Celebrating 115 Years of Excellence: Southern Miss Honors Student Achievements at Annual Awards Day Ceremony

On March 31, 2025, the University of Southern Mississippi celebrated its 115th anniversary at the Founders’ Day Student Awards Ceremony. This event highlighted the achievements of students in academics, service, and leadership, and took place at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center.

University leaders, including President Dr. Joe Paul and Vice President Dr. Kristi Motter, attended the ceremony to acknowledge student accomplishments. They also welcomed new officers of the Student Government Association. A reception followed, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to celebrate.

Founded on March 30, 1910, as Mississippi Normal College, the university started with just 227 students. Over the years, its name changed several times as it grew. It became known as State Teachers College in 1924, then Mississippi Southern College in 1940, and finally The University of Southern Mississippi in 1962. Today, it offers programs in Hattiesburg, Long Beach, and even online, and has gained recognition as a leading research institution.

Dr. Sirena Cantrell, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, emphasized the importance of honoring the university’s legacy. “Founders’ Week is a great time to celebrate our past while looking forward to a bright future,” she said.

Russ Willis, an alumnus and current faculty member, echoed these sentiments. “Founders’ Day means a lot to me,” he shared. “Having been part of this community for 40 years, I can say that we create an environment where students can thrive and make a difference.” He believes the university continues to provide pathways for success in both academic and social realms.

The ceremony recognized several outstanding students:

• Outstanding Freshmen: Kaleb Bullock, Liam Cronin, Muhammad Huzaifa, and others.
• Most Outstanding Freshmen: Lillie Burge, Kade Leader.
• Who’s Who Among Students: Yeseul Bae, Lainey Bartlett, and many more.

A few notable awards included:

• Leave It Better Than You Found It Award: Lauren Sullivan
• Transfer Excellence Award: Shayla Price
• Barry Goldwater Scholarship: Charles Dalton

As student engagement and education continue to evolve, universities like Southern Miss play a crucial role in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. They not only honor their traditions but also adapt to new challenges while promoting rich academic experiences.

For further insights on university contributions to student success, explore resources like the Education Data Initiative for recent research findings on higher education trends.

Source link