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Southern Miss News Friday, September 21, 2018

Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes information about a special ribbon-cutting ceremony for USM's new Marine Research Center in Gulfport. News releases include the announcement of astrophysicist Dr. David Spergel as the Rayborn Lecture Series guest speaker and an upcoming performance by the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale. In addition, political science professor Joseph Weinberg is available to discuss the impending trade tariffs between the U.S. and China.

Media inquiries can be directed to Van Arnold at 601.266.5568 or van.arnoldFREEMississippi or David Tisdale at 601.266.4499 or d.g.tisdaleFREEMississippi.

Special Event Today

Ribbon-Cutting is Today for USM's New Marine Research Center

Media are invited to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, at 10 a.m. celebrating the opening of USM's new Marine Research Center (MRC). The ceremony will be held at the Port of Gulfport, 1030 West Pier, Gulfport Miss 39501. The Marine Research Center is the centerpiece for a new maritime Blue Economy in South Mississippi.

Encompassing nearly 18,000 square feet, the MRC is the shoreside support to USM's 135-foot research vessel, the R/V Point Sur, and to a number of academic programs. The building is operated by USM's School of Ocean Science and Engineering, which offers programs in marine and coastal sciences, including the only Bachelor of Science in ocean engineering in Mississippi and the only certificate in Unmanned Maritime Systems in the nation.

Gov. Phil Bryant, U.S. Congressman Steven Palazzo, Mayor of Gulfport Billy Hewes, Port of Gulfport Director Jonathan Daniels, University officials and representatives from the Port of Gulfport will be in attendance. Media members are invited to stay for tours of the facility.

To schedule coverage, contact James Skrmetta, SOSE Communications Officer, 228.872.4254, James.SkrmettaFREEMississippi.

News Releases

Princeton Astrophysicist to Serve as Guest Speaker for USM's Rayborn Lecture Series on Oct. 2

Renowned astrophysicist Dr. David Spergel will share his research into the origin of our universe as the guest speaker for the third annual Rayborn Lecture Series in Physics and Astronomy, set for Oct. 2 at The University of Southern Mississippi's Bennett Auditorium. The free lecture, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is being held in conjunction with the University Forum series sponsored by USM's Honors College.

https://news.usm.edu/article/princeton-astrophysicist-serve-guest-speaker-usm-s-rayborn-lecture-series-oct-2

Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale presents The Festival of Choirs Oct. 1

The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music proudly announces The Festival of Choirs, presented by the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale, set for 7 p.m. on Oct. 1 at the St. Thomas Apostle Catholic Church in Long Beach, Miss. The concert is under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Kilgore.

https://news.usm.edu/article/southern-miss-gulf-coast-civic-chorale-presents-festival-choirs-oct-1

Media Expert Availability

On Monday, the U.S. and China are scheduled to impose a new round of tariffs on one another's imports. The Trump administration announced a new round of 10 percent tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, while China responded with a retaliatory tax on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods. USM political science Professor Joseph Weinberg is available today to discuss the possible impacts from these tariffs. To schedule an interview, email mediaexpertsFREEMississippi. For a full list of USM media experts visit: http://news.usm.edu/resource/usm-faculty-experts-media-requests.

Photo/Video Opportunity

A new exhibit on display at USM's Cook Library -- Timber and Lumber in Mississippi -- traces the development of the industries, and, in a way, Mississippi itself. Materials highlighted in the exhibit come from the S. G. Thigpen Papers, the Dr. Gilbert H. Hoffman Papers and Research Collection, various photographic collections, and state published documents. The display will be available through September 28 on the first floor of Cook Library during regular library hours. To schedule coverage, contact Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

Did You Know?

The University of Southern Mississippi has been recognized for its commitment to providing educational services for student-veterans and their families with a spot in Military Times' prestigious 2018 “Best for Vets” college rankings.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and through Online at Southern Miss. Since 2006, our students have collected three Truman Scholarships and 18 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships. USM students also lead Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Our Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. As one of only 36 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at usm.edu.