HATTIESBURG — The year was 1956. A college campus existed in Hattiesburg, but the institution was called Mississippi Southern College rather than the University of Southern Mississippi. There were no Golden Eagles in Mississippi, and McCain was the name of the college’s president rather than a collection of archives and a library on campus.

This year, hundreds of Mississippi Southern College graduates from the classes of 1956 and earlier will return to the Hattiesburg campus for the Golden Grad Reunion, hosted by the Southern Miss Alumni Association.

The weekend event, beginning on Friday, March 31, and continuing Saturday, April 1, is an opportunity for those alumni to recall fond memories, reunite with old friends and witness the numerous changes to the Hattiesburg campus in recent decades.

“We are thrilled to have these special alumni return to campus to relive their days here and see all that has changed in 50 years,” said Bob Pierce, executive director of the Alumni Association. “We expect to have as many as 300 alumni participate in the Golden Grad Reunion, so we are certain it will be a great weekend.”

Events include a welcome reception at the Hattiesburg Country Club, an invitation to the M-Club Hall of Fame banquet, baseball games on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, a Saturday morning breakfast on campus, campus tours, an academic presentation by University Provost Dr. Jay Grimes, a luncheon with President Emeritus Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas, and the Black and Gold Spring Football Game.

Information regarding the reunion is being delivered by mail to eligible graduates. If you do not receive information, please contact Marcus Nause, the Alumni Association’s manager of programs, at marcus.nause@usm.edu or 601.266.5357. Alumni planning to attend the event are encouraged to make hotel reservations quickly, as the number of available rooms in the area is limited.

A full schedule of events, as well as hotel and registration, is available at www.SouthernMissAlumni.com.

Last updated: 02/22/06