Released January 13, 2005

HATTIESBURG --The Office of Student Activities at The University of Southern Mississippi is offering travel opportunities for students to complement their academic experience at Southern Miss.

Southern Excursions, a new program sponsored by Student Activities, offer off-campus learning experiences for students through field trips to museums and other sites of historical and educational interest, as well as to cultural events.

"Southern Excursions are educational trips sponsored by the Office of Student Activities that expose Southern Miss students to unique, off-campus experiences that will broaden both their minds and their horizons," said Mary Beth Walker, assistant director of student activities.

A trip to Memphis to visit the National Civil Rights Museum, historic Beale Street and the famous Stax Museum of American Soul Music is scheduled for Feb. 4-5 as part of Black History Month. The cost is $65 and includes bus fare, lodging and admission to both museums. Sign-up for the excursion is limited to 55 people and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Meals are not included in the fee.

A second excursion is tentatively set for the Placido Domingo concert April 2 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi.

"Southern Excursions is the kind of program that will enhance our students' academic experience here at Southern Miss," said Barbara Ross, director of student activities. "It's a great opportunity."

For more information, contact the Southern Miss Office of Student Activities at (601) 266-4403.

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