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My inauguration and all the surrounding events last week were like a dream come true. I spent every day surrounded by people who care about our university and wish us well. The culmination event was my investiture on Friday, complete with the ancient pomp and ritual our profession has embraced for hundreds of years.
I have so many people to thank for making it all happen, beginning with a wonderful inauguration committee. They made it all look like play.
Can you think of a better way to spend a fine spring afternoon than eating good Southern food on the campus grounds? The Founders Day events sequed nicely to our community party. We MUST find a way to make this a regular occasion. People lingered and really visited with each other.
Former President, Aubrey Lucas, kindly shares his wisdom with me. Here we are on the "party bus" bound for the Southern Miss-Gulf Coast inauguration reception.
I think it’s fitting that the first celebration of my inauguration week should take place at Southern Miss-Gulf Coast. The faculty, staff and students there were the first group I met during my initial introduction as preferred candidate almost a year ago, and it there and then that I fell instantly and utterly in love.
The "party bus" left Hattiesburg yesterday afternoon bound for the event and loaded with cabinet members, faculty, staff and one former president. We were in high spirits by the time we arrived. Pat Joachim and her very able staff delivered an amiable evening with entertainment, interesting people and excellent food.
Next event: Founder's Day and Hattiesburg Community Party on Thursday.
You should have been there to see Pauline Love sink a 3-pointer in the last seconds of the game with Mississippi State last night. What a sight to see! These are the memories that will keep me company when I'm resting in my rocking chair in the "old presidents home."
The Golden Eagles fought the hard fight and emerged victorious during this weekend's tournament with Central Florida. I think the fine weather and spirit of the crowds must have helped.
A great weekend. A successful tournament with U Central Florida. AND a visit from the Easter bunny...or should that be the Golden Eagle Bunny?
The Lady Eagles opened the WNIT tournament with a successful win over UA-Little Rock. Next game is today. Congratulations Coach Joye.
The Governor's four new IHL board appointees include two Southern Miss alums...Doug Rouse & Christy Pickering. They are examples of the many successful people who have worn the Gold & Black. The board (and Mississippi) will most certainly be strengthened by their presence.
Also, the Lady Eagles play in a first-round game of the WNIT conference tonight. Join me there at 7.
Ever wonder about the "throws" at a St. Patrick's Day parade?
The Golden Eagles celebrate their shut out over Liberty.
It was a fine day for a track meet.
My bout with bronchitis challenged my self-perception of being Superwoman. After dragging around for a couple of weeks and frightening most people within the sound of my barking cough, I sought medical treatment. Although I probably have enough steroids in my system (legal, of course) to disqualify an entire olympic track team, I'm feeling really good!
Presently, I'm preparing to conduct my duties as Colleen of Hattiesburg's first Irish-Italian festival. The parade starts at 10:30. Afterward, I'll watch the Golden Eagle baseball play Liberty, then drop in on the track meet.
I am reasonably sure I got my last job (in Wisconsin) because of my association with Brett Favre. I guess it only seemed reasonable. He was from Mississippi and I was from Mississippi. He went to Southern Miss and I went to Southern Miss. So they gave me a chance.
Not long after I arrived on the job at the UW-Whitewater campus, Brett sent me an autographed Packers jersey. It went a lo-o-o-o-ng way toward ensuring my popularity and celebrity on campus.
To this day, I'm proud of the association and proud ot our amazing alum. Thanks, Brett!
Women's history is a study of equality and freedom. Do plan to attend the WHM events. For a listing check www.usm.edu/wstudies/announcements.
It wasn't just one ribbon we were cutting, but a collection representing the colors of all the sororities residing in The Village, and, of course, The Black & Gold of Southern Miss.
VP, Joe Paul, said it best: "It takes a village to build a village." Yesterday's dedication of The Village, our new residential community for sorority and upper class women, truly reflected the collective effort involved. Southern Miss employees and planners, the architect, the contractors, alumni and students all contributed to make this a model for other universities.
The weather was fine and warm. Hearts were light. I was glad to see so many alumnae, many of them charter members of several of our chapters.
Future leaders in higher education must have been inspired by the wisdom, the warmth and the good humor of Dr. Frances Lucas, President of Millsaps College. The event, sponsored by the Women in Higher Education Mississippi Network, attracted professional women from all over the state. This was the first time Southern Miss has served as host. The Cochran Center venue won high praise. One woman said she was going to suggest to her president that he tear down their old student center and build one like ours.
Millsaps President, Frances Lucas, and I compared notes before "advising" a roomful of talented professional women across the state. She spoke of the value of a forgiving nature. I recommended sensible shoes.
