Southern Miss News Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Today's message includes a special coverage opportunity regarding the final University Forum Series of the spring featuring underwater archaeologist and oceanographer Robert Ballard, who discovered the remains of the Titanic in 1985. In addition, history Professor Andrew Wiest and Keltoum Rowland, instructor of French and Honorary Consul of France to the state, are available today to discuss the devastating fire that consumed Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday. News releases include a preview of the upcoming Polymer Science and Engineering Conference, education Professor Tom O'Brien receiving the IHL Diversity Award, and the USM Southern Chorale and Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra set to perform at Carnegie Hall.
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 Coverage Opportunity
Discoverer of Titanic's Remains, Robert Ballard, Speaks Today at USM
Robert Ballard, an underwater archaeologist and oceanographer who discovered and explored the Titanic's remains in 1985, will present “Finding the Titanic and Other Tales of the Sea” today at 6:30 p.m. in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the USM Hattiesburg campus as part of the University Forum Series. The event can also be viewed via IVN from Hardy Hall, room 316 at The USM Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach.
In addition to his work with the Titanic, Ballard was also a part of subsequent expeditions which located the German battleship Bismarck in 1989, the British Lusitania in 1993 (whose sinking led the United States into World War I), the USS Yorktown in 1998 (sunk during the Battle of Midway in World War II), and PT-109 in 2002 (the boat piloted by John F. Kennedy). He is the founder of the Center for Ocean Exploration at the University of Rhode Island and the Ocean Exploration Trust. To schedule coverage, contact Van Arnold or David Tisdale.
Expert Availability
USM history Professor Andrew Wiest and Keltoum Rowland, instructor of French at USM and Honorary Consul of France to the state, are available today to discuss the devastating fire that struck Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday. 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 Releases
USM Set to Host 2nd Annual Polymer Science and Engineering Conference
Research presentations, laboratory tours, an evening social and special recognition of a distinguished faculty member will highlight the 2019 School of Polymer Science and Engineering Conference and Alumni Event at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM).
The 2nd annual conference will take place on Friday, April 26 at the Shelby F. Thames Polymer Science Research center on the Hattiesburg campus. The event will include celebration of Dr. Charles L. McCormick's storied career and upcoming retirement.
http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-set-host-2nd-annual-polymer-science-and-engineering-conference
Education Professor O'Brien USM Recipient of IHL Diversity Award
Dr. Thomas O'Brien, a professor in The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Education, is USM's recipient of the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) 2019 Diversity Award for Excellence. The selection of Dr. O'Brien for this honor was based on the breadth of his teaching and publication record, and range and duration of his community service projects demonstrating a lifelong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
http://news.usm.edu/article/o-brien-usm-recipient-ihl-diversity-award
USM Southern Chorale and Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Perform "IN HER WORDS" at Carnegie Hall April 23
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Southern Chorale and the Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will be performing with the Rutgers University Voorhees Choir, IN HER WORDS, a concert featuring the U.S. premiere of Moorland Elegies by Kõrvits on April 23 at 8 p.m. in New York City's Carnegie Hall. IN HER WORDS is a dedication to women composers and poets including the U.S. premiere of “Moorland Elegies” by Estonian composer Tõnu Kõrvits, with text by Emily Brontë.
Expert Availability
USM history Professor Andrew Wiest and Keltoum Rowland, instructor of French at USM and Honorary Consul of France to the state, are available today to discuss the devastating fire that struck Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris on Monday. 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
Did You Know?
Because of the continued generosity of donors, the USM Foundation provides direct support to our students, faculty and staff. During fiscal year 2018, the USM Foundation provided $7.6 million in support to the University including 2,182 scholarships for Southern Miss students, totaling approximately $3.9 million.
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 130 universities in the nation to earn the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education's "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” designation, 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 17 Division I sports sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). For more information, visit usm.edu.