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Homecoming Celebrated Class of 1968 and Golden Circle Reunion

By December 3, 2018Alumni, Foundation
Class of 1968 members inducted into the Golden Circle pose with their commemorative 50-year medallion at the Alumni Awards Gala that took place at the Cleveland Country Club on Nov. 9 during Delta State's 86th annual homecoming.

Delta State University’s recent 86th annual homecoming honored the class of 1968, among the numerous events at the multi-day celebration. Seventeen alumni from the class of 1968 were inducted by the Delta State University National Alumni Association into the Golden Circle, whose members are made up of all 50-plus year graduates of Delta State.

The 17 new Golden Circle inductees were recognized at the Alumni Awards Gala that took place at the Cleveland Country Club on Nov. 9. Delta State President William N. LaForge  ’72 presented those in attendance with their commemorative medallion. Some of the 17 also participated in the homecoming parade by riding in Delta State green trolleys and tossing themed toy footballs to children in the crowd. Golden Circle inductees also were recognized at the homecoming football game.

“It was rewarding to see so many Golden Circle members back on campus to celebrate their 50th year anniversary,” said Ben Bailey, Golden Circle president. “Golden Circle members enjoyed riding in trolley cars in the homecoming parade and throwing footballs to the children along the way. The big win over Mississippi College capped a great homecoming weekend for all of us who love Delta State.”

Other Golden Circle highlights: Earnie and Bonnie Chiasson Jr, former Mr. and Miss DSU 1968, celebrated two 50th-year occasions: their 50th reunion at DSU and their 50th wedding anniversary. Class of 1968 member Vicki Fioranelli, director emerita of alumni affairs at Delta State—and founder of the Golden Circle program—was inducted this year into the very organization that she had created. And Mary Ellen Leftwich turned 102 during homecoming; colleagues sang happy birthday to her during the Alumni Awards Gala. She has attended every homecoming except one since graduating in 1939.