Delta State University President William N. LaForge, recently met with General Manager of SUPERVALU, Major General James Gaston to collaborate on future fundraising ideas to achieve Delta State University’s scholarship endowment goal. “I am impressed by the enthusiasm and energy that Bill LaForge has for making Delta State a great university,” said Ben Gaston.

General Gaston earned three degrees while attending Delta State University. In 1974, he received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, 1975 he earned his Master of Science in Chemistry, and 1980 he received his Master of Business Administration.

PHOTO: President William N. LaForge met with Major General James Gaston, General Manager of SUPERVALU to discuss fundraising ideas for the benefit of Delta State University.

The Delta State University Alumni Association recently announced the date for the Gulf Coast Alumni Chapter Meeting. This year’s event is Thursday, May 23 at the home of Keith Williams. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a social hour. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. followed by updates from Delta State. This year’s featured speaker is Delta State President William “Bill” N. LaForge.

“The Gulf Coast Alumni Chapter looks forward to featuring our new President William N. LaForge as our speaker for the Delta State University Alumni meeting,” said Brett Walker, president of the Gulf Coast chapter. “I encourage all alumni and friends to come out and fellowship on what we expect to be a beautiful day on the coast.”

The event will be catered by Murky Waters BBQ, and the cost is $15 person, $25 per couple. There will also be a silent auction, and proceeds will benefit the Delta State Gulf Coast Scholarship. “We are very excited about traveling to the Gulf Coast for this meeting,” said Jordan Thomas, assistant alumni director. “We have a great alumni base on the Gulf Coast, and we are looking forward to introducing them to our new President.”

For more information on the Alumni Association, contact 662-846-4660 or visit the website www.deltastate.edu/alumni. Follow the Alumni Association - Facebook: Statesmen Graduates; Twitter: @DSU_Alumni; Tumblr: www.dsualumni.tumblr.com; You Tube: dsualumni1; LinkedIn: DSU alumni.

PHOTO: From left, Todd Hairston, Lacey Hairston, Shelley Williams, Keith Williams, Al Tapper, and Libby Williams Tapper at a past Gulf Coast event at the home of Dr. Johnny Mallett.»

The Delta State University Alumni Association had the opportunity to speak at the annual graduation practice hosted by the university’s Registrar Office on Friday, May 3 at Walter Sillers Coliseum. Jeffrey Farris, director of alumni affairs, spoke to the graduating class about the Alumni Association. He encouraged them to stay connected to Delta State and come back to campus and the Cleveland community every chance they could.

“The Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni & Foundation office is your home away from home when you visit campus,” said Farris.

Farris, along with Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jordan Thomas gave the students information about programs and services that the Alumni Association offers. The graduates were encouraged to get involved in their local chapter, wherever that may be, to support the program’s affinity programs, and to attend the association’s signature events such as Pig Pickin’ (September 28) and Homecoming (November 1).

For more information on the Alumni Association, call 662-846-4660 or visit the website www.deltastate.edu/alumni. Visit the Alumni Association on our social media sites - Facebook: Statesmen Graduates; Twitter: @DSU_Alumni; Tumblr: www.dsualumni.tumblr.com; LinkedIn: DSU alumni; and You Tube: dsualumni1.

Photo: L to R: Milton Santos, B.B.A International Business and Marketing from Recife, Brazil; Taylor Hawkins, B.A. English and Journalism from Belzoni, MS; Emily Hearn, M.B.A. from Millington, TN; and Marshall Alexander, B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Oxford, MS.»