Lopinto Presented Themis Award for Contributions to Southern Miss Arts

At the opening night concert of the Symphony Orchestra's 96th season, Dr. Mike Lopinto, PR/Marketing Coordinator for the University of Southern Mississippi's School of Music, was presented with The Themis Award. This award is presented annually at the opening orchestra concert to an outstanding Southern Miss administrator, professor, staff member, or other individual who has contributed to the success of the orchestra and its members.

This annual award is named for the Greek goddess of divine law and order; she was the Titan who assured that things were done in an honorable way. She presided over the most ancient oracles, and first instructed mankind in the laws of justice, morality, and good governance. She was the first counselor to Zeus who sat enthroned beside him, and advised him on the precepts of divine law and the rules of fate. She is the personification of the order of things established by divine law, custom, oracle, equity, and divine decree.

Presenting the award was Millie Swan, the Chief Marketing and Medical Staff Services Officer of Forrest General Hospital. In her remarks, she noted, “This orchestra, the Southern Miss School of Music, the Arts at this university and the entire Hattiesburg community have all benefitted from Mike being here. His work touches so many people in this community and state, and evidence of his marketing skill and efforts can be seen all over the state and beyond. His always-artistic publications have been held up in major cities across the country as examples of how the Arts should be marketing themselves.”

Lopinto, originally from New Orleans, grew up surrounded by the pageantry activity associated with the city's annual Mardi Gras celebrations and was also a part of a successful restaurant family. He has parlayed his talents into numerous artistic endeavors including event planning, directing, designing, choreographing and performing music. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from The University of Southern Mississippi where he served as principal bassoonist for the school's premier ensembles as well as numerous other orchestras around the South. Mike spent a decade teaching in some of the most successful programs in Texas, winning state and national honors and judging music and visual arts events internationally for Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International.
 
He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts at Southern Miss and currently serves as the PR/Marketing and Event Coordinator for the School of Music. Mike helps to bring a high level of recognition to the arts programs in Mississippi with which he works. He has coordinated events with classical celebrities from Plåcido Domingo, Renée Fleming, and Sir James Galway to pop icons Dionne Warwick, the Pointer Sisters, and Patti LaBelle. He has been featured in regional and state publications for his award-winning galas. In recent years, he is has directed mega-musicals for the University including Sweeney Todd, Showbiz Showstoppers and Mary Poppins.
 
In 2014, Mike was named the artistic director for the Hattiesburg Concert Association and FestivalSouth® that has reshaped summers in the Hub City. He has been a member of the International Special Events Society, Public Relations Association of Mississippi and a two-time honoree of Sales and Marketing Executives International. Also, he has served on the boards of Sales and Marketing Professionals, Mississippi Opera and was the executive director of Partners for the Arts. In 2013, he was presented the Spirit in Action Award by Forrest General Hospital for his commitment to caring for the community. He is also the creative director of Consult M, a multi-faceted arts development organization that has worked regionally with arts organizations around the country in the areas of brand development, PR, marketing and advertising.

Previous Themis Award-winners include Dr. Harold Luce, Dean of the College of the Arts 1987- 1996; Dr. Peter Ciurczak, Director of the School of Music, 1988 – 1998; Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas, University President, 1975-1995; Sidney J. Gonsoulin, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs; Dr. Susan L. Steen, Director of International Education; Mr. Jerry Wren, Utility Crew Chief, USM Physical Plant; and Mr. Tom Dungan, USM Symphony Orchestra Event and Logistics Coordinator.

“I am humbled and honored to have received this award for doing what I love,” Lopinto said. “I am grateful every day to be surrounded by so many who share my vision of inspiring our community and our future through the arts.”