The Delta State University National Alumni Association recently held the 13th annual DSU Ole Grad Reunion at Lake Tiak O’Khata in Louisville, Miss. The reunion brings together alumni, most of whom graduated more than 50 years ago, who are passionate about Delta State.
“The Ole Grad Reunion is truly a unique event,” said Jordan Thomas, assistant director of alumni affairs. “This group has a special love for their alma mater, and every year they enjoy reminiscing on their days at Delta State.”
The Ole Grad Reunion started as an initiative of a group of alumni who wanted to get together each year in the name of Delta State. The group has grown over the years, and over 70 alumni were in attendance this year.
“This group is the best Delta State graduates ever,” said Dr. Wayne Lee, ‘57, one of the founders of the Ole Grad Reunion. “They’re all die hard Statesmen and Lady Statesmen, and they dearly love Delta State University.”
The weekend kicked off Friday, August 2 with DSU Night. Clad mostly in green, alums were treated to updates from campus by President Bill LaForge, Head Athletic Trainer Gerald Jordan, and Alumni Director Jeffrey Farris. The group enjoyed hearing the state of the university, and a few even shared some stories of their own.
Emily Jones, university archivist, was also at the event recording the attendees talking about some of their favorite memories. The recordings will be a part of the 90th anniversary of Delta State that will take place next year. Alumni also perused items on the silent auction. All proceeds from the silent auction went to the Anniversary Scholarship Fund. The Anniversary Scholarship aims to help students who are a few hours away from finishing their degree and is an initiative of the Golden Circle. Over $1,200 was raised for the scholarship.
Saturday night, the attendees donned their best ‘50s ensemble at the Sock Hop. Prizes were given for the best costumes, and the silent auction winners were announced. To show their Delta State spirit, the group created a video. To view, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeUJUP_I2sc&feature=c4-overview&list=UUmyH2kaL901rI1Xe17QFS3g. The group also discussed plans for next year’s reunion, which will be July 25-27 at Lake Tiak O’Khata.
For more information on the Ole Grad Reunion, contact the Alumni Association at 662-846-4660 or www.deltastate.edu/alumni. Follow the Alumni Association on our social media sites – Facebook: Statesmen Graduates; Twitter: @DSU_Alumni; Tumblr: www.dsualumni.tumblr.com; LinkedIn: DSU alumni; and You Tube: dsualumni1.
