CLEVELAND, Miss.—The Delta State University Alumni Association is pleased to announce its 2021 Alumni Award recipients.
Each year, as part of Homecoming festivities, the DSU Alumni Association presents service awards to Delta State alumni who have exhibited exceptional dedication and commitment to the university.
This year’s honorees will be celebrated during the annual Alumni Awards Gala, slated for 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29 in the Kent Wyatt Hall Atrium. During the event, graduates of the Class of 1971 will also be formally inducted into the prestigious Golden Circle in honor of their 50th anniversary.
“We are excited to once again celebrate our deserving alumni during our annual Alumni Awards Gala,” said James Forte’, director of Alumni Affairs and Annual Fund. “Each of these honorees have gone above and beyond the call of duty in supporting their beloved alma mater. We encourage our Delta State family to join us as we show our appreciation for their efforts.”
This year’s award recipients are as follows:
The Outstanding Alumnus of the Year award recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has outstanding accomplishments on an international, national or local basis and exemplifies the mission of Delta State University through his or her personal life, community service and professional accomplishments. The 2021 recipient is Dr. Ronald R. Chance ‘70.
The Alumni Hall of Fame is awarded to alumni who have achieved professional distinction and made significant community service contributions at the local, national and/or international level and who have thus brought honor and distinction to Delta State. The 2021 recipients are Howard Brown ‘96, Ralph T. Cain, Sr. ‘09, Dr. Wayne Rodolfich ‘91, ‘92, ‘93 and Drew Wayne Fioranelli ’07, ‘12.
The Kent Wyatt Young Alumnus Service Award seeks to identify, recognize and award an individual, age 40 or under, who has shown a commitment of service for the University. The 2021 recipient is Melissa S. Love ‘04.
The Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni Service Award recognizes outstanding service and contributions to Delta State University by an alumnus. The 2021 recipient is Kelly D. Smith ‘00.
The Dr. Henry Outlaw Faculty/Staff Service Award recognizes former DSU faculty or staff members who have had a significant influence in the growth of Delta State University and/or the National Alumni Association. The 2021 recipient is the Rev. James Breland ’50, ‘70.
Gala tickets are available for purchase at the Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni House or online at https://deltastategiving.org/campaign/alumnigala.
For questions, contact Delta State’s Office of Alumni Affairs at alumni@deltastate.edu or (662) 846-4660.
