As Delta State’s new leader has reiterated since taking office in April, President William N. LaForge is happy to be home as the leader of his alma mater.
Fittingly, the Delta State University National Alumni Association reception on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. begins the week of celebratory inauguration events for LaForge, a graduate of the class of 1972. LaForge also served as the National Alumni Association president in 1982, was honored as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year in 1992 and was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame in 2007.
“President LaForge has been instrumental in the growth of the National Alumni Association through his volunteer efforts since his Delta State college graduation,” said Richard Myers ‘91, president of the National Alumni Association. “His leadership has paved the way for alumni and friends to be active in the organization.”
Jeffrey Farris, Director of Alumni Affairs at Delta State is also looking forward to honoring LaForge.
“The inauguration of our eighth president at Delta State University will be a milestone for our institution,” said Farris. “I hope to see all who follow the ole school we love best at the opening event for this historic week in the life of our university.”
The reception will be held in the Simmons Room at the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni-Foundation House and is sponsored by the Bolivar County Alumni Chapter. It is the first of many events planned prior to the Investiture Ceremony, which takes place on Friday, Nov. 1 at 10:30 a.m. in the Bologna Performing Arts Center.
“We are excited to be a part of such a special week for DSU,” said Ann Marie Pate, president of the Bolivar County Alumni Chapter. “We invite all alumni and friends to join us to kick off President LaForge’s week of inaugural activities.”
The event is open to Alumni, friends, faculty and staff of Delta State. There will be light appetizers and libations served as well as live entertainment on the patio. To RSVP, contact the Alumni Association at 662-846-4660 or alumni@deltastate.edu.
To stay up to date on the Alumni Association’s activities, follow these social media sites: Facebook (Statesmen Graduates), Twitter (@DSU_Alumni), Tumblr (dsualumni.tumblr.com), LinkedIn (DSU alumni) and You Tube (dsualumni1). Join the Facebook event page for the National Alumni Association Reception and Inauguration events at facebook.com/events/1395036760732938/.
To stay updated on President LaForge’s inauguration schedule, visit his inauguration website at inauguration.deltastate.edu, his personal blog at president.deltastate.edu or follow him on Twitter @presidentDSU.
All inauguration events are funded through support provided to the Delta State University Foundation. No university funds are being used during the week of activities.
