DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis spoke to the Dedicated Statesmen Association Tuesday to give them an update on campus activities.CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Dedicated Statesmen Association, a group of Delta State retirees, alumni, and community supporters met Tuesday, September 24 in the DSU Cafeteria President’s Dining Room. The group was founded in 2013. As the Fall 2024 semester begins, the group is in full swing and rededicating itself to being involved at Delta State.
According to the group’s mission statement, the association seeks to uphold Delta State’s values and to keep retirees, alumni, and friends of the university involved, encouraged and informed on activities and events on campus, including athletic events and performances at the Bologna Performing Arts Center.
Dr. James Robinson (L), was presented with the “Most Dedicated Statesman” award by Dr. Myrtis Tabb.
President of the Association, Associate Vice President Emeritus for Finance and Administration Dr. Myrtis Tabb said, “We are rebuilding the Dedicated Statesmen. With the 100th anniversary coming up, and the changes in the academic structure of the university, we feel that this is a group of people that can be very supportive and valuable to Delta State. We want them to contribute their perspectives. They have a lifetime of service to this university, so we want to get them involved in a meaningful way.”
The group collects no dues and is open to anyone in the community who is passionate about Delta State. All services are voluntary so that individuals can serve in any capacity. However, Tabb informed the group that “costs will be incurred from the projects we will pursue, so we gladly accept tax-deductible donations through the DSU Foundation.”
The vice president of the association, Chair Emeritus of the Math Department Dr. Rose Strahan said, “The Dedicated Statesmen Association was organized to help promote and support Delta State. We love to do things for Delta State and support them any way we can. We are revitalizing our efforts and bringing new energy to the group and want to get as many people involved as possible.”
The group met for lunch and heard a presentation from DSU President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis, who discussed his first year on the job and his plans for the coming years. He said, “Delta State is lucky to have such a group as you that bleeds green and white and has the best interests of the university and our students at heart.”
The group also presented an award to Dr. James Robinson, one of the original founders of the group, for being the “Most Dedicated Statesman.” Robinson, a Professor Emeritus of History, has remained active on campus in many capacities since his retirement. He said, “We want people to keep their devotion and service to Delta State going. We want to keep in contact and continue to contribute.”
Lisa Pinkerton, luncheon participant said, “We enjoyed the meeting today. It was truly a reunion and breath of fresh air that I feel we all needed. We are looking forward to helping make DSU what it needs to be. It truly felt like old times, and Dr. Ennis’ leadership is so welcoming. Let’s all help make DSU the best it can be!”
The group will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, October 29. Any former employees, retirees, alumni and community members that are interested in becoming involved can reach out to Chief Marketing Officer Dr. Christy Riddle by calling 662-846-4336 or via email at criddle@deltastate.edu.
