Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi. Today's message includes a reminder about the University's annual “Lighting the Way for the Holidays” event tonight; availability of USM Public Health Professor Susan Dobson to discuss the recent recall of romaine lettuce and the dangers associated with salmonella poisoning, plus a news release highlights the USM Symphony honoring University Event Planner Rusty Rolison with the annual Themis Award.

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.

Photo/Video Opportunity

The University of Southern Mississippi invites members of local communities to its Hattiesburg campus to celebrate the holiday season with its annual “Lighting the Way for the Holidays” today beginning at 6 p.m. at the front lawn of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building. The event is presented by the USM Student Government Association. The event will include refreshments, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, caroling and the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus for photos and share your wish list with him, among other activities, culminating with the lighting of the campus Christmas tree. To schedule coverage, contact Van Arnold or David Tisdale.

Expert Availability

USM Public Health Professor Susan Dobson is available today to discuss the recent recall of romaine lettuce and the dangers associated with salmonella poisoning. Dr. Dobson can also offer insights regarding the importance of vaccines, particularly for school-age children. 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.

News Release

USM Symphony Presents Annual Themis Award to Rolison

The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony presented its 2018-19 Themis Award to University Event Planner Carl Ledyard “Rusty” Rolison University during a special ceremony held earlier this month. The award is presented annually to an outstanding USM administrator, professor, staff member, or other individual who has contributed to the success of this orchestra and its members.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-symphony-presents-annual-themis-award-rolison

Did You Know?

Southern Miss has partnered with Boeing to lead research and development on next-generation composite materials to make aircraft lighter and safer. 

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.