Mississippi State University’s Bulldog Bash was honored with a major award at the Feb. 1 Greater Starkville Development Partnership banquet. Alongside other prestigious community recognitions, Bulldog Bash took home the Convention and Visitors Bureau Crystal Pineapple Tourism Award for the event’s impact on tourism and economic vitality in Starkville. The annual event presented by the MSU Student Association and held in historic downtown Starkville has grown to be Mississippi’s largest free outdoor concert. MSU student leaders and advisors for Bulldog Bash accepting the Crystal Pineapple Tourism Award include, from left, Raymond Brooks, executive director of Colvard Student Union, Event Services and Special Projects; Regina Hyatt, vice president for Student Affairs; Brook Thomas, student assistant director; Braxton Stone, student director; Rachel Carpenter, student public relations coordinator; Kylie Forrester, director of the Center for Student Activities; Jodee Crane, vice president of the Student Association; and Jackie Mullen, assistant vice president for Student Affairs.
Mississippi State installs SEC’s largest on-campus solar facility
The largest on-campus solar facility in the Southeastern Conference is now “energizing” Mississippi State as part of a 30-year renewable energy efficiency project. The 3,420 solar panel installation will produce about 2.4 million kilowatt hours of energy annually. “We’re taking innovative action now to generate renewable, sustainable power right here on campus. This solar structure is a visible symbol of Mississippi State’s commitment to reach our clean energy goals,” said Saunders Ramsey, executive director of MSU’s Campus Services, of the four-acre field between R.L. Jones Circle and Blackjack Road. “It’s an exciting time and a mission that the entire campus community can champion.”
MSU Riley Center listed among Southern Living’s ‘Most Beloved Historic Theaters’
“Glorious and gilded” is the Mississippi State University Riley Center, said the editors of Southern Living magazine, who have listed the late 19th century Meridian performance venue among “The Most Beloved Historic Theaters in the South.” “Southern Living is a long-established magazine with a remarkable reputation for integrity,” said Terry Dale Cruse, associate vice president and MSU-Meridian head of campus. “To be honored among such distinguished theaters is a testament to the yearslong hard work and collective effort put forth by Mississippi State and incredible support from our partners at The Riley Foundation and Friends of the Lady philanthropic society.” The Riley Foundation gave the initial $12 million gift toward the $27 million restoration project, which began in 2000.
Dixie National sales surpass $9 million
Hinds County 4-H’er Mason Williams had already represented Mississippi in a national competition less than a year ago, so showing animals in a statewide event was no sweat. Williams’ hard work paid off when he placed a goat in the Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions and the highest bid was $8,000. More than 2,500 animals across the state competed in the Dixie National Junior Round-Up leading up to the sale. Of those, only 53 advanced. This year’s sale, the 55th consecutive one, marked several milestones. It surpassed the $9 million mark in total sales, broke the record for the total number of champion market animals featured with 53, and set a new record sale total, $484,010. Dean Jousan, 4-H livestock specialist with the MSU Extension Service, said events like Dixie National help young people build life skills that will serve them now and into adulthood.
MSU, Jackson State to host inaugural Mississippi High Performance Computing Conference
Mississippi is one of the leading states in the country when it comes to high performance computing resources and for the first time, a statewide meeting will bring together the researchers, faculty and students that lead the state forward in supercomputing. Registration is now open for the inaugural Mississippi High Performance Computing Conference, hosted by Mississippi State University and Jackson State University, taking place March 26 and 27 in Jackson. Mississippi boasts seven supercomputing systems that rank among the top 500 most powerful in the world, with two housed at MSU. Mike Navicky, director of MSU’s High Performance Computing Collaboratory, said that one goal of the conference is to raise awareness of career opportunities in high performance computing and discuss the skills employers are looking for in this growing field.
Highly anticipated musical line-up announced for 18th annual Templeton Ragtime and Jazz Festival
The stage is set for a premier showcase of musical talent during the 2024 Charles H. Templeton Sr. Ragtime and Jazz Festival, taking place Feb. 22-24 at Mississippi State. MSU Libraries and the Charles H. Templeton Sr. Music Museum are hosts for this 18th annual event, promising an unforgettable experience with a stellar line-up of both returning favorites and exciting new performers. The three-day event will include two major concerts, mini concerts, talks at the piano and more. Attendees will have the chance to learn about this year’s performers, and what inspires their music. The always-popular silent movies performance will again be included, according to Festival Co-Chair Stephen Cunetto.
University commemorates Black History Month with numerous special events
Mississippi State is celebrating Black History Month throughout February. A number of activities and events, sponsored by the university’s Holmes Cultural Diversity Center, Division of Access, Opportunity and Success, and other campus units, feature music, art, history, virtual reality experiences and more.
Reminder: University policy addresses employee political activity
With qualifying and campaigning for elected offices underway this year, Mississippi State's Office of General Counsel offers the following reminder of the university’s policy on political activities. There are several basic guidelines that university employees should keep in mind when engaging in any form of political activity. MSU employees are encouraged to review OP 01.14: Political Activities in its entirety and to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy. The complete policy is available at www.policies.msstate.edu/policy/91301.
The Office of Public Affairs provides Maroon MEMO as a general information
resource for Mississippi State University employees.
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