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, AUG. 18

Closing ceremony for Golden Eagle Welcome Week
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Reed Green Coliseum on Hattiesburg campus
Event: Southern Miss President Martha Saunders will address first-year students. A picnic will follow at 5 p.m. on Weathersby Lawn next to the Hub.

Southern Miss football practice
Time: 5:45 a.m.-11 a.m. (no media availability after this workout). 4:45-6:45 p.m. (media availability afterward). For more information call 601-266-4503.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19

Classes begin; prize cab transports students to class
The fall semester gets underway for the 2009-2010 school year. The 2nd annual “Prize Cab” will be rolling again on the Hattiesburg campus. Patterned after the popular “Cash Cab” TV show, the Southern Miss “Prize Cab” features four golf carts taking students to classes. Those who participate are asked general health-related questions and will receive T-shirts and other prizes. The “Prize Cab” will continue again Thursday and conclude at noon on Friday. For more information contact the Southern Miss Counseling Center at 601-266-4829.

Free lemonade available to students
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Between Joseph Greene Hall and the Liberal Arts Building
Event: Students can obtain a fresh cup of lemonade free of charge Wednesday and Thursday. Representatives from Student Counseling Services and Student Health Services will be on hand to meet students and provide related information.

NOTE: The Southern Miss football team will not practice today.

THURSDAY, AUG. 20

Drunk driving simulator set up on campus
Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location: Between Union and west side of M.M. Roberts Stadium
Event: An actual car will be provided and simulator goggles available for students to experience real-life driving conditions under the influence of alcohol. Sponsored by the Southern Miss Council for Alcohol Abuse Prevents. For information call 601-266-5266.

Football
Note: No time posted yet for Southern Miss football practice. For information call 601-266-4503.

FRIDAY, AUG. 21

Dean’s lunch with scholars
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Holloway Complex-Room A; Gulf Park site, Long Beach
Event: Dr. Robert Watson, of Lynn University, will speak on “The History of Presidential Sex Scandals.” Watson is a professor, author, media commentator, and community activist who has published nearly 30 books. For information call 228-214-3245.

Gulf Coast fall convocation
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Advanced Education Center Auditorium, Gulf Park campus, Long Beach

Pride Preview concert on campus
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Powerhouse Restaurant on Southern Miss campus
Event: The Pride of Mississippi will conduct a free preview concert. For information call 601-266-4990.

Football
Note: No time posted yet for Southern Miss football practice. 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.