Delta State University past and present reunited for a thrilling 2014 Homecoming.The Delta State University Alumni Association recently wrapped up another successful homecoming. The schedule included a multitude of activities for alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students, and many alumni returned to their alma mater for the festivities.
Friday night, the Alumni Association teamed up with the Athletics Department to host the annual Alumni Awards Gala at the Bologna Performing Arts Center. The association honored several alumni and friends who have dedicated their time to Delta State. Richard Myers, past president of the National Alumni Association, presided over the program.
This year’s award recipients were: Patrick Davis, the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Service Award; Will Bradham, the Kent Wyatt Young Alumnus Service Award; Left Field Crew, the Gladys Castle Friend of Delta State Service Award; and Mary Ellen Leftwich, the Legacy Award.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Gary Gainspoletti, Dr. Dwaun Warmack and Tony Garcia. Garcia was also named the 2014 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year. The Alumni Association featured a new award this year for a dedicated faculty/staff member of Delta State. Dr. Henry Outlaw received the inaugural honor, and the annual award will be in his name.
The Athletic Department also inducted the Delta State University Sports Hall of Fame at the gala. This year’s class includes: Chris Booker, football; Stacey Johnson, women’s basketball; Joy Long, softball; Alan McAfee, golf; Twentis Magee, men’s basketball; Justin Whitaker, swimming; Eli Whiteside, baseball; Langston Rogers, contributor; and Stan Sandroni, contributor, posthumously.
Delta State Athletics also honored former football player Rick Rodriguez with induction into the DSU Alumni Coaches Hall of Fame. Bryce Griffis, football/baseball, was presented with the Distinguished Statesmen Award.
Over 500 supporters attended the gala, which also featured the Class of 1964, this year’s featured class. They were inducted into the prestigious Golden Circle. Also recognized was the undefeated 1954 football team celebrating its 60th reunion.
Saturday’s festivities included the annual Veteran’s Atrium Program in Jobe Hall, tailgating and entertainment on Statesmen Park. The DSU Continuing Education All-Star Cheerleaders provided entertainment at the park, and the Delta Music Institute bands played at the H.L. Nowell Student Union.
Dr. Kent and Janice Wyatt also celebrated 50 years of service to Delta State. A luncheon was held in their honor Saturday afternoon in the State Room. To donate to the Wyatt Retention Fund, visit www.deltastategiving.org/giving/scholarships/kentandjanicewyattretentionscholarshipfund.
Taylor Holland was crowned the 2014 Homecoming Queen by Student Government Association president Mikel Sykes. National Alumni Association president Rob Armour presented flowers to the Holland on behalf of the association. The Grenada native is a senior biology/pre-physical therapy major and is also a member of the Delta State softball team.
Delta State was victorious in an exciting 27-3 win over Mississippi College to claim the Gulf South Conference Championship. It was the first meeting of the Mississippi school since the 1995 season.
For more information, contact the Alumni Association at 662-846-4660. To stay up to date on the Alumni Association’s activities, follow these social media sites: Facebook (Statesmen Graduates), Twitter (@DSU_Alumni), Tumblr (http://www.dsualumni.tumblr.com), LinkedIn (DSU alumni), Instagram (dsualumni) and You Tube (dsualumni1).
