The following events are being held at various locations in Hattiesburg and present both interview and photo opportunities for the media. You may also want to include some of these in your community or entertainment calendars. Reminder: Most campus offices will close on Friday, Dec. 18 and reopen on Jan. 4, 2010. For news media who may have questions about interviews or photo opportunities, contact the Office of University Communications at 601-266-4491.

MONDAY, DEC. 14

Early Connections Children’s Center holds grand opening
WHEN: 4-6 p.m.
WHERE: West Oaks Shopping Center, 5315 Old Highway 11, Suite 1 in Hattiesburg
EVENT: Grand opening and tour of the new facility. Students will present a Christmas program. For information call 601-266-4417.

TUESDAY, DEC. 15

Center for Aging Advisory Council to meet
WHEN: 11 a.m-1 p.m.
WHERE: 125 South 28th Ave. Eagle Room, 3rd floor
EVENT: Inaugural meeting of The University of Southern Mississippi Center for Aging Advisory Council. For information call 601-266-4178.

Golden Eagles host Louisiana-Lafayette in basketball
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Reed Green Coliseum on Hattiesburg campus
EVENT: Southern Miss men’s basketball squad takes on Louisiana-Lafayette in non-conference action. For information call 601-266-4503

SUNDAY, DEC. 20

Southern Miss battles Middle Tennessee in bowl game
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Louisiana Superdome
EVENT: The Southern Miss Golden Eagles take on the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. For information call 601-266-4503.

MONDAY, DEC. 21-WEDNESDAY, DEC. 23

Golden Eagles host Christmas Classic
WHEN: 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
WHERE: Gulfport, Miss.
EVENT: Southern Miss men’s basketball team serves as host of the four-team tournament which also includes North Florida, New Orleans and Canisius. For information call 601-266-4503.

TUESDAY, DEC. 22

Lady Eagles host Arkansas-Little Rock
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg
EVENT: The Southern Miss women’s basketball team takes on Arkansas-Little Rock in non-conference action. For information call 601-266-4503.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities.  In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world.  Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.