The Delta State University Alumni Association held the annual Bolivar County Alumni Meeting on April 5 at the West Parking Lot of Ferriss Field.
This year’s event was scheduled in conjunction with Go Green Weekend. Entertainment during the event was provided by Delta State students Starlin Browning and Lesley Wayne.
The chapter also had a silent auction with all proceeds going to the Liza Vaughn Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was named for former Assistant Alumni Director Liza Vaughn (’95) who passed away in April 2012. It was established for incoming Delta State students from Bolivar County. To date, 11 scholarships have been given, and this year, the committee raised over $2,600.
“Again this year we raised a substantial amount of money for the Liza Vaughn scholarship fund. This money helps area students looking to attend DSU,” said Will Bradham, incoming president of the Bolivar County Chapter. “This is not just a once a year thing; donations can be made throughout the year, and they are much appreciated.”
In support of Go Green Weekend, the Bolivar County Chapter co-sponsored live music provided by Southern Halo, along with the Union Program Council and the Student Government Association.
The event would not have been possible without the help of the volunteers and sponsors. This year’s planning committee included Ann Marie Pate, president; Will Bradham, vice president; Gary Crews, secretary; Lana Aguzzi, Craig Verhage, Marks Elder, Patrick Davis, Chrissy LaMastus, Shereka Moore, Lajan Van Vulpen, Libbi Logan, Robin McKnight and Courtney Warren.
Pate finished a successful two-year term as Bolivar County President with the conclusion of this year’s event.
“Serving on the DSU Bolivar County alumni board over the past several years has been fun and sometimes even challenging,” said Pate. “You are only as good as those you surround yourself with, and I had lots of support from my fellow board and committee members as well as the fantastic alumni and foundation staff. I look forward to continuing to be a part of the planning committee for future events.”
This year’s event sponsors were: Corporate Sponsors; Bolivar Medical Center, Polk’s Meat Products, Casey Family Programs, Air Evac Lifeteam and Patrick Davis State Farm; Okra Level Sponsors: Needle Specialty Products and Nehi Bottling Company; Green Level Sponsors: Vowell’s Marketplace, Image Specialists, Sonic, and Bradham Enterprises; White Level Sponsors: Backyard Burger, Griffith Real Estate, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Cleveland State Bank, South Street Pharmacy, Havens Cleaners and Laundry, Planters Bank & Trust, New York Life Insurance, Delta Casual, Renasant Bank, State Bank and Trust Company, Bolivar Commercial, Rogers Entomological Services, Belflex, Baxter Healthcare Corporation and Security Services.
To make a donation to the Liza Vaughn Memorial Scholarship, visit www.deltastategiving.org/alumniassociation or call 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 (www.dsualumni.tumblr.com), LinkedIn (DSU alumni), Instagram (dsualumni) and You Tube (dsualumni1). Save the dates for Pig Pickin’ (September 27) and Homecoming (November 15).
