmen history with 1,386 Dixon has also given back to his alma matter, In 2005, Delta State gave Dixon another points and fourth with 814 career rebounds. helping to organize the fall Basketball Alumni precious gift, as he was inducted into the Delta The former Statesman would go on to play Reunion. The event was attended by over 100 State Sports Hall of Fame. “It was very touching. professional basketball all over the world. former Statesmen and their families. “God had Words can’t describe the impact. It was a After hanging up his sneakers, Dixon a lot to do with everyone coming together, and Hallmark moment—it made me feel like I had decided it was time to accept his calling to work we want there to always be a connection with accomplished something. I felt like I had won a with children. “I have always been a people the program,” said Dixon. championship.” person, but working with kids has always been Dixon chooses to give back to Delta State For those who have watched Dixon special to me. I knew that this was what I was for many reasons, but the biggest is the love grow as a person, player, and mentor, his destined to do.” he feels for his university. “You can’t have a accomplishments off the court mean so As Director of the Paulding County Boys successful program if you don’t have the guys, much more.

8 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 SStatesmentatesmen FFootballootball SPORTS SHORTS Conner Tops WWelcomeselcomes FFranksranks 100-Win Plateau Delta State’s win in Tampa on Dec. conditioning coach for renowned Kansas 21, 2009 will stand State Head Coach Bill Snyder. Franks out in the mind of Head Coach Jason collaboratively managed and supervised Conner for years to E.K. Franks the strength programs for over 100 Wildcat come. The Lakeland, Fla., native football players and assisted with the training has compiled a 66–35 record at Delta State University Head Football of over 100 Lady Wildcats from 2000–2001. Delta State. His winning percentage Coach Ron Roberts announced the addition An active community leader, Franks of .653 as the Statesmen’s head of E.K. Franks to the Statesmen staff in served on the board of the Kansas-based coach ranks third among Delta January. Franks, a former University of non-profit organization “Success Achieved in State coaches with at least 50 wins. Wisconsin and Kansas State University Future Environments,” which helps mentor assistant, will coach the defensive line and youth through athletics. Hicks-Green Snaps GSC coordinate strength and conditioning. During his career, Franks has coached Record Franks, who spent the past few years in the hundreds of successful student-athletes Statesman private business sector, last coached on the including Wes Welker (New England linebacker Lardester staff of Barry Alverez and Bret Bielema at the Patriots), Terrance Newman (Dallas Hicks-Green University of Wisconsin from 2004–2006. Cowboys), Darren Sproles (San Diego snapped the Gulf Prior to joining the Badgers staff, Franks Chargers), Sheldon Williams (Atlanta South Conference served as the defensive line coach at Texas Hawks), Nicole Ohlde (Minnesota Lynx), and school record for career State under then Defensive Coordinator Laurie Koehn (Washington Mystics), Brian tackles with 343—ranking 25th Ron Roberts. The Wellington, Kan., native Aylor (New York Yankees), and Mitch all-time in NCAA Division II history. The three-time All-American and began his coaching career as a strength and Simons (Montreal Expos). 2008 GSC Player of the Year broke the previous mark of 330 tackles Social Networking Pushing (Tim Polk, Harding) by 13 tackles. Point Guard U: Statesmen and Lady Statesmen Sarita “Bug” Cooper and Chad Akins, two to Forefront of the GSC/NCAA DII of basketball’s Delta State University Athletics current stars, are trying to put has the strongest social Delta State on the network following in all of the FACEBOOK.COM/DSUSTATESMEN point guard map. Gulf South Conference and is Watch exclusive interviews and post-game highlights, Their combined rapidly developing into one of and view photos from athletic events. accomplishments the best in NCAA Division II. are astounding— With thousands of followers TM 1,068 assists, 1,398 points, five on Facebook and Twitter, TWITTER.COM/DSUSTATESMEN All-Gulf South Statesmen and Lady Statesmen Get score and schedule updates. fans are enjoying new ways to Conference, two All-Region and follow their favorite team. one All-American Join the Delta State network honors. Both guards are YOUTUBE.COM/DSUSTATESMEN chasing assists records at DSU and follow Statesmen and Subscribe and watch episodes of the Statesmen Insider, and the GSC. Lady Statesmen Athletics the weekly TV show covering Delta State Athletics and like never before. weekly features on our 13 intercollegiate sports.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 9  Athletics Catching a Break on the Road Less Traveled

Some say that good things come to those His first Major League at-bat came against “My agent and I felt the Twins would be a who wait, or patience is a virtue. There are future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson in Yankee good fit for me, and from everything they (the hundreds of sayings and proverbs regarding Stadium. “It was kind of surreal. 50,000 people Twins) were saying, we felt that I had a chance former Delta State catcher and current San were there and my family was in the stands,” to make this team out of spring training.” Francisco Giant Eli Whiteside’s (’01) situation. he said. “It was a pretty cool moment.” Eli and As all “rags to riches” stories go, that wasn’t But it’s his views that are the strongest. “I belong Randy would meet again, but Eli would have the case. Minnesota terminated his contract a here and I finally started to believe that,” said never expected how. few months later. Whiteside. Eli kept battling through the minors in the This was the lowest moment of Eli’s career. Whiteside started his run to the majors in Orioles system for six years before the team Dropped by a team that he felt he could make, Cleveland, as a catcher for the Statesmen from granted him free agency in October of 2007. Eli was left to reevaluate his life and began 1999–2001. “He was born to wear the gear,” Three weeks later the Minnesota Twins came wondering if the dream of a professional Head Coach Mike Kinnison (’77) said of Eli. calling, signing him to a free agent deal. He baseball career had just passed him by. “He was already a pretty good package coming thought that was his break, a team where he fit But six days later, the San Francisco Giants into Delta State. Being here just helped him get in based on the needs of the franchise. But the dialed his number. They saw the same promise to that next level.” Twins weren’t stuck on Eli. that Mike Kinnison and the coaching staff at Eli called his own game behind the plate, a rarity for a freshman under Kinnison. But Whiteside got some one-on-one assistance from Kinnison and the older catchers in an attempt to hone his craft. “I don’t think I would be where I am now without having been a part of the Delta State program,” Whiteside said. “They taught me how to be a man and about work ethic. They turn out pretty good baseball players there, but they turn out some pretty good people too.” After his three years in the Delta, Eli took his shot at a dream of playing professional baseball. Whiteside was drafted in 2001by the Baltimore Orioles in the sixth round of the amateur draft and went on to sign with the Orioles. He fought through the minor league system for three years before getting a chance with the big club on July 5, 2005 in Yankee Stadium versus New York. “When I was up with Baltimore, I felt that I was just holding a spot until someone would come back and be healthy,” Whiteside said. He appeared in nine games and stepped to the plate 12 times, collecting three hits. Eli Whiteside shows his form both at bat and behind the plate.

10 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 ACADEMIC SUCCESSES ON THE FIELD

Eli Whiteside

Delta State saw when the freshman from New Albany stepped foot on campus. In almost movie-plot style, his second chance came in the form of a free agent deal with the Giants. He was in uniform for the Triple AAA Giants’ affiliate Fresno Grizzlies of the Pacific Coast League in no time. He didn’t think he was starting the season that well with the Over the years, Delta State University has prided itself on having one bat. So Eli spent extra time with Fresno hitting coach Hensley of the most successful athletic programs in the state of Mississippi in Meulens, who is currently the hitting coach of the Giants. terms of both athletic and classroom excellence by its student-athletes. All of that work paid off because on May 24, 2009, Over the last four years alone, more than 400 student-athletes have Whiteside was called up to the pros and was the starting received recognition for their achievements in the classroom. catcher against the Seattle Mariners. Catching for highly At the conclusion of the 2002–2003 academic year (the most touted left handed pitcher Barry Zito, he also got an RBI single recent year for which information is available), Delta State graduated 60 in the fifth. percent of its student-athletes and had an academic success rate of 75 “I was anxiously pulling for him to have some success at percent.* While these numbers may not say much by themselves, they that level . . . to really solidify himself,” added Kinnison. speak volumes when compared to the rest of the Gulf South Conference From there it was one heartfelt moment after another. and to the Delta State student body as a whole. Almost a month later on July 10, 2009 Eli was part of history Delta State’s 60 percent graduation rate among student-athletes when he caught a no-hitter for Jonathan Sanchez against the ranked third among the 14 schools of the GSC, and was first among the San Diego Padres. 11 member schools that field football teams. Only Alabama-Huntsville Then as that moment started to set in, on August 5, 2009 and Christian Brothers graduated athletes at a higher rate. Whiteside made ESPN’s top plays, not with the glove or the When compared to the Delta State student body as a whole, arm, but with a first pitch fastball that he put into the seats at Statesmen and Lady Statesmen athletes look even more like the big Houston’s Minute Maid Park. His first career home run was a men and women on campus when it comes to their studies. Delta State grand slam that would later prove to be the difference against reported a graduation rate of 43 percent of its overall student body. the Astros that night. And while all 13 varsity sports have contributed significantly to As fate would have it, Randy Johnson and Eli Whiteside the academic success of Delta State athletes, one sport in particular did meet again. Randy began Eli’s career with some tough continues to set the standard for Statesmen academic excellence. sliders and it was Eli who ended Johnson’s by calling for those The Statesmen baseball team has established a legacy of producing same sliders from behind the plate. Johnson pitched his final athletes who excel on and off the field. Since 1970, 24 Statesmen baseball professional game on October 4, 2009 with Eli dropping the players have received Academic All-American honors. Only Notre Dame fingers for the “Big Unit.” (29), Bucknell (28), Wichita State (26) and Illinois Wesleyan (25) have Almost as quickly as 2009 ended for Whiteside, training produced more. Delta State is the only NCAA Division II program, began for a new year behind the plate for the Giants. among the top 10 schools, in terms of Academic All-America baseball The fighting is never over for a professional ball player, honorees. especially one from a small town who went to a small school. Given their history, there is no doubt that the academic success of But Eli got his chance, saw his break, and ran with it. How far Statesmen and Lady Statesmen athletes will continue to be one of many will he run? You never know. But you have to think the run will traditions associated with Delta State University. be fun. *Graduation rates are negatively impacted by athletes who transfer elsewhere; academic success rate is not.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 11  Development A Legacy of Giving T. Steve Cwikiel, Jr., a native of Rosedale, Fund. While Steve will graduated from Delta State College in 1969 be remembered for his with a Bachelor of Science degree. Following a financial support of the two-year tour of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. University, his memory Army he earned his MBA in 1974. At Delta and legacy will live on State he was active in the student government through the Delta State and a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. accounting graduates Steve’s career led him to FedEx in Memphis he hired at FedEx. He where he was the Senior Information Systems was very aggressive in Auditor. Steve first paid his $3.00 alumni annual his pursuit of Delta State dues shortly after graduation and consistently accounting graduates, Steve with his wife Paula (right) visit with Nan Sanders (left) at the 2005 paid his annual dues to the Association. like Donnie House (’99) Quadrangle Oak Society reception. He never forgot his love for his alma mater and Jamie Bailey (’03), and for the Alumni Association, which he and giving them an help support its mission to perpetuate the demonstrated by attending every alumni event opportunity to begin their careers at FedEx as memories of university life and to provide a held in the Memphis area and serving as a interns. medium through which interest in Delta State volunteer leader. “Steve is the second alumnus that I am University may be promoted,” said John Cox Steve not only made plans to support aware of to specifically name the Alumni (’96), National Alumni Association President. the National Alumni Association during Association as a beneficiary to their estate,” “I encourage all alumni to consider supporting his lifetime, he also planned his estate to said Keith Fulcher (’83), Executive Director of the Association in the same ways that Steve did provide a five-figure gift through his will. the Alumni-Foundation. “Maxine Holcomb, by paying dues and naming the Association as a Unfortunately, Steve lost his life on May 30, a 1931 graduate and former chair of the Art beneficiary to their estate.” 2009 after a lengthy illness. Over his lifetime, Department, left a five-figure gift to the Alumni The University mourns the loss of Steve, but Steve supported the University through gifts Association.” Steve was also one of the earliest his legacy and memory will forever be part of to the Emma Lytle Art Fund, the Annual Fund, members of the Quadrangle Oak Society, the the National Alumni Association.

Bill LaForge Scholarship Fund, John Quon planned giving recognition club. To discuss a gift to the Alumni Association call Accounting Fund, and the Pike Chapter Room “Estate gifts to the Alumni Association 662.846.4704 or e-mail [email protected].

A Delta State Christmas

What better gifts could be received on Christmas than Delta State logo t-shirts and sweatshirts, especially if both of your parents are graduates of Delta State? That’s what Neal (’92) and Kyla Middleton Holcomb (’92) surprised their children with on Christmas morning . . . a variety of Delta State apparel wear from the Jimmy R. Williams Bookstore located in the H. L. Nowell Student Union. Neal, an accounting graduate and CPA in Rolling Fork, and Kyla, a School of Nursing graduate and Nurse Practitioner in Greenville, expect that their children Shelby, a 7th grader at Sharkey-Issaquena Academy (SIA), and Walker, a 4th grader at SIA, will follow in their footsteps and graduate from Delta State. Shelby will be a Delta State graduate in the year 2019 and Walker will receive his diploma in Walter Sillers Coliseum in the year 2022.

To outfi t your family in Delta State apparel visit the website www.dlsu.bkstr.com or call 662.846.4640.

12 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 Alumnus memorialized with $100,000 Grant from the Madison Foundation

The Madison Foundation, of Port Gibson, recently presented Delta State University with a grant for $100,000 to establish the “Madison Foundation $100,000 Statesman Challenge.” The goal of the Challenge gift is to encourage others to support Delta State by making a gift to the Annual Fund and inspire alumni and friends to renew, and possibly increase, their Annual Fund gift. The Challenge Gift was given in memory of Delta State alumnus Allen Burrell (’73), from Port Gibson, who was a city Michelle Burrell, widow of Allen Burrell, and President John Hilpert attorney that was murdered in 2006. accept the Madison Foundation’s $100,000 grant from J.O. “Joc” Carpenter of Port Gibson. Established in 2007, the Madison Foundation originated with Wiley Hatcher, a resident of Port Gibson. “Wiley said he wanted to help people in need and instructed us to give the money away,” said Madison Foundation board member J. O. “Joc” Carpenter. “We believe this tribute to Allen is a worthwhile way to memorialize his life, and hope that the grant provides the stimulus for others to make gifts to Delta State.” “The Madison Foundation $100,000 Statesman Challenge” is a unique grant with the purpose of establishing an unrestricted endowment. Since the grant was established, another alumnus decided to make a $50,000 bequest in her will to establish her own unrestricted endowment,” said Keith Fulcher (’83), executive director of the Alumni-Foundation. “The grant is unique in that it is a challenge grant that we hope inspires our alumni and supporters to make a gift to help us match the grant. We invite everyone to help us match the grant whether it’s a gift of $10 or $50,000.” Gifts towards the match may be made via the Delta State Foundation’s secure online giving website http://www.deltastate.edu/pages/481.asp. All gifts are tax- deducible to the fullest extent of the law. For more information on making gifts to the

University, contact the Foundation by e-mail at [email protected], by calling Corley Luckett, the 2003 Rose Drake Burrell Memorial Scholarship 662.846.4704, or by sending a text message to 662.719.1732. recipient, met Allen Burrell at the Scholarship Luncheon.

In 2006 a memorial tree was planted at the entrance Student Mary Mac Drake of Port Gibson, niece of Allen Burrell visits with Hugh Ellis Walker, former of Kent Wyatt Hall and the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni- Allen and Rose Drake Burrell, greeted Foundation executive director of the Alumni-Foundation, Foundation House in memory of Allen Burrell. The event Board Member “Joc” Carpenter to campus. following the Scholarship Luncheon in 2003. was attended by family, friends, and other loved ones.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 13  Development

Daughter endows scholarship in memory of parents

Kaye Smith Hamblin, a 1960 graduate of also was chosen “most handsome.” Ralph also Delta State University, always understood the played basketball and sang in the Delta Singers. importance of family and education in her When he graduated in 1935, his father traveled life. Her parents, Ralph R. (’35) and Elsie C. to Delta State for the ceremony. Smith (’36), graduates of Delta State Teachers Elsie Caveness worked in the cafeteria to College, dedicated their lives to encouraging help pay her way through school. She was so students to attend college. The one institution poor that she wore cardboard in the bottom they always recommended first was Delta of her shoes when she wore holes in them. State, which was a “Mecca” to them. Kaye She attended Delta State for two years and Smith Hamblin could think of no better way to then dropped out to teach third and fourth honor her parents than establishing the Ralph grade at Marietta. She was only 17 at the time and Elsie Smith Endowed Scholarship in the and was paid $54 a month. The school paid College of Education. Hamblin stated, “They her with a warrant, but the bank wouldn’t would be pleased to know this scholarship cash it, so her father paid her salary. After assists talented and dedicated students in two years of teaching she returned to Delta realizing their dream to become teachers.” State to complete her degree in elementary College life for Ralph and Elsie began in the education. At the Carnival Ball she was crowned fall of 1931, which were the early years of the queen by President Kethley and she and Dr. Great Depression. Ralph R. Smith and Elsie Kethley led the grand march to open the ball. Caveness left the hills of northeast Mississippi Unfortunately, her father died on March 5, in Prentiss County to attend Delta State 1936, before she graduated in May. Teachers College in Cleveland, where they Ralph proposed to Elsie during their college Delta State alumni Ralph and Elsie Smith. began dating. Mr. Smith’s parents were unable time and they were married on May 28, 1936. to give him any financial support, but his older Mrs. Kethley, the wife of the college president, at Marietta High School and New Site High brother agreed to help him. The next fall when hosted the reception and wedding for family School. In 1968 he became the administrator Ralph was ready to return to school, his brother members. They were married for 62 years, until of the Northeast Mississippi Hospital in said he could no longer help. Ralph’s mother, Mr. Smith’s death in 1999. Mrs. Elsie Smith Booneville, serving in that capacity until his Ma Smith, gave him $3 that she got from selling passed away on May 2, 2007. retirement in 1980. In addition to his teaching chickens, and he hitchhiked back to Cleveland. The Smiths devoted much of their lives and hospital careers, he owned and operated a On arrival at Delta State, Ralph went to to the education of children. Elsie was a grade large farm in the New Site community. He was see President William Kethley and told the school teacher for thirty-four years, teaching also a founding board member of Northeast president how much he wanted to return to at West Corinth, Marietta, New Site, and Mississippi Community College in Booneville, school. President Kethley said, “Son, if you want Booneville. She also served as the elementary serving from 1948–1966. to go to school that much, I will help you find school supervisor for Prentiss County. She was “The Delta State University Foundation a way.” So the president took him to Kroger to a member of Kappa Kappa Iota, a professional is pleased that Kaye chose to memorialize her get a job shelving groceries after hours. Smith organization for educators, and a charter parents through an endowed scholarship,” also rang the class bells, delivered the college member of the Upsilon Chapter of Delta said Judson Thigpen (’79), President of the mail, collected and delivered dry cleaning Kappa Gamma, the honor society for women Delta State University Foundation Board of in the dorms, sold tailor-made suits, mowed educators. Directors. “I invite everyone who is considering grass on the campus, and even slept at the Ralph was an educator for thirty years. His how they can change the life of a young person president’s home to protect Mrs. Kethley and first teaching job was as girls’ basketball coach to contact the Foundation and discuss the best their daughter, Brooke, when the president was and teacher at Kossuth. After several years method for making a gift.” out of town. Ralph always thought it so ironic at Kossuth he became the principal at West The Foundation may be contacted by e-mail at that a poor boy from northeast hill country was Corinth High School and later moved back to [email protected], by calling 662.846.4704 chosen by his classmates as “best dressed.” He Prentiss County where he served as principal or by text messaging 662.719.1732.

14 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 Leading by Example

Sharon Mathis Krugler, a native of Tacoma, that I hope to pass on to my increase, I decided to up it to Washington, has lived in Cleveland since children. I went to work at age $30 rather than the $27.50.” age two. Her father, a helicopter mechanic in 17 at Western Sizzlin’ to take “At the Foundation, the U. S. Army, served in Vietnam, and when care of my personal needs we often use the phrase discharged in 1975, returned to Cleveland as a way to help my family ‘sacrificial giving’ and Sharon to operate Mathis Gulf, a service station next with the finances. I worked at demonstrates that concept to Delta Cream on Highway 61. Sharon, a Wal-Mart, CommonWealth to the fullest,” said Judson graduate of Bayou Academy, has worked at National Insurance, Lister Thigpen (’79), president of the Delta State University Alumni-Foundation Engine Skeen, and then at the Delta State Foundation Office since 2006. She’s served as secretary to WDTL ending up in full time Board of Directors. “Sharon the Alumni Association and in May 2008 was radio ad sales before being was recognized at our promoted to Administrative Assistant to the hired by Vicki Fioranelli (’68), February Foundation Board Alumni-Foundation Executive Director. former director of the Alumni of Directors meeting for the “When I first started in the Alumni Office I Association.” Sharon Krugler example she is setting for all really did not understand what the Foundation “I have seen so many alumni and donors.” did for the University. Now that I have been in students come in our office crying because Not only is Sharon contributing to the a position to assist both the Alumni Association they may have to drop out of school due to Annual Fund, she has also signed up to and the Foundation, I see the importance of finances. I heheard Missy Pearce (’99), the Annual become a Life Member of the National Alumni fund-raising and how it helps our students,” said Fund director,tor, say one ddayay tthathat if all alumni Association. “Vicki Fioranelli encouraged me Krugler. “When people ask me where I work gave $25 annually,annually, we’d have more money to a few years ago to join and I decided to begin and what our office does, I tell them how their assist our needyneedy and deserving students. So on makingmaking annualannual ppaymentsy of $50. That way I gifts are used to help students, especially those Februaryy 19,19, 2009 I made my first gift of $25 willwill have my Life dues paidpaid ofofff by tthe time I students who are struggling financially.” to the Annualnnual Fund.” Sharon increased her gift graduate.”graduate.” Sharon, a single-mother of two children, by over 10% this year to $30. “When I receivedreceived faces her own financial struggles. “Getting paid the Annualnual Fund appeal letter inviting me to once a month is a challenge. I never know from considerder a 10 percent day-to-day what expenses will arise, especially caring for my 13-year-old daughter and 11-year- old son. There are many people, like me, who have struggled.” “The reason I am going to Delta State is to show my children how important a college education is. I am the first-generation of my family to attend college and will be the first from my immediate family to graduate.” Sharon, classified as a sophomore, is scheduled to graduate in 2014. “My family was primarily factory workers who instilled in me a work ethic

GIVING TO HELP OTHERS Gifts to help support the Scholarship Programogram may be mailed to DSU Foundation, Inc., DSU Box 3141, Cleveland, MS 38733 or gifts may be made online using Visa, MasterCard,d, or American Express at the secure websitee http://www.deltastate.edu/pages/481.asp..asp.

SpringSpring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 15 PAYING it

FORWARDBy Lynne Jeter Donors explain, ‘We Give to Delta State Because of What Delta State Gave Us.’

Joe Aguzzi on family farm in Cleveland.

16 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 The “Pay it Forward” expression, used in World War II following high school “The point I made to my three to describe the concept of doing good graduation, and therefore they did not daughters and that I want to make by deeds for others in repayment of a good have a chance to attend college. After giving to the Foundation is that people deed that one receives, was made popular they were discharged, the brothers went need encouragement, many times in 2000 with the Warner Brothers film, to work on the family farm in Cleveland, financial, to keep going when the going Pay It Forward. However, the concept which has grown from 40 acres of cotton gets tough.” has been around for many years. to 10,000 acres of Through financial support and hard mainly rice and work, Dr. Bob and Sylvia Ferguson ’62, soybean crops are implementing the “Pay it Forward’ since the Aguzzi concept by helping to launch the family emigrated Tishomingo Master Teaching Initiative, from Italy in 1895. a partnership of Delta State’s College of “We knew Education and the Tishomingo County how important School District. This Initiative, made education was, possible by the Tri-State Educational so we wanted to Foundation, provides scholarships to make sure our Dr. Bob and Sylvia Ferguson pose with members of the Tishomingo Master teachers in Tishomingo County and was children and Teaching Initiative at a reception following fall 2009 graduation. established in response to a need in the grandchildren Tishomingo School District for providing would be able to get a college degree,” Josh Jeter , a wide receiver during the advanced study for teachers. The first said Aguzzi, who has more than 20 family 1999 football season at Delta State, would cohort of graduates to complete the members that have graduated from Delta not have been able to complete his college initiative program included 28 students State. education without scholarship assistance. earning advanced teaching degrees. Bob “My brother and I made a scholarship The Bentonia native is now director of and Sylvia saw first-hand the impact gift to Delta State in 2003,” said Aguzzi, ”Takes 2 Fitness” in Nashville, Tennessee, of their time, talent and treasure when whose brother died just months after the where he trains Music City’s elite. they had the chance to meet the first gift was made. “We recognized that Delta “I’ll always be grateful for help from class of Tishomingo County students State is not only convenient (about a mile the Foundation,” he said. “Without receiving Master of Education degrees in away from us), but it’s also a great value. scholarship money, I definitely wouldn’t Elementary Education during a December We’re still reaping the benefits of our be where I am today.” reception on campus. “We enjoy giving children going there.” “I love hearing stories about students back to Delta State because of so much Jane Hammett Youell, a 90-year-old like Josh,” said Jean Friedman of Delta State gave us,” Bob Ferguson, a retiree from Clarksdale, has named Delta Coronado, California. The Greenville retired educator, said simply. native says she continues her Azrie Vassel ’08, a 62-year-old annual gift-giving tradition to the from Mound Bayou, embraces It takes donors of all Foundation “because it makes the message that every gift ages and backgrounds, me feel good.” There’s nothing, counts. For 30 years she lived in really nothing, more important Chicago and worked for a major with all sizes of gifts to than getting a good education. It’ll telecommunications company. Upon the Foundation, so that change the world. I’m going to her retirement, she returned to her continue doing my part, and I hope hometown and enrolled at Delta future generations can others will follow my lead.” State to learn more about computer Delta State’s Foundation staff information systems. Last April, move forward in their strive to help those individuals she signed up for a monthly payroll pursuit of education. who want to pay forward their deduction of $20.08 to support The good deeds. Keith Fulcher ’83, Annual Fund, an amount selected executive director of the Delta in honor of the year she completed her State as a beneficiary in her will, even State Alumni-Foundation, summarized degree. I give to the Foundation so that though she never graduated. their efforts this way “It takes donors of programs in place can be retained to “I wanted to major in home all ages and backgrounds, with all sizes assist everyone who wants to pursue their economics, but I couldn’t get past organic of gifts, to ensure that future generations educational dreams,” she added. chemistry,” she confided. “My husband can move forward in their pursuit of Joe Aguzzi and his late brother, Victor, told me years later, ‘I wish I’d known you education. Anyone can take part in Paying were drafted into the military to fight then. I would’ve walked you through it.’ it Forward.”

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 17 Image Courtesy of Michael Gomez.

SingerHitting Liz Davis Clings to the her Country Roots and Makes History

18 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 By Lynne Jeter

Her moment had finally arrived and vocalist Liz Davis was ready to make history. The 22-year-old Mississippi native and former Delta State University student, with the deep, hard-charging sound that mingled country, soul, and Delta blues, had already beat out thousands of would-be contestants for P. Diddy’s Starmaker.

he only southerner among 14 competitors living together in a hearing about the opportunity at the last minute. Los Angeles mansion, Liz Davis had survived 10 weeks and 11 Although she had no time to prepare, Davis’ delivery of another Teliminations on MTV’s reality series hosted by Sean “Diddy” song of Wilson’s “Here for the Party” got her noticed. An a capella Combs and had made it to the final three. performance of one of her original songs got her on the show. Now, it was her turn to convince the judges that she deserved to “I sang very slowly so they could hear every single inch of be the winner and to become the first predominantly country artist my voice,” she said. “It was an awesome, scary, nerve-wracking to sign with Diddy’s Bad Boy Records. experience!” She told the cameras prior to her performance, “I want to try and The show, filmed in Los Angeles, began its 10-week run on convince P. Diddy to do one thing he has never done before . . . Go August 16, 2009—the 32nd anniversary of the death of rock-and-roll Country. I’m going to go out there and let everybody know it’s okay king Elvis Presley. to be country. It’s okay to have a little redneck in ’em.” Davis’ dad, Dale ’81, who played baseball at Delta State from Davis strode into the spotlight in her high-heeled cowboy boots 1977 to 1981 under legendary coach “Boo” Ferriss, expressed some and immediately owned the stage. Her strong, sassy rendition of the concern when he heard his daughter would be on the show. Gretchen Wilson song, “Redneck Woman,” impressed the judges— “He said, ‘Oh, gosh, don’t embarrass us, Elizabeth!’ because he performer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, music industry executive and knew that some reality shows were distasteful and full of drama,” former Billboard editor Tamara Coniff, choreographer Laurie Ann recalled Davis, with a laugh. “But I felt pretty comfortable since Mark Gibson, and Diddy. But so did the powerful performances by the Burnett produced it. He’s been associated with clean shows such as other two finalists, Melody Angel and Todd Sarvies. It was anybody’s Survivor and The Apprentice. He’s the nicest, down-to-earth guy. He guess who would go home a star. makes shows real without too much unnecessary drama.” Friends and family who gathered together at Ridgeland’s Alumni But what’s a reality series without a few meltdowns? StarMaker House Sports Grill to watch the October 25 broadcast of the finale filmed contestants—“14 divas,” Davis joked, not only performing were on the edge of their seats. The show was taped in advance on stage, but also completing tasks every week. The seven boys but no one, including Davis, knew the outcome. To ensure secrecy and seven girls were pressure-tested in many ways. For example, to for last October’s series finale, three alternate endings were taped, see how she would react under fire, producers poked fun at Davis’ showing each of the finalists winning StarMaker. southern accent. However, her bubbly personality quickly allayed It had been a long road just getting to this night. Davis had moved their concerns. to Nashville in 2007 to pursue a singing career and almost decided “It was,” Davis emphasized, “a life-changing experience.” not to make the trip to Atlanta for the StarMaker auditions after >> High Notes

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 19 h, man. This is the hardest part,” Diddy And by golly, I eventually did sound like her!” the Delta Music Institute (DMI) at Delta State, told the finalists in his preamble before Davis entered a talent show at Simmons who arranged a music scholarship for Davis. “I “Oannouncing the winner. “But it’s also Middle School in Hoover, Alabama, where knew she could go far.” the best part because you get a chance to go the family was living at the time, and urged her on a journey with somebody. The winner of parents and siblings to watch the performance, nder Putnam’s guiding hand, Davis StarMaker is somebody I want to make history which won top prize. more fully developed her talent and with…because I’m ready to go country!” Lauree told The Clarion-Ledger, “When Ualso learned about the tricky business Back at the Alumni House Sports of music. Grill, the Davis family and all their “He would always tell us these friends exploded with shrieks of joy. I want to try to convince P. great little stories at the beginning “This opens the door to a world of class,” recalled Davis. “He made of possibilities,” said Davis’ mother, Diddy to do one thing he never me a driven person … to do Lauree Gist Davis, who received the instead of practice.” first women’s tennis scholarship at did before: Go Country. For example, Putnam Delta State in 1979. “We couldn’t be emphasized to Davis the more proud or excited.” she started singing, my mouth fell open. So importance of building a collection of her own Ironically, Davis, the middle of three did my husband’s! We couldn’t believe it. Her music. children, didn’t know for a long time that she voice was so strong, so under control. And she “To succeed in music, you have to be had such a gift. But Davis knew from a young worked the stage.” able to write your own songs,” said Putnam. age that she relished the limelight. “I was always In 2000, the family returned to Mississippi, “Elton John has sustained a 35-year career by loud and obnoxious as a kid, a terrible child settling in Madison. Throughout high school, writing his own songs. If you’re dependent on a really!” she said. “I have no idea where I got so Davis competed in talent shows across the producer to find the right music for you, you’re much excess energy.” South, including the Mississippi State Fair at a disadvantage,” advised Putnam. One Christmas, she received a karaoke competition, where Rimes shined as a child. Delta State’s Director Emeritus of machine to put in a soundproof room in the While a junior in high school, Davis sang a Renaissance Gene Ayers tapped Davis to join basement of the family home. Her parents knew duet in a talent show hosted by the Mississippi Renaissance, a student choral group he led. she spent countless hours occupied with her Musicians Hall of Fame, where she caught “Gene recognized her talent, too, and really helped her develop the performance aspect,” said Putnam. Tricia Walker ’74, who succeeded Putnam as DMI director when he relocated to Tennessee, taught Davis in a Craft of Songwriting class. “I believe Liz’s natural ability and instinct will take her a long way in the music industry,” said Walker.” This combined with the training she received at the DMI, which encourages students to think ‘outside the box’ in an entrepreneurial way, makes her a valuable commodity.” After three semesters at Delta State, Davis headed to the capital of country music to “make my own stories,” she said.

Image Courtesy of Mark Burnett Productions. “Liz felt in her heart it was time to make P. Diddy interviews Liz Davis during Episode One. the move,” explained her mom. So, the Davis family supported, somewhat reluctantly, their new toy, but they didn’t take it too seriously the ear of Norbert Putnam, an accomplished daughter’s decision to leave school. because “she would never let us hear her,” said musician and producer who played bass guitar her mom. for Elvis Presley, and helped launch the careers avis adapted to Nashville, finding an Davis confided, “I’d get in there and sing my of Dan Fogelberg and fellow Mississippian apartment and working in a tanning heart out. It was about the time LeAnn Rimes Jimmy Buffet. Dsalon while also carving a niche on came out with her rendition of the song “Blue” “Liz was an attractive young lady with a great the club circuit. She sang lead in a couple of written by Country Disc Jockey Bill Mack. I voice and all the qualities needed to make it in cover bands—Madonna’s “Material Girl,” loved her and wanted to sound just like her. this business,” recalled Putnam, then director of Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” and

20 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 Rimes and Wilson songs, among other crowd Kane (on MTV’s Making the Band). Also, in “After I won the show, I didn’t hear from favorites—allowing her to cobble together Diddy’s trophy case are three Grammy Awards, anyone for two months,” she confided. “Three enough gigs to stay busy on the weekends. two MTV Video Music Awards, and a Council months passed before P. Diddy called. Then When Davis heard about the StarMaker of Fashion Designers of America award for with one phone call, everything changed. In series, she laughed because she had quickly his clothing line. So Davis took the bold step this business, you never know what to expect learned that Nashville is a close-knit musical of staying loyal to her country roots, while tomorrow. I might get called to New York circle. “If you turn your back, they’ll never pursuing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to overnight. It’s exciting not to always know where forget,” Davis said. “On the other hand, if you’re work with entertainment mogul P. Diddy. you’ll be nor when you will be there.” loyal, they’ll support you wholeheartedly.” But Putnam said Davis was fortunate to rise a friend said, “Liz, it’s worth a try. Go for it!” fter the Grammys, I texted Diddy with so quickly. “Most entertainers that move to So the day before open auditions in Atlanta, I a message that said ‘2011 will be my Nashville to pursue a music career go home decided to make the trip,” stated Liz. “Ayear! I’m definitely very excited about after five or 10 years,” he said. “It’s not an easy Davis knew that hip-hop giant Diddy, what’s to come,’ said Davis, who’s working with thing to do. I’m so pleased, but not surprised, 40, was a record producer, rapper, Broadway producers on a single to be released before that she won StarMaker. All fingers are crossed actor, men’s fashion designer, restaurateur, the album debut. “We’re collaborating on that she will have a hit record.” and dancer. But she also recognized he was something totally different and dipping into a Davis said she looks forward to bringing looking to expand his portfolio. She shrewdly different genre. It’s so much fun!” her down-home country sensibilities to the observed that he was eyeing country music, Working with Diddy’s team, which includes Hip-Hop stronghold at Bad Boy. “It’s been an the best-selling genre of music, and “wanted a high-profile manager Johnny Wright of Wright amazing journey so far, one that’s made me even little piece of the Nashville action.” Diddy has Entertainment Group (manager of Justin more proud of Delta State and Mississippi,” said proven his capabilities for nurturing talented Timberlake, Britney Spears, Jonas Brothers, and Davis. “I’m always watching my step and want to and driven performers —from the legendary the like), Davis has been surprised by the “hurry be a great ambassador for my university and my Notorious B.I.G. to the chart topping Danity up and wait” aspect of the recording industry. home state . . . and do them proud.” Making Stars at Delta State Several years ago, music magnate Norbert Putnam Inside DMI Recording was living in Grenada when he got a call from Delta State Studios, Studio A features alumnus Fred Carl, founder and CEO of Viking Range, a Neve V3 analog console asking him to draw up plans for the Delta Music Institute designed to accommodate (DMI), a proposed center for music industry studies at large scale recording, such Delta State University focused on educating students in the as symphony orchestras, wind technological, business, and creative areas of the music ensembles, and mass choirs. industry. Studio B is structured to mix Putnam wondered about the largely unused Whitfield in surround sound and is gym on the campus. “I knew I could put some real studios equipped with a DigiDesign in that space,” he said. Interim Delta State President John ICON and Pro Tools system Thornell ’69, and Collier Parker ’79, dean of the College to accommodate multiple of Arts and Sciences, got on board and the DMI opened in types of recording. Studio C, 2005 with Putnam as director. with an audio transfer room The DMI offers a concentration of music and providing opportunities to entertainment industry courses leading to a Bachelor of digitize older forms of media, Science in Interdisciplinary Studies degree or a Bachelor of serves as a small project Arts in Music degree with an emphasis in music production. Instructor Barry Bays teaches students how to studio. The DMI also houses “When we opened the DMI, we still needed to build out operate the sound board. a 15-station, high-tech digital the studios and it was going to take $2 million-plus,” said Putnam. audio lab featuring Apple computers, audio interfaces, and multiple “Actor Morgan Freeman was one of the first people to step up and software platforms. write a check. George Bryan of the Bryan Foods family helped, too, The DMI staff is composed of music industry veterans who and Scott Coopwood ’95, of Coopwood Communications, tirelessly remain active in their respective areas of audio engineering, promoted the project.” songwriting, production, publishing, and performance. Last spring, DMI unveiled DMI Recording Studios. “It took five “Liz Davis was one of the first students to benefit from the DMI years, but it was well worth the wait,” said Putnam. and become a star,” said Putnam. “There will be many more.”

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 21 By Leroy Morganti ’93 A True States

Upon his arrival in heaven, it would be just like Charlie W. Capps Jr. to march himself up to the pearly gates and ask for some blessings on behalf of the good folks of the Delta. After all, Capps dedicated most of his life to looking after people in one way or another. He began his life of service when he took responsibility for the young men in his platoon while serving in the Pacific during World War II as a second lieutenant in the Army. As Sheriff of Bolivar County from 1964-72, he successfully kept the community peace during the height of the civil rights unrest. His son Charlie Capps III recounted to the Associated Press the story of Mr. Capps going to the preacher, who was head of the Ku Klux Klan, and saying, “If anything happens here, I’m coming straight to you and putting you in jail.” And, of course, there are his 33 years of service as a representative in the Mississippi State House championing Syndicated editorial cartoonist, Ricky Nobile, commemorated the Representative. education, mental health, veterans’ programs, and fiscal responsibility. During the second half of his tenure, in his “We will always be in his debt,” seconded President John Hilpert. powerful role of Chairman of the Appropriations committee, he Mr. Capps worked frequently with Delta State alumnus Bob Dearing ’57, somehow managed to make sure the budget was balanced for of Natchez to support the goals and needs of Delta State in the legislature, and each of his 16 years, while at the same time securing funding for a Dearing recently recalled one of their more memorable efforts. vast array of important projects. And none was more important to During the 1993 session, Dearing was chairman of the Senate subcommittee him than Delta State University. on appropriations for the universities and the lead member of the three-person “Mr. Chairman,” as he was affectionately known, had a special Senate conference committee that would negotiate the final appropriations bill place in his heart for his hometown university. He was Delta with a similar committee from the House, chaired by Capps. State’s self-appointed guardian angel with a forgiving sense of While awaiting the arrival of the House negotiating team, the senators were humor and a penchant for puffing fat cigars and cruising in his delivered a message from one of Capps’ lieutenants in the House which read “I red convertible. The university recognized his contributions by understand there is talk of giving salary raises to certain universities, and I want naming the Charles W. Capps Jr. Archives and Museum in his you to know that if Delta State is not included you can forget the whole idea.” honor in 1997 and awarding him the honorary degree of Doctor “Please tell the Chairman that I certainly don’t have any problem with that,” of Public Service upon his retirement from the legislature in 2005. Senator Dearing recalled responding at the time. One of the other two Senate Dr. Kent Wyatt ’56, a longtime friend of Capps and President conference committee members was Willie Simmons ’76, of Cleveland, and Emeritus of Delta State, said “Dr. Capps played an outstanding Senator Simmons quickly pointed out that he also favored Mr. Capps’ thinking. role in the development and growth of the university through It was a classic demonstration of Mr. Capps’ unique ability to get his point across his support as Chairman of Appropriations. His willingness in the most direct manner. to address our needs was crucial to the quality and variety of “As a result, Delta State employees received average raises of 14 percent educational opportunities Delta State was able to provide to the that year, which was the highest by far that anyone could remember,” Senator citizens of our area in carrying out its mission.” Dearing recalled. “That’s how influential Mr. Capps was.”

22 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 “Mr. Chairman” enjoys his trademark cigar in front of the capital.

While Delta State was at the top of his In addition to the archives building at Delta Department of Mental Health, and the Charles list, Chairman Capps was a strong supporter State, a wide range of facilities and services are W. Capps Jr., Entrepreneurial Center in of education at all levels and of economic named in his honor including the Charles W. Stoneville by the Mississippi State University development projects for the entire Delta area. Capps Jr., Technology Center in Indianola Extension Service. He was instrumental in the development of by Mississippi Delta Community College, Mr. Capps is survived by daughter Alinda the Mississippi Education Reform Act of 1982, the Mississippi National Guard Armory in Capps Sledge of Cleveland, chair of the Social widely considered the state’s most significant Cleveland by the Mississippi Department of Work department at Delta State, whose late piece of legislation since desegregation. He was husband Tommy was chair of the Commercial also largely responsible for the creation of the Aviation Department; daughter Margaret Governor’s School for Math and Science. Capps Allen and husband, Meredith, of Capps graduated from Cleveland High “Mr. Chairman” had a Greenwood, and son Charles W. Capps III School and attended Davidson College until special place in his heart and his wife, Cordelia, of Cleveland, and eight the outbreak of World War II when he joined grandchildren. the Army. Upon his discharge, he attended for Delta State University. A tribute to Capps by The Bolivar Ole Miss and met his future wife, Allen Hobbs Commercial newspaper staff summed up his of Greenwood. They were married 55 years legacy with this sentiment: “It seemed highly until her death in 2004, an event that Capps the Military, Charlie Capps Road by the City appropriate that the 84-year-old World War frequently said left him “incomplete.” of Cleveland, Lake Charlie Capps in Bolivar II veteran and former House Appropriations When Capps died on December 25 at County by the Mississippi Department of Chairman would die on Christmas day. He gave the age of 84 he left much evidence of his Wildlife and Fisheries, the Charles W. Capps Jr., his all to the people of this state and nation, and good work on Earth, especially in the Delta. Crisis Center in Cleveland by the Mississippi giving is what Christmas is all about.”

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 23  With the Classes Class Notes 1930s 1959 1967 1932 SULLIVAN SMITH MMarvinarvin DD.. SSullivanullivan (posthumously), of JJerryerry KK.. Smith,Smith of Leakesville, was inducted into Brookhaven, was inducted into the Delta State the 2009 Jones County Junior College Sports BUCY Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2009. Hall of Fame. RRosalieosalie VVetranoetrano BBucy,ucy of Saltillo, celebrated her 100th birthday on December 27. 1960s 1970s 1936 1960 1970 SShirleyhirley WW.. CCartlidge,artlidge of Greenville, was recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for showing dedication, leadership, and excellence in all aspects of education.

GARDNER 1971

RRuthuth GGardner,ardner of Eupora, was recognized as FRANKLIN RRayay IIshee,shee of Wesson, was inducted into the one of Delta State’s oldest living alumni. DDotot FFranklin,ranklin of Cleveland, was awarded the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Sports Hall 2009 Legacy Award in honor of founding the of Fame. Delta Belles at Delta State. 1940s DDeboraheborah Nichols,Nichols of Raymond, was honored DDr.r. WW.W..W. (Wimp)(Wimp) Nichols,Nichols of Newberry, FL, by the Hinds Community College Athletic 1941 received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Department. his work at the University of Cambridge on arterial structure and function as it relates to 1972 cardiovascular diseases.

1961 HARDIN, FOX HARDIN, MMaryary FFrancesrances FFoxox HHardin,ardin of Calhoun City, CClaudelaude FFox,ox of Charleston, and MMinnieinnie FoxFox RRichterichter ’’44,44 of Greenwood, celebrated Mary’s NOWELL 90th birthday on January 27. BBillyilly Nowell,Nowell of Cleveland, was awarded Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and inducted

CRAWFORD into the Delta State Alumni Hall of Fame Class 1950s DDr.r. GGeralderald CCrawford,rawford of Florence, was selected of 2009. as the 2009 Alumnus of the Year at Northwest 1951 Mississippi Community College. 1975 JJoeoe Floyd,Floyd of Kodiak, AK, was voted most popular “local celebrity” by online readers of 1963 the Kodiak Daily Mirror. JJamesames DonaldDonald Cooper,Cooper of Boyle, was elected to the Boyle Board of Aldermen. 1958 1966 MITCHELL HHaydenayden MMitchell,itchell of Hattiesburg, has joined The First as head of the bank’s mortgage division.

RAMAGE TELL US YOUR NEWS!

JJamesames W.W. RamageRamage Ph.D.,Ph.D. of Northport, JUNKIN We want to promote every Delta State success story. AL, recently published the book Creating JJimmyimmy Junkin,Junkin of Boerne, TX, was awarded the Please notify us of your personal and professional Therapeutic Activity Plans in Long Term Care 2009 Best CFO Lifetime Achievement Award by accomplishments by calling 662.846.4660 or Facilities: The Basic Principles. the San Antonio Business Journal. e-mail [email protected].

24 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 1976 1986 1992 DDr.r. SSteventeven Clark,Clark of Cleveland, was elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

1994 TTimim Gaines,Gaines of Memphis, TN, was named to the Board of Directors for the Insurers of

ABNEY PASS Memphis. DDavidavid AAbney,bney of Cumming, GA, was elected to CCharlesharles PPass,ass of Cleveland, received the the Board of Directors of Johnson Controls. HERO award for the month of September at 1995 Mississippi State Hospital.

1980s 1988 1980 DDavidavid DDallas,allas of Cleveland, was hired as Executive Director by the Delta Regional Medical Center Health Care Foundation of the

Tri-State Delta. ARMOUR RRobob Armour,Armour of Madison, was awarded the Kent Wyatt Young Alumnus of the Year Service 1990s Award.

GREEN 1991 DDonaldonald Green,Green of Clarksdale, was inducted DDr.r. NNealeal Suares,Suares of Greenville, obtained his into the Delta State Alumni Hall of Fame Class board certification by the American Board of of 2009. Family Medicine.

1981 RAY WWayneayne RRay,ay of Jackson, was promoted to Director of the Title Bureau at the Mississippi State Tax Commission. JONES AAlicelice Jones,Jones of Vicksburg, was nominated for 2009 Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

1984 DDr.r. JJohnohn Buchanan,Buchanan of Petal, was hired as the Superintendent of the Petal School District.

1985 KKevinevin W.W. Cox,Cox of Cleveland, was selected as the Conoco/Phillips Volunteer of the Year at the Mississippi Swimming Banquet in Jackson. GATLING CCarolinearoline Gatling,Gatling of Vicksburg, was nominated for 2009 Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 25  With the Classes

1996 2003 RRonnieonnie SSanders,anders of Greenwood, was accepted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Health Related Professions/ Occupational Therapy.

RANGE 2004 LLeses Range,Range of Jackson, was appointed Executive

DAVIS RRussellussell GGainspoletti,ainspoletti of Cleveland, completed Director of the Mississippi Department of his CPA exam, and is employed with PPatrickatrick Davis,Davis of Greenville, is a State Farm Employment Security by Governor Haley Agent in Cleveland. Gainspoletti Financial Services, Inc. Barbour. JJamieamie HHudson,udson of Yazoo City, was elected 2001 President of the Junior Auxiliary of Yazoo City. Her business, Tickled Pink, was named Salon of the Year for the fifth consecutive year. GREEN MMartiarti SShannonhannon Green,Green of Olive Branch, is a property manager with Prologis Industrial CUMMINGS JJoeyoey CCummings,ummings of Yazoo City, has been Property Company of Memphis. appointed President of American Samoa

Chamber of Commerce in Pago Pago, MATTHEWS American Samoa. DDraperraper MMatthews,atthews of Richmond, VA, was promoted to Media Planner at The Martin Agency.

2005 SMITH KKathyathy JacksonJackson Smith,Smith of Flowood, was elected to the Flowood City Council. UMFRESS JJasonason UUmfress,mfress of Central, SC, was hired as 1998 Dean of Students at Coker College. GOLDING KKathleenathleen Walker,Walker of Somerville, TN is the owner PPeteete Golding,Golding of Hammond, LA, has been of Tennessee Pewter. named the new Defensive Coordinator for the Delta State Statesmen. 2002

YOUNG 2006 CCynthiaynthia YYoung,oung of Chicago, IL, was promoted EEvanvan Bosworth,Bosworth of Branson, MO is the featured to Director of the Center for Working Women vocalist on the Navigator Regent Seven Seas at Housing Opportunities for Women. Cruise Line.

SShanehane Fletcher,Fletcher of Pearl, was named officer of 2000s EDDLEMAN the month by the Pearl Chamber of Commerce SStephanietephanie M.M. Eddleman,Eddleman, ofo Searcy, AR, was for the month of December. 2000 awarded a PhD in English from the University MMartyarty BBrantley,rantley of New Orleans, LA, is the of Mississippi, and was promoted to Assistant Marketing Manager for Tommy Crane Real Professor of English at Harding University. Estate Group, Inc. in New Orleans, LA.

DDr.r. HHeathereather HHawthorne,awthorne MD,MD of Hoover, AL, completed her residency in Internal Medicine/

Pediatrics and has begun a Fellowship in WALDROP Pediatric Hematology/Oncology the University of Alabama at Birmingham. PP.J..J. Waldrop,Waldrop of Washington, DC, is the

WHITEHEAD Agriculture Legislative Assistant on Senator DDavidavid WWhitehead,hitehead of Hernando, has accepted Thad Cochran’s staff. the position of Breast Care Specialist with Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a division of Johnson and Johnson.

26 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 2007 PATE

KINNISON BBradyrady Pate,Pate of Cleveland, was hired as Assistant MMaryary CClairelaire KKinnison,innison of Jackson, was hired as Director of Morrison Health Care Food Services a scholastic and sports marketing specialist by at Delta Regional Medical Center. Cellular South. 2009 PETTY HARLOW CCaseyasey HHarlow,arlow of Grenada, has been hired DDr.r. DDebraebra PPetty,etty of Bruce, co-owner and as a recruiter for the Greater Jackson Area by founder of Kid’s Rainbow Daycare, was Delta State University. presented with an “excellence award” at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream RUSSELL TTreyrey RRussell,ussell of Flowood, was hired as an TUCKER investment advisor representative by Blackstone Banquet. Financial Group, LLC.

PPamelaamela D.D. Tucker,Tucker of Beulah, completed her MA in Teaching and Learning with Technology Attended from Ashford University in Clinton, IA. She also accepted a position as math specialist at Coahoma Community College and was recognized last year as teacher of the year for West Bolivar High School by the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. BIESEMEYER

RRyanyan BBiesemeyer,iesemeyer of Claremore, OK, was named graduate assistant for the University of Hawaii football team. BATCHELOR

2008 SStephanietephanie Batchelor,Batchelor of Cleveland, was named teacher of the year at Walter C. Robinson

Achievement Center in Cleveland. WIGGINS DDe’Lishae’Lisha WWiggins,iggins of Vicksburg, was crowned SStephentephen Bush,Bush of Greenville, was appointed to Miss Vicksburg 2010. the position of Director of Bands at Washington School in Greenville.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 27  With the Classes

Baby Statesmen All dates are in 2009 unless otherwise noted.

Owen Daniel to M/M Daniel Bailey (MMarthaartha Cole Alan to M/M TTyleryler LLindseyindsey (AAttended)ttended (HHollyolly MMargaretargaret PPerkinserkins ’’02),02 of Brandon, on June 24. CCordonordon ’’03),03 of Bartlett, TN, on October 23.

Shelby Neal to M/M Anthony Berryhill (JJenniferennifer Avery Kate to M/M SStephentephen LintonLinton ’02’02 (VVictoriaictoria GGilderilder ’03),’03 of Olive Branch, on August 7. PPerkinserkins ’’02),02 of Panama City, FL, on October 22. LUCIANO COCHRAN James Davis to M/M Nathan Blevins (CCourtneyourtney Landon Thomas to M/M ThomasThomas BartBart LoperLoper ’02’02 LLangeange ’05),’05 of Bristol, TN, on September 7. (AAlisonlison IngramIngram ’00),’00 of Greenville, on October 21.

Kash Alton to M/M KKeitheith BooneBoone ’00’00 (AAngelangela Olivia Catherine to M/M JJohnohn LucadoLucado (AAttended)ttended AArmstrongrmstrong ’02),’02 of Burleston, TX, on December 19. (MMaggieaggie KrayerKrayer ’00),’00 of Hernando, on April 16. COOPER MAXWELL Will Carter to M/M Jeremy Cochran (MMariearie Joshua Co to M/M AArnoldrnold LucianoLuciano ’95’95 (RRuthuth AAnnnn CCochranochran ’04),’04 of Canton, GA, on May 22. LLopezopez ’02),’02 of Cleveland, on September 9.

Olivia Sue to M/M HHaysays CCollinsollins ’’0404 (BBrookerooke Harper Caroline to M/M RRonon MMaxwellaxwell ’05’05 (RRebeccaebecca RRutledgeutledge ’04),’04 of Jackson, on January 29, 2010. BBaileyailey ’06),’06 of Olive Branch, on September 16. DOHERTY McCAIN Mae Grace to M/M DDanielaniel CCooperooper ’01’01 (MMaryary James Thomas to M/M NNickick McCainMcCain ’03’03 (KKatieatie GGastonaston ’’02),02 of Macon, GA, on June 10. PPercoskiercoski ’04),’04 of Olive Branch, on July 11.

Addison Claire to M/M SSeanean DohertyDoherty (AAttended)ttended Nathan Lee to M/M Trey McClain (KKristyristy SSheedyheedy ’’04),04 (LLanaana SmithSmith ’96),’96 of Cleveland, on March 9. of Cleveland, on April 28. ENGLAND McCLAIN Michael and Morgan to M/M Robert Edwards (JJaneane Conner Ashton to M/M DDavinavin PParkerarker (AAttended)ttended CClarelare LLylesyles ’’07),07 of Cleveland, on October 8. (JJenniferennifer McGaughMcGaugh ’’03),03 of Jackson, on September 13. Robbye Eloise to M/M RRyanyan EEnglandngland ’02’02 (RRobbyeobbye GGriffinriffin ’’00),00 of Southaven, on September 18. Aiden Noel to M/M DDavidavid WWilliamilliam PPeacockeacock ’02’02 (KKristyristy TThorntonhornton ’00),’00 of Olive Branch, on July 2. HARRIS PURVIS Tinsley Carlisle to M/M DavidDavid FFerriserris ’’0404 (SSidneyidney DDavis,avis AAttended),ttended of Nashville, TN, on September 3. Austin Reese to M/M DDanan PPurvisurvis ’’0202 (LLeigheigh AnnAnn AkersAkers ’’00),00 of Pineville, LA, on July 1. Miriam Taylor to Dr/M RRandallandall MatthewMatthew GriersonGrierson ’’0000 (JJenniferennifer HengstHengst ’’04),04 of Cleveland, on Warren Asher to M/M TTreyrey RayburnRayburn ’’0101 (KKatieatie BorenBoren September 10. ’’00),00 of Laurel, on December 19. HERBISON RAYBURN

Olivia Elizabeth to M/M TToddodd HairstonHairston ’02’02 (LLaceyacey Adam Walker and Blake Russell to M/M Michael Simi WWalker,alker, ’02),’02 of Gulfport, on July 7. (SShellyhelly SSnydernyder ’’89),89 of Crowder, on July 30.

Henry Preston to M/M BBrianrian P.P. HarrisHarris ’’9696 (Meg Ethan Larkin to M/M LLarkinarkin SimpsonSimpson ’02’02 (RRebekahebekah Nowell), of Collierville, TN, on November 3. BBrooksrooks ’03),’03 of Diamondhead, on August 3. JACKS SIMI

Andrew “Easton” to M/M GGaryary NNealeal Hayes,Hayes, JJrr ’’0505 Paisley Juliet to M/M BuckBuck SmithSmith ’97’97 (RRileyannileyann SSmithmith (Susan Hutcheson), of Horn Lake, on July 13. ’’95),95 of Cleveland, on June 17.

Riley Elizabeth to M/M BillyBilly JoJo HerbisonHerbison (AAttended)ttended Joel Morgan to M/M JJefferyeffery MMorganorgan SSpringfieldpringfield ’’0101 (NNikkiikki KyleKyle ’97),’97 of Cleveland, on December 21. (JJessicaessica RRoseose ’’00),00 of Madison, on April 16. LIGHTSEY SIMPSON

Brian Hudson Jacks to M/M BBrianrian JacksJacks ’03’03 Landon Cade to M/M Bobby Watson (DDebraebra WWillisillis (CCourtneyourtney HHudsonudson ’’03),03 of Memphis, TN, on ’’02),02 of Meridian, on October 7. September 3. Emma Riley to M/M Joshua Webb (RRachelachel FitzgeraldFitzgerald John Braxton to M/M Jonathan Jones (JJaymeayme ’’03),03 of Bartlett, TN, on August 7. LINTON GGordonordon ’07),’07 of Batesville, on May 18. WEBB Reeves Shelton to M/M DDavidavid WWhiteheadhitehead ’’0202 (SStaceytacey Easton Bradford to M/M BBradrad LightseyLightsey ’05’05 (KKerryerry GGoffoff ’’02),02 of Hernando, on January 1, 2010. SSandersanders ’’07),07 of Batesville, on October 9. Alex Henry to M/M JJerryerry WWhittingtonhittington ’’9797 (Elizabeth Whittington), of Flower Mound, TX, on November 20. LOPER WHITEHEAD

28 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 Wedding Bells All dates are in 2009 unless otherwise noted.

MMorganorgan NailNail ’09’09 to LLukeuke AndrewsAndrews ’09,’09 of NNatalieatalie PickardPickard ’08’08 to TTiffanyiffany OO’Neal’Neal ’’0909 to Latroy Johnson, of Cleveland, on December 12. DDarrenarren HHardestyardesty ’’09,09 of Greenwood, on October 10. Cleveland, on December SSaraharah DeasonDeason ’’0707 to 12. SSaraharah OOssosso ’’0000 to Laird McMahen, of Jackson, AAndrewndrew BrighamBrigham AylwardAylward on September 12.

(AAttended)ttended of Cleveland, PICKARD-HARDESTY on November 28. Molly Wyer to RReeveseeves SmithSmith ’04,’04 of San Diego, SShannonhannon LynnLynn McGuffieMcGuffie CA, on December 19.

DEASON-AYLWARD ’’0808 to MMatthewatthew AArnoldrnold JJunkinunkin ’’09,09 of Madison, NNataylaatayla PPittsitts ’’0505 to BBroderickroderick ThomasThomas ’08,’08 of KKerieri BennettBennett (AAttended)ttended to DDrewrew BBarhamarham ’09,’09 of on October 10. Shaw, on October 17. Cleveland, on December 19.

MCGUFFIE-JUNKIN GGinnyinny WWaltersalters ’’0606 to CCaseyasey BBourgoyneourgoyne ’’0202 Tyler Dixon, of Oxford, to Jeff Charles, of Christi Coleman to JJustinustin on June 6. Cleveland, on August 1. KKellyelly ’06,’06 of Brandon, on November 21.

WALTERS-DIXON

BOURGOYNE-CHARLES KELLY-COLEMAN Tasha Reed to VVerniceernice KKimberlyimberly HuffmanHuffman ’’0303 to EEugeneugene BrownBrown ’05,’05 of WWhitehite ’04,’04 of Beloit, WI, Cleveland, on October 17. HHattieattie FFrankrank BBourneourne ’07’07 to MMichaelichael JosephJoseph on August 22. MMaloneyaloney ’’08,08 of Cleveland, on June 13. AAshleyshley AAllenllen ’09’09 to

AAndrewndrew CocilovaCocilova ’08,’08 of Elizabeth Lane Hunter WHITE-REED Flowood, on October 3. to WWilliamilliam LeeLee MathewsMathews ’’72,72 of Vicksburg, on October 25.

ALLEN-COCILOVA MATHEWS-HUNTER KKathrynathryn AAnnnn PhelpsPhelps ’05’05 to CCharlesharles LLeeee DannaDanna ’’07,07 of Rosedale, on December 5.

TTrudyrudy FFountainountain ’’8888 to Derrell R. James, of Argyle, TX, on May 30.

JAMES-FOUNTAIN

CCarolynarolyn MMariearie GGardnerardner ’’0808 to Garrett Wong, of Olive Branch, on July 25.

Jean Marie Manning, to DDustinustin GGuleyuley ’’07,07 of Columbus, on October 3.

MANNING-GULEY

MMaryary FFrancesrances HHaagaaaga ’’0000 to Andrew Michael Strehlow, of Brandon, on October 25.

HAAGA-STREHLOW

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 29  With the Classes

In Memoriam All deaths occured in 2009 unless otherwise noted.

JJoshuaoshua KKalilalil Abide,Abide AAttended,ttended of Cleveland, on LLaurenauren N.N. Ferguson,Ferguson AAttended,ttended of Avon, on JJeanean C.C. MoroMoro ’69,’69 of Lawrenceville, GA, on November 15. October 12. October 11.

WWalteralter L.L. BoswellBoswell ’88,’88 of Greenwood, on VVelmaelma C.C. FlyFly ’’35,35 of McComb, on November CClaudelaude AA.. PentecostPentecost ’96,’96 of Cleveland, on December 30. 7. January 13, 2010.

MMargaretargaret LL.. BrokawBrokaw ’47,’47 of Kansas City, MO, PPatat GilbertGilbert ’88,’88 of Water Valley, on January 9, NNellell JonesJones PittsPitts ’43,’43 of Cleveland, on January on November 15. 2010. 29, 2010.

DDr.r. BBenen H.H. Buchanan,Buchanan AAttended,ttended of Tupelo, on AAnnenne C.C. GramlingGramling ’70,’70 of Merigold, on TThelmahelma C.C. PleasantPleasant ’35,’35 of Roswell, GA, on October 4. November 14. November 5.

CCharlesharles RR.. BBurnetturnett ’’51,51 of Chattanooga, TN, on BBennettennett D.D. HardinHardin ’33,’33 of Vicksburg, on GGertrudeertrude FFowlerowler RRatliffatliff ’’71,71 of Hattiesburg, on December 13. October 31. January 24, 2010.

CCharlieharlie WW.. CCapps,apps JJr.,r. FFriend,riend of Cleveland, on JJohnstonohnston LamarLamar Hobgood,Hobgood AAttended,ttended of TTroyroy A.A. RicksRicks ’41,’41 of Jackson, on January 13, December 25. Columbia, on January 4, 2010. 2010.

MMargaretargaret BB.. CochranCochran ’82,’82 of Greenwood, on GGlorialoria KK.. Hoffman,Hoffman AAttended,ttended of Greenwood, ZZulaula SaffordSafford ’’54,54 of Carrollton, on January 7, December 2. on September 2. 2010.

SSaraharah E.E. Criss,Criss FFriend,riend of Greenwood, on LLarryarry JJacksonackson ’’76,76 of Clarksdale, on November SShedrickhedrick J.J. StoutStout ’85,’85, of Mound Bayou, on September 11. 25. December 31.

JJohnohn “Dog”“Dog” Daggett,Daggett FFriend,riend of Birmingham, RRosamondosamond L.L. KillebrewKillebrew ’36,’36 of Baton Rouge, MMarthaartha MM.. TTiptonipton ’41,’41 of Cleveland, on AL, on November 23. LA, on November 20. November 29.

WWilsonilson Davis,Davis PProfessorrofessor EEmeritus,meritus of Mobile, JJerrellerrell D.D. LynchardLynchard ’’63,63 of Milton, FL, on MMichaelichael VincentVincent ’66,’66 of Madden, on November AL, on September 19. January 18, 2010. 19.

LLoisois ThomasThomas DenningtonDennington ’71,’71 of Pine Bluff, AR, BBillyilly JoeJoe McCainMcCain ’83,’83 of Cleveland, on KKatherineatherine Williams,Williams AAttended,ttended of Cleveland, on on January 22, 2010. September 28. November 17.

RRobertobert L.L. DowDow ’73,’73 of Ridgeland, on December EElizabethlizabeth H.H. MillsMills ’’41,41 of Darling, on August 9. 30.

WWilliamilliam TonyTony WilsonWilson 1941 – 2010

William Tony Wilson, 69, of Cleveland, passed away on February 10, 2010. Professor Wilson was a 1958 graduate of Rosedale High School and graduated from Delta State University in 1962 with four year honors. He was a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Cost Accountant, Certified Cost Estimator Analyst, and Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA) and was also an ordained minister. He was an assistant professor of accounting at Delta State for 30 years until his retirement in December, 2009. He was presented the S.E. Kossman Outstanding Faculty Award in 1996.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Woodrow Wilson; his stepfather, Charlie Stembridge; a sister, Betty Stembridge Hamilton; and brother, Van Wilson. Survivors include his mother, Rosa Belle Jenkins Stembridge of Cleveland; his wife, Nancy Wilson of Cleveland; a son, Billy Roy Wilson of Oklahoma; daughter, Rose Ann King of Cleveland; two brothers, Leonard Wilson and Billy Wilson, both of Missouri; two sisters, Peggy Stembridge Mengarelli of Shelby and Barbara Wilson of Missouri; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

30 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 MILESMILES AWAYAWAY Where has the road taken you? Share your travels with us. Let us see where you’re reading the Delta State alumni magazine. E-mail your photos to [email protected].

1 Miles Away 5,4325 Miles Away 23123 Miles Away ig Jo Gary Byrd ’77 and Sara Steve Jones ’72, enjoying a snowy OO`Neill Trotter ’61 at wine farm day in Bogue Chitto. “Kastanienhof”“ on the Rhine in BBodenheim, Germany.

11,270,2 Miles Away 70 Miles Away Jason Umfress ’01, visiting Honduras.

2,172 Miles Away Marilyn Wilson Bridges 11,587,587 MMilesiles AAwayway ’92 visiting Villa De Donnie House ’99, Patrickk Leyva, a town outside House ’04, and Bradley of Bogota, Colombia. House (Attended) in Costa Rica.

11,432,432 MilesMiles AAwayway Dave Heflin, Tony Scarborough, and 7,000 Miles AAway Richard Myers (Professors Tajuan Johnsonh n ’02, Eugene McClure ’00, Jay Emeritus) at the Mayan Patton ’03, Robert Whitten ’06 in northern Iraq Ruins in Cozumel, on the Operating Base. Jason Cumberland Mexico. ’96, right, in northern Iraq serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 31  Alumni Happenings

Liz Parker ’55, Janiell Stutts ’55, Bryce Griffis Alice Sullivan Pharis ’58, Jimmie Beth Cannon Russ Russell ’77, Donald Green ’80, John ’54, and Janice Wyatt ’56 at the Golden Circle ’60, Annette Reagh Olsen ’59, and Carol Lewis Alexander ’77, and Mickey Robinson ’85 at the reunion during Homecoming 2009. Dean ’59 tour the Delta Music Institute. National Alumni Presidents’ Luncheon.

Worth Steen ’88, David Norquist ’89, Lance Roni Rogers ’95, Salli Scott Young ’94, and Jena Leah Mann Thornton ’48, Jo Beth Janoush ’48, Dalton ’88, Brad Evans ’87, and Mike Ainsworth Maclin Pope ’96 at the Memphis Alumni Meeting. and Jane Dunlap ’49 at the Golden Circle ’94 at Homecoming 2009. reunion during Homecoming 2009.

Kathy Graning ’82, April McDonnell ’06, Derrick Charles Nored ’77, Ann Nored ’78, Sterling Eddie Wilson ’77, Shirley Turner ’73, and Jay McDonnell ’05, and Basketball Coach Jason Falker ’92, and Lisa Mitchell (attended) at the Turner ’74 at the Memphis Alumni Meeting. Conner ’89 at the Natchez Alumni Meeting. Nashville Alumni Meeting.

Kanayo Ugboaja ’99, Vicki Fioranelli ’68, and Billy Nowell ’72, Donald Green ’80, and Karen Austin Starnes ’05, Jamie Bailey ’03, Drue Jason Fox ’99 at the Nashville Alumni Meeting. Sullivan ’64 at the 2009 Homecoming Awards Howarth ’92, and Jon Bragg ’04 are new officers and Business Luncheon. for the DeSoto County Alumni Chapter.

Sylvia Ferguson ’62, Dot Franklin ’60, John Director of Alumni Affairs Jeffrey Farris ’04, Bob Dearing ’57, Kimberly Kilpatrick ’02, Robin Polk (Friend), Bob Ferguson ’62, and Rob Paula Cwikiel, and Director Emeritus of Alumni Wilbourn Lee ’90, Dorothy Prestwich ’97, and Armour ’95 are the 2009 Alumni Service Affairs Vicki Fioranelli ’68 at the Memphis Jackie Thigpen ’93 are recognized by the Award winners. Alumni Meeting. College of Education.

32 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2010 2010 Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute Camp Dates

MSAI Non-Residential Camp (ages 13-18) | June 21-July 2, 2010 MSAI PLUS (ages 5-12) | July 12-17, 2010 Contact information: P.O. Box 3213 Cleveland, MS 38733 | 662-846-4844 [email protected]

MSAI Delta Music Institute (ages 15-18) | July 12-17, 2010 DMI contact information: P.O. Box 3114 Cleveland, MS 38733 | 662-846-4579 [email protected] or [email protected]

Janice Wyatt Summer Arts Institute

The Janice Wyatt Mississippi Summer Arts Institute (MSAI) was established in 1998 with the dream of becoming a regional model for excellence in arts education. The goal of MSAI is to encourage promising artists, ages 5-18, to begin or continue their pursuits in the arts, while allowing them to immerse themselves in a variety of art forms.

Spring 2010 • Delta State Magazine • 33 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Burlington, VT Permit No. 19 DSU Box 3104 1003 West Sunflower Road Cleveland, MS 38733

Find out more at www.deltastate.edu DON’TDON’T MISSMISS HOMECOMINGHOMECOMING 20102010