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Delta State to celebrate Year of Cleveland with Saturday night fireworks display

By July 23, 2010General

Any good celebration needs fireworks, and this Saturday, Oct. 22, Delta State University will present a fireworks display at Travis E. Parker Field as part of it’s “The Year of Cleveland” festivities.

In his recent State of the University address, Dr. John M. Hilpert, Delta State’s President,  announced in conjunction with Delta State University’s 80th academic year and in recognition of a positive town and gown relationship for the past eight decades, the 2005-2006 university term has been designated, “The Year of Cleveland.”

 “Nearly all colleges and universities in this country exist within the boundaries of a municipality, but we, at Delta State University, know there is no better host community than Cleveland, Mississippi. Cleveland is alive with promise, and we are proud to be participating citizens,” Hilpert offered. “We’re grateful for the cooperation and support that have always characterized the relationship.”

The fireworks show is just one of the many thrilling and dynamic events to be held throughout the year to commemorate “The Year of Cleveland.” Delta State University, in cooperation with “The Year of Cleveland” steering committee, is in the planning stages of more events, including the second annual community recognition luncheon; a Veteran’s Day celebration; an essay contest; an Easter egg hunt, and many more. “The Year of Cleveland” will be a 12-month celebration culminating in Sept. 2006.

Ned Mitchell, who Hilpert acknowledged as “one our community’s prominent citizens” and “one of our most committed alumni,” is chairing “The Year of Cleveland” committee, and is excited about the opportunity.

“I think this a wonderful thing for Delta State to do. The community and the University have always been so intertwined and worked so beautifully together. We’ve gained synergy from one another, and I think “The Year of Cleveland” will be just another shining example of that,” Mitchell added. “We hope to have a number of activities planned and encourage as much community and university participation as possible.”

The fireworks will begin at the conclusion of the Statesmen’s football game, which is set to kick-off at 6 p.m. inside Travis E. Parker Field. For more on the fireworks display or any other “The Year of Cleveland” event, please contact the Delta State Office of University Relations at (662) 846-4675.

The Year of Cleveland Steering Committee: (Left to Right, Front Row) Vicki Fioranelli, Delta State University; Mimi Dossett; Jo Parker, The Wishing Well; Linda Collins, Collins Construction Company; Alinda Sledge, Delta State University; (Left to Right, Back Row) Ronnie Mayers, Delta State University; Ed Kossman, Kossman’s Inc.; Ned Mitchell, SouthGroup/Bolivar Insurance; Judson Thigpen, Chamber of Commerce; Mark Williams, The Bolivar Commercial; Georgene Clark, Delta State University; Dr. Kent Wyatt, Delta State University; Dr. Myrtis Tabb, Delta State University; Dr. John Hilpert, Delta State University. Not pictured: Adrian Brown, Bolivar County Administrator and Gary Gainspoletti, Gainspoletti Financial Services.