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. For news media who may have questions about interviews or photo opportunities, contact the Office of University Communications at 601-266-4491.

TUESDAY, FEB. 9

Civil rights experts to deliver lecture
WHEN: 6 p.m.
WHERE: Polymer Science Auditorium at Thames Polymer Science Research Center
EVENT: Dr. Bob Zellner, civil right scholar, and Harold Taylor, former member of the Black Panther Party, will offer a lecture titled, “Civil Rights and Black Power: The Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Black Panther Party. For information call 601-266-6973.

Former Healthsouth CEO to address business class
WHEN: 4 p.m.
WHERE: Joseph Greene Hall Room 116 on Southern Miss campus
EVENT: Aaron Beam, co-founder and former CEO of Healthsouth will discuss his rise and fall with the company that led to prison time for accounting fraud. For information call 601-266-4659.

FRIDAY, FEB. 12

Habitat for Humanity basketball fundraiser set
WHEN: 7 p.m.
WHERE: Clinton Gymnasium at William Carey University
EVENT: The internationally renowned Harlem Ambassadors will take on the Habitat Hoopsters in a Habitat for Humanity fundraiser for Southern Miss employee Melissa Carpenter. For information call 601-266-6467 or 601-582-4663.

SATURDAY, FEB. 13

Walking program holds official kickoff
WHEN: 11 a.m.
WHERE: Vernon Dahmer Park in downtown Hattiesburg
EVENT: H.U.B. City Steps, a collaborative effort between the Southern Miss Department of Nutrition and Food Systems, will kick off the community walking program. For information call 601-266-5091 or 601-266-5377.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, FEB. 11-14

Southern Miss welcomes All-South Honor Band
WHEN: All weekend
WHERE: Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus
EVENT: More than 200 high school students from across the Southeast will convene for a weekend of music and fun. For information call 601-266-6923 or visit www.usm.edu/band

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, FEB. 11-12

Southern Miss Gulf Coast to host diabetes conference
WHEN: 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Advanced Education Center auditorium on Gulf Park campus in Long Beach
EVENT: Recognized speakers will highlight the conference titled, “Diabetes Prevention and Care: The Power of Innovations, Implementations and Collaborations.” For information call 228-214-3314.

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.