Welcome to the daily email for media members that includes news and notes from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Today's message includes news releases about the final University Forum featuring renowned underwater archaeologist and oceanographer Bob Ballard, the theatre program's upcoming performances of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, and a presentation by University researcher Ross Walton to Holiday Inn executives about the company's history.

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.

Today's Top Story

Discoverer of Titanic's Remains University Forum Speaker April 16

The man best known for discovering the famed and ill-fated British passenger liner RMS Titanic will be the guest presenter for the final University Forum of the spring 2019 semester at The University of Southern Mississippi (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” Tuesday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the USM Hattiesburg campus. Admission is free, and this event can also be viewed via IVN from Hardy Hall, room 316 at The USM Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach.

http://news.usm.edu/article/discoverer-titanic-s-remains-university-forum-speaker-april-16

Additional News Releases

USM Presents Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Theatre program will present William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing on April 11 through 14 at the Hartwig Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus. The April 11, 12, and 13 performances are set for 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. performance on April 13 and 14.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-presents-shakespeare-s-much-ado-about-nothing

USM's Walton Makes Presentation on History of Holiday Inn Hotels

Ross Walton, a researcher and digital production engineer for The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage delivered an online presentation on the history of Holiday Inn hotels to a group that included members of the Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) marketing team. The purpose of the presentation was to familiarize Holiday Inn brand management and marketing team members with the storied history of the iconic brand.

http://news.usm.edu/article/usm-s-walton-makes-presentation-history-holiday-inn-hotels

Photo/Video Opportunity

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Student Government Association, the Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention, Student Counseling Services, and the Committee on Services and Resources for Women have collaborated to bring back the "What Were You Wearing?" Survivor Art Installation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2019. Housed in the Cook Library Learning Commons Gallery on the USM Hattiesburg campus, the exhibit includes the stories of local survivors of sexual assault. The exhibit seeks to give voice to sexual assault survivors who are often asked how they brought sexual violence on themselves, even though this is a cultural myth, and never about clothing. To schedule coverage, contact David Tisdale.

Expert Availability

The University of Southern Mississippi provides a wide range of faculty experts who can offer insights on newsworthy topics. 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?

Southern Miss is home to the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) – the nation's leader in sports security management research and solutions.

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 researchenterprise 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.