Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes a column by Jeff Hammond, director of USM's Veterans Center, on the importance of Veterans Day. Also included are news releases to announce the winners of the University's annual Three-Minute Thesis competition and a preview of the inaugural season of the Emerging Artist Series. In addition, biology Professor Janet Donaldson is available to discuss the dangers of salmonella poisoning in raw turkey and other food products.

Media inquiries can be directed to Van Arnold at 601.266.5568 orvan.arnoldFREEMississippi or David Tisdale at 601.266.4499 or d.g.tisdaleFREEusm.edu.

Today's Top Story

Veterans Day 2018 – Something Good Going On At USM

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an excerpt from a column by Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond (U.S. Army, ret.), director of USM's Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families.

Despite the many overwhelming problems facing our nation today, on this Veterans Day we may want to reflect on a group of young Americans possessing extraordinary potential who in my view epitomize a “light in the darkness.”

I am referring to our young military veterans; American patriots who volunteered to serve Our Nation following the 9-11 terrorist attacks upon the United States of America. More specifically, I am speaking of the uncommon character routinely demonstrated by these young American men and women who courageously selected service to their nation ahead of personal comfort, fame, fortune and money.   

Who are these young veterans and what makes them uniquely different? In my role directing the USM Student Veterans at the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families, I have gained a unique insight and would like to share this with you.

https://news.usm.edu/blog/veterans-day-2018-something-good-going-usm

News Releases

USM Three-Minute Thesis Competition Highlights Outstanding Research

Ashleigh Bristol, a doctoral student in polymer science and engineering, captured the Grand Champion award in the University of Southern Mississippi's annual Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition held last week on the Hattiesburg campus. The competition invites graduate students to describe the significance of their thesis or dissertation to a general audience in three minutes or less.

https://news.usm.edu/article/usm-three-minute-thesis-competition-highlights-outstanding-research

USM Presents Inaugural Season of Emerging Artist Series Nov. 13-16

The University of Southern Mississippi presents the inaugural season of the Emerging Artist Series on Nov. 13-16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hartwig Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus. Theatre is storytelling. For this lighthearted event, the student cast brings explorations of stories from around the world that evoke nighttime in this “Festival of Night”.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-presents-inaugural-season-emerging-artist-series-nov-13-16

Photo/Video Opportunity

Budding entrepreneurs will be on hand as USM hosts an “Eagles Engaged in Entrepreneurship” event set on Tuesday, Nov. 13 in the Thad Cochran Center on the University's Hattiesburg campus. Entrepreneurship students in the College of Business and Economic Development are serving as hosts of the event which will be held from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in rooms 214 and 218. Students of all majors can experience and learn about entrepreneurship in a fun environment during the program which features creative activities, food, a shark tank challenge, and short presentations by local entrepreneurs on topics such as: start up, funding, human resources, and marketing a business. 

Expert Availability

An outbreak of salmonella linked to raw turkey products has sickened at least 90 people across 26 states, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced last week. No cases have been reported thus far in Mississippi, but there have been some in Georgia and Florida. USM biology Professor Janet Donaldson is available today to discuss the importance of food preparation as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday. To schedule an interview, emailmediaexpertsFREEMississippi. For a full list of University of Southern Mississippi media experts visit: http://news.usm.edu/resource/usm-faculty-experts-media-requests.

Did You Know?

USM has been recognized as home to one of the nations' best online graduate nursing programs. In a 2018 ranking, U.S. News & World Report places USM at No. 58 nationally – the highest spot for any Mississippi college or university. 

About The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a comprehensive public research institution delivering transformative programs on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites in central and southern Mississippi, as well as online. Founded in 1910, USM is one of only 76 public universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Foundation's "higher research activity" designation for doctoral universities, and its robust research enterprise includes experts in ocean science and engineering, polymer science and engineering, and sport venue safety and security, among others. USM is also one of only 40 institutions in the nation accredited in theatre, art and design, dance and music. As an economic driver, USM generates an annual economic impact of more than $600 million across the state. USM welcomes a diverse student body of approximately 15,000, representing 71 countries, all 50 states, and every county in Mississippi. USM students have collected four Truman Scholarships and 35 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, while also leading Mississippi with 21 Goldwater Scholarships, an honor that recognizes the next generation of great research scientists. Home to the Golden Eagles, USM competes in 16 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.