October Signature by Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc.

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Happenings ........................................................ 4- 5 Food .................................................................... 52-53 Noteworthy Top Chef Q&A Meet Charles Arinder The Salty Sea .................................................................... 6 owner and chef, Caliente Grill ................................ 51 Meet the Lucases .............................................. 9 Signature Events ............…………….......... 54-67 Junior Auxiliary EURO Reunion ........................................................ 54 A continuing legacy of service in Hattiesburg ................ 10 FGH/USM Football Kickoff ........................................ 56 Recycled Rustic Eagle Fanfare ............................................................ 57 Football 101 .............................................................. 58 A look at the Phillips Family Camp ................................ 13 Hattiesburg Debutante Brunch .................................. 59 The Ogletree House Island Party .............................................................. 60 A unique event setting at Southern Miss ........................ 17 Welcome Reception .................................................. 61 Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant ........................ 62 USM’s “Pride of Mississippi” OLLI Social ................................................................ 63 Marching Band ................................................ 20 Pine Belt Expo .......................................................... 64 SBJ Golf Tourney ...................................................... 65 Tailgating at The Rock Pine Grove Ribbon Cutting ...................................... 66 Black & Gold at its finest ................................................ 23 Retirement Reception .............................................. 67 Eagle Up! Jenna Jinks Reception .............................................. 67 It’s all about camaraderie ................................................ 28 Signature Q&A Southern Miss To The Top! Stephen Palazzo, 4th Congressional USM squads keep things lively ........................................ 33 District congressman and USM alum ............................ 68 ABOUT THE COVER: It’s October and college football is in full swing across the Soaring with Seymour country. And there’s no better place to be on a fall Saturday afteroon than on the The Signature staff poses questions to the Golden Eagle mascot .................................................... 34

Humpty Dumpty Southern Miss Graduate continues to dance after disastrous fall .......................................................... 38

Legacy recruitment A key to the future of Southern Miss ..............................

USM... a family tradition A family history deeply intertwined with USM ................

Game Day spread A few enticing recipes from Dean Smith ........................

University of Southrn Mississippi where tailgating and football are a black and gold tradition. USM junior cheerlealder Reghan Johnson of Mount Olive enjoys yelling for the Golden Eagle teams throughout the year, but especially on football Saturdays.

Signature Magazine • October 2011 • vol 6 number 7 publisher David Gustafson editor Beth Bunch contributors Dana Gower • Marlo Matthews Ashleigh Johnson • Van Arnold advertising representatives Missy Pickering • Jessica Wallace art director Bill Benge graphic artist Emily Hall Signature Magazine is a product of Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc., publisher of The Lamar Times, The Petal News, HubCitySPOKES, Camp Shelby Reveille and Signature Magazine. For information on submitting items for consideration, call (601) 268-2331 or email beth@HubCitySPOKES.com. To mail information or photos, send to Signature Magazine, 103 N. 40th Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS 39401.

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Brown Bag Concert Series The Hattiesburg Arts Council will host its annual Brown Bag Concert Series during the noon hour on Thursdays during the month of October. The concerts are held behind City Hall at Fountain Park. HAC has lunches for purchase. On Oct. 6, T-Bone Pruitt will be the featured entertainment, while on Oct. 13, enjoy the music of T-Bird Mac. On November 3, the HAC will host an opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for a photography exhibit featuring David Bundy of Montgomery, Ala., formerly of Hattiesburg, and Jason Taylor of Gulfport, that will be on display at the Hattiesburg Cultural Center in Downtown Hattiesburg.

Pine Belt Farmers & Artisans Market Thursdays through Saturday, October 31, 3-7 p.m. Come out each Thursday to the Town Square Park in Historic Downtown Hattiesburg for an opportunity to listen to live music while picking up locally-grown produce, flowers and homemade goodies. The Market is open from 3-7 p.m. Call 601-583-4329 for more information or visit www.downtownhattiesburg.com.

Lauren Rogers Museum Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color, through November 6 In a career lasting more than 70 years, Loïs Mailou Jones (19051998) overcame racial and gender prejudices to become a successful painter and designer whose influence as a teacher extended far beyond her native country. This exhibition spans the artist's career from the late Harlem Renaissance to her contemporary synthesis of African,

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Caribbean, American, and African-American iconography. Loïs Mailou Jones: A Life in Vibrant Color is organized by the Mint Museum of Art, Charlotte, NC, in collaboration with the Loïs Mailous Jones Pierre-Noël Trust, and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. The exhibition if funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. I Views from the Vault December 2011 - January 2012

WCU Art Exhibit Throughout the year William Carey University is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the birth of the university's namesake, William Carey, with a variety of events, including an art exhibition. The exhibit, which will be housed at the Lucile Parker Gallery October 3 - November 18, will feature artwork inspired by the accomplishments and career of William Carey, the "father of modern missions." The opening reception for the exhibit is Thursday, October 6, from 5 -6 p.m. in the Lucile Parker Gallery. For information, visit www.wmcarey.edu.

William Carey I “Carey 250 Exhibition,” by South Mississippi Art Association members will hang October 3November 28 in the Lucile Parker Gallery. An opening reception will be held from 5 - 6 p.m. October 6. The gallery will be closed October 27November 4 for university holidays. I Carey Oratorio Concert, 7 p.m. October 6, Smith Auditorium on WCU Campus. I “The Diviners” presented by the William Carey Theatre Department is set for 7:30 p.m. October 6-8 and October 13-15 in Smith Auditorium on the WCU campus. For information, call 601-318-6221

Signature Chefs Auction The Signature Chefs Auction is an exciting event that pays tribute to the culinary distinction of 15 to 25 of the finest chefs, caterers and local celebrity chefs while raising money to support the March of Dimes mission of saving babies. This year’s event is set for October 6 at the Thad Cochran Center on the Southern Miss campus in Hattiesburg. Cocktail hour is set from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.; Eat, Drink & Bid from 7:30 - 8:30 pm ; Program, Live Auction, Fund the Mission from 9:30 p.m. - Auction Check Out. Each chef will present their signature dish in miniature form as well as donate a unique package to be sold during a live auction. After enjoying a large reception, while bidding on enticing silent auction packages, guests are invited to bid on a variety of packages related to entertainment, dining, leisure and travel in the lively live auction. Cocktail attire. Tickets & Sponsorship: Individual tickets: $75 a person or $100 a couple, Corporate Table for 10: $1,000, additional sponsorships are available by contacting the March of Dimes office in Gulfport at 228-896-0886.

USM Dance I The University of Southern Mississippi Dance Dept. presents Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company in Concert at 7:30 pm. Thursday, October 6, at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center. This internationally acclaimed modern dance company brings their repertoire to the Gulf South. The company is committed to making dance accessible to everyone. Tickets are $6 USM students, $10 senior citizens, faculty, staff and military, $16 gen. admission

I The Fall Dance Concert is set for 7:30 p.m. October 27-29 and 2 p.m. October 30 in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $6 USM students, $10 senior citizens/faculty/staff/military, $16 gen. admission. The first Repertory Dance Company concert of the year features work by students, faculty and guest artists,

all performed by our most talented students.

Fall Art Walk October 8, Downtown Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg Concert Assoc. The Festival of Choirs will be presented at 7:30 p.m. October 10 at Main Street Baptist Church, located on Hardy Street behind Community Bank.

Silver Anniversary Reception Father Tommy Conway, priest at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, will be honored with a Silver Anniversary reception at 7:30 p.m. October 11 at the Thad Cochran Center on the USM campus. The church is located on 4th Street next to USM’s baseball field. Father Tommy comes from Galway on the West Coast of Ireland and was raised in the village of Newbridge and has 9 brothers, 3 sisters, 31 nieces and nephews and 4 great nieces. He came to the diocese of Biloxi in 1986 after studying at St. Patrick's College in Carlow, Ireland. He was ordained by Bishop Howze at St. Patrick's Church on July 27, 1986. He was

appointed as Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in October 2000. He has also served in Gulfport, Columbia, and Tylertown, Mississippi.

USM Theatre I The University of Southern Mississippi Theatre Department presents ‘King Lear’ by William Shakespeare on Main Stage Project, Tatum Theatre, USM Hattiesburg Campus. Show dates are 7:30 p.m. October 14*, 15*, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 2 p.m. October 16* and 23. * denotes special Fall Break performances

Shakespeare’s powerful tragedy will be presented in a highly theatrical production featuring AEA Guest Artist Mark Kincaid in the title role. Kincaid is a renowned classical actor who has worked at major theatres throughout the country. This is an opportunity to see students performing alongside a highly regarded professional in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. Tickets are available at www.southernmisstickets.com

Spirit of Women Event Jack deLashmet, renowned landscape architect and Mississippi native, will bring the beauty of the Hamptons to Hattiesburg at the upcoming Spirit of Women event, “From Hamptons Gardens to Hattiesburg Gardens” on October 25. At this one-of-a-kind event, deLashmet will present an exciting program on adapting the style of Hamptons landscapes for local gardens, including a discussion of his book, “Hamptons Gardens.” The book unlocks the gates of some of the most private gardens in The Hamptons – known as one of the most exclusive residential areas in the world. The beautiful photography of picturesque landscapes designed by some of the world’s most renowned designers offers a glimpse into the artistry of these gardens. As

deLashmet will explain many of the elements of these gardens can be adapted by local gardeners in their own backyard using the right tools and information. A limited number of copies of “Hamptons Gardens” will be available for purchase and personalization by the author. “From Hamptons Gardens to Hattiesburg Gardens” will be held from 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. October 25 at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center. Cost to attend is $25 for Spirit of Women members and $35 for non-members. Limited space is available, and the deadline for registration is October 20. To register, call the Spirit of Women line at 601-288-4968. For more information on Forrest General and Spirit of Women, visit www.forrestgeneral.com or call FGH OnCall at 1-800-844-4445

USM Symphony The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra presents Rule Britannia at 7:30 p.m. October 27 in Bennett Auditorium on the University of Southern Mississippi campus. Tickets are available through the Southern Miss Ticket Office, www.southernmisstickets.com or www.usm.edu/symphony. For more information, call 601.266.4001

to the right, the Saenger tradition continues with the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 8 p.m. Friday, October 28! Catchy songs and thrilling dance numbers are made complete with interaction from the audience – you wear the costume and we’ll provide the props! Tickets are $10

programs to further the progress against this disease. More information, call 1-800-227-2345, visit http://www.makingstrides hattiesburg.org

The Saenger Theater Box office is open from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and at noon prior to all ticketed performances. You may visit the Box Office, call them at (601) 584-4888.

American Cancer Society Walk Join the American Cancer Society in the fight against breast cancer at its 2011 Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Hattiesburg October 29. The 5K walk is set for 9 a.m. at Pride Field on the University of Southern Mississippi. Registration opens at 8 a.m. This walk unites the entire community to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about the importance of early detection and prevention, and raise money to fund life-saving research and support

JORT Production Just Over the Rainbow Theatre’s second show is the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Crimes of the Heart,” by Mississippi writer Beth Henley. It is the story of the three quirky Magrath sisters, who gather at the family home in Hazlehurst in the midst of more than one bizarre family “tragedy.” This dark comedy will keep you enthralled. This showcase is directed by former America’s Outstanding Teacher of the Performing Arts Michael Marks. Tickets are $10. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. October 27-29 and November 3-5 and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. October 30 at the Petal Cultural Center, 120 S. George Street, Petal. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

At the Saenger.... Let’s do the time warp again! With a jump to the left and step

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By David GUSTAFSON f you ever wondered what it would sound like if you took a guitar-based singer/songwriter guy raised on Led Zeppelin and threw him into a recording studio with a self-taught piano-based singer/songwriter gal who grew up singing Sunday morning church solos, look no further than The Salty Sea – the Hattiesburg-based duo of Chris Carr and Lindsey Smith, whose blended sound is as eclectic (and wonderful) as their musical upbringing. Their genre-bending, self-titled debut album was released in May to critical acclaim – at least to people who know good music when they hear it. Remarkable really - especially when you consider the two of them have only been making music together for a short while. Raised in Petal, Smith played the flute for a short while in the middle school band and later taught herself how to play the piano, but never really learned how to read music. It wasn’t until she was in college when she began getting serious about music after discovering the talents of fellow songwriters Patty Griffin and Mindy Smith (no relation). Carr, who grew up 65 miles southwest of Petal in

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Picayune, started on the trombone and picked up a guitar for the first time when he was in the eighth grade – quickly gravitating to the hard-driven style of Jimmy Plant. Although they both attended the University of Southern Mississippi at the same time, they didn’t meet until several years later when Carr was called in to contribute electric guitars on Smith’s solo debut album. The pair hit it off right away and they eventually began talking about the idea of writing songs together in hopes of co-writing enough good material to warrant a trip to the recording studio. Juggling their already busy schedules (Carr is a GIS/mapping specialist for the City of Hattiesburg and Smith is the office manager/bookkeeper at Rare Design), they managed to carve out enough time to craft an eight-song album worthy of making it to the top of the iTunes singer/songwriter chart with the likes of The Civil Wars, The Swell Season, and Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. In fact, the only problem with the album is with only eight tacks, there’s barely enough time to showcase the best qualities of both artists: Smith’s buttery-rich vocals and Carr’s incredible musicianship. From the raw toe-tapping, banjo-infused opening

tune, “Hold the Line,” to the keyboard heavy “Why’s it Always Seem,” the album may be an eclectic mix of folk, pop, bluegrass, roots, and Americana, but the lyrics remain the star – especially on the perfectly electric “Do You Dream?” from which the band gets its name: “Didn’t I make you love me? Didn’t I make you feel... ..the truth it so deep, the end of it unseen to the depths of the salty sea”

“As a songwriter, I used to be able to walk away from a new song every day of the week,” said Carr. “It’s easy to leave them incomplete. I found that it’s good to team up with someone to help take your ideas and watch them materialize.” Smith couldn’t agree more. “We were kind of forced to throw ourselves out there to each other during the songwriting process and it was a very vulnerable position to put ourselves in. Fortunately I think it worked.” And we couldn’t agree more. For more information about The Salty Sea, follow them on Facebook or visit their website: saltyseamusic.com Find their album at iTunes, Amazon, or locally at T-Bones Records and Click Boutique.

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o, here is a new take on the famous bow tie story. But first, the well-known and official version of the history of Dr. Aubrey Lucas, president emeritus at the University of Southern Mississippi, and his bow ties. “When I first got into academic life about 1957, I started wearing bow ties. I must have thought it was academic,” Lucas said. In a relatively short amount of time, the bow ties became his signature. “They became very popular,” he said, noting that he has sported bow ties for all occasions. “I have a Fourth of July patriotic bow tie. I have one with musical notes for the symphony.” Lucas’ wife, Ella, smiles conspiratorially and adds a little to the story: “We bought so many long ties that got soiled the first day out, and it got to be expensive,” she said of the reason behind the switch to bow ties. Her husband is sticking with his story of academic style, but does agree to a concession. “A bow tie doesn’t cost as much as a regular tie,” he admits. At one time, Ella Lucas said, she even considered making her husband’s bow ties herself. Despite being “very active in textile arts,” according to her husband, she quickly gave up on that plan. “I bought a pattern and was going to make bow ties,” but discovered the backing used in bow ties is very hard to work with, she said, adding, “I didn’t even really make any.”

Especially among family members, however, she is well known for her skills in the textile arts, from quilting to crochet and embroidery. “I joined a quilt guild in 1986,” she said. “It’s a fun hobby.” “Ella’s in a group called the CutUps,” Aubrey Lucas said, adding that they both enjoy going to see quilt shows together. “Quilting was in the family, but I’d never really done it,” Ella Lucas said, noting that, of the quilts she has made over the years, “Most of them have been given away to family members.” Currently, her talent is focused on making baptismal banners for the children baptized at their church. “Ella and I are Methodists,” Dr. Lucas said. “One of her responsibilities now is to make all the baptismal banners. They are treasured. They become family heirlooms.” Each appliquéd banner measures about 15-by-24 inches and includes the child’s name and baptism date. His wife’s talents also cover a variety of other areas, Lucas said, noting that she was instrumental in the design of what is known as the USM President’s Home, which was built during his tenure. “She listed the spaces, and then the relationships” of the rooms included in the home, he said. “I put down what I thought we needed,” Ella Lucas said. Property for the home had already been purchased at the time he was

named president of the university, Dr. Lucas said, but, “When we came, it was a matter of designing and building.” “We went to Mississippi State and looked at that president’s home,” Ella Lucas said, noting that they were already familiar with the president’s home at Delta State, where they had lived during the time Dr. Lucas served as president at DSU. As well as serving as an official residence, Ella Lucas said she wanted to ensure that the building also was a home for her family. “We wanted it to be a place for them to bring their friends,” she said of their children. When Dr. Lucas was named USM president in 1975, their two girls and two boys ranged in age from 7-18, but it was four years later by the time the family finally moved in to the new home. Both said they are pleased to see how beautifully the house has been maintained by the school’s current president, Dr. Martha Saunders, and her husband. “We just love the way Dr. Saunders has it now,” Ella Lucas said. In addition to changes made inside the home, “The backyard is absolutely beautiful,” she said. Since before the time they were married, USM has played an important role in their lives. “Ella is a native of Kokomo. I’m from State Line. We met here when we came to school here in 1952,” Lucas said. “We both were prepar-

ing to be teachers.” That plan changed somewhat, with Aubrey Lucas instead finding himself working on the university level. He retired as president of USM on Jan. 1, 1997, and became president emeritus. Then, four years later, he was again named president for about 10 months while a search for a new president was undertaken, resulting in the hiring of Dr. Saunders. In 2008, he was named interim commissioner of higher education for about nine months while a search was undertaken to permanently fill that position. “I did it reluctantly, but I enjoyed it,” Lucas said of his stint as interim commissioner. On Sept. 28, Gov. Haley Barbour honored Aubrey Lucas and 10 other Mississippians with the Mississippi Medal of Service for their contributions to improve their communities and state. In December the couple will celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary. Keeping in touch with family (Frances, president of the USM Gulf Coast campus; Carol, a teacher in Eupora, Alan, a local dentist and Mark, a periodontist in Denver) is very important, both of them agree. “Our family gets together as often as possible,” Dr. Lucas said. “We love our eight grandchildren and like to see them as much as we can,” Lucas said. His wife agreed, noting, “Any excuse will do.”

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By planning and hosting their annual Charity Ball, JA of Hattiesburg raises the funds needed to pay for their 24 annual service projects ull swing into fall, students all across the Pine Belt have settled into a new school year, and for more than 1,000 of these students, their year began with a special encounter with a local organization with a 70-year history of serving the Greater Hattiesburg Area. Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg facilitates 24 service projects focused on meeting the needs of children and has been committed to this mission since 1941. Backpack is one of the organization’s most notable projects targeting children kindergarten through fourth grade whose families face financial difficulties and providing these children with backpacks fully stocked with new school supplies. The project involves 18 area schools, 30 members of Junior Auxiliary, several months of planning and requires almost $20,000. However, Backpack isn’t the only way that Junior Auxiliary assists area children in preparing for a new school year. Through the School Uniforms project, Junior Auxiliary members work with school counselors at 14 area schools to provide new uniforms to children in need ranging from elementary school to sixth grade. “For students that come from disadvantaged homes, school can be a difficult place. Coming to school in a shirt with holes or ill-fitting pants can make students feel less worthy than their schoolmates. The uniforms provided by the Junior Auxiliary not only give these students much needed clothing, but also boosts their selfesteem,” said Dixie Elementary Assistant Principal, Karen Vines. “This, in turn, has a positive effect on student achievement and performance. This program is a great benefit to Dixie's students” Often times, the children served by Backpack and School Uniforms projects will encounter Junior Auxiliary members throughout the school year, as well, as projects such as Aim for Success, Visual Screening and Healthy Kids are taken into area schools. However, these projects, which account for approximately

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$30,000 of Junior Auxiliary’s annual budget, are just a few of the service projects that could not occur without the support of the local community. “JA dollars raised go directly into serving the community, but that work could not happen without the generosity of our supporters in and around Hattiesburg, through our annual fundraiser, Charity Ball,” said Sarah Atkinson, President. The annual fundraiser is on the minds of all JA members this time of year. This year’s event is scheduled for for 7 p.m. 11-11-11 (Friday, Nov. 11) at the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center and will feature a “Red Carpet Gala” theme. "For more than 30 years the community has supported the endeavors of this organization through JA’s annual Charity Ball," said Traci Rouse, planning chair for the 2011 ball. "With more than $100,000 raised each year, the support is essential. Our contributors know that the impact JA has on the community absolutely could not happen without them." By planning and hosting their annual Charity Ball, JA of Hattiesburg raises the funds needed to pay for their 24 annual service projects, including Family Affair, an award-winning project where adopted families receive hands-on, relational care and financial assistance, working toward the goal of independence. Also, from funds raised, JA of Hattiesburg provided 23 college scholarships to high school students last year. These scholarships are awarded based on participation in community activities, leadership, moral character, citizenship, scholastic achievement and educational goals. JA members are continually seeking out projects that will make an impact area-wide and that embody the spirit of empowering children and families in need. From taking care of special needs children through the Abbie Rogers Parent’s Day Out program to mentoring young women through both Big Sister and Girl Power or providing loving care to severely handicapped children

through Rock-A-Bye Moms, the work of the organization touches many lives in meaningful ways. “This year’s fundraiser will showcase our service projects and will highlight the children we serve,” said Rouse. “We want all who attend this event to see exactly where their contributions will go. Through donations, silent auction items and attendance at the event, each and every person’s involvement ultimately helps a child in our community.” The chapter will present their “Humanitarian of the Year” award at the event. “We will honor someone who is a true inspiration, leader and volunteer in our community,” according to Atkinson. Former recipients of this award include Frances Bounds, Raylawni Branch, Dr. D.B. Conerly, Rev. Henry Craft, Dr. Etoile Dubard, Nora and Buck Ford, Mike Garner, Russ Hendley, Joey Pace, Cindy Pennington, Rev. Bill Prout and most recently, Jack Kennedy. The event will also feature a silent auction with a wide assortment of goods and services from regional businesses, entertainment by Dr. Zarr’s Funk Monster and a raffle to win a piece of jewelry from Jewelmasters of Hattiesburg. Tickets are $100 and include entry for two. Born 70 years ago with only 23 ladies, the founding members of Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg were ready to volunteer their time for the betterment of the community and its children. JA of Hattiesburg continues that tradition of volunteer community service today, serving thousands of children each year. Currently, the organization is made up of nearly one hundred women who team up during an entire year to plan and work on service projects that best suit their skills and desires. The Hattiesburg JA chapter is just one of nearly 100 chapters that make up the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, Inc. (NAJA). To learn more about Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg, visit www.hattiesburgjuniorauxiliary.org. To make a donation or purchase tickets, please call Lake Terrace Convention Center at 601-268-3220.

Charming... rustic... out of the way... and held together with iron scraps and salvageable bits and pieces... or maybe a collection of history, is the best way to describe the Phillips Family Camp tucked in amid the native trees and situated along a lonesome stretch of the Bowie River off a dirt road on U.S. Hwy. 49 North. Located on about 300 acres, across two arms of the family, on land that was once home to Mammouth Springs, this family lodge is a study in history. The camp, owned by USM supporters Dr. Tom Rhea and Barbara Phillips, was really out in the country at one time. According to the Phillips’ son, Tom, one of their five children who attended the university, and a historian in his own rite, the Hattiesburg City Limits was about at Roper’s or the National Guard Armory at that time, “so this area really was out in the country,” he said. “Mammouth Springs opened as a resort in 1897,” with people coming from all over to visit the mineral springs, which were believed to have healing powers. Tom explained that his grandfather bought the land where he farmed and his two sons, Tom Rhea and Van, loved being in the woods and fishing in the nearby creeks. “They considered it a great place to live,” he said. The two sons inherited the land upon their parents’ death and it was Dr. Tom, a self-proclaimed ecologist who reclaimed and reused just about everything in his path, who decided to build a camp on his part of the property. The

five bedroom, four bathroom three-plus-story structure is built mostly of cypress and Mississippi heart pine. The heart pine was garnered from logs that had been cut down during Reconstruction and were to be floated to the mill downstream, but many of which found a resting spot in the bottom of the river. “These were trees that had been chopped down, not sawed down,” said Tom. “This was pre-railroad days.” The trees were brought up from their murky depths and planed for lumber which would one day be used to build the camp house which Dr. Phillips had envisioned. “He didn’t use an architect or general contractor, but did consult with an engineer before construction began,” said Tom. Construction began in earnest in July of 1976. And a host of other items were collected for the house from across the Pine Belt at industrial and commercial worksites. A lot of the structural steel, which is internal and can’t be seen, came from the scrap piles of Gulf Oil Company, where Dr. Tom’s father-in-law worked, including a derrick that was blown down during Hurricane Camille. Other lumber came from the Mississippi Central Round House, Hattiesburg Compress and Dixie Pine Rosin Products. Some of the wood that was salvaged and used in the construction came from landmark trees on the property that were felled by Hurricane Camille’s winds. “These were trees that we would have never cut,” said Tom, thus using them

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made the construction a bit more special. The Tatum family, friends of the Phillips’, gave them permission to scavenge the old millsite at Bonhomie for other items to be used in the fashioning of the house. Tom said they salvaged washers of all sizes, which contained a 1904 patent date. The washers are used throughout the lodge in structural ways – on the stair footings and porch railings. Bricks used in the great room’s massive fireplace were handmade bricks from an old store and business on Mobile Street from the 1890s. Some of the bricks bear the fossils of yesteryear, when the pawprints of area wildlife made their way quickly across the freshly-made bricks. Hinges on many of the doors throughout the home came from an old jail and an old brass table, which carries considerable weight, was salvaged from Laurel’s Old Post Office. In a Mississippi magazine article written some time ago, Phillips is quoted as saying the house was “built out of things no one wanted. Everything in the house came from the old factories and millls and places which made Hattiesburg what it is. It’s all gone now.” The great room or main living area of the thome, whose ceiling soars to 30-feet, features a large chandelier, which was made by Dr. Phillips of two saw blades acquired from a small sawmill in Brooklyn and chain from the old Tatum Mill. Attached to the saw blades are six lanterns. After traveling to the Crescent City to try and find an artisan to construct it, Tom, a denist by trade, decided he could build it with a little help from his father-in-law. Tom explained that it was this kind of work and love for the things he reclaimed and reused that was his father’s “golf and tennis.” “He loved the lumber,” he said. The northern end of the room features floor-to-ceiling windows and looks out over the wraparound porch and the tree-lined lake vista beyond. Comfortable furnishings, overstuffed sofas and chairs are nestled in small intimate groupings and much of the wooden furniture, tables and such, built out of salvaged pieces during the construction process. More found objects serve as the eye candy in the room adding special

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touches to tabletops and quiet corners. A child’s table and chair set is tucked away neatly underneath the stairs awaiting the next set of young visitors. Whether large copper pots filled with black metal chain links, Mississippi-made pottery pieces or old shell casings, it all melds together for a homey, comfortable feel. Even the baby grand piano with its mix of old family photos and momentos is right at home amid the history. A small kitchen features modern day convenieces, which is perfect for the variety of the gatherings the house plays host to. The USM Senate Faculty and Students Affairs are two groups the Phillips family host each year. And the grounds have even been used by classes for plant studies. The large dining room table, which would feed an army, or at least the large Phillips clan, was made by local cabinet maker Richard Stewart, and was actually constructed in the room. One of the downstairs bedrooms features a bed which is suspended from large chain links, a find from Dixie Pines. And all of the bedrooms are adorned with the treasures of a resourceful family, who managed to meld old bottles and books with basketry, framed certificates, wooden bowlsand history. In an upstairs bedroom, an animal pelt is right at home on the back of a beautiful, but dainty, Rosewood chair. In a sitting area on the second floor a wooden rocking chair painted black with various USM insiginia and autographed by Golden Eagle football coach Larry Fedora and painted by his wife, Christi, neighbors of the Phillips, is a testament of the family’s love for the university. Above an old Underwood manual typewriter is a framed print from USM’s College of Science and Technology thatonce hung above Dr. Phillips’ desk. In a nook upstairs you’ll find a telephone corner which houses the old wooden wall telephone box and operator’s chair that came from the Hotel Hattiesburg. Another cranny makes the perfect spot for small children to gather and giggle and play. Outdoors, guests can while away the hours on the wraparound deck which encompasses three sides of the structure.But if the weather is

less than cooperative, a large open air expanse under the house, complete with a fireplace and shady vistas, is perfect for large gatherings. A really old wooden canoe filled with petrified wood, an old green chicken coop, large wooden stumps and other bits of nature serve as decor. Under the shady hardwoods, large sugar cane pots hold water plants. Old watering cans, clay pots and other objects are used to hold fresh flowers and decorative greenery. While the house sustained no damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2001, “the forest was devastated,” said Tom, much more so than following Hurricane Camille. What would have been a 10-minute hike into the property took almost an hour, he said. But while the house may be the land’s main attraction, another structure might run a pretty close second. After winding through the woods off the main highway, you come to a large wheel which was once a part of the Hattiesburg Sawmill. The wheel has a prominent home on a bluff above the water’s edge. The wheel was once part of the main powerhouse at the steam power plant and was the main flywheel that regulated the electricity. Added to the landscape in the 1980s was a covered bridge. To access the house, the family at one time had to cross at the spillway, which sometimes made crossing difficult when the water was up or if a large group were to be arriving. A dam at the spillway created the 62acre lake that the camp now enjoys. The bridge is 200-feet long and 16feet long and was designed to withstand a 16-ton load, the approximate weight of a fire truck. The bridge has been home to many engagements, a rehearsal dinner and a wedding or two, in addition to just plain ole family fun – including fishing and relaxing. A landing with chairs provides a vantage point for sitting and relaxing and watching as the fish jump, the sun sets over the water and the lightning bugs start their nightly show. With five children and seven grandchildren, this labor of love the elder Phillips have created for their family and others to enjoy, is a testimony to the family’s resourcefulness and will continue to serve as a legacy to this Golden Eagle family for many years to come.

Dr. Tom Rhea Philips, a member of the Southern Miss Class of 1950, was inducted into the USM Hall of Fame in 1993, alongside Stone Barefield, Maj. Gen. Buford C. Blount, Gene Carlisle, Patricia Cruise, Brig. Gen. Jeff W. Hammond and Jeffrey W. Johnson. As a student, Phillips was president of the university's class of 1950, treasurer of the Student Government Association and a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. His involvement with Southern Miss didn't end when he graduated. Phillips is a member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association, Eagle Club, Partners for the Arts, the Dr. Frances A. Karnes Center for Gifted Studies and the USM Foundation, where he serves on the Executive Committee. The Hattiesburg native serves or has served as chairman, president or advisory board member of several area organizations, including the Salvation Army, the Mississippi chapter of the Nature Conservancy, the Hattiesburg Historical Society and the Mississippi Dental Assoc. Peer Review (at the state and district levels). Phillips is a charter member of the Nathan Bedford Forrest chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and belongs to the Commander Isaac Carter chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a Boy Scouts of America leader and a recipient of the council's Pine Burr award. Phillips also has worked with the environmental agenda, and in 1990 the Mississippi Forestry Commission named him Tree Farmer of the Year for South Mississippi. The Audubon Society also presented him with a conservation award. Additionally, Phillips built the largest, longest and, until recently, the only covered bridge in Mississippi. He also built Timberlakes Subdivision. A graduate of the Loyola Uni-versity School of Dentistry, Phillips owned his own dental practice in Hattiesburg until his retirement several years ago. He and his wife, Barbara '59, have five children – Tom Rhea III '88, David Michael, Alesia Ann, John Allen '87 and Barbara Lynn. All of his children attended Southern Miss.

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Dear Friend, I am amazed and concerned about the number of people in this community that do not know what a chiropractic physician does. Why am I concerned, you might ask? Well, it’s because I have seen firsthand what a spine condition will do to a person if not given the proper attention. I have learned, through my experience that a spine condition is a debilitating disease. Back pain is a progressive disorder that continues to get worse over time. It will eventually show up in your life by limiting your hobbies and finally taking over your life. This will include insomnia (not able to sleep), irritability with family, and depression. Back pain causes rapid weight gain due to the inability to exercise. Back pain can cause you to become drug and/or alcohol dependent seeking pain relief. People with back pain progress to the point where they are unable to take care of family or their children properly. Additional symptoms such as loss of libido (sex drive) to weakness and inability to walk leading to loss of independence are part of the picture of back pain

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that’s been ailing you for some time now. Let me introduce myself. My name is Dr. G.H. Hairston. In the eleven years since I started practice, I’ve helped thousands of people feel better and live healthier, more productive lives with treatment protocols I have developed. The treatment requires no anesthesia, no incisions, and no long recovery periods. The results are very successful and to some people, hard to believe. Listen to these comments from a few of my patients…

Success Stories

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There are many more patients with more suc“I feel like I am getcess stories just like ting my life back. I am these. All are very no longer in constant important to me and it pain and I am sleeping confirms the service we better. My energy level give. and my mental outlook Proper management of have improved. I highly the cause of your back recommend anyone to pain is vital. You see, see Dr. Hairston. He “My lower back is you have to treat the and his staff are dedicat- pain free! There is no physical weight bearing ed to helping you rid longer any numbness in cause by physically your life of pain.” my arms and legs. I removing nerve presDebra have not had any anxisure. This is why treatety attacks since starting ing your back pain by my treatment. I am now “The results of my chemical means has not able to sleep all night. I care have been great! I worked. recommend Dr. Hairston have received 100% I am offering a chance and his staff to everyrelief and I am no for those of you who are longer facing surgery. I one.” serious about your highly recommend Dr. Paul health and want help. Hairston and his staff to Here at Pine Belt everyone.” Chiropractic we offer a Brian consultation, chiroprac-

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(601) 268-8805 Call This Number Only Call anytime between the hours of 9am-12pm and 3pm-6pm Monday thru Friday. I look forward to meeting those of you who truly want help. Sincerely,

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(601) 268-8805 Any Further Treatment Shall Agreed Upon In Writing And Signed By Both Parties.

n Sept. 18, 1912, 200 students began classes on the opening day of Mississippi Normal College. From those humble beginnings, a premier, comprehensive, dual-campus university was formed. When the University, established by a Legislative Act on March 30, 1910, first opened its doors in 1912, it did so with five buildings handling all of the campus functions. Today, the Hattiesburg campus alone claims more than 150 buildings in its daily mission of educating students. The student body has changed as well; those first class members were mainly from rural Mississippi areas looking to become teachers for their local areas. Today, Southern Miss students come from across the globe to study in such diverse areas as polymer science and theater. While the University has gone through many changes and much

growth over time, the Alumni Association has changed and grown at the same pace. T.A. Sewell's election in 1917 as alumni president is the earliest record of Association -activity. It is believed that the organization served mainly as a placement service during these early years. The Alumni Association, much like the University, hardly resembles the organization in its early days. Although chapter activity was evident back in the 1940s and publications date back to the same period, the association as it is known today did not truly begin until 1953 when Powell G. Ogletree began working as the association's director. In the early days of the association, it occupied

office space in the Student Union -- now McLemore Hall. Today it is housed in the Ogletree House, formerly the president's home. Built in 1912, six university presidents lived in this home, now named for the man who served as director of the Alumni Association through 1987. In 2005, the association launched the Ogletree House Campaign, a fundraising effort to completely restore and greatly expand the facility. More than 850 alumni and friends of the university contributed more than $3.25 million, and construction began in 2008. On Sept. 11, 2009, a ribbon-cutting officially reopened the doors of the Ogletree House to the public.

As a result, the Ogletree House, immersed in the heart of campus, not only provides a unique event setting for anyone who desires to have an event on campus but also offers various rooms for rent that can accommodate from 38 to 150 guests. Whether a board meeting, dining banquet, general assembly or reception, the Ogletree House is available for rent to approved Southern Miss departments, students, alumni, community groups and individuals. Members of the Alumni Association qualify for a discounted rental rate, one of the many benefits of being a member of the association. The Alumni Association exists to assist all former students of Southern Miss, but it is active, dues-paying members who receive the most benefits. The association website serves as a locator service for alumni and has helped locate many old friends and roommates. The Talon quarterly

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magazine is mailed to alumni active in the association. The association also works with various chapters across the country to bring Southern Miss to people, no matter where they may live. Of course, the Alumni Association also plays a major role in Homecoming. The annual Hall of Fame Banquet, to honor outstanding graduates and former students, is hosted by the Association. Alumni awards,

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reunions both big and small, luncheons and celebrations all come out of the Ogletree House every Homecoming weekend. The Alumni Association is a driving force in the effort to advance The University of Southern Mississippi. By joining with thousands of others who support the Alumni Association, membership helps the Association act on behalf of all alumni to support and maintain the greatness of the

University while pushing the institution forward to new levels of accomplishment. Involvement in the association is not an expensive consideration; however, the dues and Life Member fees are vital to the continued operation of the organization. Members of the association do not just give back; they are also laying a solid foundation for a stronger University for generations to come.

The Southern Miss Alumni Association serves as its membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; voice and connection to their alma mater. When visiting campus, the Association welcomes all to stop by the Ogletree House.

For more information on how to join the Alumni Association or Ogletree House rental inquiries, visit SouthernMissAlumni.com.

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By DANA GOWER It’s not the rehearsals in 100-degree heat or the seemingly-endless practicing in between that make USM’s “Pride of Mississippi” Marching Band so spectacular. It’s the more than half-century of tradition, summed up in their name – “The Pride” – that instantly tells you exactly who they are and what they’re there for – Simply, to be the best. Dr. Mohamad Schuman, now in his fifth year as associate director of bands and director of the Pride Marching Band, said the band exemplifies that tradition of excellence every time it takes the field. This season’s opening performance, a patriotic program planned

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around the Sept. 11 anniversary activities, could have been dampened by the onslaught of Tropical Storm Lee. But it wasn’t. “They still went out there and performed beautifully,” Schuman said. “This band has a wonderful attitude and spirit. They’ve truly been a treat this year.” The band continues to be impressive across the board, he said. “The Pride drum line is always great. They’re always a fan favorite,” Schuman said. “The Dixie Darlings are as spectacular as always. The trumpet section is really fine this year. Our incoming classes this year have been really good, both freshmen and transfers.” The band numbers about 300 this

A look back... Since its founding in 1920 as a 20piece brass ensemble, The Pride of Mississippi has evolved into an impressive and highly respected marching band. The band has marched for such events as the FDR Inaugural Parade, the Chicago World’s Fair, the Senior Bowl Classic football games and the Blue and Gray game. During the 1970s and 1980s, The Pride was one of the most televised marching bands in the South, and in 2006 performed at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisc., as alumnus Brett Favre guided the Packers against the visiting St. Louis Rams. Unlike most bands of previous days, The Pride was not limited to a com-

year, about the same as in recent years. If it looks different this year, though, Schuman gives much of the credit to band member Jakob Wisdom, who is majoring in music education. “The drill for this show is written by a sophomore,” Schuman said with noticeable admiration. “He came by last year to show me some of his drills. He’s phenomenal. I would say he could write drills of drum corps quality.” The band is preparing three main shows this year, although the programs often vary from show to show. A patriotic program led off this year’s performances and is being followed up with a Spanish/Latin-themed show. The season will end with a Big

Band presentation. “Every year at the end of the year, I ask what people would be interested in for the next year,” Schuman said, noting that one of the most popular responses was a Spanish-themed program. Beginning even before school officially started for the semester, band members have been out on the practice field getting the shows for this season in shape. “When it’s 100 degrees out here and everybody else is indoors, they’d probably rather be somewhere else,” Schuman said. Instead, they are back on their marks, ready to begin another multi-hour rehearsal. “I’m just so proud of all the hard work they put in,” he said.

mon instrumentation of brasses and woodwinds. In the 1950s, the band was accompanied by a bagpipe ensemble along with the Southern Belles dance/drill team, then later the Dixie Darlings. Regarded throughout the nation as one of the finest university marching bands, The Pride has received invitations to perform in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Mississippi for competitive band contests, festivals and professional football games, and an international performance in Ireland for the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. In 2010, The Pride was invited to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the only Mississippi University

In 1952, President R.C. Cook recruited Raymond Mannoni from the University of Topeka as band director and told him to build a good band with lots of majorettes. As a result, the band increased in size and the precision dance twirl team, the Dixie Darlings, was formed. In January 1954, Dr. Mannoni observed a young woman named Joyce Scimeca (now Joyce McHenry) performing at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. Joyce was a member of the Rangerettes, a precision dance team at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. In June 1954, Mannoni contacted Scimeca and asked if she would like to come to then Mississippi Southern College and help begin a dance team similar to the Rangerettes. After auditioning for Dr. Mannoni, she was offered a full scholarship. Shortly after practice sessions for the group began, Dr. Mannoni called the girls together and asked them to suggest a name for the new group. Dixie Dancers was suggested by one member, with Scimeca suggesting Dixie Darlings. The DD’s original uniform was a black velvet top and shorts. The top featured gold braid over a scooped neck, and a gold tassel adorned each side of the shorts. The girls wore white gloves and white boots with black fringe. Since their inception more than a half century ago, the Dixie Darlings have represented the spirit and tradition of Southern Miss athletics. A Dixie Darling reunion is held each year at Homecoming and DDs from across the country return to their college alma mater to perform once again with The Pride.

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By Ashleigh JOHNSON A sea of black and gold tents, as well as aptly dressed football fans and a feeling in the air like one you won’t experience any other time of the year is what you’ll find on game day on the University of Southern Mississippi campus. There’s the smell of burgers and brats cooking on the grill, as a murmur of excitement rolls across the campus when football fans gather in small groups with family and friends to support their Golden Eagles. And two hours before kickoff, with the blast of a cannon, eager fans crowd together, some with kids perched high on their

shoulders, for Eagle Walk led by the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band, the Dixie Darlings, Seymour and the cheerleaders as Coach Larry Fedora leads his team to the Rock. It’s game day and there’s no better place to be on a Saturday in the fall than the USM campus, wrapped in black and gold, and ready for a win. Southern Miss fans take their tailgating quite seriously. For many, the game becomes a side event in comparison to the pre-game activities. Tailgating is considered a social event, a chance to catch up with friends, family and fellow Southern Continued on next page

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Miss. grads who return to campus at this all-important time of year. But most of all, it’s an extension of Southern Miss pride. And the popular saying, Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime, doesn’t just apply to the friendly competition on the field, but the pre-game activities as well. Fans will withstand almost any weather conditions to support their team. This was true during the Golden Eagles’ first home game this season, when a record-breaking number of people attended a game that didn’t start until 9 p.m. and end until 1 a.m. and a record-breaking amounts of rain fell, as much as 15 inches in some spots, thanks to Tropical Storm Lee which plagued South Mississippi for several days. But the Walt Warren and Gary Prach families, dedicated and diehard USM fans, weren’t going to let a little rain spoil their pre-game plans as they arrived on campus, shrimp in tow, only to be turned away by campus security. “Rain or shine, it doesn’t matter, we tailgate,” Walt Warren said. Paul Guerry, Chris Campbell and Mark Hanks, all fathers of Golden Eagle football players, weren’t going to let Tropical Storm Lee’s rain and wind put a damper on the first game of Maddie and Mason Lightsey of the season for their sons. The dads of Jonathan, Chris III and Ryan, respectively, celebrated in the area surrounding their motor homes. “We don’t miss a game,” the trio said, who are always on-hand to support their sons and fellow team members. Members of the Eagle Up Club also braved the weather to grill at their usual spot next to the Intramural Fields. “Many of us haven’t missed a home game since the club started,” said one loyal Golden Eagle fan. Melanie Whitaker, a ‘94 USM graduate and Monica Bridge, Class of ‘97, are your typical tailgaters. They set up their tent the day before, grill sausage dogs and bring chips and dips.

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Woolbright family & friends

Walt Warren and Gary Prach

“We try to make it just before Eagle Walk,” said Whitaker. Whitaker and Bridge tailgate with four other families, all made up of Southern Miss grads and their children, who hope to one day fly as future Eagles. “We’ve been tailgating together since about 2001 and only miss a home game during bad weather,” Bridge said of their dedication to tailgating and the Eagles. Michael Lightsey is a Southern Miss graduate whose wife, Laura, is an Ole Miss alum who has learned, over time, to support the Golden Eagles. Laura, who teaches at Oak Grove, says she loves coming to the games and watching all the Oak Grove graduates play in the band, cheer or dance. “It’s really exciting to watch,” said Lightsey of her former students. They have a daughter, Maddie Grace, and a son, Mason, who recently graduated from the Children’s Center on campus. “We go to every home game and are trying to do more at games now that Mason is getting older,” Laura said.

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Tailgating in the “old” days at Loyalty Field Tailgater Tommy Woolbright has a huge inflatable black and gold tent he uses for tailgating with about 20 other families, including the Price, Reid, Douglas and Boyd families. Woolbright, a Mississippi State graduate, who attended USM, shows his Southern Miss spirit by never missing tailgating and the game at Southern Miss. “I haven’t missed either in the past eight years,” he said. Woolbright, who begins preparing to tailgate two days prior, arrives on campus at 7 a.m. game day to begin setting up. But while most people grill or cook out during the event, Woolbright and his friends refuse to grill, opting instead to support local

businesses. “No doubt that tailgating is our favorite,” said Woolbright. “We love it and our kids love it. They enjoy the Eagle Walk and playing football before the game.” The weather-braving Warren and Prach group quite possibly have the best tailgating set-up on campus. Warren, who graduated in ‘87, and Prach, who graduated in ‘93, have been tailgating for about 25 years and haven’t missed a game since they began. The two are in charge of tailgating for eight families, all of whom are Southern Miss. grads.

Paul Guerry, Chris Campbell and Mark Hanks

Randy & Deanna Brent, Ben & Denice Burnett, Jo Ellen Burks, Greg Parish, Lane Burnett, Joy Parish, Stan Burks

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While Warren and Prach begin preparing for tailgating on Monday before a game, their REAL preparation begins on Thursday or Friday. On game day, they arrive on campus about 6 a.m. complete with a flatscreen television in tow. They also try to have live performers at least once a year. When they have time, Warren sometimes plays guitar while his brother plays the mandolin. “We brought our instruments today, but I don’t think we’ll have time,” Warren said.

And away games don’t stop them. “We travel to away games as much as we can,” Warren said, “and even have plans to attend the Navy game in Indianapolis this year.” Closer to Thanksgiving, the group’s menu will include turkey, while on other occasions it consists of shrimp, bar-b-que, and steaks. “Cold beverages, eating and seeing everyone is why we do it. It’s kind of like our vacation in the fall. It’s where we invest our time and our money,” Warren said.

For members of the Eagle Up Club, it’s all about the camaraderie. But the game and – at least on Homecoming – the food are never far behind. “I had tailgated in the ‘90s when Bobby Hammond was playing,” Jack Andrews, one of the original Eagle Up Club members, said. “I coached Bobby from youth league. Bobby played 14 years in the NFL. He has two Super Bowl rings.” In those days, Andrews said, “We used to tailgate right outside the stadium.” Eventually, the Oseola McCarty girls dormitory was built there, though, and tailgaters were forced to find another spot. Andrews said it was about 12 years ago when the nucleus of what is now the Eagle Up Club first came together. “Myself, Sammy Winder and Danny

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Jackson got together,” Andrews said. Part of the reason for that is the “We had all been tailgating in differeasy-going camaraderie that has ent places.” grown up among the members Still, in those early days, the club through the years. tended to be somewhat “I can give you names of nomadic. people who have never For awhile, they met where missed a game since the the campus’ newest dorms time we started,” Andrews are located across West said, reeling off such wellFourth Street, Andrews said. known names as Sammy “The next few years, we Winder and Reggie Collier. moved where the Long Leaf Anyone who doubts that Trace is. They have a big only needed to be at USM’s Jack Andrews pavilion there now.” first game of the season this Eventually, the group moved to year, when Tropical Storm Lee drove their current location next to the intra- most tailgaters away. That’s when it mural fields, and they’ve been there becomes obvious that members of ever since. the Eagle Up Club aren’t just “most “The first year, attendance wasn’t tailgaters.” so big,” Andrews said, but, Although not as important as the “Attendance started going up every friendship, one thing that keeps year. It has really grown in the past bringing everyone back is the food – seven years.” especially during the annual

Homecoming game. “We put up a heck of an event at Homecoming,” Andrews said. “Last year, we had Ray Guy, Hanford Dixon, Clarence Witherspoon” and a host of others drop by, he said. “Reggie Collier does a great job in soliciting businesses” that donate to what has become a communal cookout, Andrews said. “The M-Club is one of our supporters. They give us money during Homecoming.” Although the club routinely welcomes former players and regulars to drop by, Homecoming is the day when everybody is expected to drop by. “That’s the free day,” Andrews said. “We try not to turn anybody away.” Although it might come close on Homecoming, he added, “We have never left an event when we didn’t have food left over.”

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Wikipedia defines cheerleading as a physical activity, sometimes a competitive sport, based on organized routines, which contain the components of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers, and stunting to direct spectators of events to cheer on sports teams at games or to participate in competitions. The athlete involved is called a cheerleader. Many refer to these groups as sideline eye candy for the football team and don’t consider cheerleaders as athletes. However you consider them, here in the South, cheerleading is a mainstay of football activities. And cheerleaders at the University of Southern Mississippi are right in the thick of things. There’s a co-ed squad made up of 21 students from across the South – from Mandeville, La. to New Orleans and on to Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. and then there’s the all-girl squad comprised of 25 young ladies, whose hometowns stretch from Texas to Florida.

Golden Eagle cheerleaders are chosen following a tryout process that all potential cheerleaders must go through. Cheerleaders from previous years hold several clinics where “hopefuls” learn the material such as cheers and the fight song which are tryout requirements, according to senior cheerleader Jillian Brady of Laurel. “The actual tryout is a threeday process,” she explained. “You must stunt, do gymnastics, and also perform the material that was learned at the clinics.” She said it’s also recommended that every cheerleader have a standing back tuck and a running back tuck. Those chosen for one of the two squads must maintain a 2.0 GPA at Southern Miss and stay in good academic standing. “Punctual attendance at required squad events is a MUST,” said Brady. With so many cheerleaders how do they sort events out? “We all cheer at events together,” she explained. “We participate in Friday Night at the Fountain and cheer for home volley-

Members of this year’s Co-Ed squad includes: Brandon Aizen – Lucedale Michael Boyanton Florence Kristin Dye – Ocean Springs Jamie Jackson Mandeville, LA Summer Rials – Wesson Lynzi Wells – Bay Minette, AL DJ Lassere – New Orleans, LA Jillian Brady – Laurel Cody Burton – Pass Christian Presley Johnson – Mt. Olive Davidra Knight – Hattiesburg Adrienne McDill – Newton Jordan Carslon – Sumrall Alex Hamilton – Mendenhall Reghan Johnson – Mt. Olive Tyler Harris – Pascagoula, FL

ball and basketball games.” The AllGirl squad cheers for women's basketball and the Co-Ed cheers for the men’s team.” The squads will also occasionally travel to the C-USA tournaments in those sports, depending on the location of the event. They also all work concessions at selected baseball games. For out-of-town games requiring a plane ticket, Brady said that usually only about four cheerleaders from the co-ed team, plus mascot Seymour travel to these games. However, if it’s a game where the squad can travel by bus then all members from both squads are allowed to travel, provided that they make their grades. The Co-Ed and All-Girl teams do attend many events they are asked to participate in outside of the normal university functions. “There are always different types of great community service events that take place at local schools and hospitals and such,” said Brady. “Sometimes businesses hire us for a special promotional appearance or a grand opening

Anthony Powe – Meridian Peyton Scott – Ft. Walton Beach, FL Chris Smith – Enterprise Tyler Walley – Laurel Luke Webster – Ft. Walton Beach, FL

Members of the All-Girl squad are: Britton Baker – Waynesboro Marissa Batia – Biloxi Alisha Bravata – Baton Rouge, LA Mason Burkett – Fort Walton Beach, FL EmilyAnne Conner – Ocean Springs Ellen Eubanks – Lucedale Kayla Fields – Terry Jamie Hale – Panama City Beach, FL Jamie Hebert – Biloxi Leslie Helgeson, Jacksonville, FL Nicolet Hopper – Petal Shelby Inloes – Germantown, OH

type of event.” Scholarship money is available for cheerleaders and mascots. “It’s an amount that can vary each year depending on the size of the squad and fundraising efforts,” Brady said. In addition to their location participation in USM and other events, the cheerleading team attends a cheerleading camp every summer at the University of Alabama. It’s during this three-day camp that the locals compete with college squads from across the Southeast. “It’s a tough three days, but we learn a lot from it,” said Brady. And after the cheerleaders there’s really something to squawk about. And that would be USM Mascot Seymour, the nationally ranked AllAmerican mascot. But it hasn’t always been Seymour. According to The Drawl, which compiles the history and traditions of the university, Southern Miss has experienced an evolution of mascots throughout the years. Continued on next page

Kellie Keyes – Jackson Natalie Mangum – Ocean Springs Jessa Moreno - Petal Shemiko McInnis - Laurel Anna Parish – Hattiesburg Kaitlyn Pate – Cary, NC Chelsey Preston – Biloxi Kelsea Sanford - Mandeville, LA Sarah Stetelman - Hattiesburg Whitney St. Mary - Bay St. Louis Claire Thrash – Raymond Maggie Williams – Magee Amber Woyt – Kingwood, TX

Seymour Matthew Gaddy – Hazlehurst Rachel Holman - Slidell, LA Tristen Tanner – Angie, LA

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USM Squads continued The earliest nickname for the university’s athletic teams was Tigers, but early teams were also referred to as Normalites. Then, in 1924, the teams’ name was changed to Yellow Jackets. When the school was renamed Mississippi Southern College in 1940, a name change for the athletic teams was fitting. So, in April 1940, the student body voted to name the teams Confederates, which they remained during the fall 1940 and spring 1941. But in September 1941, the Confederates was dropped, and the teams were named Southerners. In 1953, General Nat (for Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest), was approved as the Southerners’ mascot. The first General Nat was Archie Hughes,

and Nat’s horse was named Son of Dixie. In 1972, alumni, faculty, students and staff were asked to submit new names for the athletic teams, and an ad hoc committee appointed by the Alumni Association voted on the submissions. The present mascot, the Golden Eagles, was chosen as the athletic teams’ name, and the new mascot was eventually named Seymour, an individual in a golden eagle costume. Seymour’s full name is Seymour d’Campus. The name was inspired by the 1984 World’s Fair mascot, Seymour d’Fair, who was played by former Southern Miss mascot Jeff Davis (’83). Golden Eagles was chosen over Raiders, War Lords, Timber Wolves and Southerners. The first live Golden Eagle mascot, Nugget, was obtained in 1980, and in 1986 was replaced by Nugget II,

which died in 1992. However, Seymour, who attends Golden Eagle sporting events year-round, including football, volleyball, soccer, basketball games, in addition to other community and university functions, continues to entertain fans at USM athletic events. And there’s always a personal appearance or two where he can shine.. This year’s Seymour is under the guise of Matthew Gaddy of Hazlehurst, Rachel Holman of Slidell, La. and Tristen Tanner of Angie, La. Seymour competes in the UCA Mascot National competition when the opportunity presents itself. In 2000, he ranked 21st in the nation; in 2001, he ranked 11th; and in 2002, he ranked 7th. Last year, Seymour ranked 15th, and was also chosen to be a member of the Capital One's All American Mascot

Team along with schools such as Miami (FL), Penn State, Alabama, Tennessee and Syracuse. This was a very prestigious award, as only 12 of more than 250 schools are selected. The core of mascot performers consists of three or five members. And as for the cheerleaders, scholarships are available and each mascot must remain in academic good standing with a 2.0 cumulative GPA. And tryouts are nothing to get your feathers ruffled over. Each contender must perform an improvisational skit, dictated by the judges, with the mascot. Each mascot must also pass an endurance test, which is primarily a cardiovascular test, but also gives each contender an idea of what football season is like. Candidates also go through a series of interviews with former mascots and university administration.

What is your full name? I like to go by just Seymour, but my whole name is Seymour d’Campus

How old are you? Well, I’ve been around since 1984, so guess you could say I’m 27, but I’m not the first mascot USM has ever had. Before me there was a tiger and yellow jacket and even a guy name Colonel Nat.

Tell us about your family? Every Southern Miss fan is my family! What about your educational background? My educational background is very well rounded. I have doctorates in football, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, baseball, softball, golf and track with a minor in getting people pumped and awesomeness.

We all know how Southern Miss fans enjoy the tailgating experience on game days at The Rock. What is your favorite tailgating fare? Have a favorite recipe you’d like to share? The only place to be tailgating for a game at The Rock is The District! The music, food, and fans just get me pumped for the game! And as for a favorite recipe, I like it all, but I’m pretty fond of sunflower seeds.

Blue is known to be a soothing, peaceful color, while red is an excitable color. What are your favorite colors? Well, of course black and gold!...There are other colors besides those two?

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Who are your role models? I have many different role models, too many to name, but my biggest hero would have the be the United States Bald Eagle; he gets all the publicity.

As far as your wardrobe is concerned, do you get tired of wearing a jersey all the time? Also, who is your favorite designer? I like to change it up here and there, currently working on a pom-pom jacket that I hope to debut at a game soon.

What size feet do you have? Oh gosh, think I fit into a size 20 webbed feet; just had to order rain boots for the last game. I don’t do so well in the rain.

Have you ever had a wardrobe malfunction? Oh yes I have…you may remember my roller skate incident last year. Was hard staying up in those things.

How do you keep (your) cool? Well, of course attending football games helps, but I like to spend a lot of time at the gym. Gotta stay fit for those lady birds!

In this age of social networking, are you on Facebook, do you twitter, etc.? I actually love to social network, I just got an official fan page on Facebook. Find me at facebook.com/SeymourTheGoldenEagle.

What’s your favorite number? I’m number one of course, so I’d have to say 1.

Who is your favorite NFL team? Well, my cousins are the Eagles, Falcons, Seahawks, Cardinals, so I like them. But my favorite would be a team made up of all past Southern Miss greats. They would dominate!

What is your favorite movie? The movie Rio always makes me laugh,

Do you enjoy provoking your opponent during a game? That’s only my favorite thing! I like to be a good sport, but really, how can they compare to me?

Have you ever felt you were an "endangered species"? Oh yeah, all the time, but there really isn’t another Golden Eagle like me; I’m one of a kind!

What's your ideal date? I'm a hopeless romantic, love the ladies. Who's your favorite mascot in Conference USA? I like the Rice Owl. He’s kind of a different type of bird, but we get along well. Not C-USA, but that Ole Miss Black Bear cracks me up.

Do crying children whose parents bring them up to you make you want to fly the coop? It does get a little crazy, but I think I handle it well. It is probably not a good thing to throw a crying baby to a giant crazy eagle. Usually doesn’t work out.

What’s your most memorable game? Beating undefeated TCU at the Rock!

And your favorite cheer? I absolutely love the nasty bunch cheer, the cheer we do after we recover the football. It gets the whole crowd excited and it’s really fun to do.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? Our campus is one of the most beautiful campuses around, so its hard to pick one spot. There is this nice tree next to Centennial Lawn that I really love to perch in.

What’s your favorite part of football Saturdays? I love everything about football days. That’s the one day all the USM fans get together to celebrate USM and the glorious game of football. There is no feeling like it!

although I am upset they didn’t cast me in the lead.

Your favorite song(s)? I’m pretty fond of the song “Shake A Tail-Feather” by Tina Turner.

What’s your favorite reality show(s)? I can’t really watch a lot of TV with my busy schedule, but I use to love the show Wings….kind of miss leading though, not a single bird was ever in that show!!! Next to that anything on Animal Planet.

What do you do in your off time? I'm very active in our community. I attend a lot of public functions from hospital visits to wedding receptions. Keeps me busy and allows me to see all of my fans.

What ruffles your feathers? People who don’t cheer at games; I do not have a problem with calling you out! And of course people who pull my tailfeathers because they get so offended when I pull theirs back.

Do you have a favorite watering hole/perch? I’d have to say Seymour’s on campus, even though there is a Chik-fil-a… that’s just not right.

Are you afraid of heights? Oh no! I love heights; my favorite thing is to crowd surf. Hopefully one day I can sky dive into a game. I think that’d be pretty fun and I can finally show everyone my flying skills.

Growing up Gold Seymour’s Sidekicks is a special fan club just for kids and is an exciting way for children to be associated with Southern Miss Athletics. If you are a Southern Miss fan 14 years or younger, you can join Seymour in all the fun and excitement of Golden Eagle Athletics by renewing your membership or joining the group. Benefits include: • Seymour’s Sidekicks T-shirt • Seymour’s Sidekicks membership card • Discounted admission to Men’s Basketball and Baseball games • Free admission to all Olympic sports (women’s soccer, volleyball, softball and women’s basketball games) • Sidekicks Spirit Line at home football games • Student-athlete sports buddy • Quarterly newsletters, holiday and birthday cards • Club parties at selected home athletic events • Coupons for free rides at Junior Eagle Funland at home football games • Central Sunbelt Prizes and Giveaways at Junior Eagle Funland. Membership is $25 per child (Maximum of $60 per household) Membership lasts from August until July. Make checks payable to USM Athletic Foundation For more information, call the Eagle Club at 601-266-5299

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People just don’t fall six stories from an apartment rooftop and live to discuss the horrific incident. Let alone, return to the dance floor

o know Nicole Marquez is to witness the resolve of the human spirit, acknowledge the power of modern medicine and realize the authenticity of miracles. People just don’t fall six stories from an apartment rooftop and live to discuss the horrific incident. Let alone, return to the dance floor. This amazing University of Southern Mississippi graduate has accomplished both … and then some. “I can’t believe my heart is still beating. This life is not done for me yet,” Marquez says confidently in a YouTube testimonial. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – New York Presbyterian Hospital really did put Humpty Dumpty back together.” And boy, did those physicians have some challenging work to do. Marquez broke her neck and back in three places; she fractured her pelvis; broke several ribs and suffered a punctured lung. She also had a deep laceration on her shoulder blade from landing on a broken bottle. The internal and external bleeding was massive. Hooked to a ventilator with tubes protruding in all directions, Marquez coded three times from a series of mini-strokes. The prognosis was grim. “We were told early on that if she survived, Nicole would be in a wheelchair for life,” said her mother, Susan Marquez. “I decided that wouldn’t be the case. I simply didn’t ‘own’ that idea. Thankfully, Nicole had the same thoughts.” Marquez, 28, grew up in Hattiesburg and took all the customary dance classes, complete with proper recitals, as a little girl. But her passion for dancing did not reach a fever pitch until she enrolled at Southern Miss. “It really wasn’t until college that the dance bug hit me,” said

Marquez. “As a freshman, I stagemanaged the Southern Miss Dance Department’s fall concert. When I saw what those girls were doing, I made up my mind – ‘that’s it, I’m doing that.’ ” A theatre major who minored in dance, Marquez honed her stage skills with a pair of apprenticeships – in the summer of 2005 at the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, Ma., and August 2005June 2006 at the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Ky. From there Marquez went on to serve as production assistant on two national children’s shows – “Between the Lions,” produced by Mississippi Public Broadcasting and “Lomax: The Hound of Music,” produced by Eyevox Productions. She also worked as production coordinator for “You Gotta Move,” a DVD dance/exercise series used in public schools. By January of 2008 Marquez had saved up enough money to pursue her dream of dancing on Broadway. She found an affordable apartment in New York City and began auditioning at every turn. Then came the harrowing night of Aug. 30, 2008, when her dreams and future changed forever. Marquez explains how an innocent oversight became such a catastrophic event. “I had just finished my best audition yet and when I got home I realized I had locked myself out of my apartment,” she said. “I went to the roof hoping I could find a way down to my open fifth-floor bedroom window. Realizing it wasn’t a good idea, I decided against it and walked away. What happened next is a mystery to me.” She doesn’t recall slipping or falling or being pushed. But seconds later the buoyant, free-spirited, dancing sprite lay crumpled on the courtyard ground, barely clinging to life.

Eight hours passed before the building’s superintendent found her. Thus began the incredible patchwork effort by doctors, nurses, physical therapists, counselors and so many others. About a year after the accident, Marquez got a surprise request from Shellie Nielsen, associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Southern Miss. “Shellie e-mailed me wanting to get me in the studio to see what all my body could do and what it was capable of,” said Marquez. “I was not physically or mentally prepared at that time. But this past summer I finally felt ready and was super lucky to be able to work with her again.” Nielsen worked with Marquez for almost a month in 10 sessions that ranged from 1-2 hours each in length. They spent time striving to improve Marquez’s mobility, flexibility and range of motion. The sessions helped Marquez gain upper body strength and basically rediscover her dance abilities. “Nicole is so proud of finding the dancer still inside her that I know she will continue in more of a dance therapy application for herself,” said Nielsen. “She will take what I have given her and practice it on her own along with her regular physical and occupational therapy. She now knows that dance can be a part of her life again.” Nielsen and her Southern Miss colleagues may never fully appreciate how much assistance they have provided Marquez in her recovery. She says they all saw something in her that was not readily evident. “There was a reason I went back to my USM roots. I had professors who had faith in me and believed in me,” said Marquez. “Shellie helped me find my soul again. She helped me breathe life back into my art, pushed me and reminded me that it’s

still very alive. I went to the source because USM helped mold my destiny; helped my dreams become a reality.” Today, Marquez works at the YMCA in Flowood, Miss. She also provides individualized dance/exercise/yoga instruction for businesses, organizations and meetings. She is in high demand as a motivational speaker and will deliver one of the keynote addresses at the International Women’s Leadership Conference on Sept. 20 in Honolulu, Hawaii. When asked if she harbored any regrets about the tragic accident and its aftermath, Marquez replied, “Well, if I’m locked out of my apartment again, I’ll call a locksmith.” Susan Marquez credits her daughter’s sharp sense of humor and eternal optimism for helping everyone involved survive the darkest days. “I have been so amazed by her strength, courage, perseverance and hope,” said Susan Marquez, who is writing a book about Nicole’s journey. “She has displayed a wonderful sense of humor from the very beginning and, in the midst of her adversity, managed to put everyone else at ease. After hearing Nicole’s story, it’s impossible to feel sorry for yourself.” Despite her frighteningly close brush with death, Marquez is not haunted by worries about her mortality. She is not shackled by depressing reminders that Broadway will always be an elusive dream. “I just try to live a good life,” she said. “My overall goal is to just be happy. And do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Nicole Marquez’ outlook on life can be summed up by paying particular attention to the key words in her Website: http://youcantstopthisdancer.com/ Stop this dancer? A six-story fall sure couldn’t.

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outhern Miss Alumni Association Executive Director Jerry DeFatta has often been asked, “What does the Alumni Association do?” Easily he is able to rattle off the number of scholarships the association generates, university programs that are supported or publications that are distributed. However, he is not entirely sure those items fully explain the scope of the organization. “Simply put, our job is to share Southern Miss stories and to generate excitement among alumni and friends of the institution,” said DeFatta. “The association works to engage alumni at the most basic level of participation and inform members of additional opportunities for service within the University community.” Under the leadership of Past President Curt Hébert, the association worked to create a new strategic plan aimed at developing a roadmap to guide the organization over the next five years. During the process of creating that plan, it became apparent that the information regarding children of Southern Miss alumni was incomplete, and legacies were receiving the same recruitment experience as students with no ties to the university. “At many institutions, children are constantly educated on the importance of their parents’ alma mater,” DeFatta shared. “They are taken to football games, arts events and even summer camps. It is our job as alumni to ensure our children are brought up with a relationship to our university.” During the next few months, the

association staff will develop a plan for identifying, educating and recruiting the children of alumni to Southern Miss. As the process is defined, alumni will receive several opportunities to provide names of their children, along with additional information to help ensure they are recruited appropriately. “This is certainly an area the Southern Miss community can all work together to achieve,” DeFatta said. “There is no doubt that providing legacies with additional attention throughout their lives will result in an increase in the number of secondand third-generation Southern Miss students.” A part of that process is to continue to award the Robert D. Pierce II Legacy Scholarship. Established in 2003, and named in honor of former Alumni Association Executive Director Bob Pierce in 2008, the Robert D. Pierce II Legacy Scholarship helps perpetuate Southern Miss legacies by providing financial assistance to children and grandchildren of active Alumni Association members. Recipients are chosen by the Alumni Association’s Scholarship Committee based on the criteria of academic excellence, community service and high school involvement. Candidates must be the children or grandchildren of an alumnus or alumna who is a Life Member of the association or has been an active member of the organization for 10 or more consecutive years. Proceeds from the Shell Finish Line Alumni Homecoming Golf Tournament are used to fund the one-time, $1,000 scholarships. This

year’s tournament will be held Oct. 21 at the Hattiesburg Country Club, the official club of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. To date, more than $100,000 has been raised through the tournament. The members of the 2011 Class of Robert D. Pierce II Legacy Scholars include Michael Ross Bedenbaugh, Elizabeth Margaret Crenshaw, James Adam McPhail, Cody Cameron McSparrin, James Mason Seidenburg, Lindsay Nicole Smilek and Anna Beth Waldron. Michael Ross Bedenbaugh, a graduate of Presbyterian Christian High School, plans to major in polymer science. He was a member of the varsity football Michael Ross team where he Bedenbaugh was named team captain and placed on the second allarea team his senior year. In addition, he was a member of the Beta Club and is involved locally with Habitat for Humanity. He has also taken part in mission work, traveling to Texas to assist a community in repairing damaged homes. Ross is the grandson of Life Member Barbara Ann Conner. Elizabeth Margaret Crenshaw, a graduate of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School, plans to major in social work. She was on the Academic Honor Roll, involved with the National Honor Society and the Key Club, and was a member of the varsity golf team. An advocate for community

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service, Elizabeth worked with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and United Cerebral Palsy. In 2010, she received the Certificate of Appreciation Elizabeth Award from the Margaret city of Prichard, Crenshaw Ala. Elizabeth is the daughter of Alumni Association member Michael Crenshaw. James Adam McPhail, a graduate of Oak Grove High School, plans to major in jazz studies. He was a member of the Beta Club and was named to the Honor Roll. James Adam Moreover, he was McPhail a member of the marching band and show choir. Adam worked with the Association for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Disabilities and in April 2011 organized a concert to benefit the wheelchair-accessible playground in Hattiesburg’s Kamper Park. Adam is the grandson of Alumni Association Life Member

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James McPhail and the son of alumnus Brian McPhail. Cody Cameron McSparrin, a graduate of Clinton High School, plans to major in nursing. She was a member of the National Honor Society, named to the Honor Roll, is a recipient of the President’s Award, Cody Cameron and was student McSparrin body secretary. In addition, she was also a member of Attache’, the nine-time grand champion-winning show choir, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Passionate about children, Cody volunteered with organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She is employed with Morrison Heights Baptist Church and is the daughter of Alumni Association Life Members Michael and T.J. McSparrin. James Mason Seidenburg, a graduate of West Jones High School, plans to major in accounting. This scholar-athlete was named to the Honor Roll, Mississippi Association of Coaches All-State Tennis Team and the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star Soccer Team. Mason was involved in Fellowship of

Christian Athletes, Beta Club, Bible Club and Key Club. A supporter of volunteerism, he collected items for the domestic abuse shelter, the Animal Rescue League and the James Mason Christian Food Seidenburg Mission, as well as participated in World Changers, a program that helped put new roofs on homes in Florida. Mason is the son of Alumni Association Life Members Doug and Rhonda Seidenburg. Lindsay Nicole Smilek, a graduate of Biloxi High School, plans to major in business administration. She was named to the Honor Roll and was involved with the National Business Honor Society and Student Council. She was also a Lindsay Nicole member of the Smilek track team, a cheerleader for four years, and involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Lindsay is active in her church youth group and participated

in a medical mission trip to Belize to treat Kechi Indians. She also visited veterans at the local hospital and interned during city elections. Lindsay is the daughter of Alumni Association Life Member Christy Pickering. Anna Beth Waldron, a graduate of Oak Grove High School, plans to major in education. She was the president of the Anna Beth National Art Honor Waldron Society, ran crosscountry and track, was a member of the newspaper staff, and was elected Most School Spirited. She is a member of Heritage United Methodist Church, where she participates in the youth band and assists with Vacation Bible School. Moreover, she is involved with the Angel Food Project and Edwards Street Vacation Bible School. Anna Beth is the daughter of Alumni Association member Eric Waldron. For more information on scholarship opportunities available through the Alumni Association or to recommend a student, visit www.SouthernMissAlumni.com.

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ean Smith’s family history and the University of Southern Mississippi are so incredibly intertwined it begins to be difficult to see where one ends and the other begins. It may sound cliché, but it’s true, their history goes back to 1913 and continues on today through four different generations. Smith attended Southern Miss from 1971 to 1974 where she focused much of her time on the music department and staying involved on campus through the senate staff, the senate and as a counselor in the freshman dorms. Smith later found herself back at Southern Miss teaching in the English Language Institute for 10 years. “I wasn’t as illustrious as my sister. She was involved in a lot,” said Smith. Her sister, Nancy Meador Farrar, attended Southern Miss from 1968 to 1972 and was a cheerleader the entire length of her college years. During this time she was named Most Beautiful and was honored with the title of Miss Southern Miss her senior year. “She was always the freshman maid and sophomore maid,” Smith recalls of her sister. While Smith’s mother did attend Southern Miss, Smith’s father never

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did. Despite this, her father, Dean Price Meador, still showed Southern Miss pride by becoming the first president of the football Century Club on campus. “He was a long-time supporter of Southern Miss and Southern Miss football,” Smith said affectionately of her dad. Her daughter, Erin Lambert Dornan, naturally attended Southern Miss as well in early 2000 and was elected Homecoming Queen in 2005. Dornan graduated and proceeded on to get her Masters Degree in 2009. She remains at Southern Miss and works as head of scholarships in higher education. Smith’s cousin, John Meador, played football for Southern Miss in the 1960s and her brother-in-law, Pitt Farrar played as well in 1968 through 1972. But perhaps the greatest connection that Smith has with Southern Miss is her grandfather, C.G. Meador, Sr. “My grandfather was on the very first football team at USM in 1913, but back then it was called Mississippi Normal College,” Smith said. The small football team practiced and played and Kamper Park and had to ride the trolley from

Southern’s campus to get there. The trolley also ran to carry students to see the games. “They were not very good,” Smith remembers of the stories told to her by her grandfather. “They won maybe one game all year and lost the rest.” Her grandfather used to tell her stories of the best player on the team – a one-armed man who was excellent at catching. “Grandfather was a very small man and very thin,” Smith said. “He said he was the team’s punching bag.” Back then, everyone on the team was given a nickname and Meador’s nickname was Spider. Smith said it was because he played the game like a spider monkey, running and jumping all over the field. “The nickname, Spider, stuck around his entire life,” Smith said of Mr. C.G. Not only was Meador on the first football team, but immediately after he graduated from Hattiesburg High School he became the secretary to the first Southern Miss’ president, President Joe Cook. “Grandfather would walk around with President Cook and take notes of everything Cook said,” Smith said, “Cook would walk around laying out the plans for the buildings. Cook would say, ‘Let’s put College Hall

here’ and grandfather would write it down.” Smith, who now owns Simply TeaVine, a cottage tearoom in Hattiesburg, still has a very strong connection with Southern Miss. She and her family still attend as many of the events and games as they can and she also has created a special tea at Simply TeaVine for USM called, “Black-eyed Susan,” in honor of the school’s flower. “We have just been at Southern from the beginning of time and the very beginning of its creation,” Smith said. Currently there are no descendents of the Smith-Meador line enrolled at Southern Miss, but Smith is anxiously awaiting the days when the next generation has the opportunity to attend and hopes they will make the decision and choose Southern Miss. “Southern Miss has taught our family so many things – not only getting a job, persevering at our jobs, and job training – but also skills about life and how to interact with people. It has influenced our whole realm of living and played a very important part of our family’s lives and will continue to do so,” Smith said of her love and connection to USM. See Dean Smith’s Game Day recipes on page 48

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Dean Meador Smith is producing a cookbook, Momma Dean’s (Memories and Southern Menus from Meador Homestead), which will be released in December of this year, by Zander House Publishing Company. To pre-order a cookbook, call Dean at 601-268-3236. The following excerpt is from the Game Day Spread Chapter and includes the story of her grandfather who played on USM’s first football team back in 1913. The squad had only 15 members and organizers had to work hard to get even that many, since few potential players understood the game. Claiborne Gowers Meador, my grandfather, was one of them. After graduating from Hattiesburg High School in 1912, and eager to begin a new chapter of life, he literally jumped right into the football team at the new school up the road – Mississippi Normal College (now the University of Southern Mississippi). The team had lots of spirit, he told me, even though they were not very good. They played Boy Scout teams, high schools, and military academies, and only won one game, but the bond and the memories they created with each other lasted throughout all their lives. The Normalites played at Kamper Park, the city park the Meador family had helped clear, and right beside my family’s old home on Hardy Street before they moved to the cabin. Students would walk the mile or so from the school, and later, ride the trolley down what was then the longest street in the United States to the games. My grandfather told me the best player on the team only had one arm and when he would catch the ball, would mockingly wave his stump in opponents’ faces. And they all had nicknames for how they played the game. I remember Pa talking about “Shorty,” “Blink,” and “Strut.” My grandfather’s nickname was “Spider” because he looked like a spider monkey when he played. He was very thin and gangly, but fast. I asked him how he could play on a football team being so thin, and he replied, “They just used me as their punching bag.” His nickname stuck with him all his life. Interstate rivalry was born between Ole Miss and Normal. A large crowd gathered to witness the Rebels, the team from Mississippi’s oldest statesupported institution, defeat the squad from the youngest state-supported institution by a score of 13-7. Normal finished the year at 1-5-1, and my grandfather was inducted into the University’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1967. As you can see, the game is entrenched in our hearts, so much that other Meador family members have cheered and played on the team at Southern Miss. How fun it is to bundle yourself up in a blanket when the first cold snap comes in the fall. You can drink hot

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chocolate, tea, or a hot toddy, and yell your team on to victory. And there’s nothing better than to kick off the season with a tailgate party. I have included a fantabulous fruit dip from my sister who wore the black and gold as a cheerleader, stuffed eggs from my daughter, the homecoming queen, and my dad’s favorite pimento sandwich. Although he never attended USM, he was an avid fan and supporter for the team, serving as the first president for The Century Club at the university. The food on our menu is food that can be prepared ahead of time, so everyone can just sit back and enjoy the game! Decorations: Adorn the table with linen and dinnerware, mascot logo items, and flowers of the school colors. If available, use pictures of family and friends from their time at the school. The story of USM’s school colors goes all the way back to the school’s beginning. A committee was chosen in 1912 to decide the colors. On the way to the meeting, one of the members saw a wide field of black-eyed susans and was so impressed that she convinced the group to adopt the colors of these flowers. After a student body election, black and gold were designated the official school colors and have been ever since.

VEGETABLE TRAY AND CURRY VEGETABLE DIP Vegetables such as cauliflower, carrots, sliced squash and zucchini, celery, and cherry tomatoes 1/4 cup sliced jalapenos (do not use the seeds) Grate cheese. (Cynthia grated Cracker Barrel extra sharp cheese and added a bag of already grated Kraft finely cheddar cheese.) Chop up green onions and remove seeds from jalapenos. Mix all together and sprinkle cayenne pepper on top for color (optional). Serve with Frito scoops.

Mix ingredients and chill at least 12 hours. This dip is delicious with raw vegetables. DAD’S PIMENTO AND CHEESE 1 lb Sharp cheddar cheese 3/4 cup mayonnaise garlic salt and pepper 1 jar pimentos, drained 1 tsp. grated onions (opt) wheat bread Grate cheese finely. Add mayonnaise to desired consistency. Fold in pimentos and add spices. Spread on bread.

NANCY’S FRUIT AND FRUIT DIP Dip: 7 oz Kraft marshmallow crème 8 oz cream cheese 3 Tbsp pineapple juice Fresh pineapple and fruit of the season, cut up CYNTHIA’S FAMILY REUNION DIP 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1 cup mayonnaise Garlic salt 2 cans of Mexicorn (drain) 5 green onions pepper 1 cup sour cream

Dip: 1 pint mayonnaise 3-4 tsp. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp. celery seed 2 tsp. curry powder 2 small pods garlic, minced 2 tsp. mustard 1 Tbsp prepared horseradish 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Cut up fruit and arrange on platter. Mix marshmallow crème, cheese and juice for dip. Place in pineapple shell or bowl to serve. Decorate with pineapple top. Have toothpicks handy.

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN Lawry’s Seasoned Salt 3 eggs 2 cups self-rising flour 1-2 1/2 lb chicken, cut up 1/3 cup water 1 tsp pepper Crisco Shortening for frying After chicken is cut up, season with seasoned salt. Let chicken sit in fridge for 2 to 3 hours. Beat eggs with water. Add pepper to just enough self-rising flour to coat all

the chicken. Dip seasoned chicken in egg; coat well in flour mixture. Fry in a Dutch oven in moderately hot shortening (about 350 degrees) until brown and crisp. Remember dark meat cooking time is 13-14 minutes, compared to 8-10 minutes for white meat. ERIN’S STUFFED EGGS 1 dozen eggs 3/8 tsp. cayenne 4 Tbsp. mayonnaise 1/4 tsp. horseradish 2 1/2 Tbsp. dill relish Salt and pepper to taste 2 Tbsp. yellow mustard Paprika for garnish Put eggs in water and bring to a boil. Turn heat off and leave eggs in water for 10 minutes. Take eggs out of water and cool. Then peel. Cut egg in half and put yolk in a separate bowl. Mix egg yolk with mayo, mustard, relish, cayenne, horseradish and salt and pepper. Spoon yolk mixture into hard egg whites. Sprinkle paprika for garnish.

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eggs and blend. Don’t beat. Melt chocolate and oleo. Add nuts and stir. Combine chocolate mixture, vanilla, and flour mixture. Do not beat. Put in muffins tins. Bake at 325 degrees for about 25 minutes. Decorate with Basic Decorator Icing and food coloring for school colors. Yields 24 cupcakes.

CHESS PIE WITH BLACKBERRIES 1 pie crust 1/2 stick unsalted butter 1/2 cup sugar 5 egg yolks 1 tbsp flour 2 cups milk SAUCE: 2 cups (10 oz.) fresh or frozen blackberries (May substitute blueberries or raspberries for school colors) 1/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. dark rum Make dough or use a 9-inch pie crust. Set aside. Cream the butter and sugar together until light. Beat in yolks all at once. Mix in flour well. Stir in milk and mix well. Pour into crust and bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour, or until set and lightly browned. For sauce, combine berries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. Stir in rum. You can freeze this sauce and thaw before serving.

Serve pie either hot or cold. CHOCOLATE FUDGE CUPCAKES 1 3/4 cup sugar 4 squares unsweetened chocolate 2 tsp. vanilla 1 cup flour 2 sticks oleo 4 eggs 2 cups chopped pecans (opt) Combine sugar and flour. Add

CYNTHIA’S FAMILY REUNION DIP 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 1 cup mayonnaise garlic salt 2 cans of Mexicorn (drain) 5 green onions pepper 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup sliced jalapenos (do not use the seeds) Grate cheese. (Cynthia grated Cracker Barrel extra sharp cheese and added a bag of already grated Kraft finely cheddar cheese.) Chop up green onions and remove seeds from jalapenos. Mix all together and sprinkle cayenne pepper on top for color (optional). Serve with Frito scoops.

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(Family Features) Are you ready for some football? The best thing about football, besides watching the game of course, is tailgating with delicious food and tasty drinks. So before settling in to watch your favorite team toss the pigskin, roll out some goodies that will score extra points with friends and family. These entertaining ideas from Wilton will ensure you don't cause a delay of game by rushing and fumbling around your tailgate. Whether hosting fans at home or celebrating at the stadium, start by drafting a roster of easy-to-prepare snacks like chips and salsa or veggies with dip. Just make sure to have a yummy variety to hold ravenous receivers over until halftime. Now for the tailgate MVP: mini pulled pork sandwiches. This tiny take on a familiar favorite makes for perfect handoffs to your hungry crowd. Here's the game plan: o Homemade pulled pork is easy. Just marinate pork shoulder in a spicysweet mustard mixture, then cook slowly until fork-tender. o While the pork cooks make homemade buns. The Wilton Whoopie Pie Pan makes perfect petite buns for the pork. Kick off the process with frozen bread dough rolls and accent with a sprinkling of sesame seeds before baking. Assemble the sandwiches, or set out the fixings and fans can help themselves. Top off with pickles and pennant-shaped picks. o Run out the game clock with Chocolate Kicker Cereal Treats, a surefire way to bring your team to the end zone. For the football-shaped Chocolate Kicker Cereal Treats recipe and other tailgating ideas, visit www.wilton.com.

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Peggy Fluker, Carlie Gates

Shelley Garner, Madeline Johnson

Carla Corley Irvin, Delois Goins

Wilton L. McGee, Leonardo Wilson

Evelyn Goudy, Carolyn C. Agee, Altamese Leggett, Madeline Johnson, Lee Gaines, Jesse Portis, Mary L. Shanks, John Henry Beston, L.B. Smith, Virginia Spence, Stephanie & Milan Hoze his year’s EURO Alumni Association held its annual reunion with a variety of activities planned for the week including a memorial program at Mount Olive Baptist Church, a Sock Hop at the C.E. Roy Community Center, a picnic, EURO Ball at Lake Terrace Convention Center, a luncheon and talent show, class parties and an athletic breakfast. This year’s theme was “EURO 2011 – Remembering and Rejoicing.” EURO members are those students who attended school at either Eureka, Royal Street or Rowan schools.

Bobby Gibson, Mrs. Willie Barlow, Lt. Col. Raylawni Branch, Leonardo Wilson, Willie Horne Jr,

Verlon Bourn, Joyce & Richard Vaughn

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Annette Wilson, Sherryl Outlaw

Madeline Johnson, Stanley Turner

Richard & Joyce Vaughn

Deloris Goins

James Moore, Dr. Rhonda Moore, Excell A. Moore

Richard & Betty McGowan

Annie Pope, Marjoria Walker, John Walker Cedric Bourn Crystal Brown, Verlon Bourn

Madeline Johnson, Joyce Vaughn

Annie A McGee, Deloris Goins, Carla C. Irvin

Margaret Burger, Armour Barnes

Barbara & Arthur Smith

Billy Knight, Tate & Hal Jackson

Ashton & Thelma Bacchus

Annie & Richard Jones, Johnnie Ruth Owens

Annie Jones. Dr. Jesse McCarroll

Altemese Leggett, Lee Gains

Net Fountain, Sue Knight, Alisa Jackson

Barbara & Arthur Smith

Louise Moore, Jean Gibson, Brenda Glover

Nyna Smith, Renena Smith

M/M Henry N. Ylor

Cedric Bourn, Johnnie Owens, Crystal & Verlon Bourn

Patricia Griffin, Zia Lynn Adams

Annie Pope, Harold Jackson, Erma H. Barnes, Robert Hill

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Katie Barnes, Coach Larry Fedora

Judith Heider, Jennifer Heider

Bobbie Mock, Janice Booth, Shira Lymon

Latangela Perryman, Deborah Esters, Karen Clark

Coach Larry Fedora orrest General hosted a Southern Miss Football Kickoff Luncheon for employees featuring a talk from USM Head Coach Larry Fedora. The event included free pizza, door prizes and the chance to purchase season tickets.

F Tiffany McCardle, Christy Harris

Cass Sellers, Stephen Bolivar, Barbara Sullivan, Holly Jones, Amber Brown

Cecilia Baker, Tonya Fairley, Keka Gardner

Chad Rawls, Bill Pendergrass, Todd Johnston, Dwight Jones, David Mills

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Eileen Best, Madison Buxton, Demple Smith

Kameron & Kelvin Bolden Sr.

Doris Langton, Julie Hale

Jean Anne & Jobi Potin Melissa Carpenter, Kristi Pierce Bryan Williamson, Conner Sylvester

Lena & Ron Brent, Richard Giannini

Parker, Dabbs & Josh Jussely

Matt, Ethan & Jillian Miller his yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 16th Annual Eagle Fanfare was held at the Payne Center on the Southern Miss campus. Those in attendance had the opportunity to meet players and coaches and get autographs.

Raven Reese, Mariah Wilder, Tiffany Pleasent

Tyler, Betsy, Butch & Margaret Reed

Smokey & Mary Lou Steven

Charles Howard, Macy Hoggle, Debbie Housard

Johnny, Delancy & Gwen Smith

Summer Rials, Claire Thrash, Reghan Johnson, Kristin Dye, Whitney St. Mary, Elizabeth Ann Kelly

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Laura Matthews, Lena Brent, Lisa Diaz

Amber Cooley, Kathleen Prine, Sandy Cooley

Anne Speed, Millie Swan, Zoey Swan, Kayla Purvis ootball 101 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chalk Talk for Women & Grillin' for Guys was a Forrest General Spirit of Women events held at the Touchdown Terrace at the Rock on the Southern Miss campus. This fun, informative and action-packed evening featured Coach Larry Fedora and other staff members who explained the game of football. A tour of the field house was given, and some passes were thrown on the football field.

F Jennifer Clark, Lee Anne Venable, Amanda Davis

Michele Matlock, Keri Durr, Lydia Soley

Diana Buchanan, Jan McKay

Rashidah Brown, Julie Breazeale, Jan Polk, Anne Payne

Nicolet Hopper, Davidra Knight, Anna Parish, Summer Rials, Jessa Moreno

Kayla Steelman, Libby Steelman, Janet Sanford, Lauren Sanford

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Sarah Beth White, Beth White

Kathy Emmons, Whitney Miller

Natalie Jones, Karen Butler, Jackie Thomas

Marsha Roberts, Lena Brent, Lisa Diaz, Janice Gilbert

Jane Thomas, Caroline Henderson

Ann Marie & Tammy Brahan

Liz Cotten, Pam Waddle, Lisa Moring, Kayleigh Moring

Alexa Moore, Amelia Landers

Tammy Purvis, Darlene Pace

Diane & Lauren Carter

Lisa & Jana Carpenter

Gail & Rachel Weldy

Laura Singley, Rachael Gandy, Hope Thomley, Brooke Braley, Kathie & Leah Winstead, Chelsea Butler

Meredith Lucas, Arielle Edwards, Madison Cotten, Amanda Waddle, Kayla Purvis

embers of the Hattiesburg Debutante Association recently held a MotherDaughter Business Bruncheon at Southern Oaks House & Gardens. The group is gearing up for the annual debutante presentations in December.

Theresa Dollar, Dahlia Landers, Delma Sims

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Megan McBeth, Stevie Farrar, Elizabeth West, Emily Bright, Madison Foster nn Claire Reynolds of Petal was crowned 2011 Mississippi Miss Hospitality during pageant finals in Hattiesburg. Pageant week was filled with a variety of parties in honor of contestants from around the state who came to compete. An island-themed party was held at Lake Terrace Convention Center.

Steven Panepinto, Brooke King, Sealy Smith, Stradford Goins

Tiffany Aultman, Kayla Gatlin, Molly Henderson

Jay & Susan Slaughter, Nicole Ruhnke, Amber Hartfield

Alex Parker, Tiffany Burch, Caleb Brown, Kayla Bradley, Lauren Ann McLaughlin, Jordan Whittle, JaVokce Harris, Kera Fennix

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Mary Frances Stephens, Kathleen Carollo, Sheila Strickland, Devin Day Hart, Acie Smith, Reid Harrison, Josh Williams, Elliott Little

Charles Childress, Mary Lowry Nemeth, Jillian Harris, Erin Nichols, Charli Jo Hopper, Austin Jackson, Alden Bennett

Jay Slaughter, Amber Ross Hartfield

Mary Lowry Nemet, Megan McBeth, Charli Jo Hopper

Shelia Strickland, Jillian Harris

Dr. Martha Saunders, Joe Bailey outhern Miss President Dr. Martha Saunders hosted a welcoming reception for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mississippi Miss Hospitality contestants. On hand were members of the Miss Hospitality board, city officials and other special guests. Hattiesburg has been hosting the state pageant since it was granted the sponsorship in December 1997. The pageant is presented by the Hattiesburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Hattiesburg, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Nicole Ruhnke, Martha Lee, Terry Fleming Molly Henderson, Brooke King, Tiffany Aultman, Mary Beth Wolverton, Elizabeth West, Ann Claire Reynolds

Kayla Gatlin, Devin Day Hart, Lauren Ann McLaughlin, Alex Parker

Sealy Smith, Mary Frances Stephens, Kathleen Carollo, Stevie Farrar

Susan Slaughter, Kathy Hayman, Connie Worrel, Myra Davis, Barbara Ross

Kera Fennix, Brooke King, Kayla Bradley, Madison Foster, Elizabeth Bailey, Katlin Nolan

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Bud & TJ Browning

Scotty & Evan McBeth

attiesburg once again played host to the Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant. Following a week of parties, touring the Hub City and Camp Shelby, and long rehearsals, a new title holder was crowned on Saturday night at the Saenger Theater. Ann Claire Reynolds of Petal is the new Mississippi Miss Hospitality.

Rasheeda Heard, Berlinda Stewart, Jackie Jackson, Chinika Hughes-Hood

Olivia Sanguinetti, Lorin Lewis, Lucy Sanguinetti Jennifer Ginn, DIanne Robinson, Fred Robinson, Carol Berkman, Lisa Snelling

Johniece & Johnny DuPree, Chinika Hughes-Hood

Mollie Jones, Hattie Grace Ashmore, Anna Kaitlyn Ashley, Kristy Earles Ashmore, Ashley Meador Jones

Angela Stephens, Neal Stephens, Dot Nichols

Brandi, Kim & Abby Burge

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Wendy Atkins-Sayre, Lorie Watkins Fulton

Mary Frances & Ron Blackard

Rae & Stan Lambert

Sandra & Nate Bender

Wayne & Patsy Register

Alice Ryals, Peggy James

Russ & Dana Stratton, Bill Nolan he Osher Lifelong Learning Center (OLLI), located on the Southern Miss campus, held an ice cream social during the hot days of summer. The university provides an educational opportunity designed to meet the needs of America's maturing population. OLLI was founded in May 1991 and now has more than 500 members.

Alex Blair, Willis & Ethel Lott, Mary Elizabeth Blair

Lois Watrous, Bettie Langenbach, Nora Dagg Bill & Carolyn Clemons, Nita & Rex Davis

Mary Butler Sumrall, Patricia Brewer, Karen LeBeau

Stanley Haner, Yvonne Egger, Layne Wright

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Shonna, Sherryl & Desmond Breland

Tanner Parker, Vicky Bradford, Damian McLemore, Hannah Nichols, Mayllee Nichols his yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pine Belt Expo and Taste of the Pine Belt were held all in the same day at the Lake Terrace Convention Center This business expo is sponsored by the Area Development Partnership. About 15 area restaurants served some of their specialties to guests during the evening hour.

Michael Marks, Matt Bush

Nick Ortego, Rex Thompson

Ricky Nobiles, Martha Toland

Dorothy Chapman, Annie Gray, Linda Williams

Beverly Ellzey, Dwanna Toney, Angela Koomen, Kadija Taylor, Carstel Felder

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Jaina Crawford, Gabriel Rule, Patsy Hinton

Kiahya & Rosalyn Heart, Kadija Taylor

Steve Knight, Jessica McCallister, Jeff Davis Brooke Roane, Kyle Lindsey

Kenny Robinson, Joe McKissack, Nick Hillman

Al Rice, Rashad Gandy

Tracy English, DJ Pulley Tim Hatten, Dr. Lance Line

Seth Hayden, Adam Johnson, Josh Anderson Chris Oney, Richard Mathis

Tootie Ellis, John Rea

he Southern Bone and Joint Specialists, P.A. hosted its ninth annual golf tournament at Hattiesburg Country Club. A banquet followed the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities. More than 80 coaches and physicians participated in the tournament.

T Justin Mitchell, Trey Dickerson, Joe Hartfield, Shea Lott

Toby Bush, Kyle Lindsey, Zack Aulli, Josh Hoffpauir

Mike & Angela McMullin, Todd Pittman, Mark Stringer

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Debbie Stanford, Dee Dee Davis, Nancy Lyons

Bethany Burton, Julie Kitchens, Jennifer DeFrees

Allison Sutton, Tony Calabrese, Ed Anderson

Craig Paterson, Robert Adams, Philip Hemphill

Susan Slaughter, Celtie Wade

Philip Hemphill, Doug Jones, Tony Calabrese

Kim Jarrell, Ruth Rigby

ine Grove Behavioral Health staff gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the brand new Pine Grove Evaluation center located at Lincoln Center. The new center offers comprehensive evaluations for addition, vocational and behavioral issues on an outpatients or residential basis.

Issac Boose, Russ Rainey

Ed Anderson, Tony Calabrese, Allison Sutton, Debbie Stanford, Greg White, Robert Adams, Philip Hemphill, Craig Paterson

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Dan Lynch, Brenda Edwards, Jennifer Lynch John Nordan, Brenda Edwards

Brenda, Jon Mark, Kelly, Judy, Carter and Lane Edwards renda Edwards, who was honored for 40 years of employment Nordan Smith, a regional industrial, medical, and specialty gas supplier, at a reception held at Southern Oaks House and Gardens. A number of coworkers, family and friends enjoyed the fellowship.

Nordan Smith President/CEO Amy Miller, Brenda Edwards

Betty Brewer, Barbara Thornton, Lois Oden, Dot Drennan, Brenda Edwards

Dana Stratton, Jo & Ashley Tisdale

Jennifer Knue, Gregory Carnes, Jeanne Harless

Betty Brewer, Brenda Edwards, Karen Anderson

Neuza Langhans, Nancy Kay, Mari Tru Swanson

he Hattiesburg Arts Council hosted an opening reception for Jenna Jinks who had a show hang in the HAC Gallery, located in the Hattiesburg Cultural Arts Center in Downtown Hattiesburg.

Vicki & Greg Kelley

Sue Beets, Jeanette Graham, Sharon Broome

Grace, Sherry & Jessica Kuespert

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