SUMMER 2013
Departments
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56: Soul Food w/ Corey Latta
14 On Campus
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Features
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Getting pretty: Southern Miss readies for second phase of landscaping project.
14 Mission possible: Recent Southern Miss grad headed on an adventure.
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All in the Family: Mother and daughter both graduate with USM Class of 2013.
23 Play Ball: Former Southern Miss standout Brian Dozier now in the Major Leagues.
11 Shining example: Tornado victim, officer reunited for awards ceremony.
38 Traditions: Where/how did the Southern Miss Alma Mater originate?
13 Television ready: New PBS promotional videos feature USM Gulf Coast class.
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Events 42
Founders’ Day: Celebration of past, present, and future of Southern Miss.
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Maestro’s Favorite: Dr. Jay Dean wraps up 25th year at helm of USM Orchestra.
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Tasty Cuisine: Baptist Student Union hosts annual International Food Fair.
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Eaglepalooza: Big crowd turns out downtown for Phillip Phillips, Elle Vaner.
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NIT Quarterfinals: Southern Miss faithful turn out in droves.
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International Fun: Wilber Hall hosts colorful traditional Hindu festival.
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Crawfish Boil: Activities Council wraps up Spring semester with mudbugs.
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Art Reception: Students get chance to shine.
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Who’s Got Talent?: Talent showcase spotlights Southern Miss students.
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Retail therapy: Fashion show raises money for American Cancer Society.
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CBS visit: Sportscaster James Brown visits.
On the cover: Former Southern Miss standout Brian Dozier is making a name for himself as starting shortstop for the Minnesota Twins. – Twins photo by Bruce Kluckhohn. Page 2
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From the publishers of Signature Magazine:
103 N. 40th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (601) 268-2331 -tel (601) 268-2965 -fax DAVID GUSTAFSON | EDITOR/PUBLISHER david@HubCitySPOKES.com
BETH BUNCH | MANAGING EDITOR
Prologue:
beth@HubCitySPOKES.com
MISSY AKINS | ADVERTISING MANAGER missy@HubCitySPOKES.com { WRITERS }
VAN ARNOLD, COREY LATTA, DAVID TISDALE, CHARMAINE WILLIAMS, ROBERT WILSON { PHOTOGRAPHERS } ARTIE RAWLS, MATT BUSH, ASHLEIGH JOHNSON, CHLOE ROUSE { STAFF } SHANNON FIELDER, DANA GOWER, EMILY HALL, SONYA JAMES, JOSH MLOT, CHARLEY TYNES, AND BRANDON MADDOX Reproductions in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited. No responsibility can be assumed for unsolicited manuscripts, articles, or photographs. We reserve the right to edit submissions before publication. Southern Magazine is a product of Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc., proud publisher of The Lamar Times, The Petal News, Camp Shelby Reveille, Signature Magazine, HubCitySPOKES.com and PineBeltSPORTS.com and is distributed throughout the Hattiesburg area. Mail subscriptions are available for home delivery. For subscriptions or inquiries, write Southern Magazine, 103 N. 40th Ave., Hattiesburg, MS 39401, or call (601) 268-2331. Copyright 2012 by Hattiesburg Publishing, Inc. Find us online at:
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Southern Miss keeps giving back
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here’s plenty to be said about the giving spirit of the alumni and supporters of the University of Southern Mississippi. Whether contributing to the recent beautification efforts on campus or pitching in on tornado recovery or just helping their fellow man, Golden Eagles are on the forefront of extending a helping hand to those who need it the most. For Hattiesburg’s Seth Powell, a 2013 USM graduate, that means packing up his belongings and moving halfway around the world to the front lines of the mission field. In fact, just two days after getting his diploma, Powell was on his way to the Dominican Republic. Later this fall, he’ll embark on an 11-month journey to 11 countries including Malaysia, Nepal, Rwanda, and Ukraine (see story on Page 14). Sometimes, a need can be spotted right in our backyard - or even right on campus. Supporters from all over the country pitched in on May 8 during the USM Foundation’s “Day of Giving” drive to raise money for the ongoing landscape rejuvenation plan to help restore campus to its pre-tornado luster. In all, 374 gifts were given from 37 states, totaling $130,234 in a 24-hour period (see story on Page 5). By the time the $3 million campaign is through, 130 new trees will be planted on campus; a new irrigation system installed; and significant improvements to Lake Byron will be complete. And when students return to campus this fall, they’ll continue to participate in a variety of community service projects through organized their fraternities, clubs, sororities, dorms, and academic areas of study. It’s never too early to begin giving back. And nobody knows that better than our Golden Eagles of the University of Southern Mississippi. Happy summer everyone... David Gustafson Editor/Publisher
Eaglepalooza fun takes to streets - Pages 46-47 www.southern.ms
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On Campus
Getting pretty Southern Miss readies for second phase of landscaping plan
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he University of Southern Mississippi is moving into the second phase of a comprehensive landscaping plan to restore the southern edge of its Hattiesburg campus that suffered extensive damage from a Feb. 10 tornado. The initial phase of the $3 million project – which included planting of five mature live oak trees, grass sodding and major irrigation work – wrapped up in June. “I am very pleased with the progress and the direction of this mammoth undertaking,” said Loren Erickson, superintendent of landscape at Southern Miss. “We have some of the best minds available on this project and it is being well directed. Now that we have the Gateway Phase completed, I am encouraged and excited to see the transformation continue.” Erickson points out that the next phase will concentrate on new sidewalks, seating areas and lighting for the University’s renowned Rose Garden. The project will ultimately feature more than 130 trees, a new irrigation system and significant improvements to Lake Byron. The highlight of the initial phase involved the planting of five oak trees, measuring 40-feet high by 40-feet wide, supplied by Florida-based grower The Magnolia Company. Despite some brown spots among the branches, Erickson stresses that the trees are thriving in their new home. “The browning is actually some minor breakage and stress from taking a 40-feet wide tree and tying it to fit on a 16-foot wide flatbed, then transporting it from Florida,” said Erickson. “We knew going in that there would be some leaf stress
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from transplanting as well. The trees themselves are doing very well. If you get up next to them you will see a healthy flush of new growth even at the tips where it is most important. The brown bits are not dying or any cause for alarm.” The F-4 tornado that struck Hattiesburg destroyed approximately 75 trees on the Southern Miss campus. In that group were four legacy oaks, estimated to be more than 90 years old. On April 15 the University announced the Front Campus Landscape Restoration and Enhancement Plan, spearheaded by landscape architect Russ Bryan of Neel-Schaffer. At the same time, the USM Foundation announced a campus beautification campaign to generate private funds to help address the cost of the plan. An initial gift of $100,000 from the Southern Miss Alumni Association helped kick-start the campaign which received a tremendous boost when an anonymous donor made a $1 million gift commitment. On May 8, the Foundation encouraged supporters to participate in a “Day of Giving” as part of the campaign. In all, 374 gifts were given from 37 states, totaling $130,234 in a 24-hour period. “We are obviously extremely grateful for the generosity of alumni and friends who have allowed our landscaping restoration efforts to progress at such a rapid pace,” said Bob Pierce, vice president for Advancement. “The Gateway Phase of the restoration project has turned out wonderfully and we know that thanks to the private contributions provided the remainder of the project will be successful as well.” – Van Arnold
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Like mother. Like daughter. Two Biaginis receive diplomas at spring commencement
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eth Biagini always imagined she would watch her youngest daughter graduate from college. But the mother of four never dreamed she would be wearing a cap and gown on the same day herself. On Friday, May 10, Beth Biagini and her daughter, Cally Biagini, strolled across the stage at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Reed Green Coliseum to receive their diplomas during the Spring 2013 Commencement ceremony. “I think I am definitely more excited than she is,” said Beth. “When I enrolled in the Teacher Assistant Program, I realized Cally would be graduating approximately three years later. The idea of graduating with Cally has kept me on track during some very difficult times.” Beth received her undergraduate degree in elementary education, while Cally earned hers in marketing. Cally leaves an impressive mark at Southern Miss where she compiled a 3.9 grade point average and secured a spot in the student Hall of Fame. “Graduation is already an exciting time, but getting to experience it with my mom makes it so much more special,” said Cally. “When she first asked me what I thought about her possibly graduating around the same time as me, I told her that I would love nothing more than for our graduations to be on the same day, at the same time.” Beth and her husband, David Biagini, have three other children – Leona Biagini, 36, a certified emergency medical technician and emergency medical dispatcher; Kimberly Biagini, 23, an Ole Miss graduate and David Biagini, 16, an 11th-grade student at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science in Columbus. The couple resides in Gulfport, where Beth works as a teacher’s assistant in the Harrison County School System. Before becoming a teacher’s assistant in 2000, Beth spent 20 years working in the legal field as a New Jersey resident. “I love working with children and I love my job. I knew this is what I wanted to continue doing,” she said. “I began thinking about returning to school to complete my college education I had begun many years earlier. I had put it on hold to raise my family.” Cally notes that she actually began contemplating a degree in marketing while attending Harrison Central High. One of her teachers, Southern Miss alumnae Julie Williamson, spoke highly of the University’s marketing program which made Cally’s decision an easy one. “I chose to study marketing because it fully embraces the mathematic side of business while emphasizing the ‘people’ aspect – not just interacting with people, but also understanding them,” said Cally. “I knew that understanding people would be a necessary skill in any career, and I wanted to have a background in business.”
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Beth’s road to an undergraduate degree was made more difficult by the declining health of her mother and step-father. Somehow Beth managed to care for both of them while tending to her own family’s needs, working full-time and going to school. Her mother died in January of 2012 and her step-father passed away last summer. “I always had my books and laptop with me wherever I went,” she said. “We spent a lot of time in the hospital and the last few months in hospice care. Sadly, they won’t be here to celebrate in person with me. But I know they’ll be with me in spirit.” Cally and Beth Biagini each accepted their diplomas as members of the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, but Cally insists there was no competition between them regarding grade point averages. “Both of my parents have always had high expectations for me academically, which I have been very thankful for throughout college, because I learned to have those expectations for myself,” she said. “But when it comes to my mom, I never really thought to compare our grades. It’s funny to talk to her about those things though, because she’s just like me in terms of not wanting to settle for a ‘B’.” Beth Biagini offers some pointed words for potential college students who may consider themselves too old for a classroom. “I’d say think again. You are never too old,” said Beth. “And it can be very rewarding. I am so excited to have this opportunity and look forward to hopefully having my own class in August.” To learn more about the Teacher Assistant Program at Southern Miss, call 228.214.3274.
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On Campus
Shining example Tornado victim, officer reunited for awards ceremony
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he last time Annelise Moreau saw University of Southern Mississippi police officer Jared Pierce, he was coming to her aid after the Hattiesburg campus was struck by an F-4 tornado Feb. 10. Under clearer skies, Moreau returned to Hattiesburg recently to help the university honor Pierce for his service on that fateful day. During the university’s annual Staff Council recognition and awards luncheon, Pierce and fellow officer Jason Powell received the Life Saving Award and Medal of Valor, respectively. Moreau, a junior at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, was travelling back to the university from New Orleans when she stopped to ride out the storm on the Southern Miss campus, near the heavily damaged Ogletree Alumni House. Patrolling the campus to inspect the aftermath, Pierce discovered a visibly upset Moreau in her damaged car. He helped her out of her vehicle and took her and two pets traveling with her to safety at Wilber Hall, while also briefing staff there about her situation. Moreau said the feeling of returning to the campus for the first time after the harrowing experience was “intense” as she relived the memories, but was looking forward to reuniting with Pierce again and helping the university honor him. “Jared’s a great guy and deserves this,” Moreau said. “The people I met here, including him, were a good background to a bad day.” Pierce, the father of a baby daughter, said the memory of
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that day is still “surreal” and said he would hope any other police officer would do the same for his own child. “If I had an 18-19 year old daughter in that situation, I would have wanted a police officer to do the same thing,” he said. On Nov. 28, 2012, Powell responded to a report of a fight on campus involving a firearm. Powell began investigating the area and encountered three suspects coming across Centennial Lawn. Parked near the old Copy Center building, he witnessed one of the suspects reach into a vehicle and pull out a black handgun. The armed individual then appeared to focus in on a group of people walking from Centennial Lawn toward the Cochran Center, at which time Powell made the decision to apprehend him, pinning him to the ground until backup arrived. “I did the job any of us would have done. I made the decision without hesitation,” Powell said, adding that “it speaks highly of our administration to recognize us, because so many in our profession go unrecognized.” In his remarks about the accomplishments of Pierce and Powell, University Police Chief Bob Hopkins said one of the primary things he emphasizes to his staff is that they care about the people they are protecting. In both instances, he said that was evident. “In times of need, we shine,” Hopkins said.
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– David Tisdale
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Television ready New PBS promotional videos feature USM Gulf Coast class
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ublic Broadcasting Service (PBS) viewers may have seen a series of new promotional videos featured on the television station, one of which highlights University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast social work instructor Karen Aderer and her use of PBS in the classroom. Using PBS programming to provide real life examples to her students, Aderer says she finds this method makes for more engaged students, as well as interesting and lively conversations in the classroom. Aderer added that the programming examples are what students could expect to see in real social work practices, which helps to reinforce what students are learning. “I hope the video brings awareness of the value in using PBS programming in the classroom,” said Aderer. “Students want to learn about what is relevant, interesting, and current. They want to know the lessons they are being taught will help them in whichever career path they take.” “I have found that infusing classes with documentaries, news clips, and other media helps to keep students engaged. The best part is that PBS resources are professionally produced, unbiased, of academic quality, and cover a vast range of topics.” Replying to a post on PBS’ Facebook page, Aderer informed
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the educational medium exactly how their programming was making a difference in people’s lives. Not much time passed before she was contacted by a director for an interview, which led to her selection as a recently filmed viewer testimonial. PBS filmed a total of 15 viewer testimonials that have been provided to member stations to play during programming breaks. Being featured in the promotional videos, Aderer is among compelling testimonials showing how PBS has helped people develop rich life experiences. Aderer’s students also took part in the promotional video as they were filmed during class at the university’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The television spot features the class of 24 undergraduate social work students, as well as a classroom in the university’s new historically restored Lloyd Hall. Considered “America’s largest classroom,” PBS and its member stations are described as the nation’s largest stage for the arts and a trusted window to the world. Aderer hopes her love of PBS has passed on to her students. “This was a really fun and exciting opportunity to support a nonprofit organization that I believe in,” said Aderer. “It is my hope that this video shows the rest of America our beautiful Southern Miss Gulf Park campus, professional faculty and the intelligence of our highly motivated students.” – Charmaine Williams
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Deserving honor Former Southern Miss president to be honored with arts award
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he 2013 Winter-Reed Partnership Award will be presented to Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas, president emeritus and professor of higher education at The University of Southern Mississippi, during a tribute dinner Oct. 1 at Lake Terrace Convention Center in Hattiesburg. In 1975, Dr. Lucas became the sixth president of his alma mater, Southern Miss, launching an era of unprecedented growth and transformation for the university. Over the course of his 22-year tenure, he led the formation of the Teaching and Learning Resource Center, the Center for International Education, the Polymer Science Institute and the Institute for Learning in Retirement. A founding member of the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters, Dr. Lucas was a champion of the university's arts and music programs and twice served as interim president, in Lucas 2001 and 2012. Before leading Southern Miss, Dr. Lucas was president of Delta State University and an instructor at Hinds Community College. He also served as the state's Interim Commissioner of Higher Education from October 2008 to July 2009. “MAPE is proud to bestow the Winter-Reed Award on Dr. Lucas, who has devoted his career to improving higher education in Mississippi,” said Michael Bentley, president of MAPE and an attorney at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. “For more than 40 years, including 24 years combined as president of The University of Southern Mississippi, Dr. Lucas has worked to make Mississippi’s higher education system stronger, more enterprising, and more respected in our nation — and he has done this without fanfare or limelight. Dr. Lucas is a worthy honoree, and his persistence and effectiveness as a leader in higher education are worthy of emulation.”
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MAPE launched the Winter-Reed Partnership Award in 2007 to honor former Gov. William Winter and Tupelo businessman Jack Reed Sr. for their lifelong contributions to public education and to provide ongoing recognition to Mississippians who demonstrate a similar commitment. Event sponsorships also raise funds to support MAPE programs and services. “The opportunity to serve in Mississippi higher education has provided professional fulfillment beyond measure," said Dr. Lucas. "To receive the Winter-Reed recognition named for two distinguished friends, and to be named among those who have already received the award, are humbling yet joyful experiences." Last year the Winter-Reed Partnership Award was presented to Jim Barksdale and Claiborne Barksdale, Mississippi businessmen whose visionary leadership and philanthropy have strengthened early-childhood literacy and public education. In 2011, the Winter-Reed Partnership Award was presented to State Rep. Robert Clark and “The Boys of Spring” — Andy Mullins, Dick Molpus, David Crews and John Henegan — who helped engineer the now historical Education Reform Act of 1982. The 2009 recipient was Dr. Cathy Grace, founding director of Mississippi State University's Early Childhood Institute. In 2008, MAPE posthumously honored Sen. Grey Ferris, considered the architect of the Mississippi Adequate Education Act. Sponsorship opportunities for the Winter-Reed Partnership Award are available by contacting MAPE at 601-573-0896 or visiting www.mapie.org. Individual tickets for the awards banquet are $75 and may be purchased online at www.mapie.org or from MAPE, P.O. Box 2803, Madison, 39130. Proceeds from the event will be used to enhance the program services of MAPE, including scholarships for member school districts to send representatives to MAPE’s annual training events and to host regional training events throughout the state.
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Future Miss Mississippi? Hannah Roberts, a University of Southern Mississippi sophomore from Mount Olive, Miss. performs on the violin Tuesday, June 25 during her trunk show in advance of her competition in the Miss Mississippi Pageant, set for July 10-13 in Vicksburg. Roberts, a Goldwater Scholar and student in the university's prestigious Honors College, qualified to compete in the event by winning the Miss University of Southern Mississippi Pageant in October 2012. – Photo by Kelly Dunn
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11 months. 11 countries. It’s ‘mission possible’ for recent USM graduate
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eth Powell is taking packing to a whole new level. In September, he’ll head off on the World Race, a mission trip that will take him to 11 countries in 11 months. “You live out of a big hiking pack and a small backpack,” Powell said, which means packing light. “You want a sturdy pair of shoes and a tiny towel that dries really fast so it doesn’t mildew,” he said. “You pack like you would for a week. It’s really nomadic.” Although he’s picked up some pretty terrific packing tips, though, packing really isn’t what’s been on his mind. What he’s thinking – and excited – about is the chance to fulfill a lifetime goal. On his blog at sethpowell.the-worldrace.org, Powell talks about growing up in “an extremely supportive Christian family full of missionaries, ministers, pastors and worship leaders.” Although he is not new to mission trips – Powell recently returned from a mission trip to the Dominican Republic – this will be his first trip approaching anything on this scale. The list of places he will be visiting include the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Nepal, Cambodia, Rwanda and Ukraine. “These are all Third World countries that have a lot of needs,” he said. Unlike medical mission trips, Powell said the organizers of this mission trip don’t appear to be seeking out any specific skills. “If you have a special skill, that’s great, but from what I can tell, we’re just people. I think the majority are right out of school.” Although the trip officially begins in September, he
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“At first it’s really daunting, but I feel like this is definitely something God wants me to do.” will attend a training camp this month. Powell, who graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in May with a degree in marine biology, said this journey actually began last year. He was surfing the Internet looking at postgraduate possibilities when he came upon information about the World Race. “My parents have done missions,” Powell said of his parents, Jeff and Mary Ellen Powell. His father currently is associate pastor at First Hattiesburg. “I always knew I wanted to do this.” After applying in October, he was accepted in November. Powell graduated in May and two days later was on his way to the Dominican Republic. And during all that time, he has been fundraising. “I sent out about 80 support letters asking for donations,” Powell said. “As of the third week in June, I’ve got about $8,000 in my account.” Although he eventually needs to raise $16,500, Powell only needs to have $15,000 on hand by next February, and he is confident of reaching his goal. “At first it’s really daunting, but I feel like this is definitely something God wants me to do,” he said of the nearly yearlong mission trip. “My family also is pretty excited. My grandmother, understandably, is worried, but my family has been 100 percent supportive of me.” As the time to leave on the trip approaches, Powell still has much to keep him busy. “I’ve been getting a long list of vaccinations,” he said, adding, “I’ve also been working out more lately.”
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A member of the track team during his freshman year in college, “I’ve been trying to get some endurance back,” he said. Although he hopes to be as well prepared as possible by the time he heads off in September, Powell said, he also plans to remain open to whatever he encounters. “They really encourage you to leave your expectations behind,” he said. Anyone who would like to learn more about Powell and his upcoming trip, or would like to donate, can visit his blog at sethpowell.theworldrace.org.
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– Dana Gower
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At the Third Annual Betty Spencer Memorial Social Work Luncheon, The University of Southern Mississippi School of Social Work was presented a $5,000 gift to increase the total endowment of the Betty Spencer Memorial Scholarship. Adrienne Spencer, fourth from left, daughter of Betty Spencer, along with Virginia Adolph, far left, president-elect for the Gulf Coast Program Unit of the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, presented the gift to Southern Miss administrators. On hand to receive the donation are, from left to right, College of Health Dean Michael Forster, Gulf Coast Vice President and Campus Executive Officer Frances Lucas, President Rodney Bennett and School of Social Work Director Tim Rehner. (Photo by Steve Linhoss)
Celebrating a legacy School of Social Work given $5,000 for Spencer scholarship
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elebrating a legacy of social work was the focus of the Third Annual Betty Spencer Memorial Social Work Luncheon where The University of Southern Mississippi School of Social Work was presented a $5,000 gift to increase the total endowment of the Betty Spencer Memorial Scholarship which has a corpus of more than $20,000. The check was given by Spencer’s daughter, Adrienne Spencer, along with Virginia Adolph, president-elect for the Gulf Coast Program Unit of the Mississippi Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Representing Southern Miss as recipients of the gift were University President Rodney Bennett, Gulf Coast Vice President and Campus Executive Officer Frances Lucas, College of Health Dean Michael Forster and School of Social Work Director Tim Rehner. “Scholarships, including the Betty Spencer Memorial Scholarship, represent a significant contribution to the education and future careers of our students,” said Rehner. “The actual dollars that a student receives are beneficial since they can be applied to tuition or books.” “Additionally, scholarships represent the investment of the social work community and, most notably, social work figures, like Betty Spencer, in the life of a student. Mrs. Spencer’s family can be proud of the ongoing legacy she will continue to
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have as these scholarships support social work students in graduate school.” The scholarship, designated to assist Southern Miss social work graduate students at the university’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, specifies that applicants are to have an interest in family and child practice. When applying for the scholarship, students must submit a 300-word essay on whom or what motivated them to consider social work as a career and how that decision influences the area of practice to which he or she aspires. The luncheon also featured the recognition of Dr. Raymond M. Scurfield, professor emeritus of social work at Southern Miss Gulf Coast, as the 2013 NASW Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. According to the NASW, Scurfield was selected for his extraordinary contributions to the social work profession and society in his 45-year career. His research and career spans posttraumatic stress disorder as a clinician, innovative therapy and program developer, educator, and researcher publishing on topics such as the Vietnam War and other war-related trauma, post-disaster interventions, race-related trauma, and exposure and experientially-based therapy. For more information on the School of Social Work, visit www.usm.edu/social-work. – Charmaine Williams
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Julliard bound Southern Miss quintet chosen for New York City music festival
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he Southern Quintet, composed of students from The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music, has been accepted to attend the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival held at The Julliard School in New York City July 28 through August 8. The 11-day festival hosts advanced and professional musicians, ensembles and composers from all across the country and abroad to perform and be mentored by Imani Winds, a Grammy Award-nominated wind quintet known for their legacy of innovative music. The Southern Quintet is the first student chamber group from Southern Miss to be accepted to the festival. “This is an exceptional honor and wonderful opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Michael Miles, director of the School of Music at Southern Miss. The quintet includes flutist Brittany Trotter, oboist Zully Casallas, clarinetist Garrick Pitts, Amanda Ray on French horn, and Ernesto Balarezo on bassoon. The group is coached by Southern Miss faculty member Dr. Kimberly Woolly. “It has been our dream to compete and participate in various renowned chamber festivals. We believe we are a representation of the university’s high level of musical education,” said Balarezo. While the group has received scholarships and donations, they are still in need of assistance to cover housing during their stay. To accomplish this, they have created a Go Fund Me account and are asking the public to help reach their goal. Currently, they are $1,200 away from their goal of financing the trip. For more information on how to help these talented musicians, visit http://www.gofundme.com/Help-the-Southern-Quintet.intelligence of our highly motivated students.” – Mike Lopinto
The Southern Quintet, composed of students from The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music, has been accepted to attend the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival. The event will be held at The Julliard School in New York City.
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Play Ball USM’s Brian Dozier is the sole Golden Eagle currently in the Major Leagues By Robert Wilson
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Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn
orky Palmer first heard about Brian Dozier during the summer of 2005. Current Southern Miss head baseball coach Scott Berry, then Palmer’s associate head coach at USM, had travelled to Oklahoma to the Junior Sun Belt Tournament to watch a Mississippi allstar team play and scout several of their players, all who just completed their junior years of high school. Dozier, from Fulton in northeast Mississippi, was the starting shortstop. He put on a defensive clinic, making many eye-catching plays, during the tournament. “Scott called me three days in a row, and he never did that,” Palmer said. “He said he knew we had a couple of shortstops who could play, but this guy was the real deal.” “Brian’s baseball IQ was different than everyone else’s,” Berry said. “He had great instinct. Brian knew where to be before it happened. He was able to anticipate and react and loved to play the game of baseball. It was hot during that tournament, but Dozier played hard every inning of every
game.” Berry knows a player when he sees one. Dozier signed with Southern Miss and became one of the best players in the nation and, according to Palmer, the best defensive infielder he has ever coached — not to mention the best shortstop in school history. Dozier was the best player on the Golden Eagles’ team in 2009 that made it to the College World Series. Now he is making a name for himself at the Major League level as the starting second baseman for the Minnesota Twins. Dozier now plays in front of crowds more than 10 times the population of his hometown of Fulton, a town of about 4,000. The son of Jan and Mike, Dozier started playing T-ball at age 3 at the Fulton City Fields. Mike coached Brian during his early years of baseball, before he went on to be an AllState performer at Itawamba AHS and signed with Southern Miss. “Baseball was our life growing up,” said Brian, whose older brother, Clay, was also a phenom in baseball, an All-State pitcher at Itawamba AHS and played at Itawamba Community College and Delta State. “Clay and I would play in the yard, pretending we were pitcher and shortstop for the Braves and playing in Game 7 of the World Series at Turner Field. Atlanta was four hours from Fulton so my dad would take us there a lot to watch the Braves. I played quarterback in football and point guard in basketball, but baseball was the sport I loved most. I would get banged up on Friday night playing football, then get up early on Saturday morning and go to Jackson to play for the Tupelo 49ers in American Legion baseball.”
The Doziers also went to watch Mississippi State play baseball often at Dudy Noble Field. “I was dead set on playing baseball at Mississippi State,” Dozier said. “I wanted to be another Will Clark or Rafael Palmerio. But State didn’t recruit me much at all. Ole Miss did a little bit more, but Zack Cozart (now the starting shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds) was there then and I wanted to play as a freshman. Oklahoma recruited me pretty heavy, but I am a Southern guy and that was too far away from home.” Dozier hadn’t been to south Mississippi and fell in love with Southern Miss and Hattiesburg. “I’m a blue collar type of guy and Southern Miss is a blue collar type of program,” Dozier said. “They like to work hard and so do I. I liked the coaching staff and knew I would have a chance to play as a freshman. My family loved Southern Miss, too. Luke Adkins from Nettleton had decided to come to Southern Miss and we were good friends. That helped seal it — I was headed to Southern Miss — and it turned out to be a great decision.” Dozier started the season opener as a freshman and every game that season except for one when he had a death in the family. Palmer tells the story about Dozier’s endurance and ability to play focused even during a long season. “We were playing in the Conference USA Tournament at Rice and Dozier had made an error and didn’t get to another ball I thought he should have,” Palmer said. “I thought he was tired and because it was the first time he had played a long college season I wanted to give him a break. It was about the fifth inning and I told him I was going to rest him for the rest of the game. I wasn’t mad at him, just wanted him to get some rest. But he promised he was okay. It’s not easy to talk me out of something, but Dozier did. He went out there and made several great defensive plays. I never questioned him again.” Dozier had such a good junior year that pro scouts projected him to be a high round draft pick, and he was considering leaving Southern Miss to go pro. “I was dead set on playing pro ball and the Cubs said they were going to draft me pretty high,” Dozier said. “But when
Dozier now plays in front of crowds more than 10 times the population of his hometown of Fulton in northeast Mississippi
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He was having an All-American season in 2009 until he dove for a ball deep in the hole at shortstop against Jackson State.
the draft came around the Cubs didn’t draft me as high as expected. Also, a couple of my close friends turned down the draft so I did, too. I am so glad I did. I would have missed out on a lot of memories.” He was having an All-American season in 2009 when he dove for a ball deep in the hole at shortstop against Jackson State. He didn’t get up immediately and Palmer knew something was seriously wrong. “We were up by 10 runs or so in the fifth inning, and as usual Dozier went all out despite the score. He landed funny and stayed down,” Palmer said. “He normally popped right up. We finally got him up and once he got into the dugout, our trainer said it was a dislocated collarbone. He was hitting .380 at the time and considered one of the top shortstops in the country. I felt bad for him, but we had to keep playing. The next day after his injury, Dozier came into my office and told me everything was going to be okay. I was supposed to be consoling him and he was consoling me. That’s the kind of person Dozier is.” “It was 34 games into my senior season. I couldn’t believe it,” Dozier said. “Not now, not when I was having such a good season and we were having a good season. I didn’t want to let my teammates down. I also thought that now I might not get drafted. I became our biggest cheerleader www.southern.ms
and I tried to help out every way I could. We had a magical run. I can’t say enough about my teammates and how awesome they played to make it to the College World Series.” But there were some rough times, too. After Dozier’s injury, Southern Miss went into a tailspin and the Eagles weren’t looking good as the regular season was coming to a close. “We missed him in the lineup and his play at shortstop,” said Berry, who was an assistant under Palmer from 2001 to 2009, then replaced him as head coach when Palmer retired after the College World Series run. “We were searching for something to get us back going again. We had a meeting in left field before one of the games in the last regular season series against Tennessee Tech. We talked about Brian and about how he bled black and gold and how he deserved to
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Twins photo by Bruce Kluckhohn
“He was still our leader even though he couldn’t play. He was always cheering for his teammates, encouraging them, helping them in every way possible.” – former USM coach Corky Palmer put that uniform on one last time. The only way he was going to do that was if we made it to the College World Series. The guys got going after that and we caught on fire. We regained our confidence and played great.” Southern Miss reached the Conference USA Tournament championship game before losing to Rice, but received an at-large berth to the Atlanta Regional. The Eagles upset Georgia Tech on their home field to win the Regional and advance against Florida in Gainesville. Southern Miss then upset Florida in the best-of-three series to advance to the College World Series for the first time in school history — all without Dozier, their best player and team leader, in the lineup. “Dozier was still our leader even though he couldn’t play,” Palmer said. “He was always cheering for his teammates, encouraging them, helping them in every way possible. He wasn’t going to let his teammates get down on themselves or the team. When we beat Florida to win the Super Regional, Dozier picked me up. I’ve got a bad back and he had a bad shoulder so I knew it was better then. I said, ‘Dern Doz, put me down. You’re about to break me.’ But I didn’t mind, I was excited for him and our play-
ers. We were going to the College World Series and Dozier was going to get a chance to play. Come hedge or high water, I was going to get him in the game.” Dozier’s chance came against Texas. Palmer brought Dozier in to pinch hit. “We had worked him out and he still couldn’t play, but he could hit,” Palmer said. “The game was still in the balance and I had confidence in Dozier. I knew he would do what he could to get on base.” “I received a standing ovation when I was walking up to the plate,” Dozier said. “It was a very special moment for me. I was so glad the Texas pitching coach came out to the mound as I was walking up to the plate. It gave me a chance to relax and calm down.” Dozier reached on a catcher’s interference. “It was so special to see Brian bat in Omaha,” Berry said. “Many of the fans didn’t have a clue what was going on if
“(He) was a coach’s dream. I never had a bit of trouble out of him. He was committed to our program and still is.” Page 28
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Dozier made his Major League debut on May 7, 2012, 15 days before his 25th birthday. He started at shortstop and got a hit. they didn’t know the story of Brian. He got a standing ovaClass AAA before being called up to the majors. tion from our fans. They knew his journey and our journey “It was Cinco De Mayo day and we were about to go on a and it was a tribute to him and how much he meant to our 14-day road trip. We were fixing tacos and our manager told program and our season.” us to pack up and be ready in 45 minutes. I remember my Southern Miss lost two straight manager coming back and saying, “Doz, get games in Omaha, but finished with packed,’ “ Dozier said. “But he didthe highest ranking in school history n’t mean get packed for the road; Golden Eagles (No. 8). And Dozier is a major part of he told me to get packed because I it. was going to the big leagues. I in the Minors: “Dozier was a coach’s dream,” jumped on the phone and called my J.R. Ballinger, Birmingham B Palmer said. “I never had a bit of parents and they got plane tickets arons (Double A Chicago trouble out of him. Dozier was comto come to Minnesota.” White Sox) mitted to our program and still is. Dozier made his debut on May 7, Collin Cargill, Jacksonville Su He came back to speak to our 2012, 15 days before his 25th birthns (Double A Miami Marlins) Dugout Club earlier this year. day. He started at shortstop in his Scott Copeland, Dozier loves our program. He is first game and got a hit, a single up Dunedin Blue Jays very loyal to it. Dozier was very the middle in the seventh inning. (High A Toronto Bl ue Jays) steady and a great leader. He was “I remember when I got to first Ashley Graeter very confident, but not cocky. base, (Los Angeles Angels’ first base, Tri-City Dust (Short Season A Co Dozier would calm me down man and three-time National League lorado Rockies) sometimes. If he ever felt presMVP Albert) Pujols told me, ‘That’s B.A . Vollmuth, Stockton Ports sure, I never saw it. Dozier never the first of many, kid,” Dozier said. “In (High A Oakland At hletics) took a bad at-bat or an error to my second at bat, I hit probably the the next inning.” hardest ball I hit all season and the After being drafted in the eighth round centerfielder made a great play. It was by the Twins, he quickly moved up the ranks, reaching exthe number one play of the day on cellence at every level. Dozier was an all-star in Class A and ESPN. I said to myself, ‘Man, it’s going to be hard to get a Class AA — he was named the Twins’ Minor League Player hit up here.’ of the Year in 2011 — and then spent only a few months at “I got a chance to meet Pujols before the game. One of
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Palmer considers Dozier one of the best student-athletes to come through the Golden Eagle athletic program. our players, Danny Valencia, was a good friend of Pujols and he brought him over to introduce me during batting practice. He was very nice and welcomed me to the big leagues. “Also, my family (parents, brother Clay, sister Leigh Ann, and brother-in-law, Philden Stockton) and three of my best friends — Chance Prestage, Clay Weatherford and Ty Crain — came to my first game. It was a big thrill to have them there to share this special moment in my life.” Dozier is constantly learning how to become a better player and is taking advantage of the opportunity to meet Hall of Famers like Rod Carew and Paul Molitor and future Hall of Famer Jim Thome, all former Twin superstars, along the way. “During spring training, I met Rod Carew and Paul Molitor and was able to pick their brain about so many things about hitting,” Dozier said. “Those are guys I looked up to. It was awesome to see how hard these guys work at their job. Most people think that pro baseball players roll in to the park at 5, grab a sandwich and play at 7. There is much more to it than that. “I remember my first exhibition game as a major leaguer in 2011. I got to the park around 2 and we played that night. There wasn’t anyone in the clubhouse for 30 minutes, so I was feeling really good about myself that I had beaten everyone to the park. But then I went onto the playing field and everyone was there and had been there for two hours. They’d been taking extra ground balls, extra batting practice, taking balls off the wall or watching video of pitchers. Jim Thome came up to me and said, ‘Don’t ever let me beat you to the ball park again.’ And I will always remember that. Even the best players work very hard to get better because there is always someone behind you ready to take your job. It is a game of adjustments and you must daily adjust. It is a business. You have fun, too, but we’ve got a job to do. “I get a chance to talk to one of the best hitters in baseball, (three-time American League batting champion and former AL MVP) Joe Mauer, every day because I am fortunate to have him as a teammate. Even though he is a great hitter, he takes extra swings to get better and improve on the little things. I need to be the same way in every phase of my game.” And there have been special moments for Dozier already in his brief major league career.
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“It has been a dream to go to all of these ball parks that I used to imagine going to and playing in,” Dozier said. “I hit a home run over the Green Monster at Fenway Park in Boston last year as a rookie and the next day they took me inside to sign the wall. I got to sign my name by all-time greats like Ted Williams. And then just recently I got to play for the first time at Turner Field in Atlanta where I used to dream about playing. It was an awesome feeling playing in that ballpark. “Since it is so close to home, I got about 30 tickets a day for that series. It was like a family reunion.” Dozier, now in his first full season in the majors, is the Twins’ starting second baseman. As of May 27, he was ninth in the majors in fielding percentage for second basemen — only two errors in 197 chances — and fourth in double plays for a second baseman. “I will never forget the opportunity that Southern Miss gave me,” said Dozier, who came back to USM after a summer season of pro ball in 2009 to finish his marketing degree. “The years I spent at Southern Miss were the best of my life. My high school coach (Brian Long) did things the right way and so did Coach Palmer and his staff. I built some awesome friendships at Southern Miss. I will always be grateful to the school, fans and alumni there and will come back as much as I can.” Palmer, who played catcher at Southern Miss and was an assistant coach under Hill Denson from 1985-86 and 1997 and head coach from 1998 to 2009, considers Dozier one of the best student-athletes to come through the Golden Eagle athletic program. “Dozier is one of those rare type of great athletes. Although he was a superstar on our team, especially when he was a senior, Dozier was liked by everyone,” Palmer said. “His teammates still fly up to see him. Dozier was brought up the right way by his mother and daddy. They are great people. We are very proud of him. Dozier calls Hattiesburg his second home.” Robert Wilson is a national award-winning sports writer who worked at The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., for more than two decades and covered Southern Miss athletics from 1989-1998. He is now a publisher, author, teacher, tutor, freelance writer and business developer and lives in Jackson. Email him at robert@southern.ms
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Meet Tom Malone, USM’s homegrown trombone-blowin’ original soul man.
‘Bones’ Story by Dana Gower
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umrall native Tom “Bones” Malone may be an internationally-known trombonist now, but he remembers tougher times when he had to borrow a trombone to play in the high school band and, later, when a $16-a-night job was a well-paying gig while a student at the University of Southern Mississippi. “I started out playin tuba in the seventh grade,” before switching over to trombone in the eighth, he said recently while in Hattiesburg to perform with The Blues Brotherhood Band during FestivalSouth. His eighth-grade band director, Bill Colston, played trombone, Malone said, noting, “He loaned me his trombone until I could get one.” Malone, who graduated from Sumrall High School in 1965, received a scholarship to play tuba in the University of Southern Mississippi marching band, despite not being a music major, and played trombone with the jazz band. “I just showed up and walked in,” he said of getting a position with the jazz band. It was while he was at Southern Miss that he got the opportunity to play with a band backing up legendary crooner Brenda Lee, who was performing in
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Jackson. Lee, who was in the throes of releasing 37 hits during the 1960’s including “I’m Sorry,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was in need of a lead trumpet player and Malone was ripe for the job. “The gig was six nights (Monday thru Saturday). I always passed out after playing a big, long high C in the middle of the show, but I always hit the note,” he recalled in an interview with the Online Trombone Journal. The toughest part about that job, he said, was getting there and back each night, which required him to hitchhike each way. “It was at the Silver Spur on Northside Drive in Jackson,” he said. Following each show, he would begin trying to catch a ride back to Hattiesburg, but, “I never got a ride until the sun came up. My dad gave me good advice. He said, ‘If you’re going to hitchhike, wear a suit.’” Still, he said, it was worth it for the $16 he received. “I joined the musicians' union in Jackson and started working with local bands up there. Jerry Lane, an older trombone player, was one of these bandleaders. Jerry contracted a big band for a gig in Louisiana led by Warren Covington. The band was billed as The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Warren liked the way I played. The next time he needed a band in the Mississippi area he called me to contract. I put together a great band of musicians from Jackson, Hattiesburg and New Orleans.” Malone attended Southern Miss as a psychology major from 1965 to 1967 and then transferred to North Texas State University, where he graduated in 1969. “Warren continued to use me as a contractor for his band in the Texas-Oklahoma-Lousiana area. He gave my name to other big band leaders in New York area who needed bands for gigs down south. I became established as the contractor for North Texas State musicians. A typical gig was in Houston (300 miles away). We would load up four cars with musicians and instruments, drive to the gig, sight-read the charts (no rehearsal) and drive back that night just in time to go to class at 9 a.m.” Malone worked his way through college playing gigs like these and often drove into Dallas twice a week to record radio commercials and station ID's. He even played with the Ringling Brothers Circus, Fort Worth Rodeo and Ice Capades. By 1975, he was arranger for the Saturday Night Live house band, which led to him being a part of the creation of the Blues Brothers. “One day I got a call to meet with Danny (Akroyd) and John (Belushi) to discuss an arrangement for a comedy skit. Dan and John had a concept of two sleazy musicians who wore ill-fitting black suits and black hats. At Danny's request I did a chart on "Rocket 88" by James Cotton for
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the Saturday Night Live Band.” And like that, the Blues Brothers were born. “The band was quite good at that time. Some of the musicians were Bob Cranshaw on bass (Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, Dizzy Gillespie), Alan Rubin playing trumpet, Lou Marini on sax, Howard Johnson on baritone sax and tuba (Gil Evans, Charles Mingus), Steve Jordan playing drums (Kieth Richards), and Paul Shaffer on keyboards.” As hard to believe as it may be now, “We almost didn’t get it on the show,” he said. “Lorne Michaels didn’t see anything funny about it.” After rejecting the skit two weeks in a row, Malone said, Michaels agreed to put it on the next week when the show clocked in three minutes short. "Hey, Bartender" was the first chart that made the airwaves. Malone said the response was great – letters, cards and phone calls came in. Thanks to the attention from the SNL skit, "Jake & Elwood" got a record deal with Atlantic Records, said Malone. “They decided to form their own band separate from the SNL band. Dan and John selected Marini, Jordan, Schaffer, and myself from the original band. Matt Murphy was recommended by the late Doc Pommus, John Belushi's blues guru. I selected Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, Alan Rubin, and Tom Scott.” In 1978, a recording of a live concert performance by The Blues Brothers, called “Briefcase Full of Blues,” sold 3.5 million albums. Two years later, Aykroyd expanded The Blues Brothers into a movie, in which Malone appeared. “He interviewed all of us” in the band for stories about playing on the road, Malone said. In the follow-up movie in 2000, his hitchhiking story was included, he said. Malone worked on Saturday Night Live for 10 years, from 1975-85. For the past 20 years, he has been with the CBS Orchestra on David Letterman’s show, along with former SNL band member Paul Shaffer. “Music always interested me for some reason,” he said. “I remember when my parents purchased their first record player when I was four. I would play "war" with my toy soldiers to 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. My mother always encouraged me. Music is all I have ever done.” Dana Gower is a 1980 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in liberal arts. His father, Dr. Albert Gower, is an Emeritus Professor of Music at Southern Miss, who served as an associate professor while Malone was a student. “I was very impressed with (Malone’s) musical arrangements and it was easy to predict that he would have success as a professional,” he recalled.
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H
attiesburg photographer Artie Rawls has captured this wonderfully-majestic photograph of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building nicknamed “The Dome.” The building houses the offices of the university president and several vice presidents. It’s named for the 6th president of the Unviersity of Southern Mississippi. Next time you’re on campus, walk through to catch a glimpse inside the domed copper roof.
This Issue: The Alma Mater
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n 1941 when The University of Southern Mississippi was known as Mississippi Southern College, two young co-eds wrote the lyrics which would become the foundation of the university’s alma mater. One of those ladies, Yvonne Hamilton (‘43), went on to become the First Lady of Hattiesburg. While at Southern, Hamilton was a member of the Sigma Theta Kappa sorority and served as Editor of the Student Printz. After graduation, she married classmate Moran Pope, Jr. and the couple eventually settled back in Hattiesburg, where her husband served as mayor from 1953 to 1957. She died in 2012 at the age of 90. Clara Davenport (‘42) was also credited with co-writing the original lyrics. Mary Leila Gardner, an associate professor of piano and advanced theory, was responsible for arranging the original conductor’s score. In 1963, the alma mater was retooled, with changes made to the first verse. At that time, Luigi Zaninelli arranged the current score. Zaninelli – who has published more than 300 works including opera, jazz, orchestra, and chamber music – retired in 2009 as the University’s composer-in-residence. As tradition has it, the alma mater is played at every Southern Miss academic and athletic event.
We sing to thee our alma mater, USM thy praises be: Southern mem’ries we shall cherish, Loyalty we pledge to thee. Spacious skies and land of sunshine, Verdant trees and shelt’ring walls, Now our hearts lift ever to thee, As we praise thy hallowed halls.
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Mudbugs!
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he University of Southern Mississippi Activities Council helped students wind down the spring semester with a Crawfest Festival, complete with an abundance of mudbugs, music and more. –See more, Page 51
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FOUNDERS’ DAY
Past, present, future
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ounders’ Day on The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus was a celebration of the institution’s past, its future and the people who have made it what it is today. It was also the first day of the presidency of Dr. Rodney Bennett, the university’s 10th executive officer.
Ashley Weaver, Jamie Kitch, Laney Simmons, E B Bagert, Charley Powell, Alicia Frazier, MC Price
Tim, Sandra and Jeremy Wells, Jillian Gordon
Amy Martin, Jenny Boudreaux
Haley McMinn, Sarah Mangrum, Tisha Zelner, Jennifer Brannock
Megan Wilkinson, Hannah Kelly, Chrissy Black, Kayla Loftin, Haley Lewis
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Austin Howell, Yolanda Cruz, Lynn Havard, Marcus Ocmond
Michaela Melton, Bergandee Hibbler
Cally Biagini, Zurick Thomas, Christian Myrick, Emma Burleson
Meredith McPhail, Jaycee Padgett, Jordan Nettles
Heather Howard, Olivia Ann Hurst, Lauren Smith, Zachary Knight
Wilton Jackson, Andre Heath, Terence Dillon
Haleigh Hughes, Sarah Beth Selph, Ashley Hebert
Lauren Pickett, Cassie Dennis
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MAESTRO’S FAVORITE Ashley Dunaway, Bonnie Loffel
Barbara Wilson, Beth Mayo
Neilee James, Gwen James
Bobby and Dorothy Fennell
25 years
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r. Jay Dean took to the podium for the last time in his 25th season with The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra when he conducted Mahler’s Fifth Symphony in Maestro’s Favorite.
Don and Fran Hegwood
Dixie and Bill McDougald
Bob and Kathy Morrow
Anna Womack, Katie Knight Cullan McBride, Sherowin Clemons
Nell and Royce Nation
Bill Deavours, Janette Walker
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Jeremiah and Josh Stricklin
Britni Spicuzzo, Leeanne Lewis
Caroline and John Lopinto
Joe and Donna Sharp
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Kristen Carter, Paige Shaw, Brianna McBride-Cook
Jenn Lovato, Paul Ferguson, Melanie Hall
Nadine Phillips, Elena Azaclbakht, Tracy Englert, Sara Warren, Ezeaba Tochukwu, Cole Smith
Becca and Chris McArthur
Chris Miler, Miranda Grieder
Melanie Ferrabone, Erick DeLeon www.southern.ms
he University of Southern Mississippi's annual International Food Fair, featuring native delicacies prepared in part by international students, was held at the Baptist Student Union.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR
Tasty cuisine
Rachel Keely, Norma Coulter, Margie Crowe
Tish Walters, Lin Zhong
Andrea Bradley, Jacoby Bell
Jessica Hemmingway, Chris Necaise, Eric Mathis, Ashley Grillot
Lorene Deen, Larry Waite
Ezeaba Tochukwu
Kelli Griffin, Aurore Mergalet
Teresa and Jason Aranmolate
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Elizabeth Shoemake, Melissa Ravencraft
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EAGLEPALOOZA
Jessica and Ashley Moffett, Cara Lott, Sarah McGrew, Shelbi Waller, Lauren Bradley, Olivia Ryals
Christina Larson, Karli Renz
Eagle what?
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large crowd turned out for this year’s Eaglepalooza on the streets of Downtown Hattiesburg. Musical guests included alt-rockers Churchill followed by R&B artist Elle Vaner and headliner Phillip Phillips, an American Idol winner. The event was hosted by the USM Student Government Association.
Kelli Fowler, Alexis Sills, Hayden Shaub
Steve and Marcia Meyers
Denedra Rogers, Jourdan Hoover
Elena Lofton, Amber Gaspard
TJ Hendrix, Megan Wheelock
Alexis Meyers, Matt Moseley, Laura Savage, Taylor Johnson
Nicki Funk, Danielle Linn, Amia Wren, Mykiya Oliver, LaBreda Donald
Payton Kerley, Laken Enkilbsby, Kyler Peden, Katelyn Alvabaeo, Ally Funick Page 46
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Manvelis Olive, Carmen Hall, Whitney Hayes, Monica Igbokwe, Aileu McKinley, Linda Montgomery
Jasmine Reedom, Homa Kohan
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Bailey Walters, Ashton Reno, Jennifer Ugwu-Dike, Alyson LeCray, Kayla Neely, Ainsley Wright
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NIT QUARTERFINALS
Hobbie Hewitt, Jessica Williams
Randy Burge, Brooke Wiltshire
Michael Bailey Sr., Michael Bailey Jr.
Hannah Curtain, Carson Broom
Noel Spratley, Erin Delossantos, Katie Schroeder
Candice Perry, Gabby Watson, May Watson
White out!
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he Southern Miss Golden Eagles made it to the quarterfinals of this year’s NIT Basketball Tournament. Reed Green Coliseum on the USM campus hosted three of the roundball matchups.
Ashley Davidson, Casey and Zach Davidson, Caitlyn Freeman
Mallory, Rusty, Jennifer and Payne McDonald, Jim Burge
Don Jennings, Tara Brown, Bo Roberts, Eddie Roberts
Will, Ashley and Lisa Sandel, Billie and Stan Buckley Page 48
Don Pulliam, Ginny and Eddie Wallace, Norris Wallace, Derrel Allen SOUTHERN MAGAZINE
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Jacob Volpi, Kathryn Duke, Cara Morgani, Anna Taucher, Josh Wallei
Harlie Pounds, Louis Krouse
Karen, Kyle and Emily Garner
Brandon and Raymond Reeves, Will and Johnny Waldrop
Jerry Thomas, Denise Touchstone
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Cole, Annabella and Danette Sinclair
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HOLI FESTIVAL
Colorful fun
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he Wilber Hall resident assistant hosted Holi: Festival of Colors on the Freshman Quad. Holi is a traditional Hindu festival that “celebrates the colorful beauty of the natural world,� according to USM religion professor Daniel Capper. Holi is celebrated in India and Nepal and celebrates new life, spring and youth.
Rebekah Hodges, Maggie Betsch, Mary Beth Holmes
Emily Zumbro, Mikkel Ware, Suquetta Sewell, Brandon Andrews, Tochukwu Ezeaba
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Kathryn Yoches, Kira Cantrell, Sarah Rigdon
Molly Millican, Jason Toth, Kaitlin Saunders, Amber Clapp, Lindsey Thomas
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USM CRAWFISH BOIL
Robyn Riley, Lauren Noll, Camille Godwin, Jessica Lundy, Lauren Mayberry
James Hall, Katherine Miller, Melissa and Amy Fairbank, Jonathan Civiteoli
Mudbug Heaven
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Hannah Thompson, Nicole Knower, Jonathon Stringer, Emilee Randall, Brett Newsom
Aaron Strum, Andrew Demolat
he University of Southern Mississippi Activities Council helped the university community wind down the spring 2012 semester with its annual Crawfish Fest on the Centennial Lawn. In addition to crawfish, the menu included a variety of other items and refreshments. The event also featured live music. Jakob Wisdom, Luke Johns
Kristen Richards, Sarah Reyner, Sam White, Meredith Barefield
Christa Jones, Taylor Knduth, Elena Slater, Matt Collins, Asia Butler, Alex Green
Veronica Havard, Heather Haines www.southern.ms
Jazmyne Butler, Christy Mathis, Dawntae Wynn
Korey Zimmerman, Alanna Buckley, Lindsey Martin, Talbert Toole
Shayla Edwards, Jameeria Brown
Patrick Taylor, Tessa Wiloughby
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Becky Vu, Jennifer Hudson Page 51
MEET AND GREET
Billy Newman, Subrina Cooper, Oliver Diaz
Ayanna Smith, Jasmine Baker
Oliver Diaz, Robert Harenski, Kim Starks
Meet & Greet
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STUDENT ART RECEPTION
he University of Southern Mississippi Paralegal Society and Department of Political Science, International Development and International Affairs, presented the documentary “Hot Coffee” in Gonzales Auditorium. Following the documentary, former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice Oliver Diaz led a discussion.
Morgan Byrd, Madeline Kuluz
Sabrina and Hayley Ivy
Jamie Jelinski, Henry Shepard
Artsy-type folks
Lauren Smith, Hillary Lovingood
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he USM Department of Art & Design held its annual Student Show in the Cook Library Learning Commons Gallery. A reception and awards ceremony were part of the event.
Blake O’Brien, Sophie Brenneman, George Brown, Kelley-Joe Brumfield, Hayley Ivy
Jenna Lockwood, Jessica Turner, Hillary Fairburn, Ashley Mell, BJ Henriques
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Douglas and Alexis Fuller
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USM TALENT SHOW
Ashley Bickham, Herneeshia Ball, Shawn Gatlin
Jaron Brown, Jaynie Kergosien
Brianna Patton, LaDonna Reese
Sing? Dance?
T
he Southern Miss Activities Council held a Southern Miss Got Talent? show in the Trent Lott Center, which brought out a multitude of talents among the student body.
Xavier Davis, Danielle Willis, Morgan Haley
Lace James, Laspencia Brown, Alexus Johnson, Tishandra Lanus
Catherine Lovorn, Samantha Stackpole
Kay Jawon Houston, Rachel Strong, Garret Necaice, Cody Morrow, Kristina Dumas www.southern.ms
Alex Potratz, Raven Jackson, Rylee House
Amber Hill, Jasmine Everett
Kimberly Beasley, Tanisha Ratcliff, Whitney Lockwood
Tamecia Myers, Dana Minor, Zhariah Hubbard
Robby Smith, Chris Lucas, Jordan Garrett
Sharday Branch, Trey Rogers, La’Daeshia Davis, Kayla Taylor SOUTHERN MAGAZINE
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USM FASHION SHOW Gavin Snyder, Alex Waldrop, Amy Allison Yeates, Kaisha Brown
Christian Myrick, Jordan Garrett, Natalie Dalmann
Gemarco Peterson, Kirisa Mahon
Retail Therapy?
A
Retail Therapy Fashion Show, hosted by the Southern Miss Activities Council, benefitted the American Cancer Society. The event was sponsored by The Two-Headed Woman, ACS, Picture Perfect Model and MAC Cosmetics.
Gabrielle McKinney, Jessica Thompson
Felishia Moten, Jeanne Brookins, Paige Sims
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Darius Hopson, Markis Edwards, Jordan Hollingsworth, Billy Barnes
Carlaya Chestang, Shaquetra Hall
Desiree Lockett, Mahogany Hibbler, Eunice Wambari
Xzavier Davis, Carrie Armstrong, Brianna Patton
Ashlea Hodge, Kapriatta Jenkins
Breanna Sawyer, Debbie Easley
Arielle Nash, Terry Macon, Erin Williams
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Jasmine and Hanna Bowie
www.southern.ms
Danielle McKenzie, Brooklyn Mills
CBS SPORTSCASTER VISIT
Joanna Gunnunsen, Kacey Holifield
Melanie Thomas, Hazel Riley, Tony Russell, Cody Parker
A touchdown!
C
Eboni Harris, Jessica Smith, Cazzy Williams
Bailey Cincotta, Melissa Batdorf, Samantha Russell
Meagan Weaver, Erin Lindley, Kamie Stephens
Porsha White, D’Andra Price, Don Holmes, Christopher Thompson Walls
Tyler Nunnery, Joshua Dishman, Olivia Wilson www.southern.ms
BS broadcaster James Brown came to USM as part of the annual Armstrong-Branch Lecture series. Brown is a graduate of Harvard University. Delores McNair, Frederick Varnado
Allen Hagnar, Ben Knause, Ginny Kramer, Erin Smith, Erin McLeod
Sarah Evans, Morgan McKeever, Jennifer Gary
Hannah Baker, Molly Hanberry, Kayla Scharfenstein SOUTHERN MAGAZINE
Marshall and Kinlock Bell
Frank Cermatori, Teddy Hayduk, Josh McKibben
Ashley Grillot, Joshua Polk, Amber Stokes Page 55
Grad(u)ation.
I
t’s that time of year again. The rental gowns, those awkward “mortarboard” caps, tassels turned to the left. Families from all over come into town. Friends fill blocks of bleachers. Name after name is called, and corresponding hoops and hollers rise as candidates walk the stage over and again. It’s graduation time. Indeed, there are few life events so celebrated as a graduation ceremony. Years of sacrificial work feel instantly redeemed with a wholly unique sense of ceremonial closure. Finally, graduates think, that laborious chapter . . . closed. I’ve been through five graduations of my own. From highschool to college, through two Master’s degrees, and on to a PhD this past December, when I walked what I’m fairly sure will be my last stage. And each ceremonious tasseled trip has created in Soul Food me the suspicion that maybe, just maybe, too much is made of that celBy Corey ebrated sense of closure so associated LATTA with graduation. Maybe we, who too often move too quickly through life’s seasons, have so overburdened “graduation,” both the word and the experience, with a sense of completion that we have unprivileged the ongoing personal transformation that graduation should mark. Maybe, graduating is less about the closure of “graduation” and more about the process of gradation. Gradation can be partly defined as any process or change that occurs in stages. Gradation means continual change. Unlike graduation, with its terminal connotations, gradation’s emphasis lies in its own growth. Reflecting on my own grad(u)ation experiences, I realize that the significance of the ceremony, the regalia, the pomp--and its partner circumstance--lies in charting a greater gradation. Far from only being about the end of something, each graduation bookmarked a process of personal gradation. Each ceremony marked a new time in my life, and each time, a dynamically different, hopefully more mature, version of me walked the stage. Each diploma served as signage of a more enduring emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth. I was not just graduating; I was growing, developing, gradating.
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When seen as a part of personal gradation, the graduation ceremony maintains a hopeful vision for larger life change. Gradation doesn’t care for closure as much as it anticipates the next stage in an ongoing process; gradation uncovers the transformative in a process, because it itself is transformation, not mere cessation. The best graduation speeches capture this notion of gradation. Communicating an empowering mes-
Graduation is not the closing of a season, but the opening of the self to dynamic change. sage of active life change over closure, effective graduation speakers charge graduates with maxims to change the world, to keep running the race, to embrace the art of becoming. The best speeches echo Emerson, who charges us all with, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Thus, in the spirit of gradation, here is my graduation speech--no doubt the shortest you’ll ever hear: Golden Eagles, graduation is not an end. Strictly, speaking, it is not even a beginning. It is a milestone that bears witness to your greater transformation. Graduation is not the closing of a season but the opening of the self to dynamic change--a celebratory moment of vaster personal growth. Graduation isn’t mere being--not being a graduate or being an alumnus--but becoming. Happy Gradation. Corey lives, writes, and teaches in his hometown of Memphis. He received his PhD in Literature at The University of Southern Mississippi and now teaches theology and literature at Victory University in Memphis. A writer with multiple creative and academic publications, Corey most enjoys writing poetry and musings on culture, literature, and theological themes. He either spends his time in his favorite local coffee shop, in the gym, or at the movies. If it relates to art, music, film, literature, philosophy, or life in the South, then it interests Corey. Email him at corey@southern.ms.
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