1 1

D S U A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N P R E S E N T S

HOMECOMING2013

N O V E M B E R 1 S T & 2 N D

F R I D AY / N O V E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 3

S AT U R D AY / N O V E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 3

S U N D AY / N O V E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 3

S TAT E S M E N P A R K H O M E C O M I N G F E S T I V I T I E S

A C T I V I T I E S

SPECIAL REUNIONS: Class of 1963 / 50-year Graduates; Golden Circle: Classes 1928–62 /

DSU Swimming and Diving Biannual Reunion / Alpha Kappa Alpha 35th Year Reunion /

Alpha Phi Alpha 30th Year Reunion / Kappa Alpha Psi 25th Year Reunion /

Delta Sigma Theta 40th Year Reunion

10:30 Investiture Ceremony

Noon Inaugural Luncheon, Quad

5:00–6:30 Class of 1963 Social and Reunion, Leroy Morganti Atrium, Kent Wyatt Hall

6:00–7:00 Social Prior to Alumni Awards and Gala Dinner, Walter Sillers Coliseum

7:00 Alumni Awards and Gala Dinner, Walter Sillers Coliseum

(Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and Service Awards, Golden Circle,

Class of 1963, Athletic Hall of Fame (players/coaches), Alumni and Friends)

8:00–11:00 Homecoming Registration, Alumni House and H.L. Nowell Union

9:00–11:00 Delta Music Institute Open House, Old Whitfield Gymnasium

10:00 Athletic Alumni Board Meeting, Dorgan Center Conference Room

11:00 Athletic Alumni Board General Meeting, Bob M. Dearing

Hall of Fame Room, Chadwick-Dickson Field House

10:00 Veterans Exhibit and Refreshments, Jobe Hall

11:00 Ceremony for Veterans Atrium, Jobe Hall

11:00 Organizations, Constituent Group Meetings, and Open Houses

12:00 Lunch, Young-Mauldin DSU Dining Hall

10:00–3:00 Wright Art Gallery

8:00 National Pan-Hellenic Council Stomp Fest, BPAC

9:00 Homecoming Brunch for Golden Circle and Class of 1963, Simmons Room,

Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni & Foundation

Noon Tailgating, Cheerleaders, and Band

Noon–3:00 Reunions, Open Houses, Tents, Statesmen Park (N. Field),

DSU All-Star Cheerleaders – Continuing Education, Ol’ Skool Revue

and Delta Rox

4:00 Football Game DSU vs. Valdosta State University

Queen and Court Presentation at Half Time

BluesLand / Patriotic Exhibit / 50:50 Raffle / AITP-CIS Homecoming Tailgate /

DSU Alums Recognized at Halftime / Homecoming T-Shirts for Sale / 3rd Annual Partnership

Properties Turkey Trot Benefiting St. Jude / 5k and 10k Runs / 5k Walk / Kid’s Fun Run

VISIT DELTASTATE.EDU FOR MORE INFORMATION

D S U A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N P R E S E N T S

HOMECOMING2013

N O V E M B E R 1 S T & 2 N D

F R I D AY / N O V E M B E R 1 , 2 0 1 3

S AT U R D AY / N O V E M B E R 2 , 2 0 1 3

S U N D AY / N O V E M B E R 3 , 2 0 1 3

S TAT E S M E N P A R K H O M E C O M I N G F E S T I V I T I E S

A C T I V I T I E S

SPECIAL REUNIONS: Class of 1963 / 50-year Graduates; Golden Circle: Classes 1928–62 /

DSU Swimming and Diving Biannual Reunion / Alpha Kappa Alpha 35th Year Reunion /

Alpha Phi Alpha 30th Year Reunion / Kappa Alpha Psi 25th Year Reunion /

Delta Sigma Theta 40th Year Reunion

10:30 Investiture Ceremony

Noon Inaugural Luncheon, Quad

5:00–6:30 Class of 1963 Social and Reunion, Leroy Morganti Atrium, Kent Wyatt Hall

6:00–7:00 Social Prior to Alumni Awards and Gala Dinner, Walter Sillers Coliseum

7:00 Alumni Awards and Gala Dinner, Walter Sillers Coliseum

(Outstanding Alumnus of the Year and Service Awards, Golden Circle,

Class of 1963, Athletic Hall of Fame (players/coaches), Alumni and Friends)

8:00–11:00 Homecoming Registration, Alumni House and H.L. Nowell Union

9:00–11:00 Delta Music Institute Open House, Old Whitfield Gymnasium

10:00 Athletic Alumni Board Meeting, Dorgan Center Conference Room

11:00 Athletic Alumni Board General Meeting, Bob M. Dearing

Hall of Fame Room, Chadwick-Dickson Field House

10:00 Veterans Exhibit and Refreshments, Jobe Hall

11:00 Ceremony for Veterans Atrium, Jobe Hall

11:00 Organizations, Constituent Group Meetings, and Open Houses

12:00 Lunch, Young-Mauldin DSU Dining Hall

10:00–3:00 Wright Art Gallery

8:00 National Pan-Hellenic Council Stomp Fest, BPAC

9:00 Homecoming Brunch for Golden Circle and Class of 1963, Simmons Room,

Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni & Foundation

Noon Tailgating, Cheerleaders, and Band

Noon–3:00 Reunions, Open Houses, Tents, Statesmen Park (N. Field),

DSU All-Star Cheerleaders – Continuing Education, Ol’ Skool Revue

and Delta Rox

4:00 Football Game DSU vs. Valdosta State University

Queen and Court Presentation at Half Time

BluesLand / Patriotic Exhibit / 50:50 Raffle / AITP-CIS Homecoming Tailgate /

DSU Alums Recognized at Halftime / Homecoming T-Shirts for Sale / 3rd Annual Partnership

Properties Turkey Trot Benefiting St. Jude / 5k and 10k Runs / 5k Walk / Kid’s Fun Run

VISIT DELTASTATE.EDU FOR MORE INFORMATION

Studies show that good universities have strong alumni associations! This publication is a service of the Delta State Alumni Association and is made possible by dues-paying members and donations to the Annual Fund. If you would like to renew your alumni membership or contribute to the Annual Fund, please scan the QR code to complete payment online or mail checks to DSU Box 3104, 1003 West Sunflower Road Cleveland, MS 38733.

Dear Alumni and Friends,

I hope you are making plans to come back

to your alma mater for Homecoming weekend,

November 1 and 2. With the Presidential

Inauguration November 1, there will be numerous

activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Homecoming is a time for alumni, students,

faculty, staff, and friends to come together all in the

name of Delta State. If you haven’t been back to

campus lately, we hope that you will come tailgate

in Statesmen Park prior to the football game.

The Alumni Association has planned a

number of activities to give you a truly memorable

Homecoming experience. One of the highlights

of the weekend is the Alumni Awards and Gala

Dinner on Friday, November 1. This is a time where we recognize alumni and friends who

have gone above and beyond in their service to Delta State University. This year’s Outstanding

Alumnus of the Year is Hugh Ellis Walker, Sr. This publication has information on him and

the other award recipients. At this year’s event, the Alumni Association is teaming up with

the Athletic Department to recognize the Athletic Hall of Fame. The Gala Dinner is open to

everyone, and tickets can be purchased by contacting the Alumni Association staff or visiting

deltastategiving.org/alumniassociation/homecoming2013. I sincerely hope you make plans

to attend this prestigious event, and I want to congratulate our award recipients and Hall of

Fame inductees.

The weekend would not be complete without honoring our 50th anniversary class. The

Class of 1963 will be inducted into the distinguished Golden Circle. The Golden Circle has

been instrumental in raising scholarship dollars for deserving students on an annual basis. We

are very fortunate to have this notable group of alumni, and we look forward to seeing them

on campus.

Enclosed in this publication is a full schedule of events for both Homecoming and the

Presidential Inauguration. This is a busy and exciting time at your alma mater, and I sincerely

hope that you will take part in this historic weekend.

Best Regards,

Richard Myers ‘91

National Alumni Association President

LETTER FROM THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

4 2013 OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

8 2013 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS

12 2013 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

14 WILLIAM N. LAFORGEINAUGURATION WEEK SCHEDULE

16 ALMA MATER

COVER PHOTO BY RORY DOYLE

2013 Homecoming Preview

President ....................................... William “Bill” N. LaForge ’72Executive Director, Alumni-Foundation ............ Keith Fulcher ’83

Alumni Magazine Advisory Committee:Editor ........................................................... Jordan Thomas ’11Alumni Board Representative .........................Richard Myers ’91Foundation Board Representative ...............Anne Weissinger ’81Alumni Editor ................................................... Jeffrey Farris ’04

Board of DirectorsDelta State University Alumni Association:Richard Myers ’91, President; Rob Armour ’95, President Elect; Patrick Davis ’96, Secretary; Sayward Fortner ’04, Treasurer; George Bassi ’87, Past President; Anne Weissinger ’81, Foundation President; Michael Ainsworth ’94, Angela Boone ’02, Serena Clark ’97, Brad Evans ’87, John Fletcher ’91, Angela Grayson ’94, Chrissy LaMastus ’96, Paul “Bubba” Mancini ’00, George Miller ’00, Henry Outlaw ’61, Jeremy Pittman ’05, John Polles ’05, Chris Shivers ’94, Reagan Smith ’08, Lauranne Tomaszewski ’03, Sydney Hodnett ’14, Amy Scott ’14

Board of DirectorsDelta State University Foundation, Inc:Anne Wynn Weissinger ’81, President; Tim Harvey ’80, Vice President; Nan Sanders ’67, Secretary/Treasurer; Mike Neyman ’72, Past President; Jeff Tarver ’76, Finance Chair; Tom Janoush ’90, Trusteeship Chair; Ned Mitchell ’62, Campaign Chair; Judson Thigpen ’79, Development Chair; Richard Myers ’91, Alumni President; David Abney ’76, Louis Baioni ’56, Dr. William C. Bell ’82, Anita Bologna, Amanda Borgognoni ’82, Hunter Cade ’66, Jeff Ross Capwell ’60, Kay Clark, Dr. Anna Looney Dill ’74, Hank Drake ’69, Bryce Griffis ’54, Laird Hamberlin ’87, Earnest Hart ’77, Peter Jernberg ’65, Gloria B. Johnson ’79, Ed Kossman Jr. ’59, Draughon McPherson, Rex Lyon ’73, Billy Nowell ’72, Carol Puckett, Randy Randall, Krista Roberts, Homer Sledge III, Sam Waggoner ’76, Margaret Walker ’67, Alan Walters, Dr. David Webber ’78, Jimmy Wilson ’68, Dr. Bennie Wright ’74

The Alumni & Foundation Magazine is published by the Delta State University Alumni & Foundation

DSU Box 3104, 1003 West Sunflower Rd, Cleveland, MS 38733E-Mail: alumni@deltastate.edu

Phone: (662) 846-4660

Art and Layout by

mothlitemedia.com

Special Thanks to our Delta StateAlumni Association Corporate Sponsors

STATESMEN LEVEL

OKRA LEVEL

Cleveland Medical Clinic, PLLC and Wright Surgical Services

Patrick Davis

HOMECOMING 2013 PREVIEW

Table of Contents

4 5

Hugh Ellis Walker came to Delta State Teachers College in 1949.

The Drew, MS, native and Clarksdale High School graduate had just

finished a stint with the United States Marine Corps and a semester

at Northwest Junior College where he played football. As a student at

Delta State, Walker stayed involved in various activities. He lettered in

both football and tennis, he was president of the Student Government

Association, president of the Mississippi Collegiate Council, and he was

named Mr. Delta State Teachers College. While all of these awards and

honors were important to Walker, his favorite memory at Delta State

doesn’t involve any of these.

“I guess the greatest experience I had was the first morning that

I walked out of the dorm, I met a girl named Eloise Stratton. She was

the first girl I met at Delta State, and I never dated anybody else,” he

said. “We were married between my junior and senior year.” And they

are still married to this day.

HUGH ELLIS

WALKER

2013 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

2013 DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

4 5

Hugh Ellis Walker epitomizes what a Statesmen should

be, a class gentleman with a sincere passion for Delta

State. If you cut him, he bleeds GREEN! I have never

known a person that cares more about Delta State

than Hugh Ellis. No one deserves this honor as

our Distinguished Alumnus more than this man.– Wayne Blansett, VP for Student Affairs

6 7

After completing his degree in biology

and physical education, Walker set his

sights on coaching football. He was head

football coach, athletic director and taught

biology at Durant High School, Louisville

High School, and Indianola High School.

Walker later moved his family to Clinton,

MS, where he hung up his coaching hat

and worked for an insurance company in

Jackson for nine years before he got the call

he had been waiting for.

“I had a dream all my life that I would

be able to come back to Delta State,” said

Walker. “I came back in 1969 as the Alumni

Secretary, which was what the director was

called then, and Coach Dave ‘Boo’ Ferriss

was the Foundation Director.”

After Ferriss retired, the two offices

were combined, and Walker was named

the Director of the Alumni and Foundation.

“I guess it’s probably true with most

universities, but Delta State is such a good

place to work. It’s almost a shame that

you get paid for the job because there’s so

many fringe benefits,” he said.

Walker served as the Alumni Secretary

from 1969-1987 and was Director of the

Alumni and Foundation from 1987–1993.

His contributions while working at Delta

State can literally be seen on campus with

the establishment of the Hugh Ellis Walker

Alumni-Foundation House.

“When we started the project, we

were on the third floor of the Union, and

we were supposed to serve the public, but

no one would ever come up there,” he

explained.

They broke ground on the building in

1988, and it was completed in 1990. “It

put us on the map,” he said. “There was a

renewed interest among alumni. They felt

like they had something of their own, and I

did too. Being a ‘visitor’s center’ is the best

advantage we got out of it.” The building

was eventually named for him in 1996.

Also named for Walker is the Hugh Ellis

Walker Alumni Scholarship, which is given

to children of alumni. Walker explained

that the initial funding of the scholarships

came from money accumulated from the

Delta State credit card affinity program. The

scholarships were established and named

for Walker as he was retiring.

Walker, with the 2012–2013 Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Scholarship recipients. The Alumni Association named these

scholarships, which are for children of alumni who are dues-paying members

of the Association, in Walker’s honor.

2013 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR

6 7

The one-time $500 scholarships are

now funded by dues-paying members to

the Alumni Association.

Another contribution Walker made to

Delta State is Pig Pickin’. They had been

looking for an activity for the first home

football game, and after learning about the

idea from a CASE Conference roundtable

discussion, they decided to give it a try.

“The timing seemed to be right,” said

Walker. “It just so happened that a guy

named Font Ray Armstrong owned the Pig

Pen, and he went to Memphis and won

the Memphis in May contest. We got him

to sponsor and to cook. It has gradually

improved, and it’s the way it is now. They

have taken Pig Pickin’ and run with it to the

point that it’s a major function on campus”

Walker’s love for his alma mater is

evident in everyone who meets him. He

and Mrs. Eloise still attend almost every

event on campus. His dedication to Delta

State sets him apart as the Outstanding

Alumnus of the Year. Walker was very

humbled when he was chosen.

“Everybody has something in their life

that’s important to them,” he said. “It’s

very important to me that friends would

recommend me for an honor like this. I

think most people who work out here feel

like Delta State is a very vital part of their

life. When you get recognition for things

like this that mean that much to you, it’s

important.”

Hugh Ellis Walker was named Mr. Delta State Teachers College 1952.

8 9

GEORGE BASSI 1987George Bassi has been the Director of the

Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel,

MS, since 1993. He is a native of Leland,

MS, and received his undergraduate degree

in Accounting and Computer Information

Systems from Delta State University in 1987

and his Master of Arts degree in mass

communications and public relations from

the University of Southern Mississippi in

1993. He is an accreditation reviewer for

the American Alliance of Museums and is

currently serving as the Past President of

the Board of the Southeastern Museums

Conference, the Past President of the

Delta State University Alumni Association,

the Past Chair of the Council of Regions

Association for the American Alliance

of Museums, and the President of the

Mississippi Institute of Arts & Letters. He

is a past president of the Laurel Rotary

Club, serves on the Mississippi advisory

committee for the National Museum of

Women in the Arts, serves on the Advisory

Board for the Partners for the Arts at the

University of Southern Mississippi, and is

on the Board of the United Way of the Pine

Belt. While a student at Delta State, he was

President of the SGA, elected Mr. DSU,

elected to the Student Hall of Fame, and

was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa,

Delta Mu Delta, Phi Eta Sigma, Order of

Omega and Kappa Alpha Order.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

2013 ALUMNI AWARDS

For more detailed information on the 2013 DSU Alumni Association awards recipients visit www.deltastate.edu/alumni.

2013 DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY HALL OF FAME AWARDS

8 9

2013 ALUMNI AWARDS

JEFF RUSSELL 1980Jeff Russell, a 1980 graduate of Delta

State University, is the Senior Partner

and President at the Godwin Group.

For the last two decades, Russell

has worked as a strategic marketing

planner for a variety of accounts

focusing on bringing creative solutions

to marketing problems primarily in

the fields of economic development,

health care, and financial marketing.

Over the past 25 years, he has helped

guide and assist Godwin Group’s

clients such as Nissan, Mississippi

Development Authority, Mississippi

Power, Hancock Bank, Trustmark

Bank, and Baptist Medical Center.

Russell began his advertising career

as a staff artist at a small agency in

Mississippi, but, seeking to build his

understanding of advertising and

marketing, he returned to Delta State

University where he received an MBA

with an emphasis in marketing. He

became a GodwinGroup stockholder

in 1990 and assumed responsibility

for the agency’s brand management

component in 1992. He is currently

responsible for the Godwin Gulf

Coast, and he leads GodwinGroup’s

Healthcare division.

DR. KEITH PARKER 1978Dr. Keith Parker has a distinguished

career as a university teacher and

administrator that spans approximately

26 years. He is Professor of Sociology

and former Associate Provost for

Institutional Diversity at the University

of Georgia-Athens. Prior to moving

to Athens, he held the positions of

Associate Professor of Sociology,

Assistant and Associate Dean of

Graduate Studies, Assistant Professor

of Sociology, and Director of African-

American and African Studies at the

University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has

served as First Vice President of the

NAACP, Chair of the MLK Freedom

Breakfast Planning Committee, and

was on the Board of Directors of the

Salvation Army. From 1979–1982, he

served as Assistant to the Dean of

Student Affairs at Delta State University.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in

psychology and sociology from Delta

State, a Master’s degree in sociology

and a Ph.D. in Sociology, both from

Mississippi State University. Parker has

been instrumental in building an Annual

National Civil Rights Conference, and

he is currently working on his first book,

Character Matters.

10 11

2013 ALUMNI AWARDS

NEAL HOLCOMB 1992Neal Holcomb is a native of Greenville, MS, and a 1992

graduate of Delta State University where he received a

Bachelor’s Degree of Business Administration in accounting.

Holcomb is a CPA and operates the Holcomb CPA Firm. His

work with client organizations on Delta State’s behalf has

produced significant gift income for the university which is

used for scientific research, the Elliott-Nowell-White Science

Symposium, and scholarship program. He was recognized for

his service to Delta State in 2008 at the annual Community

Recognition Awards Luncheon.

HUGH ELLIS WALKER ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD

KENT WYATT YOUNG ALUMNUS SERVICE AWARD

LEGACY AWARD

DAVE HEFLIN 1962Dave Heflin is a native of Baldwyn, MS, and a 1962 graduate

of Delta State with a bachelor’s degree in English and speech.

He received his master’s degree in communications from

the University of Southern Mississippi and his doctorate

in recreation and resource development from Texas A&M

University. He returned to Delta State to teach in the Physical

Education Department. Heflin established the Outdoor

Recreation Leadership Program. His family established the

Dave Heflin Outdoor Recreation Professorship to ensure that

a dedicated educator would continue his efforts.

SAYWARD ELY FORTNER 2004Sayward Ely Fortner graduated from Delta State in 2004 with

a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She went on to study law

at the University of Mississippi where she received the William

M. Champion Scholarship and obtained her Juris Doctorate

graduating Magna Cum Laude. She is on the board of

directors of the Delta Arts Alliance, where she currently serves

as Secretary. She has served on the Delta State University

National Alumni Board since 2008. She currently serves

on the executive board as treasurer. She and her husband

Jonathan ’03 live in Cleveland with their three children.

10 11

2013 ALUMNI AWARDS

GLADYS CASTLE FRIEND OF DELTA STATE SERVICE AWARD

THE CLEVELAND-BOLIVAR COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCEThe Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce has a long history of supporting

Delta State University. Each year, the Chamber hosts the annual DSU Welcome Back

Party to show appreciation to the faculty and staff as they begin another school year and

to continue the great “town-gown” relationship. The group spearheaded the highway

banner program, with over 50 banners installed along Highways 61 and 8, letting visitors

know Cleveland and Bolivar County are proud to host this great institution.

ALUMNI CHAPTER OF THE YEARDESOTO COUNTYThe Desoto County Chapter has been in existence since 2005 when a group of

alumni held an informal meeting to discuss starting their own chapter. In just

eight years, the group has grown from 15 initial people to over 125 alumni

and friends at the annual event. The Desoto County Chapter started a

tradition that has been adopted by many other chapters—an Alumni

Scholarship. Funds are raised through sponsorships and a silent

auction that seems to grow every year. The group hopes that in the

future they will be able to offer a scholarship to a senior from each

of Desoto County’s nine high schools. The Chapter’s dedication

to raising scholarship dollars for Delta State students in the area

makes them stand out as the Outstanding Chapter of the Year

and sets a precedent for other chapters to follow.

12 13

2013 DELTA STATE ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

COACHES & PLAYERS

1

5

2

6

9

3

7

10

4

8

2013 DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

12 13

1 / CASEY MYRICK / BASEBALL• All-American outfielder for Delta State baseball from

1995–1998• Three-time All-Gulf South Conference selection• Named to the American Baseball Coaches Association

All-South Region team• 1998 ABCA All-American• Helped lead the Statesmen to a Gulf South

Conference title in 1996 and a 53-8 overall record• Appearance in the NCAA DII College World Series in

1996

2 / NORRIS ASHLEY / MEN’S BASKETBALL• Played four seasons for the Statesmen basketball

team from 1964–1968• Averaged 10.7 rebounds per game and 11.4 points

per game from his sophomore to senior seasons• Career average of 10.5 points per game and 9.7

rebounds per game• Coached high school basketball for 43 years• All-time most wins among Mississippi high school

coaches• 1,697 wins, nine state championships, and one Grand

Slam title

3 / ANITA ROBINSON / WOMEN’S BASKETBALL• Played in 127 career games for the Lady Statesmen

from 1987–1990• Member of the back-to-back NCAA National

Championship teams in 1989 and 1990• Ranked 18th in Delta State history in most points with

1,376• Ranked 7th all-time in Delta State history in blocks

with 106 • Shot over 51 percent from the floor in her career with

the Lady Statesmen• Career average of 10.8 points per game and 6.2

rebounds per game

4 / BRAD VICKERS / SWIMMING & DIVING• NSISC all-conference four-straight years for DSU • Named Delta State’s most valuable swimmer from

1994–1995• Won an NSISC conference championship in the

200-Butterfly, setting a conference and Delta State record at the time

• Three-time NCAA All-American• Held the 100 DSU record for the 100-Butterfly during

his time at Delta State• Finishing positions in the 50-Freestyle and

100-Freestyle at the 1998 National Championships

5 / NICKI GENRE / SOFTBALL• Played four seasons for the Lady Statesmen softball

team from 1999–2002• Closed career at Delta State as all-time wins leader

with 85• Two-time NFCA All-South Region selection

Three-time All-Gulf South Conference honoree • 2002 GSC West Division Player of the Year• Holds single-season records for innings pitched

(289.0), complete games (39), and shutouts (17)

6 / LIBERTY CASH / FOOTBALL• Earned three letters for the Statesmen as a tailback• Named the team-rushing champion in 1964 with 596

yards on 129 carries and 66 yards receiving while scoring three touchdowns

• Part of 21 Delta State victories during his three seasons with just eight losses

• Served as student body president of the Student Government Association

• Secretary/Treasurer of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes

7 / JAMES COX / TRACK & FIELD• Ran four years at Delta State University• One of Delta State’s fastest runners• Holds the school record for the 100-yard dash in a

time of 9.5 seconds• Holds school record for the 200-yard dash in just 21.1

seconds• Highly successful coach at Ruleville Central High

School and Eastside High School

8 / DEREK HUNTER / COACHES HALL OF FAME• Inducted into the Wesley College Sports Hall of Fame

after playing two seasons of basketball • Starter for Delta State’s 1972 Gulf South Conference

Championship team• Advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in 1972• Successful high school coach in the Memphis, TN, area

in basketball, football, and track• Most wins in the Memphis Shelby-Metro area with

700 (Top 10 in state of Tennessee)• Claimed over 22 City, Regional, District, and State

Track & Field titles as a coach• Over 40 City, League, District, and Sub-State

Basketball titles as a coach• Now a licensed minister and published writer

9 / RAY ISHEE / COACHES HALL OF FAME• Played linebacker at Delta State in 1968 and 1969• Co-Captain as a senior and recognized by Jackson

Touchdown Club as Top Senior Athlete• Began a highly successful coaching career in 1970

at Cleveland High School• Led Copiah-Lincoln Community College to 1985

State Championship and defeat of No. 1 Nassau CC in East Bowl

• Led CLCC to MACJC South Division Football titles in 1986 and 1989

• In 1987, directed Copiah-Lincoln Community College to State Track Championship

• Inducted into National Junior College Coaches Hall of Fame in 1996

• Inducted into National Junior College Coaches Hall of Fame in 1996

10 / RAY WilsonRay Wilson is receiving the Distinguised Statesmen Award for being a longtime supporter of DSU Athletics.

14 15

INAUGURATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 266:00 p.m. | National Alumni Association ReceptionHugh Ellis Walker Alumni-Foundation HouseSponsored by the Bolivar County Alumni Chapter

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 272:00 p.m. | “A Night at the Movies”North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Bologna Performing Arts Center(For ticket information, please call 662.846.4626)

4:00 p.m. | Performing Arts Reception Bologna Performing Arts Center Sponsored by the Bologna Performing Arts Center

7:00 p.m. | Jam Session with the PresidentStudio A, Delta Music Institute, Henry L. Whitfield Hall

MONDAY, OCTOBER 288:00 a.m. | Retirees Breakfast State Room, H.L. Nowell UnionSponsored by the Dedicated Statesmen Association

12:00 p.m. | Robert E. Smith School of Nursing Lecture Series and LuncheonRooms 141–143, Nursing BuildingGUEST SPEAKERS:Teresa Malone, Executive Director, MS Nurses AssociationRoselyn Howard, Executive Director, MS Nurses FoundationNora Davis, Nursing School graduateKim Fava, Nursing School graduate

2:00 p.m. | Robert E. Smith School of Nursing Open HouseNursing BuildingTours and Simulation Lab demonstrations with nursing students

4:00 p.m. | Robert E. Smith School of Nursing ReceptionNursing Building

5:00 p.m. | The Delta State University Colloquia: Distinguished Speakers Lecture SeriesRooms 141–143, Nursing Building GUEST SPEAKER: Dr. Marcella L. McKay, Chief Operating OfficerMississippi Hospital Association

6:30 p.m. | Mississippi Literary Collection Ribbon Cutting and ReceptionRoberts-LaForge Library

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 297:00 a.m. | Faculty and Staff BreakfastState Room, H.L. Nowell UnionSponsored by Administrative Staff Council and Faculty Senate

8:30 a.m. | College of Education and Human Sciences Classroom Lecture Rooms 227–228, James M. Ewing HallGUEST SPEAKER: Doris Dixon, Legislative Policy Staff member, Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs, U.S. Department of Education

10:30 p.m. | College of Education and Human Sciences Q&A Session with Student-Teacher InternsJacob Conference Center, James M. Ewing HallGUEST SPEAKER: Mike Neyman, Consultant on Leadership and School Reform Institute for Education and Workforce Development, University of Mississippi

12:00 p.m. | College of Education and Human Sciences Lecture Series and LuncheonJacob Conference Center, James M. Ewing HallGUEST SPEAKER: Mike Neyman, Consultant on Leadership and School Reform Institute for Education and Workforce Development, University of Mississippi

2:00 p.m. | College of Education and Human Sciences Open HouseJames M. Ewing Hall

4:00 p.m. | College of Education and Human Sciences ReceptionJacob Conference Center, James M. Ewing Hall

5:00 p.m. | The Delta State University Colloquia: Distinguished Speakers Lecture SeriesFrom Dickens to Dr. DreJacob Conference Center, James M. Ewing HallGUEST SPEAKER: Doris Dixon, Legislative Policy Staff Member, Office of Legislation and Congressional Affairs, U.S. Department of Education

6:00 p.m. | Student Cookout and EntertainmentThe University Quadrangle Sponsored by the Student Government Association

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3010:00 a.m. | First Lady’s Campus Architectural History and Arts Walking Tour with Nancy LaForge, Emily Jones, and Ron KoehlerBologna Performing Arts Center

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12:00 p.m. | College of Arts and Sciences Lecture Series: Madison Center CelebrationThe Continued Persistence of the Vietnam Syndrome: No Policy, No Victory and the Defense Budget Auditorium, E.R. Jobe HallGUEST SPEAKER: James W. Morhard, former Chief of Staff U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee

2:00 p.m. | College of Arts and Sciences Open HouseW.M. Kethley Hall

Art ExhibitWright Art Gallery

Chorale PerformanceWright Art Gallery

Virtual Dementia TourDepartment of Social Work, Thomas L. Bailey Hall

Hearing ScreeningsDepartment of Speech and Hearing Sciences, W.M. Kethley Hall

5:00 p.m. | The Delta State University Colloquia: Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series Social Policy and the Problem of a Divided Congress in a Divided Government Auditorium, E.R. Jobe HallGUEST SPEAKER: James W. Morhard, former Chief of StaffU.S. Senate Appropriations Committee

6:00 p.m. | College of Arts and Sciences ReceptionAuditorium, E.R. Jobe Hall

7:00 p.m. | Theater Production: Our Town by Thornton Wilder (selected scenes)Auditorium, E.R. Jobe HallThe Delta Players, Division of Languages and Literature

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 317:00 a.m. | Run with the PresidentH.L. Nowell Union

11:00 a.m. | College of Business Lecture Series Baoini Conference Center, James W. Broom HallGUEST SPEAKER: The Honorable Bennie Thompson, United States Representative, Second District of Mississippi

12:00 p.m. | Student Leadership Forum Second Floor Lobby, H.L. Nowell UnionSponsored by the Student Government Association

1:00 p.m. | College of Business Open HouseJames W. Broom Hall

2:00 p.m. | Surviving a Plane Crash Baioni Conference Center, James W. Broom HallGUEST SPEAKER: James W. Morhard, survivor of the 2010 crash that claimed the lives of Alaska Senator Ted Stevens and four others.

3:00 p.m. | College of Business ReceptionAuditorium, E.R. Jobe Hall

4:00 p.m. | The Delta State University Colloquia: Distinguished Speakers Lecture Series Auditorium, E.R. Jobe HallGUEST SPEAKER: Jeff Lenn, Professor of Strategic Management, School of Business,The George Washington University

5:00 p.m. | Trunk or TreatStatesmen Park Sponsored by the Department of Athletics

6:00 p.m. | Community Cookout, Entertainment, Pep Rally and Fireworks ShowStatesmen Park Sponsored by the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17:00 a.m. | Ecumenical ServiceLena Roberts Sillers Chapel

8:00 p.m. | Delegates’ BreakfastState Room, H.L. Nowell Union

10:30 p.m. | The Inauguration of William N. LaForgeBologna Performing Arts CenterGUEST SPEAKER: The Honorable Thad Cochran, United States Senate

12:00 p.m. | Inaugural LuncheonUniversity Quadrangle

For more information visit inauguration.deltastate.edu.

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DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY

ALMA MATER

GROWING UP GREEN & WHITE

WORDS AND MUSIC BY RUTH FISHER

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You know what it means to be a true Statesman, now pass it on! Start a legacy by sending your child’s name, birthdate, and address to enroll them in Delta State’s Legacy Program.They will learn about everything bright, green, and fun in their future.

GROWING UP GREEN & WHITE

KEEP THE TRADITION ALIVE. The Alumni Association has recently partnered with Admissions and Recruiting on an initiative to better recruit children of alumni. Send us your child’s name, birthdate, and address, and he or she will begin receiving information from the Delta State Alumni Association. Send information to alumni@deltastate.edu. For more information, contact us at 662.846.4660. Know a student who would be a great fit at Delta State? Tell us by using the Good Student Referral at www.deltastate.edu/alumni.

We want to get to know the small smiles on your kids’ faces so we can see their giant grins at graduation.

Ronnie Mayers ’72, Karen Mayers ’95, Ann Marie Mayers Pate ’04, Brady Pate ’08, Mabry Pate (2033)

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PURCHASE YOUR DSU ALUMNI CAR TAG TODAYContact alumni@deltastate.edu or call 662.846.4660

Ride Pride!Ride Pride!withwith