DeltaDelta StateStateSPRING 2009 THE MAGAZINEGAZINE FFOROR DELTA SSTATETA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

THE ROAD TO WASHINGTON Alumni make their mark on Capitol Hill With a student to teacher ratio of fourteen to one, Delta State’s small class sizes ensure students don’t get lost in the crowd.

COMMUNITY OF SCHOLARS

Everything a student needs is ready and waiting.

Delta State offers a wide range of majors to meet any aspiration. Students can push the frontier of technology, make a difference as a community organizer, or save lives as a registered nurse. Do you 1.800.GO.TO.DSU www.deltastate.edu know an aspiring scholar? Recommend Delta State today! joininstandout.deltastate.edu X Contents Spring 2009

FEATURES Alumni Magazine 16 TTHEHE ARTART OFOF SEEINGSEEING President...... Dr. John Hilpert Sammy Britt’s artistic vision Alumni Magazine Advisory Board:

Editor ...... Dr. Michelle Roberts

Managing Editor ...... Michael Gann

Alumni Board Representative ...... John Cox

Alumni Representative ...... Edward Pope

Foundation Board Representative ...... Billy Nowell

Academic Council Representative ...... Jeff Slagell

Staff Council Representative ...... Deborah Moore

Alumni, Department Editor ...... Jeffrey Farris

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

Executive Director, Alumni-Foundation ... Keith Fulcher 16 Board of Directors Artist Sammy Britt Delta State University Alumni Association: in his studio. John Cox, President; George Bassi, President Elect; Serena Clark, Secretary/Treasurer; Daye Dearing, Past President; Judson Thigpen, Foundation President; Michael Aguzzi, Rob Armour, Drew Barham, Billy Dorgan, Ryan England, Sayward Fortner, Laura Howarth, Felecia Lee, Dr. Wayne Lee, Jr., Mary Luther, 18 CCAPITOLAPITOL CACARREERSEERS Richard Myers, Cary New, Jeremy Pittman, Russ Russell, Karen Swain, Sarah Tapley, Walter Trevathan, Alumni make their mark in Washington Dwaun Warmack, Dana Warrington, Lynn Weaver

Board of Directors Delta State University Foundation, Inc.: 22 TTAKINGAKING ITIT TOTO THETHE EXTREMEEXTREME Judson Thigpen, President; Mike Neyman, Vice President; Anne Weissinger, Secretary/Treasurer; Frank Former Delta State tennis stars share adventure Sibley, Past President; John Cox, Alumni President; David Abney, Dr. Bill Alford, Louis Baioni, Hunter in endurance races Cade, Jeff Ross Capwell, Glen Casanova, Dr. Steven Clark, Scott Coopwood, Kevin Cox, John Crawford, Carl Easley, Webster Franklin, Bryce Griffis, Mark Hargett, Earnest Hart, Tim Harvey, Tom Janoush, Peter Jernberg, Gloria Johnson, Ed Kossman, Jr., Rex Lyon, Ned Mitchell, Billy Nowell, Pete Peden, Carol Puckett, Nan Sanders, Charlotte Smith, Gwen Sykes, Jeff DEPARTMENTS Tarver, Dr. Lynn Varner, Brian Waldrop, Jeanne Walker, Margaret Walker, Dr. David Webber 2 President’s Message 8 Athletics The Delta State Magazine is published by the Vice President for University Relations, DSU Box A-1, 1003 West Sunflower Road 3 Alumni Message 12 Development Cleveland, Mississippi 38733 E-Mail: [email protected] Phone: 662.846.4000 4 Campus Briefs 24 With the Classes

Design: Laura F. Walker, Department of Communications and Marketing

On the cover: The Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Photo by Russ Fortson. Note: In an effort to reduce our environmental impact, only one magazine per household is mailed.

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 1 X President’s Message

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Delta State is fortunate to have a strong and active alumni association with a long history of supporting the university’s faculty, students, and programs. We pay tribute and express appreciation to those who manage the affairs of the organization as members of the Alumni Board. Below is a list of those who serve. The information includes name, year of baccalaureate graduation, current career position, and community of residence (Mississippi unless otherwise indicated). It is an impressive group.

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD • President: John Cox (’96), Attorney, Cox and Moore, Cleveland • President Elect: George Bassi (’87), Executive Director, Lauren Rodgers Museum, Laurel • Past President: Daye Dearing (’85), Director of Internships and Grants, School of Business, Alcorn State University, Natchez • Secretary: Serena Clark (’97), Chief Policy Analyst for Governor Haley Barbour, Office of Recovery and Renewal, Madison

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD • Michael Aguzzi (’97), Farmer, Cleveland • Cary New (’98), Communications Manager, Viking Range • Rob Armour (’95), First Vice President of Marketing, Trustmark Corporation, Collierville, TN Bank in Jackson, Madison • Jeremy Pittman (’03), Instructor, Coahoma Community • Drew Barham (current student), President, Student Government College, Cleveland Association, Cleveland • Russ Russell (’77), Attorney, Jackson • Billy Dorgan (’02), Owner, Krispy Kreme, Hattiesburg • Karen Swain (’01), Special Agent Auditor, Clarksdale • Ryan England (’02), Agent, State Farm Insurance, Southhaven • Sarah Tapley (’54), Teacher (retired), Cleveland • Sayward Fortner (’04), Attorney, Griffith and Griffith, Cleveland • Judson Thigpen (’78), Executive Director, Cleveland-Bolivar • Laura Howarth (current student), President, Student Alumni County Chamber of Commerce, Cleveland Association, Cleveland • Walter Trevathan, II (’97), Pilot, Pinnacle Airlines, Collierville, • Felecia Lee (’01), Art Teacher, Pearl High School, Brandon TN • Wayne Lee (’57), Professor, Delta State, Cleveland • Dwaun Warmack (’99), Associate Dean of Students, Rhodes • Mary Luther (’06), Surgical Nurse, Delta Regional Medical College, Memphis, TN Center, Pickens • Dana Warrington (’91), Homemaker, Greenville • Richard Myers (’91), Partner, Stites and Harbison PLLC in • Lynn Weaver (’97), Music Teacher, Petal High School, Raymond Nashville, Brentwood, TN

Each year Delta State alumni meet at locations throughout Mississippi and in several other states. They enjoy networking opportunities and visiting about the good old days; but, the serious work of generating support for the university is always high on the list of priorities. Members of the Alumni Board are instrumental in creating these events. They consistently achieve wonderful results in terms of attendance and support. Successes are no surprise because these folks are always conscientious in overseeing the activities of the Delta State University Alumni Association and in building the organization toward an even more positive future. We are tremendously grateful to all who serve and all who give. Thank you.

Sincerely,

John M. Hilpert President

2 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 X Alumni Message

Dear Alumni and Friends:

Greetings from the Delta! As I write this letter, your University is back in full swing, with the students, faculty, and staff beginning the spring semester. Wonderful shows are being planned at the Bologna Performing Arts Center, and our students are settling back into the routine of academic life. The Statesmen and Lady Statesmen are heating up the hardwood in Walter Sillers Coliseum, and our spring sports are already preparing for another great year. Your Alumni Association is no different. Our Alumni Director, Jeffrey Farris, and his wonderful staff are busy planning new and exciting events for our alumni and friends. Chapter meetings in Washington County, Bolivar County, Jackson, and Atlanta are already in the works, and this year, we have decided to add a chapter meeting in the District of Columbia to recognize the alumni and friends who have migrated to our nation’s capital. This summer, we will once again make the pilgrimage to New York City for the Mississippi in Central Park picnic, as well as host many other chapter meetings and special events. It is an exciting time in the Alumni Association, and if you would like to participate, then please give the Alumni Office a call at (662) 846-4660 or email [email protected]. We would love to have your input, and I do hope that you will take an active role in your Alumni Association. When I was given the tremendous honor of presiding over the Alumni Association last fall, I knew that it was imperative that we continue to move the Association forward through new and innovative ideas. To that end, your Alumni Board of Directors has dedicated itself to serving as your “voice,” and will do everything within its power to further our fine tradition of excellence. Please take a moment to look at the Alumni Board of Directors listed on the Table of Contents page of this issue. These fine men and women are your representatives, and I encourage you to thank them for their service, as well as challenge them to work as hard as possible to better our fine University. Lastly, on a personal note, let me thank you for allowing me to serve as your National Alumni President. When I see the names of the past Presidents of the Alumni Association, I do not feel worthy to follow in their footsteps. It seems like only yesterday that I was a freshman English major who could not figure out the exit doors of the H.L. Nowell Student Union. But time has flown by, and I am honored to serve my fellow alumni. I look forward to seeing you at our local chapter meetings, special events, or just back on our Cleveland campus very soon!

With warmest regards, I am sincerely yours,

John C. Cox ’96 National Alumni Association President

SEPTEMBER 18 & 19 Join us for Pig Pickin’ 2009! Check the website for more information at www.deltastate.edu XCampus Briefs Celebrating Campus Diversity

Delta State currently enrolls 76 a variety of lectures, performances, and oral history holdings at Delta State’s Archives international students representing 15 workshops. The week-long event concluded and Museum researching his third book countries and serves the most diverse student with a concert. HeartBEAT Afrika is a fusion of Chopsticks in the Land of Cotton. population of any of Mississippi’s public traditional African percussion with a modern universities. Such diversity offers a unique live band rhythm. Dialogue with Officials opportunity for the Delta State community Their interactive » Delta State University’s Black Alumni to experience a myriad of cultural events and performance is a Constituent Group sponsored its Third programming. In celebrating this diversity, musical celebration of Annual Dialogue with University Officials the university hosts numerous cultural events the African-American which was held during Homecoming. Alumni throughout the year bringing in nationally experience. have the opportunity to talk with university prominent speakers and performance groups. administrators to learn more about the steps Chinese in the Delta State University has taken to become the Delta best regional university in America. » Noted author, Dr. John Jung, kicked off a week-long research tour of the Delta with a lecture in Jobe Hall auditorium on Sept. 7. Jung’s books Jeremy Pittman (’03), Southern Fried Rice: Life in a Chinese President of Laundry in the Deep South and Chinese the Black Laundries: Tickets to Survival on Gold Alumni HeartBEAT Afrika Constituency » HeartBEAT Afrika, a three-member Mountain reflect how being a Chinese family Group, talks with Alumni performing arts ensemble, visited the campus in the South affected his parents and family Director, of Delta State University Nov. 3-7 presenting before the civil rights era. Jung accessed the Jeffrey Farris.

Courtesy of the Bolivar Commercial

4 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 Miriam C. Davis, Alma Mater on Record NEWSMAKERS Delta State University Golden Circle members gather around the microphone in the Delta Music Institute (DMI) as they prepare to Miriam C. Davis, sing the Delta State Alma Mater. The “Golden Circle” includes all professor of History at alumni who graduated (or attended) 50 years ago or more. “What Delta State University, a wonderful memoryryy the prestigious has returned from a ‘Golden Circle’ groupouup mademade duringduring British speaking tour Homecoming 2008.8.. TheThe group promoting her new experienced firsthandnd what book, Dame Kathleen Kenyon: Digging Up the Holy Land. the DMI has to offer,”r,” The book is a biography of one of the stated Alumni Directorcttor greatest female archeologists of the Jeffrey Farris. As partarrt 20th century and has received national of Homecoming attention and rave reviews. activities, the DMI held an open John M. Hilpert, house to show president of Delta off the new State University, recording studios was elected to the recently installed prestigious post of in Whitfield vice chair of the Gymnasium. Commission on Colleges for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The thirteen-member council is the executive arm of the John Merrill Lectureship Opens commission with primary responsibility for interpreting commission policy and Associated Press procedure. Political Reporter, Emily Wagster Pettus, delivered Tyrone Jackson Delta State University’s (’94), former interim first John Merrill Lecture dean of Graduate and on Nov. 19, in the H.L. Continuing Studies at Nowell Union Building. Delta State University, The lectureship accepted a position as associate vice honors outstanding president for Student working Mississippi Services and Enrollment Management journalists and was at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community made possible through College. the generosity of Dr. Emily Wagster Pettus (center) speaks with Delta State students Mary John Merrill, Delta State Beth Johnson (left) and Jessica Veazey, both of Olive Branch. Ron Koehler, University Class of 1949. professor and chair A Mississippi journalist and public affairs is dominated by men, Pettus encouraged of the Department of Art at Delta analyst, Pettus covers the state legislature women to be more active in politics. She State University, for the AP and has worked in a variety of also encouraged the journalism students in was awarded the journalistic capacities in her two decades of attendance to get their degrees and work in Mississippi Humanities experience. Mississippi. Council’s 2008 “Covering the legislature has given me The John Merrill Lecture was established Teacher of the Year Award. His work the opportunity to meet some outstanding to bring working journalists to speak to has been displayed in over 600 individuals and colorful characters,” said campus classes. Dr. Merrill, a legendary exhibitions and has received over 60 Pettus. journalism educator and author, is Professor awards. Noting that Mississippi government Emeritus at the University of Missouri.

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 5 X Campus Briefs

ey alumni, idhhey y alumni,ou know? didddid youyou did you know?know? know... know Delta State’s GIT department helped Paul Ott, nationally secure President Obama’s inauguration? known folk singer and wildlife conservationist, In November, the Delta State University Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information Technology has ties to Delta State? was called upon by the federal government to team with the U.S. Marine Corps, U. S. Geological Ott’s father, Paul Holland of Survey, Tele Atlas, and TerraGo Technologies to Hollandale, an outstanding help secure then President-elect Barack athlete for Delta State, met Obama’s inauguration ceremonies did you know... his mother, Harriet Hull Ott, by creating a detailed of Osyka, while both were mapping of the Washington, students at then Delta State D.C. area to aid responders Teachers College in 1929. in the event of a disaster. As Paul Ott currently hosts “Listen a result, the staff compiled a to the Eagle,” a 754-page atlas that was used weekly syndicated by the F.B.I., Secret Service, “God, family, and emergency responders to country” radio and secure the entire beltway area television show for the January 2009 event. dedicated to hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors of the south. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class George Trian/Released

A Delta State alumnus helped invent T-ball? did you know... Dr. Clyde Muse (’52), president of Hinds Community A peanut and catfish College, is one of several people credited with coming up have something in common? with the sport that is now enjoyed every summer by boys and girls across the country. In 1961, Muse was Experience the fun when you read the looking for a way for younger players, who children’s books Charlie the Peanut and Sorry, had not developed enough skills yet to Charlie. The readers will be taken on a journey throw or hit a pitched ball, to get into through the eyes of a peanut and a catfish. Keath did you know... the game of baseball. As a result, Muse (current student) and Alyssa Killebrew ’06, author developed a t-ball kit which consisted of Charlie the Peanut and Sonya Swafford ’86, of a wooden block, a metal plumber’s author of Sorry, Charlie graduated from Delta State pipe, and a radiator hose that could University. The two children’s books have many be adjusted to match the child’s height, similarities, sharing the main character ‘Charlie’ usually waist high. The ball would then sit and life in the Delta. The Killebrew’s book is a on top of the pipe so the child could have mixture of Alyssa’s experience working as a a swing at the ball. T-ball quickly grew in counselor with children and from a dream that popularity. Although Muse never patented Keath had in the middle of peanut planting Illustration by Chris Jenkins his invention, he still finds satisfaction season. The idea for the book Sorry, Charlie came in knowing that children all over the about by observing a playful catfish while visiting the nation have learned the coordination and Tunica Riverpark Museum. teamwork skills to play America’s favorite pastime through his creation.

6 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 80% of Delta State students who applied were accepted into Medical School?

This year, five of the six Delta State student applicants were accepted into the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, and the sixth will enroll after completion of an enrollment training program. “This group sets a fine

did you know... example for students everywhere,” said Dr. Barry Campbell, Chair of the Division of Biological and Physical Sciences. Over the years, Delta State has built a tradition of success qualifying students for medical school. “A large percentage of our students who apply get accepted,” said Campbell. “Delta State has a reputation for providing high quality students.”

Shimeka Banks, Oceanside, CA; Elizabeth Kaitlyn Mize, Paris, MS; Spencer Richardson, Gulfport, MS; Natalie Ellington, Webb, MS; Logan Lynch, Yazoo City, MS. did you know...

You can Hike, Row, and did you know... Climb your way to a degree at Delta State? A Delta State student created the Boy Scouts GIS merit badge? Delta State University recently received a privately funded endowment/ Michael Koehler, a computer information systems major from professorship to re-establish and Cleveland, has been working for over a year to add a new revitalize the recreation program once merit badge to the Boy Scouts of America’s catalog. passionately led by Mr. Dave Heflin, The merit badge will be for accomplishments using GIS Assistant Professor Emeritus of HPER. technology. GIS, or global information systems, refers to This degree program allows graduates technology that captures, stores, analyzes, and manages to find employment with parks and data that are spatially referenced to Earth. Koehler is both recreation, wilderness recreation, a technician in the GIS office and an Eagle Scout with over sports administration, environmental 60 merit badges. The Boy Scouts of America officially named land recreation, and many others. the GIS merit badge a viable project in February 2008. Another component of the endowment is the Delta State University Outdoor Program (DSU OP). This program is a student-run club membership that participates in outdoor adventures all around the south. The DSU OP has been rock climbing in Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee and skiing and snowboarding in Idaho. Future courses and outings include a spring break trip to Moab, Utah for a week- long mountain bike trip and a week- long summer hike and kayak trip to Yellowstone Park.

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 7 X Athletics Facilities Growth Spurt Over the past five years, Delta State University Athletics has undergone one of the largest facility improvement campaigns of any school in NCAA Division II. There have been three new facilities built and many renovations to existing structures. This fall and spring, two major upgrades will be completed – University Field and Walter Sillers Coliseum. In October, construction crews completed renovations on the locker rooms and coaches offices at Walter Sillers Coliseum, and the court received a much-needed face lift. This project more than doubled the locker rooms for the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen. This summer DSU Athletics introduced a redesigned logo, and the court at Walter Sillers Coliseum was repainted to feature the new logo. University Field, home to the Lady Statesmen softball team, expanded the dugouts and added two new decks. The project was completed in time for the start of the 2009 Ferriss Field’s new videoboard came online in late January. season. The Lady Statesmen occupied the first-base Electronics completed the scoreboard project together,” stated Athletic Director Jeremy dugout, complete with a tunnel to the locker in January. New boards went up at Dave “Boo” McClain. “When the spring semester is room, and upgraded rest room facilities for the Ferriss Field and University Field. The new complete, our student-athletes and fans will have team and fans. Two new reserved-seat decks sit boards feature the latest scoreboard technology. seen tremendous improvements to many of atop the dugouts down each base line. Fans noticed a major difference at home games our facilities. The greatest thing about it is that In addition to the projects at Sillers that started in February. there’s more to come. This is an exciting time for Coliseum and University Field, Rainey “We’re pleased to see our plans coming Delta State.”

Sports Hall of Fame Inductions On March 27, the DSU Sports Hall of This year’s Coaches Hall of Fame class began his coaching career at Vicksburg Fame welcomed new members, while the included the legendary Horace McCool, who High. For 17 seasons, the Miami, Fla., native DSU Alumni Coaches Hall of Fame opened directed the Statesmen football program to patrolled the sidelines at Kansas State, Texas its doors to two former coaching greats at its a record 76 wins, and A.C. Williams, whose Tech, South Carolina, Indiana, Louisiana annual Induction Banquet. coaching career included over 775 victories State, and Ohio State. For the past 18 years, Members of the 2009 Sports Hall of in baseball and basketball at coaching Sullivan has coached in the NFL with San Fame class include: Matt Baity (Swimming & stops in Georgia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Diego, Detroit, Arizona, and San Francisco. Diving), Pam Lockett (Women’s Basketball), Mississippi. Plaques recognizing the careers of the Brad Longino (Men’s Basketball), Dennis This year’s Distinguished Statesmen inductees into the Sports Hall of Fame will be Raines (Football), Judson Thigpen recipient was former Statesmen football on display for the next two years at Chadwick- (Baseball), Mitch Terrell (Football), and player Jerry Sullivan. Sullivan transferred Dickson Fieldhouse inside the Bob M. Mandy Foster Mixon (Softball). to DSU from Florida State in 1966. Sullivan Dearing Hall of Fame Room.

8 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 A Life SPORTS SHORTS Artichuk Finalist Jennifer Artichuk, a Well-Lived shutout.s five-time NCAA All- Incredibly,I American swimmer, By Rick Cleveland and Matthew W. Jones heh finished has been named one of nine finalists This is a story that begged to be told. theth game and for the NCAA’s Delta State’s beloved “Boo” Ferriss won 466 theth shutout. most coveted games in his first two seasons (1945-46) DoctorsDo didn’t female prize, the NCAA Woman of as a Major League pitcher for the Boston knknowo it then, the Year Award. Artichuk, of Ottawa, Red Sox. Only Grover Cleveland Alexanderer bbutut he had torn Ontario, Canada, was a five-time (1911-12) won more, and he won just onee the labrum in his right shouldershoulder. NCAA All-American and an 11-time more. In 1946, Ferriss won 25 games and So instead of setting Major League Honorable Mention All-American for helped the Red Sox run away from their arch- pitching records, Ferriss became a coach, the Lady Statesmen Swimming and rival New York Yankees and reach the World first with the Red Sox and then back home Diving Team from 2004–2008. Series. Ferriss pitched a shutout in game in Mississippi. At Delta State, Ferriss created three, beating the St. Louis Cardinals. By July a baseball paradise and became one of the Eubanks of 1947, Ferriss, a small-town country boy most beloved coaches college baseball has Receives Honor from the Mississippi Delta, had established ever known. Michael Eubanks, himself as one of the most promising young Boo: A Life in Baseball, Well-Lived, a one of the most pitchers in the history of America’s pastime. biography written by Rick Cleveland, is decorated student- athletes in the And then one pitch essentially ended it his story. Best-selling author John Grisham history of Delta all. On a cool, wet night in Cleveland, Ferriss provides the foreword. State University, has felt a sharp pain in his right shoulder in the Copies of the book are available for been named the seventh inning when he snapped off a curve purchase online. For more information, male 2007-08 Division II National ball for a bases-loaded, inning-ending please log on to www.booferrissbook.com. Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association. Eubanks earned a 3.61 cumulative grade point average in biology and chemistry as DSU Soccer Setting Records one of the very top Division II football players in the country last year at The 2008 season proved to be one of the best for both the Statesmen and Lady Delta State University. Statesmen soccer programs; a season that included four All-Gulf South Conference selections and several team records being broken. Statesman Junior Melissa Webber and sophomore Ashley Cechovsky were voted to the All- Magic GSC Second Team following a 10-7-2 season by the Lady Statesmen. The 10-7-2 record Former Statesmen was the best record in school history. Red-shirt goalkeeper Sarah Prevost came back basketball player from a season-ending freshman campaign to record the most wins (10) by a keeper in a Jeremy Richardson single season, while Cechovsky delivered with a team-high 11 goals. is currently a The Statesmen started 2008 in record-setting pace but found it difficult to win member of the games down the stretch. DSU finished the year 8-9-1. Senior Ricardo NBA’s Orlando Callender and sophomore Steven Axe were voted to the All- Magic. The Zachary, La., native played in the 2005 and 2006 GSC Second Team, the most selections for the Statesmen seasons and averaged 17.8 points since 2006. and 5.0 rebounds per game, while Junior forward David Horstmann established a new being named an All Gulf South record for career goals with 22. Conference and All Region selection his senior season.

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 9 X Athletics

Statesmen Baseball Eyes GSC Title The Statesmen began the 2009 campaign State is no different. “We have recruited to have fresh off another Gulf South Conference a little more pitching depth this year. We will championship. They returned with the have more numbers, and a few more older guys confident swagger of a solid baseball program that we can go to. We have a chance to be a solid that has been great in the past and expect to be pitching staff,” said Kinnison. successful again. DSU, once again, dove headfirst into a Just like any leading program, Delta State painstaking list of opponents capable of their has its eyes and heart set on a national title. own success. The Statesmen opened the season “The primary goal is to get back to the World at home against the tough, NAIA powerhouse, Series to have a chance to win the National Belhaven College to begin the suffocating 60 Championship,” stated head coach Mike plus game schedule. Kinnison. With numerous conference and At the end of the year, only one team can be Headed Home regional championships and a national title on the national champion. When the dust settles, his resume, Kinnison knows what needs to be the Statesmen plan to be that team. After spending 12 years in done to make it back to St. Louis. professional baseball with five Major Statesmen veterans, along with the fresh cast League organizations, former Delta list, showed promise of productivity during fall State University standout Matt Miller practices. “During the offseason, we showed spent the fall back at Ferriss Field. The the ability to hit; we have speed, not top to former reliever was completing course bottom, but in spots, and defensively we work on his degree while imparting have a chance to be a solid club,” said Kinnison. knowledge he gained during his time “The strength of the club could be the with the Cleveland, Boston, Colorado, middle infield with Devin Goodwin and Clay Pittsburgh, and Texas organizations. Sartain returning. They are both guys who have “Having Matt back this fall was a started multiple years for us and who have been great learning experience for our guys,” through a lot of GSC games. We expect them to said Mike Kinnison, Statesmen head have another good year,” assured Kinnison. coach. “He’s been a great ambassador for The duo has re-written the Statesman our program at the Major League level.” All-GSC Career Record Book as well. Sartain is noted for shortstop Miller pitched for the Statesmen hits (215), doubles (50), and runs (156), while Devin during the 1995 season, posting a 1-2 Goodwin Goodwin is noted for homeruns (25). Both look record with nine saves. In 24.2 innings to continue to add numbers and climb through pitched, Miller only allowed seven runs the ranks of the DSU elite. for an ERA of 0.36. Any team relies on pitching depth to make Miller made his professional debut it back to the National title picture, and Delta with the Greenville Bluesmen of the independent Big South League. After a successful stint in the minor leagues, Miller broke into the majors in 2003. BASEBALL REUNION SET FOR THIS FALL “Matt has been such a positive Coach Mike Kinnison will host the biannual Statesmen Baseball Reunion this fall. addition to our staff as a volunteer A great tradition, the reunion invites former players, coaches, and managers back this fall. He’s a natural at sharing his to campus to enjoy fellowship and reminiscing with more than three generations of knowledge of the game and I believe Statesmen baseball greats. While a firm date has not been set, Friday will include a golf tournament at the our guys have bought into his message,” Darrell Foreman Golf Course on the DSU campus, followed by an inter-squad game added Kinnison. by current DSU players. Saturday’s activities will include a luncheon in the morning While Miller continues to explore and two alumni games in the afternoon representing more than six decades of his future with the game of baseball, players. The reunion weekend will conclude with a Statesmen home football game. it’s certain his love for the Delta State Please log on to www.gostatesmen.com for more information. baseball program remains strong.

10 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 New Coach, Same High Expectations

First-year head coach, Casey Bourgoyne, freshman season. All-GSC candidate Courtney Clark smashes is leading the Lady Statesmen through the Allgood brings a hit at University Field. gauntlet, that is the Gulf South Conference, this the experience of a season with a limited roster of only 14 players. junior college National see time in the outfield The Lady Statesmen have reached the GSC Championship at and at third base, while tournament in each of the past 23 seasons. It will Wallace State to the Paige Silverthorn will be up to the senior leadership of First Team All- table, along with a 14-1 hold down the other GSC outfielder Brittany Tillery and Kristi Basso record and a 0.92 ERA side of the diamond. to ensure another trip this season. as a sophomore. Clark hit .272 as a Tillery led the Lady Statesmen with a .450 Second Team sophomore, but was batting average and 41 RBIs, while Basso hit All-GSC selections named Second Team .220 in limited action behind the plate. Brittany Eikner and Chelsea Carr will anchor All-GSC as a freshman. The Lady Statesmen’s success this season the infield. The duo combined to make just 16 The Lady Statesmen returned six starters, will also ride on the arms of junior pitchers Edie errors in 323 opportunities. Eikner hit .291, two pitchers, and nine players with significant Oliver, Kate Moreland, and Brooke Allgood. while Carr hit .282. playing time. With a tradition rich program and Oliver finished last season 10-10 with a 3.44 With the addition of hard-hitting catcher experience on the field, the Lady Statesmen look ERA after going 9-5 as a freshman, while Kim Hensley, from Land O’Lakes, Fla., power- poised to continue the string of tournament Moreland went 11-9 with a 3.48 ERA after a 4-4 hitter and former catcher, Courtney Clark, will appearances.

Statesmen Football Repeats As Gulf South Champs The 2008 Statesmen football also named to the Associated Press team made school history by winning and Daktronics All-American team. back-to-back Gulf South Conference Dominique Davenport, a first-year Championships. The 2008 senior starter from Baldwyn, was named GSC class made three-straight NCAA Defensive Freshman of the Year. playoff appearances, claimed two GSC Offensive tackle Mark Ellis, Championships, and played in the safety Dominic Spinks, center Pete 2006 national semifinals. Vaseau, and running back/receiver 2009 DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE The Statesmen became the first Trevar Deed were each named to the Tentative: Times will not be finalized until June 2009. team since the 2001-02 season to Daktronics All-Super Regional Two DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME 8.29 Texas A&M Kingsville, TX 6 pm repeat as outright GSC football Team as well. 9.12 Arkansas-Monticello Monticello, AR 6 pm champions. Coach Ron Roberts Senior wide receiver, Chad 9.19 Harding University Cleveland TBA claimed his second-straight GSC Schroeder, was named to the American 9.26 Ouachita Baptist University Arkadelphia, AR TBA 10.1 Valdosta State University Cleveland 7 pm Coach of the Year accolade in just his Football Coaches Association All- 10.10 University of West Alabama Livingston, AL TBA second season as head coach. American Team as an all-purpose 10.15 University of North Alabama Florence, AL 7 pm Ten Statesmen were named to athlete. 10.22 Southern Arkansas University Cleveland 7 pm 10.31 Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR TBA the All-Gulf South Conference First “We still feel like we left something 11.7 University of West Georgia Cleveland TBA or Second Teams, led by junior on the table. With 17 starters returning 11.14 NCAA 1st Round TBA TBA linebacker Lardester Hicks-Green, and one of the best recruiting classes 11.21 NCAA 2nd Round TBA TBA 11.28 NCAA Quarterfinals TBA TBA who was named the GSC and Super in school history, I believe we have 12.5 NCAA Semifinals TBA TBA Regional Two Defensive Player of the nucleus for a deep run in 2009,” 12.12 NCAA DII Championship TBA TBA the Year. The Chicago, Ill., native was concluded coach Roberts.

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 11 X Development

School of Peavey Makes Nursing Gets a Difference Hartley and Mary Peavey of Peavey New Name Electronics recently provided a $55,000 musical equipment grant to support curricula at the Delta Music Institute, the center for recording arts and music industry studies at Delta State University. “The music of the Mississippi Delta has influenced countless musicians around the world, and it inspired my lifelong passion for making the tools that allow us to create music,” said Hartley Peavey, founder and CEO of Peavey Electronics Corporation. “I hope that this endowment will act as a bridge to link the rich musical legacy of the Delta region to the next generation of music professionals.” Tricia Walker, director of the Delta Mary and Hartley Peavey Music Institute, said “the Peavey gift will bolster the Delta Music Institute’s makers of music equipment—not to mention a Robert E. Smith burgeoning live audio production department, technology leader with more than 180 patents to providing students with a rare opportunity to its credit—Peavey stepped up with a complete The Delta State School of Nursing work with state-of-the-art sound reinforcement package that will be instrumental in our was named in honor of Robert E. technology.” students’ success at the Delta Music Institute.” Smith during an April 1 ceremony in “We are very grateful to receive such Founded in 1965, Peavey® is one of the recognition of his generous financial generous support from Peavey Electronics,” world’s largest manufacturers of musical support. A retired farmer, Smith has said Walker. “As one of the world’s largest instruments and professional sound equipment. endowed seven scholarships to Delta State University. “The Cleveland community has played a very important part in my life. This country, the community, The “Statesman Challenge Gift” and, above all, God have blessed me The Delta State University Foundation announced that several Goal: $285,000 in many ways,” said Smith. “I hope the by June 2009 anonymous alumni have donated $25,000 to The Delta State Fund, Robert E. Smith Nursing Scholarships the Foundation’s unrestricted fund, to initiate the “Statesman Challenge give encouragement and opportunities Gift.” to worthy young people in preparing “The purpose of the Challenge is to encourage donations from alumni them for a career in healthcare.” and friends who haven’t made a gift this year and to challenge those who “Mr. Smith’s gift and pledge is have already made a gift to make a second donation,” said Dameon Shaw, the largest ever from an individual to assistant director of Annual Giving. “We have received 470 gifts as of Jan. the University,” said Keith Fulcher, 15 totaling $147,000 towards our goal of $285,000.” executive director, Delta State University Foundation, Inc. “His thorough and diligent planning of TO MAKE YOUR GIFT his estate will one day transform the Gifts towards the Challenge may be mailed to DSU Box 3141, 1003 West Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 38733 or made School of Nursing and enable them to online at www.deltastate.edu/pages/481.asp. provide hundreds of scholarships to All gifts to the Challenge count towards membership in The Delta State Fund’s annual giving clubs. aspiring nursing students.”

12 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 1956 Graduate endows scholarships There is nothing more commendable than someone who will risk their own life to fight for their country. Harry H. Harrell, 81, not only fought for this country but greatly values education and is willing to give back all that he can. “One of his goals is to ensure scholarship funds are available for the needy and deserving students to receive a college education,” stated Ann Giger, director of Donor Relations at Delta State. As a Delta State graduate (’56), Harrell has great appreciation for his degree and for Delta Academy announces the educators who taught him. His goal is not Graeber Scholarships only to help people to get an education, but to Harry H. Harrell challenge others with college degrees to do the Harry H. Harrell Endowment Scholarship. Cooper McCachren (standing same and give back a share of what they have Harrell’s donation to the university has been right), a recruiter with the Delta State earned from their education to those most in set up as a Charitable Gift Annuity and when University Admissions Office, visits with need. he passes away his legacy will live on through Delta Academy students, Taylor Pang “I was once needy,” Harrell said. “But I had the students who receive his scholarship. and Crystal Garrard. The students were the blessing of God and the GI Bill that put me “I hope all Delta State alumni begin informed of the availability of a scholarship through Delta State Teachers College.” to notice how important an education is provided by the Graeber Foundation to Harrell has set up a scholarship fund and make a gift to support the University’s assist students from Delta Academy in through the Delta State Foundation called the scholarship program,” Harrell said. furthering their education at Delta State. Established in December 2005 by the late Lewis A. Graeber, Jr. of Marks, the Graeber Foundation Endowed Scholarship Scholarship Aids Student Fund provides scholarships for students enrolled at Delta State. The scholarships one at Delta State University,” stated Gonzalez. are available to students of Delta Academy. I am indeed very fortunate to earn my degree Eligible students may enroll at Delta from Delta State.” Christy graduated in State upon graduation or transfer from December 2008 and will teach in the Delta other higher education institutions,” area while pursuing her Master’s degree in said Twyla Gist, academic counselor at Education at Delta State. Delta Academy. “We are very pleased to The Eloise Stratton Walker Endowed have four former students, Lakon Tate Scholarship was established in 1998 in honor (Clarksdale), Kristen Smith (Marks), of Mrs. Eloise Stratton Walker who served Laura White (Marks), and Lindsay as an associate professor and coordinator of Hudson (Marks), receive a Graeber the Undergraduate Elementary Education Foundation Scholarship at Delta State.” Christy Gonzalez (right) with Eloise Stratton Walker Program from 1970-1993. “Eloise Walker When making the gift in 2005 to endow set the bar for high standards and exemplary the scholarship Mr. Lewis Graeber stated Christy Gonzalez, a senior elementary teaching while a member of the elementary “Delta State University is one of the best education major from Cleveland, was the education faculty,” stated Dr. Leslie Griffin, schools in Mississippi. Delta State provides 2008 recipient of the Eloise Stratton Walker dean of the College of Education. Even though the opportunity for a quality education to Endowed Scholarship. “I could not find a Mrs. Walker is retired, she continues to work our children, and it is right here at home.” better elementary education program than the in the education field as a consultant.

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 13 X Development

Dr. Reagan L Ford* Ms. Gail T Collins Mr. and Mrs. Richard Myers Jr Mr. and Mrs. Robert Frnka Mr. and Mrs. Selvey Berry Mrs. Frances Neal THE DELTA Mr. and Mrs. Willo Goodwin Mrs. Ann Smith-Vaniz Crigler Mrs. Bobbie S Neufeld Mr. Thomas G Gresham* Mrs. Debbie Dambrino Mr. Glenn E Norwood Mr. Rusty Ott s Mrs. Ann Williams Day Mrs. Bett y Harrington Norworth STATE FUND Mr. John A Polk* Delta State Courtesy Fund Novarti s Pharmaceuti cals Corporati on Mr. Greg C Redlin Ms. Patti Vause Dixon* Mrs. Maribeth Y Oakes 2008-09 Annual Mr. Ross Wade Reily Mr. and Mrs. William Joseph Dorgan Jr Mr. Ronald Joseph Ola Mr. Bryan Lee Rodgers Mr. Henry M Drake Jr Mrs. Ruth Marie Oliver* Mr. Harry Seligman Mr. Mac Drake Drs. Ellis and Susan O’Neal Giving Clubs Dr. and Mrs. William Smith-Vaniz Mr. and Mrs. Henry M Drake Jr Mr. Dean Padavon Mrs. Brenda Spencer Mr. and Mrs. Dan E Ellison Mrs. Peggy Lucius Palmer The following alumni, parents, faculty, Mrs. Paula Elizabeth Wyche Mrs. Joan Failing Ely Mrs. Travis Parker Sr staff , corporati ons, and friends have Entergy Mrs. Myra L Parrish believed in the mission of Delta State PARTNER ($250 to $499) Mrs. Earlene C Estes Mr. and Mrs. Walter Patt erson* University and have a desire to make a Mr. Howard Brent Mr. and Mrs. Brad W Evans Ms. Missy Pearce diff erence in students’ lives. The below Mr. and Mrs. William Hardy Bizzell Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Fairconnetue Mr. John Lafayett e Pearson donors’ unrestricted gift s to THE DELTA Ms. Donna Walker Brown Dr. Robert D Field Jr Mrs. Sue Pearson STATE FUND impact the 4,100 students on Dr. Ann H Cook Mr. Michael R Fielder Dr. and Mrs. Michael Portner the Delta State campus. Mr. Ancil L Cox Jr Mr. Glenn Colen Fisher Mrs. Joan Davis Robertson Mr. James E Devers Mr. James M Flack II Dr. James T Rogers Gift s made between July 1, 2008 through Mrs. Jutt a Karnstedt Ferretti * Mr. Richard E Flowers Mr. Fred J Rossi January 15, 2009 are recognized below. Dr. Elaine Fields Mrs. Jo Anne Colott a Fontaine* Mrs. Nancy F Sackheim Membership for the 2008-09 fi scal year Mr. Thomas Preston Givens Mrs. Joanne Wright Fudger Mr. and Mrs. Willard R Samuels Jr ends June 30, 2009. The * denotes fi rst- H and H Farms 2* Mr. and Mrs. Keith Fulcher Mrs. Anna Lee Schooler ti me donors to THE DELTA STATE FUND. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond M Hale* Mrs. Ruth B Galloway Dr. Ben Moore Seelbinder Mr. and Mrs. John L. Hamner Mrs. Constance Marie Garcia-Hill* Ms. Mary Sue Serio If your name is not listed below, see page Mr. Don Holcomb Mr. Karlis Gercens Mr. Christopher Ashley Shivers 15 for informati on on making a gift . Mr. John S Holloway Mr. Boyce Rogers Googe Short Line Manufacturing Company* Mr. Ronald W Holmes Mr. William Fox Greenleaf Rev. Kenneth Sissell Jr PRESIDENT’S CLUB ($10,000 or more) Mr. and Mrs. Windall Lancaster Mrs. Libby L Griffi n Ms. Sondra Davis Skaradzinski Delta Western (Lester Myers) Mr. and Mrs. E Porter Left wich Mr. Steven W Gunn Dr. Don Allen Skelton Nati onal Community Services, Inc Mr. C D Long Mr. Peter D Hankinson Dr. and Mrs. Charles Small (Jeff Ross Capwell) Mr. Donald Reginald McCrory Mr. David Butler Hefl in Mr. and Mrs. James H Smith Mr. Sam Waggoner Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Morlino Mrs. Brenda C Helms Mr. Larry Dale Sorgen* Mr. and Mrs. Rodney K Murphy Ms. Marsha Hester Mr. Harvey Van Springer* STATEMEN’S CLUB ($5,000 to $9,999) Mr. and Mrs. Richard S Myers Dr. Julia R Hill Mr. John Anthony Stanford Wilkie Marketi ng Inc (Ben L. Powell) Procter and Gamble Dr. and Mrs. Reed Hogan State Farm Companies Mr. David Sayle Homeboy Farms Dr. Claudine S Stevens FOUNDER’S CLUB ($2,500 to $4,999) Dr. Herman K Smith* Mr. and Mrs. Charles O Hoover* Mr. Russell R Stewart Ms. Elena Barham Mr. Doug Springer Ms. Elizabeth Cooper Horsman Mr. F. Marshall Sutphen* Mr. Hunter Cade Mr. and Mrs. Alan H. Walters* Mr. and Dr. Stanley S House Mrs. Elizabeth P Sutt on Mr. and Mrs. Paul Janoush Dr. Jane Loft on Weare Mrs. Sandy L Huerta Mrs. Sarah E Tapley Sunbelt Fire Apparatus Dr. Jerry Lee Williams Mr. and Mrs. Brewer H Hutchinson Jr The Fluor Foundati on Mr. William G Wright Jr Mr. Eddie S Wilson Mr. Jimmy H Ishee Ms. Bobbie Jean Thompson Jim Brown Consulti ng, LLC* Mr. Vince Thompson DEAN’S CIRCLE ($1,000 to $2,499) DIRECTOR’S CLUB ($100 to $249) Mrs. Fayrene West Johnson Mr. Richard V Tillotson Bank of Anguilla A B Janoush Inc* Dr. and Mrs. Cooper Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Joe E Turner* Dr. Helen J Blanchard Ms. Lana Priscilla Aguzzi* Mrs. Mary Jane Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Van Vulpen Chevron Texaco Mr. John Michael Ainsworth Mr. Cary Karlson* Wachovia Mr. Edward E Crenshaw Mr. Noel Akins* Mrs. Kathryn D Kay Mrs. Margaret Heard Walker Mr. Mark W Davis* Mr. Larry D Arrington Mrs. Carol E Kiefer Dr. Graham Oliver Weaver Mrs. Anna Looney Dill Mrs. S D Austi n Mr. Glenn Wesley Kitchens Ms. Janet McPherson Webb Mr. John T Dillard* Mr. and Mrs. Joe M Baker Jr Mrs. Brenda Lou Knapp Mr. G Matt Weissinger Mr. and Mrs. Hal Y Gerrard Mrs. Judy Lamb Baldwin Dr. Nancy Kursik Mr. Clyde C Weston Guaranty Bank and Trust Company Dr. Laurel Anne Barfi tt Mr. Luther Kuykendall Mr. Charles White Dr. Roland P Guest Mr. George D Bassi Mr. Ronald J Lasuzzo Mr. and Mrs. Jack Whites Horizon Lines, LLC Batesville Broadcasti ng Company, Inc* Dr. and Mrs. Marvin Lishman Mr. James G Wilbourn Jantran, Inc. Mr. Charles Batt s Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth A Lommel* Mr. James P Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jernberg Mrs. Jane T Benton Lost Forty Plantati on* Mrs. Linda E Womack Dr. and Mrs. John Lewis, Jr Mr. John Bethea* Mrs. Ruby W Magers Mr. James Edward Woodard III Dr. and Mrs. Robert Newton Mr. Samuel A Billingsley Mrs. Celia Aguzzi Manley Mrs. Dierdre Collum Woodruff Mr. W A Percy Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Wayne Blansett Dr. Carol S Manning Mr. David Work Sr Dr. Sam G Polles Dr. James A Blanton McCaslin Insurance Agency, Inc* Mr. Jared Nathan Yates* Tarver Foundati on Mrs. Anita F Bologna Mr. Horace McCool Ms. Jane B Youell The Day Group LLC* Hon. David R Bowen Mr. Harold McGarrh Jr* Dr. Samuel J Waits Jr Mr. and Mrs. Curti s Buchanan* Mrs. Draughon Poindexter McPherson HERITAGE CLUB ($25 to $99) Dr. Leila C Wynn Mrs. Marie Campbell H Watson Me-Di-Co, Inc. Mrs. Mollie Hinton Abadie Capital Concrete Cutti ng Incorporated Merrill Lynch and Co. Foundati on, Inc. Ms. Jo Ann Adams UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATE ($500 to $999) Mr. Travis Glen Casanova Jr* Dr. and Mrs. Roy Moore Mr. Larry Tim Agosti nelli Dr. and Mrs. William L Alford Ms. Ladye Gene Casey Mrs. Virginia Mouton Mr. Lee Baker Aldridge* Mr. David Bradberry Ms. Molly Davis Chiz Mr. C H Murphey Jr Mr. Brooks Alexander Dr. Richard H Flowers III Mrs. Geraldine C Cochran Dr. and Mrs. Clyde Muse Mr. and Mrs. James Anders

14 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 Heritage Club Conti nued... Mr. James E Gillespie Ms. Lillian H Miller Mrs. Mary Margaret Vandevender- Ms. Elizabeth Whitehurst Mr. and Mrs. Norman K Aycock Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gist Dr. Tim Mills McDonald Mr. Gene Williams Mr. and Mrs. Bobby G Baird Ms. Marsha Moody Goodwin* Dr. Ben Larkin Mitchell Dr. Lynn Walton Varner Mr. Gerald H Williams Jr* Mr. James Moss Baird Mrs. Jannie H Graham Monsanto Corporati on Mr. Anthony S Vazzana Mr. Joseph T Williams Sr Ms. Regina Bapti ste* Sen. Walter Graham Mary Morgan Mrs. John Veazey Ms. Cassie Nicole Williamson Mrs. Thelma E Barland Mrs. Nita Grantham* Mr. Timothy J Morris* Mr. and Mrs. William R Wade* Ms. Gaye Campbell Williamson Ms. Martha E Barnes Mrs. Linda B Griffi n Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Mote Mr. James Gary Walker Mrs. Caroline B Wilson Mr. Stephen L Baronich Griffi th Real Estate Services, Inc. Mrs. Nan Muir* Mr. Kenneth G Walker Ms. Carol Ann Woodruff Col. Ernest B Beall Jr Mr. and Mrs. Trey Grisham* Mrs. Elizabeth E Mullins Mr. Michael Dwayne Warbington Mr. Lee Colter Woods Mrs. Kathy Manning Beard Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hackney Mrs. Carolyn Muns Mr. Joe Earl Watf ord* Mrs. Amy Caraway Woodward Mr. Neil O Beddingfi eld Mr. Danny B Hall Mr. and Mrs. R David Neal Mr. James T Webb Mr. Robert E Worsham Mr. and Mrs. Sammie E Bell* Ms. Nancy Hamilton* Mrs. Frances Jean Rowland Neely Mrs. Dena Barfi eld Weeks Dr. and Mrs. Kent Wyatt Mr. Sydney Wade Bell* Mr. Albert S Hammons Jr* Mr. George E Newman Jr Mr. and Mrs. William T West Jr* Mr. Joseph B Yelverton Mrs. Lesca K Black Mr. Bobby Hancock Mr. and Mrs. Arion C Newsom Mr. Davis Lee Whatley Ms. Marjorie Young Mr. Michael Booker Mr. Ralph T Hand Jr Mrs. Margarita Carter Niewald Ms. Sandy Jo Boone* Mr. and Mrs. J M Harbin Mrs. Meggan Lee Nix* Mr. and Mrs. Reno M Borgognoni Mrs. Martha Harden Mrs. Billie Gant Oakes Rev. John L Bowie Ms. Ruth Harland Mr. James E Olmi Mr. Frank E Bradford Jr Mr. and Mrs. Allen Lee Havens Jr Mr. and Mrs. Russell W Osborne Mrs. Kelli Buchanan Branton Mr. and Mrs. James Hazzard Dr. Eugene Kenyon Owen Mrs. Vivian F Brinson Mrs. Jewel B Henderson* Mr. Charles Owens Mr. Billy Britt Dr. and Mrs. Elbert R Hilliard* Mr. Rakesh Raman Padhiar* Mrs. Jeanna H Brockway Mr. and Mrs. John Hines Mr. Tony J Panti ni Jr Mr. James Robert Brown Jr Mrs. Mary S Holloway Mrs. Lynn Coker Parkerson Dr. Phyllis Carolyn Bunn Mrs. Martha Renee Holm Mr. Cameron Colt Parsons* Mrs. Mavis Burgess Ms. Evelyn L Homan Mrs. Deborah H Patt erson* Mrs. Audrey W Burns* Dr. and Mrs. Bobby Howell* Mrs. Nancy A Peden Mr. and Mrs. Earl E Burton Mr. Philip D Hoyt* Mrs. Billie F Peeples* Ms. Montresia N Cain* Mrs. Sue W Hunt Mrs. Ann Finison Pitt man Ms. Susan Calhoun Mr. and Mrs. Hugh L Jackson Dr. Jennifer Jill Pitt s* Mr. Marvin L Carraway Mrs. Sandra Carol Jackson* Dr. James Birkley Pott s Mr. and Mrs. John R Carter* Mr. Noel David Jacobs Dr. Shula Gary Ramsay Mrs. Nellie W Childress Jamie Reynolds Insurance Agency* Mrs. Catherine Redd* Ms. Peggy Cid Ms. Cherie Darden Johnson* Mrs. Teresa S Reed Mr. Joseph H Clark Mr. Gayden Johnson Ms. Laurena Rogers Mr. Sonny Clay Mr. and Mrs. Charles A Jordan Jr Mr. Jeremy Nathan Ross Mr. and Mrs. Charles R Clemmons Ms. Pamela Lyer Jordan Mr. and Mrs. Sidney M Runnels Mrs. Mary Eunice T Cole Mr. John T Keeton Jr Mr. and Mrs. David Rupp* Ms. Lois Colson Mr. Charles Ted Kelly Mrs. Charlott e Russell Mrs. Janet H Colvin* Mrs. Diane Kelly Mrs. Zula Greenlee Saff ord Mrs. Vicki Mccarty Compston* Mrs. Joyce Holaday Kennedy Mr. Roy R Sandefer Mr. and Mrs. Jack T Cook* Mr. Moody Kennedy Mr. John Ott o Schwenn Mrs. Linda H Cook Ms. Vanessa Sarah Kilpatrick* Ms. Courtney Wise Shaff er Mrs. Stephanie Walker Corley Mr. Daniel King Mr. Casey Patrick Shaman Mrs. Suzanne A Croft Ms. Terry Krutz Mrs. Linda M Sheley Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Crosby Dr. Herbert Kussman Jr* Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Short Ms. Gail B Cummins Mrs. Tara Elizabeth Laver Mr. and Mrs. Dennis D Silas* Mr. Robert B Curry Mrs. Mary Kathryn Meek Ms. Brendy Sims Mrs. Miriam Thompson Davis Lawrence Dr. and Mrs. Thomas N Sledge Mr. Scott Day Mrs. Bett y Jo Crenshaw Leahy Mrs. LePoint C Smith Mrs. Martha C Dean Mrs. Ruth D LeRosen* Mr. Michael James Smith Jr* Ms. Sarah Rebecca Deason Ms. Patricia C Linko Mr. Ray K Smith* Mr. and Mrs. R Wyatt Dendy Mr. and Mrs. David P Livingston* Mr. and Mrs. John M Smithhart Mrs. Jane S Dickerson Mr. and Mrs. Crawford Logan, IV Mr. Charles William Snead Jr* Mrs. Martha J Dowdle Mr. and Mrs. Robert C Logan Mrs. Ashley Beckett Soliz Mrs. Arlene F Dreher Mrs. Frances Love Ms. Jennifer Hurdle Speir* Mr. Andy J Dufrene* Ms. Sarah Woff ord Love Mr. Marcus B Spencer Mr. Robert L Eiland Sr* Mr. Steven Deveer Lowe Dr. Robert Archie Stewart II Mr. George B Elder Mrs. Kati e Oakman Malatesta Mrs. Carolyn Massey Strassheim Mr. David Ellington Mr. and Mrs. Joseph K Malone Mrs. Julie M Swanson Mr. Michael B Englehart Mrs. Holli P Malouf Mr. Charles S Sykes Ms. Valerie Ward Fairley Mrs. Lula Maness Tackett Agency Inc* Mrs. Merideth Aldridge Fancher* Mr. Donald Mangrum The Baxter Internati onal Mrs. Candace D Farrior* Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Marchett a Foundati on Mr. Jeff rey King Farris* Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth McClain Mrs. Glenda C Thomas Dr. Beth McArthur Felder Mrs. Bobbie McClelland Ms. Paula Fuqua Thompson Mr. Kennon Ferguson* Mrs. Cynthia B McCool Mrs. Vickie W Thompson Mr. Larry J Ferreri Mrs. Jill Jones McCracken Mr. Lee Albert Thompson Jr Mr. George L Fletcher Mrs. Julie T McGregor* Mrs. Mildred S Thomson Mr. Leslie Fletcher* Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey C Meador* Dr. Raanne R Tindle Rev. Percy M Frazier Mr. R Christopher Menhard Mrs. Linda McGehee Tokoly Mr. and Mrs. Justi n George Dr. Joseph S Messina Treadway Heati ng and Air, LLC Mr. Joseph C Gibbs Jr* Mr. and Mrs. John Miller Mrs. Ruth Ann Z Turner*

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 15 BByy DorothyDorothy SShawhanhawhan the art of seeing

Light and color are Sammy Britt’s language, working in the family business with his mother, pocket, he left for Cape Cod and an experience and Nature is his subject. You can see this in father, and two brothers, Billy (’60) and Don that would prove to be life-changing. his paintings and hear it when he talks about (’67). Hard manual labor stood him in good Hensche called his style of painting the his work. He has shared his vision with the stead as he worked his way through college color realist movement with colors of the fortunate ones who have his paintings hanging and graduate school and spent untold hours natural world and the perception of light in their homes and with generations of Delta painting outside in the hot sun. being the essentials. He was the heir of the State students. Though both his brothers are graduates of Impressionist French painter Claude Monet “He taught us to see,” says Richard Kelso, Delta State, Britt chose the Memphis Academy through the American Impressionist William a painter who had his first art class with Britt of Art instead. A year before his graduation Merritt Chase who taught Charles Webster at Delta State, “to look straight at Nature at from the Academy in 1964, portrait painter Hawthorne who taught Hensche. These men different times of day. Not many were teaching Nelson Shanks suggested that he go and study were great teachers as well as great painters and this in the 1960’s. But it’s fundamental. It’s the with a remarkable teacher in Provincetown, passed on techniques of both to their students. visual equivalent of teaching someone to read. Massachusetts, at the tip of Cape Cod — Britt knew that he had found his path, Then they can grow and be their own teacher.” Growing up in Ruleville during the 1940’s and 1950’s, HHee kknewnew hhee wantedwanted toto bebe aann aartistrtist Britt had no artist role models other than Norman Rockwell in ffromrom tthehe ttimeime hhee ffailedailed ffirstirst ggrade.rade. the magazines, but he knew he wanted to be an artist from the time he failed first grade. He failed because he Henry Hensche. Britt was married to Linda by and he would return to study with Hensche spent all his time drawing instead of doing the then and they had a daughter. He saw no way in the summers for the next 25 years. “The assigned work. His family owned and operated that he could go for a summer of study with opportunity to study with one of the great a grocery store-service station and lived in the Hensche as some of his classmates were doing, colorists came through the guidance of God,” back of the store. Britt remembers his growing but he talked about it so much that Linda Britt says. up years as good ones, playing every sport and persuaded him to go. So with fifty dollars in his Upon his return from Cape Cod, Britt

16 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 Relaxing in his studio, Sammy Britt reminisces about his career in art.

accepted a graduate assistantship in the Art and Thurmond near Starkville. Like Britt, “creative” glazing of which she was very proud Department at the University of Mississippi they were influenced by Hensche, and they when Sammy came around the corner. “That and went on to earn the Master of Fine all speak the language of light and color. They is the ugliest pot I have ever seen,” Britt said. Arts degree in painting in 1965. Malcolm also stay in touch with Britt, their teacher and “My Cinderella pot became a lumpy, Norwood, then chair of Delta State’s Art mentor. bumpy, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink, Department, knew of Britt’s many talents and had a job waiting for Britt after graduate school. Britt would continue on the faculty at II’m’m watchingwatching tthehe ccolorsolors iinn thethe wind.wind. Delta State until his retirement in 2002. He considers teaching one of his Cleveland resident and art connoisseur glazed monstrosity,” Brown says. “And he was greatest blessings. Carol Tatum recalls traveling to Laurel to see right. I always wondered what I did with that The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in the exhibit and feeling proud of Delta State’s pot!” Laurel, whose director is DSU alumnus artistic tradition. A number of Britt’s paintings April Stewart (’93), one of Britt’s students George Bassi (’87), mounted a major exhibit hang in her home. “I love the colors and the from the early nineties, remembers seeing him in 1999 that brought together the Hensche way the light reflects,” she says. “They give me one day out on the sidewalk standing with his legacy and its influence on Britt and three a peaceful feeling.” hands in his pockets. “Sammy, what are you of his students. The title of the exhibition Britt’s students include not only a number doing?” she asked. “I’m watching the colors in was “A Painter’s Painter: Charles Webster of artists who make painting their sole the wind,” he answered. Hawthorne; the Influence of Provincetown profession, but many who combine teaching The teacher Britt still holds workshops and and Henry Hensche on Sammy Britt, Gerald with their art. DSU faculty member Pat occasional art classes for local children and DeLoach (’71), Richard Kelso (’70), and Brown (’74) is one. She says “Britt is a ‘caring, says he misses teaching on a regular basis. But George T. Thurmond (’72).” nurturing teacher’ under whose guidance her the painter Britt is continuously at work in his Britt’s former students DeLoach, Kelso, drawing skills improved. He is also very honest studio in Cleveland. Britt and wife Linda have and Thurmond are all professional painters and does not hesitate to call it as he sees it.” three adult children and six grandchildren. today and practice their art in Mississippi — She remembers walking into the Wright To see pictures of Britt’s studio and his paintings, Kelso in Jackson, DeLoach out from Alligator, foyer holding a coil-built ceramic vessel with go to his website: www.sammybritt.com.

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 17 Bill LaForge and Burns Strider discuss politi cs in the nati on’s capitol.

CapitolBy Lynne Jeter Care Alumni make their mark in he deciding moment in the T2002 American presidential campaign occurred not in a voting booth, but in the Supreme Court. And Bill LaForge (’72) was there to witness it. A member of the Supreme Court Bar, LaForge was one of the few people permitted to attend the oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Bush v. Gore. But there was a catch. There were only 100 seats and many more than 100 qualified members of the Bar who wanted to witness a moment that would go down in history. So from 3 a.m. until dawn, in subfreezing weather, LaForge hunkered down in a sleeping bag on the sidewalk outside the Supreme Court Building in line with scores of other lawyers. ers Around 8 a.m. he was waved in. Washington “I was number 24 in line, and I had the Hill the day after graduation. opportunity to witness first-hand one of the “I was the Delta State/Delta most important cases in Supreme Court and Council congressional fellow U.S. political history,” said LaForge, who moved in 2005,” explained Waldrop. to Washington, D.C., in 1976 after working as “Through this fellowship a guard at Parchman State Penitentiary. Now in Senator Thad Cochran’s a registered lobbyist and an attorney, he is the office, I gained an incredible managing shareholder and government relations understanding of the legislative practice group leader with the Washington office and appropriations process.” of Winstead law firm. He was motivated to return to “When I sat in my student government office Washington after graduation, at Delta State in 1972, I couldn’t even dream of and now works in Senator these and so many other wonderful opportunities Cochran’s office, along with that presented themselves to me through my fellow alumnus (and now work on Capitol Hill.” roommate) Will Crump (’05). LaForge isn’t the only DSU graduate to land Will Crump was born in in the nation’s capitol with a diploma, training, Washington, where his father and ambition. Burns Strider (’88) had a lifetime of worked on Capitol Hill for a political experience by the time he was in college. decade. The family returned to The son of the late, legendary Grenada County small town life near Cleveland Sheriff Jesse A. “Big Daddy” Strider (who played (where his parents are both a key role bringing about racial reconciliation now executives at Viking Range during his time in office from 1966 to 1984), Corporation in Greenwood). Burns Strider was campaigning door to door Crump entered Delta State from the time he could walk. Before he graduated as a pre-med major, but after from Delta State, he had interned for then- interning for Senator Trent Congressman Mike Espy (D-Miss.) and then Lott the summer before his Senator Al Gore (D-Tenn.). senior year in college, he Since then, he changed his focus. has held increasingly “I realized how high-profile positions, much I loved the including southern region There are city and working communications director in the Senate,” for the Democratic two types of explained Crump, Congressional Campaign Hill staff ers. who moved to Committee, senior Washington in the advisor to House Speaker Those who spring of 2007. Nancy Pelosi, and After joining director of policy for the are from Senator Cochran’s staff member on federal appropriation issues, U.S. House Democratic Mississippi office as a staff assistant, he earned working with federal agencies on funding issues Caucus. In 2007, he two promotions quickly and now and other programs, and assisting with spending was recruited to join and those serves as the legislative assistant in legislation in Congress. Senator Hillary Clinton’s who wish charge of health policy. “When I first arrived here, I didn’t know presidential campaign “I wouldn’t say I had a head start,” anyone,” said Manley. “Initially, my biggest as a senior advisor and they were. said Crump. “I just knew the area challenge was making friends. Learning and director of faith and better. Coming back had its moments adjusting to the culture of Capitol Hill/ religious outreach. because when you spend most of Washington, D.C. proved to be a challenge Strider now runs his own your life in the Delta, where there initially, but this seemed to work itself out over consulting firm, The Eleison Group, to serve aren’t many people and the pace of life is slower, time. I even met my wonderful wife of four years political, nonprofit, and business interests. you have to adapt quickly to the change.” working in Senator Cochran’s office.” Josh Manley (’02) also entered Washington Manley had a chance encounter with THE COCHRAN CONNECTION politics via an internship on Capitol Hill. After President Obama on an elevator just before the P.J. Waldrop (’06) was so enthusiastic about serving in various capacities, he worked his way up start of his historic presidential campaign. “As the getting into the action that he drove to Capitol on Senator Thad Cochran’s team as a professional door was closing, a number of tourists saw him

20 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 here. People, not polls — I throw that jab at them when President Obama turned to possible.” those of us on the elevator and BIG TOWN, SMALL apologized. I looked at him and TOWN CULTURE said, Don’t be silly. That happens LaForge, perhaps the Delta State alumnus who to me all the ti me. has lived in the metro area the longest length of time, recalls the distinct challenge “The internship is a wonderful opportunity to of being away from family see how the city ‘fits’ and will help me see where and friends in Mississippi. I want to go in life,” said Kinnison, who plans to “We tried to make the best of it by going attend law school somewhere in the south this home as often as possible and encouraging fall. “If that plan involves returning to D.C., that’s our families to visit us here,” said LaForge, who great!” resides in Fairfax County, Va., some 20 miles from downtown Washington, with his wife, Nancy. ENGLISH MAJORS GET POLITICAL Their two children are now grown. English major Lucy Richardson Janoush, At first, the impersonal nature of government (’78) was lured back to Capitol Hill as a legislative and the people running it surprised LaForge. assistant after completing an internship with “The initial professional challenge was Congressmen David Bowen, who represented the adapting to Washington and its ways. It takes second district in Mississippi. When the district some time to gain a real understanding about lines shifted and Bowen decided not to run for how government operates. As time went on, re-election, she joined the staff of Congressman however, and as I began to understand the system Jamie Whitten, the longtime chairman of and processes better, I realized it’s a fairly small the House Appropriations Committee who town culture,” he said. “I got to know a lot of represented the first district in Mississippi. people. Regardless of their origin or home state, “The English faculty did an outstanding job people were typically friendly and engaging, with preparing me for my role in the halls of Congress,” southerners leading the way, of course.” Capitol Hill has provided a said Janoush, who later earned a master’s degree Capitol Hill has been the home for many professional home to a number of alumni including (from bott om) in public administration from Mississippi State Delta State students and alumni over the years. Kate Kinnison, P. J. Waldrop, University. “My job involved quite a bit of reading While Senator Cochran’s office has seen the Bill LaForge, Will Crump, Josh and writing, and I had that down pat.” largest number in the past few years, many alumni Manley, and Burns Strider. Josh West’s (’05) congressional internship have made their alma mater proud by serving in turned him on to public policy. An English major various roles in many congressional offices over and very excitedly rushed to the elevator to shake at DSU, after graduation he, like Janoush, went the years. his hand,” recalled Manley. “As they were shaking on for a master’s degree in public policy and Delta State University has reason to hold its hands, the elevator door was unsuccessfully administration from Mississippi State University. head high in the nation’s capitol. Burns Strider attempting to close (repeatedly). When the It also made him aware of Mississippi’s standing recalls, “When I first came to D.C. to live, nearly greeting concluded and the elevator door finally on the hill. “Our elected officials are some of the every other intern was from the Kennedy School successfully closed, President Obama turned most powerful and most respected in the nation,” of Government at Harvard. I was very intimidated. to those of us on the elevator and apologized. said West. “A politico from Alabama once told I thought they would be smarter and know more I looked at him and said, ‘Don’t be silly. That me, ‘There are two types of hill staffers. Those than me. Far from it. DSU had prepared me well happens to me all the time.’ He really laughed at who are from Mississippi and those who wish and I took on my tasks — and those of other that!” they were,’” remarked West. interns when I had the chance — with success. Kate Kinnison, a senior majoring in English When he needs a political fix, West calls fellow It’s important that you don’t allow a chip to grow and political science, who also served as alumni P.J. Waldrop and Will Crump. “They keep on your shoulder, taking on an adversarial role government affairs director for Delta State’s me well informed on all things D.C.,” said West. with those from schools and places often deemed Student Government Association, is spending “When it comes election time, the tables turn and ‘elite.’ Just accept them as fellow Americans the spring semester on Capitol Hill interning for I become the informant. It’s easier to judge the looking to excel just like you. Just excel further and Senator Cochran’s office. political atmosphere in Mississippi when you live faster!”

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 21 By LLynneynne JetJeterer ee takingtaking itit toto thth

rs Share Tennis Sta m tate m lta S FormerFormer DeltaDe State TennisRa Starsces Share xtrextreE durance eeAdventure in Endurance Races

It was just past dawn on a chilly autumn morning in the north Georgia mountains last “To us, that was an amazing accomplishment, immediately November when Eunika Rogers (’95) and Salli considering it was our first year in adventure shared a love Scott Young (’95) headed to the starting point of racing,” said Rogers, captain of Delta Force, the of sports. Rogers, a their first adventure race national competition. team name inspired by their alma mater. “We Slovakia native who lived The Delta State alumni were excited about were laughing the whole way. There was no in Canada during her teen participating in the event considered the “heart pressure on us. We wound up having the best time years, attended Delta State on and soul” of adventure racing in the United States. until it started raining and got into the thirties tennis and cross country They would be part of a three-person co-ed team (degrees), but that’s all part of it.” scholarships and also competed in required to navigate a series of checkpoints using Rogers and Young met as freshman swimming competitions. In 1994, she was only a map and compass to guide them while suitemates at Delta State in the early 1990s and named Delta State’s Female Senior Athlete of transitioning between several disciplines — trail the Year. running/trekking, mountain biking, paddling, and Young, a native of nearby Senatobia, also orienteering. They knew the race would require played tennis at Delta State on scholarship. them to push the boundaries of human endurance Typically, the two played singles for the tennis and teamwork simply to finish. team and often partnered for doubles matches. Rogers and Young also knew the national race During their senior year, the team placed second required something they were not accustomed in its conference. to — the use of mechanical devices each team “At Delta State, we really enjoyed playing carries to confirm the passage of every checkpoint. other schools in tennis and had really fun times They also would be leaving by train at Blue Ridge, traveling to different places in the school van,” Georgia, to travel six miles to the start line. recalled Rogers. “‘We should try to keep doing However, they didn’t count on leaving behind something like this,’ we would say to each other.” in their hotel room the all-important race device. But as often happens with good intentions, the They didn’t count on missing the train. They two fell out of touch after college. Rogers earned didn’t count on event coordinators not allowing a fine arts degree and Young picked up an English them to travel by automobile to the start line. So degree with a minor in Spanish. Both were busy in they returned to the boarding point and ran six graduate school, Rogers at the University of miles on the railroad tracks just to reach the place Memphis and Young at Ole Miss. When Young to begin the race. They were unfazed about being moved to Memphis to teach Spanish at White an hour and a half behind everyone else. Yet they Sally and Eunika plot their next move while Station Middle School, the pair reconnected. didn’t finish last. preparing for an upcoming adventure race. Rogers was already living in the city and

22 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 mmee ee

plot the locations,” explained Young. “You have to figure out the terrain and how to get where commuting to Northwest Community College you’re going. The locations on the map are to teach art. checkpoints where you get your “When I left Delta State, I quit playing tennis ‘passport’ stamped.” and turned to other sports,” said Young. “Eunika Rogers is the designated navigator. “I have got me interested in long distance running. We no sense of direction,” joked Young. “There are started running in marathons and from there like two main roads in Cleveland and it took got into 50ks, and that evolved into adventure me a year and a half to know my way around! with other racing.” During my freshman year, I borrowed a friend’s non-race related Adventure racing combines two or car to go to Burger King, and when I wasn’t back adventures. They’re mulling more challenging more disciplines, including orienteering and after 45 minutes, they all knew I was hopelessly courses that take days to finish and “some crazy navigation, cross-country running, mountain lost.” races that we’re looking forward to, too,” said biking, paddling and climbing and related rope Their adventure racing season gears up Rogers. skills. An expedition “Teaming up with a fellow Delta State alum event may span up for endurance sports events is amazing,” said to 10 days or more They didn’t count Young. “We know each other so well,” she said. while sprints may be “From my perspective and I think hers too, we completed in a few on leaving the race just enjoy the day.” hours. Because there The regimen they embraced while is typically no “dark device behind or on competing on the Delta State tennis team — period” during races, train hard, endure, expect the best from yourself competitors choose if missing the train. and have fun — reverberated through their or when to rest. lives after college. Even though they initially lost “When you show up for the event, they hand in February, with an adventure race that touch with each other post-graduation, their you a topo (topographical map) and give you requires paddling. They have plans to balance Delta State bond brought them back together to coordinates (longitude and latitude) and you participation in adventure races this summer accomplish their personal goals.

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 23 X With the Classes Class Notes

1983 1940s 1970s KKellyelly Magee,Magee of Batesville, will be the new Deputy Controller and Inventory Purchase Clerk DDr.r. PPeteete Walker,Walker of Cleveland, was selected 1970 for Lafayette County. King of Junior Auxiliary’s Children’s Benefit Ball DDebbieebbie Maxwell,Maxwell of Shaw, has recently been of Cleveland. named an Assistant Vice President with Planters Bank.

1960s 1972 1967 LLt.t. Col.Col. MichaelMichael E.E. Jones,Jones of Memphis, TN, LLeeteet Maggio,Maggio of Indianola, is teaching sixth published his book The Centurion and the grade Reading and Mississippi History at Christ Child. REED Central Delta Academy. 1984 1974 JJohnohn Reed,Reed of the Netherlands, was appointed EElizabethlizabeth ShownShown Mills,Mills of Nashville, TN, was DDavidavid BBradberry,radberry of Clinton, was named the CEO of Heerema Marine Contractors. awarded Library Journal’s Best Reference Work Assistant Director of the Mississippi High School for her latest book Evidence Explained: Citing Activities Association in Clinton. History Sources from artifacts to Cyberspace. DDonaldonald PParkerson,arkerson of Birmingham, AL, is Tri- Isthmus Group’s new Chief Financial Officer.

WWilliamilliam LLoweowe Waller,Waller, Jr.,Jr. of Jackson, was

named Chief Justice with the Mississippi CONWAY Supreme Court. 1985 DDeboraheborah WilliamsWilliams CConway,onway of Las Vegas, NV,

FIORANELLI 1976 was elected as Clark County Recorder. 1968 GGaryary FFioranelli,ioranelli of Cleveland, has been VVickiicki BBassieassie Fioranelli,Fioranelli of Cleveland, was reappointed by Governor Haley Barbour to the 1987 selected as one of six outstanding alumni by the Rice Promotion Board. WW.. LairdLaird Hamberlin,Hamberlin of Cumming, GA, was DSU College of Education. appointed Vice President, Global Accounts, by ADT Worldwide. 1969 JJerryerry BBrantley,rantley of Philadelphia, was appointed to the District Three School Board Post. 1990s 1990 WARREN RRossoss RReily,eily of Greenville, is the Managing Editor LLeslieeslie Warren,Warren of Beaumont, TX, received Lamar of the Mississippi Business Journal. University’s Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award. 1992 KKimberlyimberly Carver,Carver of Byram, was promoted to

THORNELL 1978 Data Processing Officer with Trustmark National DDr.r. JJohnohn Thornell,Thornell of Florence, AL, accepted the LLynnynn FFletcherletcher Shurden,Shurden of Cleveland, Director Bank in Jackson. position of Vice President of Academic Affairs of the Bolivar County Library System, was and Provost at the University of North Alabama. presented the Peggy May Award by the Mississippi Library Association, and was also named president of the association.

1979 JJudsonudson TThigpen,higpen of Cleveland, is the 2009 – 2011 President of the Delta State University HUDSPETH Foundation Board of Directors. MMarkark HHudspeth,udspeth of Starkville, was named VERSEN Assistant Coach for the Mississippi State JJoeoe Versen,Versen of York, SC, has been named University football program. Chairman of the Board of Directors of the York 1980s County Regional Chamber of Commerce for AAudreyudrey MMcBride,cBride of Starkville, received the 2009. 1980 Golden Triangle Association of Realtors PPhyllishyllis WWaldron,aldron of Little Rock, AR, recently “Realtor of The Year” award for 2008. signed on as Retention Specialist for the TRIO Scholars Program at Pulaski Technical College.

24 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 1993 PPatrickatrick Robinson,Robinson of Oxford, was recently AAmandamanda Holder,Holder of Cleveland, was recently named principal of Oxford Middle School. selected as the 2009 Teacher of the Year by A.W. James Elementary School in Drew. LLynnynn Smither,Smither of Booneville, was named the Dropout Recovery Coordinator for Northeast JJeffeff LLong,ong of Clinton, was named the 2009 Mississippi Community College. Clarion Ledger All State Soccer Team Coach of WILSON the Year. 1995 1997 FFeliciaelicia KeenumKeenum May,May of Carrollton, TX, is CCelesteeleste EEmbreymbrey Wilson,Wilson of Southaven, was JJohnohn May,May of Carrollton, TX, is the Assistant the Director of Bands at Lake Dallas Middle elected County Court Judge in Desoto County. Band Director and Percussion Coordinator at School. North Garland High School. 1998 1996 FFarraharrah DDennisennis CCox,ox of Brandon, will complete MMajorajor DDanan CCarpenter,arpenter of Charleston, has her master’s degree in public administration arrived for duty at Soto Cano Air Base, (emphasis in public management) from Troy Honduras, to serve as a member of Joint Task University. Force-Bravo (JTF-B). CChristopherhristopher JJ.. MM.. Cummins,Cummins of Ripley, is serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves and is PARKER currently stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan. DDavidavid PParker,arker of Brandon, has been named Senior Vice President of Economic Development LLibbyibby LLogan,ogan of Cleveland, was recently for the Electric Power Association of Mississippi. included in Realtor Magazine’s “Top 30 under 30” for 2008. RRickyicky SSmither,mither of Booneville, was named Head COX

Coach for the Northeast Mississippi Community JJohnohn C.C. Cox,Cox of Cleveland, is the 2009 – 2011 DDarlenearlene McCune,McCune of Natchez, is the Director of College Football Team. President of the Delta State University Alumni Choral Activities at Natchez High School. Board of Directors. MMontieontie Moore,Moore of Pulaski, will attend seminary JJoeyoey Lott,Lott of Olive Branch, serves as the school to pursue the United Methodist Church’s Director of Music Ministries at Maples course of study to become a minister. Memorial United Methodist Church.

PPaulaaula Weaver,Weaver of Mobile, AL, has been JACKSON promoted to the Senior Environmental Analyst 1994 for Mississippi Environmental Support for TTyroneyrone Jackson,Jackson of Cleveland, is employed by Entergy Services, Incorporated. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College as the Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management.

HALL OF FAME AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT

Induction into the Delta State University Alumni Hall of Fame is the highest honororor bestowed upon an individual by the DSU Alumni Association. Established in 2007,7,7 the Alumni Hall of Fame is extended to alumni and friends who have achieved professional distinction and made significant community service contributions at the local, national and/or international level and who have thus brought honor and distinction to Delta State University. MNI ALU E Nominations much be postmarked or delivered by May 31, 2009 for consideration for the FAM L of November 7, 2009 Homecoming Awards. AL H SUBMIT TO: DSU Alumni Association, DSU Box 3104, 1003 West Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 3873333 Complete criteria and selection information can be found on the alumni web site. For more information contact the Alumni Office at 662.846.4660 or email [email protected].

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 25 X With the Classes

1999 NNathanathan Bynum,Bynum of Hattiesburg, is Territory JJacquelineacqueline Beasley,Beasley of Jackson, was promoted Manager for Victory Pharma. to Senior Vice President of Administrative Services. FFedericoederico Carlomagno,Carlomagno of Uruguay, is working for Pierpoint International.

ENGLAND JJudyudy CCouey,ouey of Starkville, was recently RRyanyan TT.. EEngland,ngland of Southaven, is a State named the new Starkville School District Farm Agent and Presidential Appointee on the Superintendent. 2009 – 2011 Delta State University Alumni Board of Directors. BBrandonrandon Hardin,Hardin of Amory, is the new Minister CORRERO of Music at Meadowood Baptist Church. PPaulaul JJ.. Correro,Correro Jr.,Jr. of Myrtle, was named KKishaisha Tinson,Tinson of Greenville, held her first Mississippi High School Principal of the Year concert at the Living Word Fellowship Center for 2008 by the Mississippi Association of on July 13 in Greenville. Secondary School Principals. 2003 RRodneyodney MMayes,ayes of San Antonio, TX, has been in the Air Force for the past five years. He is Communications/Computer Systems SMITH Controller-3C2X1 and was recently promoted CChadhad SSmith,mith of Centralia, KS, was hired by to Staff Sergeant. Heinen Bothers Agricultural Co. GARDNER MMandyandy GGardner,ardner of Brandon, was named one of the ”Top 40 under 40” by the Mississippi Business Journal.

MMichaelichael Goodwin,Goodwin of Irving, TX, is head Band NARON

Director for Spence Middle School and plays ELDER drums and percussion for Valley Ranch Baptist SSidid Naron,Naron of Cleveland, was named Church praise and worship band. Head Baseball Coach at Mississippi Delta 2005 Community College. MMarksarks EElder,lder of Tuscaloosa, AL, was named JJenniferennifer LungrinLungrin Milner,Milner of Pontotoc, is Human Resources Assistant for the Tuscaloosa employed as a K-5 music teacher at South EEastonaston Selby,Selby of Clinton, is teaching VA Medical Center. Pontotoc Attendance Center. Her elementary photography at Coastal Caroline University. He and middle school honor choirs will attend the recently won the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Brandon Elementary Choir Festival in April and Letters’ award of photography. Smokey Mountain Music Festival in Gatlinburg, TN in May.

2000s MIXON MMathewathew A.A. Mixon,Mixon of Brandon, was named the Head Swim Coach for the Vicksburg Swim 2001 AMMONS CCrystalrystal BBentleyentley SSims,ims of DeQueen, AR, received Association. the Teacher of the Year Award for Sevier 2004 County for 2007 and the Arkansas Association YYancyancy AAmmons,mmons of Brandon, has been of Two-Year Colleges Teacher of the Year promoted to Director of Marketing for River Award for 2008. Oaks, Woman’s and Crossgates River Oaks Hospitals. 2002 CCaseyasey BBourgoyne,ourgoyne of Cleveland, was named PULLEY Head Softball Coach at Delta State University. DDr.r. MMargieargie PPulley,ulley of Greenwood, was named LLisaisa LLaFontaineaFontaine Bynum,Bynum of Hattiesburg, was Superintendent of Greenwood Public Schools. promoted to Communications Coordinator for Hattiesburg Clinic. 2006 BLANSETT CClintlint BBoleware,oleware of Crystal Springs, is Director of BBrianrian Blansett,Blansett of Cleveland, was recently Bands at North Pike High School. named Communications and Marketing Director of the Cleveland-Bolivar County CChrishris GGaines,aines of Southaven, is an Admissions Chamber of Commerce. Recruiter for Delta State University.

26 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 RRebeccaebecca R.R. Hay,Hay of Hernando, is a Teacher at Attended Oak Grove Central Elementary School. FFrancesrances PPantinantin Janoush,Janoush of Cleveland, was selected Queen of Junior Auxiliary’s Children’s Benefit Ball of Cleveland. LEACH BBrentrent AllenAllen Leach,Leach of Brandon, was recently added to the 40-man roster for the Los Angeles Dodgers Major League Baseball team. JOHNSON CChristopherhristopher JJohnson,ohnson of Cleveland, recently 2007 accepted a job as the Human Resources REEDY DDesiesi MMelanconelancon Goodson,Goodson of Vicksburg, is Coordinator at Isle of Capri, Lula. BBillill Reedy,Reedy of Gulfport, was named Flat Rock teaching elementary music at Sherman Avenue Middle School’s 2008 Wachovia Principal of Elementary School in Vicksburg. AAshleyshley BBrownrown Owen,Owen of Benton, is teaching the Year by Henderson County Schools. music at Benton Academy. She is also the music TTimim Goodson,Goodson of Vicksburg, teaches choir at leader at the Pleasant Hill Church of God in PPetereter WoodsWoods (friend), of Mound Bayou, is Vicksburg Junior High School. Carthage. owner of Peter’s Pottery and was recently recognized in the Desoto Magazine for his 2008 EErikrik Taylor,Taylor of Grenada, is serving as Choir pottery and his home. BBrettrett Boykin,Boykin of Hollandale, is an Account Director at Amanda Elzy High School in Manager at Southgroup Insurance Services in Greenwood. He is also the organist for Mt. Cleveland. Olive Baptist Church in Cleveland.

Complete and return the form below to become an active member of the DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION!

I would also like to join the following alumni groups:

Accounting ($10) Black ($5) Music ($5)

Aviation ($5) Economics ($5) Nursing ($5)

Art ($5) Family & Consumer Science (H. Ec.) ($5) Athletic ($10)

Make Checks payable to: DSU Alumni Association Spring 2009 Mail to: DSU Box 3104, 1003 West Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 38733

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 27 X With the Classes

Baby Statesmen All dates are in 2008 unless otherwise noted.

Gabrielle Ann to M/M John Aegerter (LLouannouann Brayden Lane to M/M William Lane Kimbrell KKinging ’93),’93 of Las Vegas, NV, on February 8. (JJenniferennifer CrockerCrocker ’06),’06 of Jackson, on December 11. Warner Benton to M/M DDavidavid AAllenllen BrownBrown

AEGERTER ’’9898 (AAmandamanda MarantoMaranto ’’05),05 of Greenville, on JEFFORDS Hallie Elizabeth and Mettie Anne to M/M February 11, 2009. DDanaana KKinging ’06’06 (JJenniferennifer SinquefieldSinquefield ’’05),05 of Tunica, on November 8. Romie Carroll to M/M HunterHunter CCastonaston ’’9999 (LLaurenauren FioranelliFioranelli ’01),’01 of Cleveland, on Charles Eason to M/M CharlesCharles LLambamb ’06’06 January 14, 2009. (Bevin Lenahan), of Cleveland, on February

CASTON LAMB 2, 2009. Campbell Jamison to M/M Roger Cole (SSaraara CChampionhampion aattended),ttended of Collierville, TN, on Baylor Madalyn to M/M AAndyndy LeeLee ’98’98 (Presley August 14. Gainspoletti), of Cleveland, on December 9.

Molli to M/M DrewDrew CCorleyorley ’’01(01 BBonnionni BrownBrown Madison Denman to M/M MMichaelichael E.E.

COLE ’’02),02 of Madison, on October 21. LEE MMontgomeryontgomery ’00’00 (RRenaena DenmanDenman ’99),’99 of Pensacola, FL, on April 9. Charles Davis to M/M JasonJason CumberlandCumberland ’’9696 (TTaraara ClarkClark aattended),ttended of Brandon, on Cash Milner to M/M CaseyCasey MMyrickyrick ’’9999 July 30. (Sharea Milner), of Canton, on October 12.

CUMBERLAND Kyle “Alli Kyle” to M/M KKyleyle CunninghamCunningham ’’0808 MYRICK Cale Blake to M/M CClintlint NNewsomewsom ’02’02 (CCarlaarla (MMeganegan LittleLittle ’’04),04 of Cleveland, on June 4. SSewellewell ’01),’01 of Tupelo, on April 25.

Ryleigh Katherine to M/M JoelJoel DeerDeer ’98’98 (AAmymy Jonas Mitchell to M/M Jay Price (JJennieennie MMoyeroyer ’’98),98 of Madison, on July 3. EElisabethlisabeth MitchellMitchell ’97),’97 of Nashville, TN, on June 14.

CUNNINGHAM Parker Stewart to M/M HeathHeath DouglasDouglas NEWSOM ’’9595 (JJanelleanelle HobbsHobbs ’’95),95 of Greenville, on Presley Nicole to M/M MMichaelichael SatterfieldSatterfield September 2. ’’0808 (TTanyaanya EEllingtonllington ’04),’04 of Cleveland, on June 25. Jeffrey Sawyer to M/M BillieBillie FinnieFinnie ’’0000 (MMemorieemorie McCrearyMcCreary ’’02),02 of Brandon, on Doty McLaurin to M/M Allen M. Scott (LLaurenauren

DEER September 11. SATTERFIELD DDotyoty ’’96),96 of Leland, on August 23.

Derek to M/M FrankFrank “Porter”“Porter” FosterFoster IIIIII ’97’97 Elizabeth Hannah to M/M CCliffordlifford BBryanryan (CCatherineatherine “Cat”“Cat” FosterFoster ’’98),98 of Brandon, on SSmithmith ’99’99 (MMildredildred ““Millie”Millie” CraigCraig ’99),’99 of August 15. Southaven, on August 22.

DOUGLAS Jack Parker to M/M JustinJustin GGeorgeeorge ’’0000 (DDanaana SCOTT Jacob Rush to M/M Jack Taylor, Jr. (TTanyaanya BBradshawradshaw ’’06),06 of Cleveland, on January 18, TTayloraylor ’92),’92 of Madison, on October 16. 2009. Victoria Olivie (Olive) to M/M JJoshosh VVincentincent William Royce to M/M Jeremy Hawk (CClairelaire ’’0303 (CCatherineatherine BBishopishop ’05),’05 of Indianola, on JJenkinsenkins ’’00),00 of Madison, on March 26. October 2. FINNIE SMITH Kenneth Alexander “Alex” to M/M Ken Holm Christopher Neal to M/M Chris Warner (RReneeenee DeanDean ’96),’96 of Jackson, on December (MMariearie WWoodsoods ’03),’03 of Tunica, on 8. September 21.

Suzannah Logan to M/M Will Logan Hood Kaiden to M/M MMichaelichael WilsonWilson ’00’00 (JJanan LongLong

FOSTER (KKathrynathryn HargraveHargrave ’’98),98 of Cleveland, on TAYLOR aattended),ttended of Collierville, TN, on December December 3. 26.

Addison Reed to M/M StevenSteven JeffordsJeffords ’’0101 Michael R. to M/M MMichaelichael Wimberly,Wimberly, IIII (Slay McComb), of Brandon, on August 13. ’’9797 (JJenniferennifer TannerTanner ’98),’98 of Natchez, on April 11. GEORGE VINCENT

28 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 Wedding Bells All dates are in 2008 unless otherwise noted.

SSaraharah FrancesFrances AguzziAguzzi (attended)(attended) to Jeffrey Scott KKarenaren MarieMarie GiardinaGiardina ’07’07 AAshleyshley NNealeal ’08’08 to Bufkin, of Cleveland, on January 9, 2009. to DonaldDonald KeithKeith FitzgeraldFitzgerald CCoryory MMclemoreclemore ’07,’07 of IIII ’04,’04, of Tuscaloosa, AL, Vicksburg, on December JJeannaeanna LachelleLachelle AlfordAlford ’01’01 to Thomas Phillip on December 27. 23. Nichols, of Cleveland, on October 4.

FITZGERALD-GIARDINA MCLEMORE-NEAL YYancyancy CCooperooper ’04’04 to CChrishris AAmmonsmmons ’05,’05 of Brandon, JJenniferennifer GilderGilder ’’0303 to Jade Nicole Blount to SSidneyidney MMeltonelton (attended),(attended) on September 27. Anthony Berryhill, of Olive of Boyle, on October 4. Branch, on November 8. Laura Biglane to JJohnohn WesleyWesley (Wes)(Wes) MMiddletoniddleton AMMONS-COOPER ’’06,06 of Natchez, on September 20. GILDER-BERRYHILL AAddieddie KeshundaKeshunda CarmichelCarmichel JJenniferennifer RaeRae McGuffeeMcGuffee ’’0808 to WalterWalter LindseyLindsey ’’0303 to Aurelius Marcus LLauraaura LLeeee GriffinGriffin ’’0404 to MMilleriller ’’08,08, of Cleveland, on January 10, 2009. Miller, of Shelby, on TTimothyimothy GrommerschGrommersch ’02,’02 September 20. of Southaven, on October EElisalisa BrunettiBrunetti (aattended)ttended 4. to MMichaelichael OswaltOswalt ’06,’06 of CARMICHEL-MILLER Oxford, on October 25. GRIFFIN-GROMMERSCH Amanda Dayvolt to SStephentephen CocilovaCocilova ’04,’04 of LLauraaura VVirginiairginia HHartnessartness ’’0404 BRUNETTI-OSWALT Jackson, on April 4, 2009. to Chad Vernon Smith, of Madison, on May 10. AAnnnn MarieMarie MayersMayers ’’0404 to AAustinustin BB.. PatePate ’08,’08 of DAYVOLT-COCILOVA Cleveland, on February SSidneyidney MarthaMartha DDavisavis ((attended)attended) to Samuel David HARTNESS-SMITH 28, 2009. Ferris, of Oxford, on October 18. GyElla Swanigan to JJessess WW.. MAYERS-PATE HHintoninton ’’98,98 of Brandon, on AAmeliamelia LeighLeigh (Amy)(Amy) DettorDettor ’02’02 to Micheal Andrew June 28. KKabreshaabresha SpicerSpicer (attended),(attended) to Keith Powell, of Dickerson, of Sardis, on September 4. Webb, on September 20. EErinrin SelvySelvy ’05’05 to CCameronameron HINTON-SWANIGAN SSaraharah CChristinehristine SSikesikes FFarmerarmer ’05,’05 of Jackson, on ((attended)attended) to DentonDenton April 19. SSaraara JJaneane NelsonNelson ’06’06 CCarlarl SStokestokes ((attended),attended) of to HHeatheath IIngramngram ’06,’06 of Vicksburg, on September Greenwood, on September 20. SELVY-FARMER 6. STOKES-SIKES EEdithdith HarrisHarris BBuehleruehler ’05’05 to TThomashomas AndrewAndrew Fava,Fava,

JJr.r. ’99,’99 of Hernando, on April 12. INGRAM-NELSON Keeley Pollan Greenwood to AAdamdam AugustaAugusta VanVan NNamenamen ’04,’04 of Cleveland, on September 20. Chelsea Ann Campus to EElizabethlizabeth JenningsJennings ’06’06 DDavidavid MMeadoweadow FFerrisserriss IIIIII CCathyathy RRowseyowsey VVaughnaughn ’’9797 to Russell Clay to Dallas Duffy, of Sugar ’’04,04 of Nashville, TN, on Vaughn, Jr., of Flowood, on June 6. Land, TX, on August 8. October 11. EEvava WooWoo ’96’96 to Jonathan CAMPUS-FERRISS III DUFFY-JENNINGS Louis Celli, of Cordova, on February 14. LLindsayindsay HHarkinsarkins ’’0606 to TThomashomas AlexanderAlexander MMiaia CClairelaire FFioranelliioranelli ’97’97 JJenningsennings ((attended),attended) of Oxford, on November 3, to Steven Robert Tuddle, of 2007. Memphis, TN, on February WOO-CELLI 7, 2009. CCelesteeleste MMonetteonette RoachRoach (attended)(attended) to DavidDavid RRyanyan

TUDDLE-FIORANELLI JJetereter ’06,’06 of Germantown, TN, on October 11.

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 29 X With the Classes

In Memoriam All deaths occured in 2008 unless otherwise noted.

RRebeccaebecca Hood-Adams,Hood-Adams ’79,’79 of Clarksdale, on BBarbaraarbara A.A. Ingram,Ingram sstaff,taff of Shaw, on October 4. JJamesames M.M. Seale,Seale ’’82,82 of Merigold, on June 23. September 21. LLulaula B.B. Marshall,Marshall ’76,’76 of Greenville, on January DDr.r. SSamuelamuel DuffDuff AAustin,ustin friend,friend of Cleveland, on 5, 2009. EEugeneugene H.H. Shepard,Shepard pprofessor,rofessor of Milledgeville, November 3. on January 5, 2009. MMargaretargaret LL.. McIntire,McIntire ’’76,76 of Jackson, on AAngelongelo R.R. Bianca,Bianca aattended,ttended of Florence, on September 4. RRobertobert M.M. Smith,Smith ’62,’62 of Tupelo, on October 8. August 3. RRitaita MM.. MMcNeer,cNeer ’97,’97 of Goodman, on GGayleayle LL.. Snipes,Snipes aattended,ttended of Tuscaloosa, AL, on DDr.r. NNinoino A.A. Bologna,Bologna ffriend,riend of Greenville, on August 14. October 14. October 5. GGlorialoria AA.. Mills,Mills ’65,’65 of Osceola, AR, on DDeanean Spradling,Spradling ’52,’52 of Clarksdale, on March JJoo AnnAnn DavisDavis Clifton,Clifton ’’03,03 of Katy, TX, on September 9. 3, 2009. December 19. TT.. RayRay MMorgan,organ ’’52,52 of Birmingham, AL, on GGlynlyn AA.. Tharp,Tharp friend,friend of Greenwood, on JJohnohn F.F. Colbert,Colbert, Jr.,Jr. ’’52,52 of Jackson, on January 19, 2009. December 8. December 3. VVirginiairginia SStiglertigler MMurray,urray aattended,ttended of Cleveland, TTeded RobertRobert Thorton,Thorton, Sr.,Sr. aattended,ttended of Greenville, EEvava M.M. Coleman,Coleman ’62,’62 of Greenville, on on February 19, 2009. on January 10, 2009. August 15. MMelanieelanie ReneeRenee TylerTyler Owen,Owen ’’03,03 of Cleveland, MMaryary HH.. VVeuleman,euleman ’58,’58 of Jackson, on WWillieillie Farmer,Farmer ’’72,72 of Indianola, on October 10. on October 31. November 4.

OOsbournesbourne GGuion,uion ’’50,50 of Jackson, on MMaryary EE.. PParks,arks ’37,’37 of Ocala, on August 1. SShirleyhirley NN.. White,White ’64,’64 of Vicksburg, on August October 28. 16. DDavidavid EE.. RReaves,eaves, SSr.,r. ’56,’56 of Sterling, AK, on OOttotto W.W. Hall,Hall, Sr.,Sr. ’’50,50 of Greenwood, on December 30. MMyrayra JJoo WWilson,ilson aattended,ttended of Cleveland, on July 28. February 27, 2009. DDr.r. AArthurrthur HHugougo RRichter,ichter, JJr.,r. ’’43,43 of Greenwood, VVelmaelma S.S. Hamilton,Hamilton ’30,’30 of Jackson, on August 2. on February 14, 2009. RRobertobert M.M. Wilson,Wilson ’’62,62 of Tupelo, on October 8.

MMacArthuracArthur HHarrison,arrison ’’69,69 of Memphis, TN, on MMildredildred II.. SartinSartin ’57,’57 of Booneville, on January September 27. 3, 2009.

JJohnohn L.L. Hathcock,Hathcock ’’69,69 of Little Rock, AR, on MMaryary HH.. SSaunders,aunders ’74,’74 of Greenwood, on September 19. August 18.

DDr.r. TThomashomas NevinNevin SledgeSledge 1948 – 2008

DDr.r. TThomashomas NevinNevin Sledge,Sledge 60, of Cleveland, passed away on December 25, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Sledge was born on January 18, 1948, in Cleveland, to P. Nevin Sledge and Brenda Wilson Sledge. He graduated from the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He held a masters degree in commercial aviation from the University of Louisiana in Monroe and a doctorate of education from Delta State University. Tommy served in the U. S. Air Force flying both a C-131 and a C-141 aircraft. When Tommy retired from the Air Force, he held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Tommy joined the Delta State staff as an aviator instructor in 1990, and became chair of the department in 1997. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, and served as the president of the Methodist Men. Tommy loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed cooking for his church. Sledge is survived by his wife, Alinda Capps Sledge, son, Allen Thomas Sledge, brother, Wilson Sledge, sisters Melissa Sledge Osborne and Luanne Sledge, father, Senator Nevin Sledge, and father-in-law, Representative Charlie Capps.

30 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009 MILES AWAY 333232 MMilesiles AAway:way: Where has the road taken you? Rusty Rayborn ’07 and Share your travels with us. Let us see where you’re reading the Delta Brett Boykin ’08, enjoying State alumni magazine. Email your photos to [email protected]. Bourbon Street, in New Orleans, LA.

22,150,150 MMilesiles AAwayway Recreation with students, staff, and alumni in Kellogg, Idaho at the Silver Mountain Resort.

118888 MMilesiles AAway:way: Alumni at the Delta State University Alumni Meeting held in Little Rock, AR. 883535 MilesMiles AAwayway Ramona Von Boeckman ’78, 33,942,942 MMilesiles AAway:way: Cornelia Jones (Ward) Barry Bays ’85 with ’78, Larry Shores ’78, Blues musician in and Roland Jones ’76 in Cognac, France. Orlando, FL.

______What better way to let your NAME classmates know where ______you are and what you are MAIDEN NAME doing than through the ______“Alumni Updates?” ADDRESS ______CITY STATE ZIP Tell us about yourself: ______Recently married? PHONE(S): (H): (W): (C): Taken a new job? ______Been promoted? GRADUATION YEAR OR YEAR ATTENDED Changed addresses? ______Welcomed new children? DATE OF BIRTH E-MAIL ADDRESS

HERE’S MY UPDATE: ______

MAIL TO: ______Alumni Office, DSU Box 3104, 1003 West Sunflower Road ______Cleveland, Mississippi 38733 ______FAX TO: 662.846.4713 E-MAIL TO: [email protected] ______ALUMNI UPDATE

Spring 2009 • Delta State Magazine • 31 X Alumni Happenings

2008 Hall of Fame Award Recipients Peter 2008 Service Award Recipients Dwaun Warmack Jeremy McClain ’99, Senator Bob Dearing ’57 Jernberg ’65, Ann Hannaford Lamar ’74, and ’99, Edward Pope ’85, and Charlie Capps, Jr. at and Dr. John Hilpert at the dedication of the Bob Langston Rogers ’66. the Alumni Awards Luncheon. M. Dearing Athletic Hall of Fame Room.

The Class of ’58 at the Induction Dinner held at Dr. James Robinson, Charlie Capps Jr., and Vicki Hazel Hilley, Arlene Sanders ’03, and Barbara the Cleveland Country Club. The Class of ’58 Fioranelli ’68 visit in the Veterans’ Atrium in Jobe McKnight at the Black Alumni Scholarship was the featured class of Homecoming 2008. Hall during Homecoming 2008. Awards Luncheon.

Shirley Fioranelli ’78, Dr. Milton Bradley, and Horace McCool ’54, Langston Rogers ’66, Dave Henry Outlaw ’61 (right), presents John Ramona Von Boeckman ’78 supporting Delta “Boo” Ferriss, and Stan Sandroni at the annual Alexander ’77, the Distinguished Alumni Award State’s basketball teams in Memphis, TN. Alumni Awards Luncheon. at the North Central Alumni Meeting in Oxford.

Ladies of the class of ’60 at a reunion held during 2008 Pig Pickin’ BBQ winners. Mildred Castle ’44 and Richard Collins ’53 at Pig Pickin’ in the H.L. Nowell Student Union. the 2008 Little Rock Alumni Meeting.

Mike Neyman ’72, Bill LaForge ’72, and Mike Betty Jo Abraham ’64, Jerry Peyton ’63, and Jeffrey Farris ’04, Will Crump ’05, and P.J. Ellis ’74 playing music together at the 45th Pi Diane Peyton at the annual Atlanta Alumni Waldrop ’06 at an alumni gathering held at Kappa Alpha Reunion. Meeting held at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Winstead Law Firm in Washington, D.C.

32 • Delta State Magazine • Spring 2009

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Burlington, VT Permit No. 19 DSU Box 3104 1003 West Sunflower Road Cleveland, MS 38733

HOMECOMING 2009 November 7 Find out more at www.deltastate.edu

Kelli Douglass (center) is crowned Delta State University Homecoming Queen 2008 by Delta State Student Government Association President Drew Barham during half-time ceremonies at the Homecoming Football Game. Kelli’s father Steve (at left) served as her escort.