The Delta State University Alumni Association traveled with staff this summer to attend Mississippi picnics in Atlanta, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
The Delta State University Alumni Association has been busy traveling this summer with staff members recently attending Mississippi picnics in New York City, Atlanta and Washington, D.C. The picnics are hosted by Mississippians living in these metropolitan areas and are typically supported by the state’s universities. The events also offer a little taste of home for people living out of state.
The Alumni Association attends each of these events annually to engage with alumni living in the host cities. The association recently established scholarships that are awarded to Delta State students originally from the New York, Atlanta and Washington, D.C.
The Mississippi Society of Georgia held its picnic June 6 in Atlanta’s Chastain Park and was part of an entire weekend of scheduled events. One such event was the Alumni and Celebrity Golf Tournament held at Wolf Creek Golf Course. All proceeds raised went to the Mississippi Society of Georgia Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is given to a student from the greater Atlanta area who will attend a college or university in the state of Mississippi.
Following the tournament, the group hosted a social in the Hank Aaron Room at Turner Field prior to an Atlanta Braves game. The weekend culminated with the picnic in Chastain Park, which included live music, door prizes and Mississippi authors and artists. Jeffrey Farris, director of alumni affairs, attended the picnic.
The 36th annual New York Mississippi Picnic in Central Park was held June 13. This year’s theme was “Elvis is in the Park.” Glen McCullough, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, spoke to the crowd and brought greetings from Mississippi. Live music was provided by Jon Paris, Jimmie Rodgers and Pals, and Brandon Bennett, an Elvis tribute artist. There was also an Elvis lookalike contest. Alumni-Foundation staff members in attendance were Jordan Thomas, assistant director of alumni affairs, and Gary Bouse, chief development officer.
The Mississippi on the Mall picnic was held June 20 at Henry Bacon Ball Field in Washington, D.C. The yearly event is sponsored by the Mississippi Society of Washington, D.C., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the best interests of Mississippi in the nation’s capital. Approximately 500 people attended this year’s event. Live music was provided by Kingfish. Thomas was in attendance representing Delta State, along with Mikel Sykes, SGA president. All three picnics featured catfish and sweet tea.
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).
