MSU-Meridian celebrates naming of Deen Building
Mississippi State University celebrated the naming of the Robert B. Deen Jr. Building last week at MSU-Meridian's Riley Campus. Formerly the Newberry Building, the facility now carries the name of the longtime philanthropist whose work as president and chairman of the Meridian-based Riley Foundation has greatly impacted education and opportunity in the region. Shown here at the ceremony are, from left, Allison Pearson and Julia Hodges, MSU-Meridian co-deans; Jerry Gilbert, MSU provost and executive vice president; Deen and his wife Lindy; and MSU President Mark E. Keenum. PHOTO: Beth Wynn | Public Affairs
Mississippi State University honored a longtime philanthropist last Thursday [Feb. 12] whose work as president and chairman of the Meridian-based Riley Foundation has greatly impacted education and opportunity in the region.
The ceremony formally designated the Newberry Building at the MSU-Meridian Riley Campus as the Robert B. Deen Jr. Building.
MSU President Mark E. Keenum said of the honoree, "Robert Deen has been a leader in civic endeavors benefiting this city, county and Mississippi State University. He's a pillar of the community in every aspect, and we're grateful for what he and the Riley Foundation have done to make this facility functional."
The 20,000-square-foot building is home to the MSU-Meridian Campus' Division of Business, with six state-of-the-art classrooms, a computer laboratory, two conference rooms, faculty offices and student study spaces.
"I'm overwhelmed and most appreciative to Mississippi State for this honor," Deen said. "The university's efficient use of support from the Riley Foundation is transforming downtown Meridian, which is now vibrant and alive with students and patrons."
Deen was one of the four founding members who established The Riley Foundation in 1998, and has served as a director, officer and general counsel of the Foundation since its creation. He currently is chairman, president and CEO of the Foundation. He is a founding member of the Phil Hardin Foundation, as well as the Mississippi Bar Association Foundation.
A 1950 Vanderbilt University Law School graduate, Deen was a Lauderdale County attorney in general practice for 55 years.
Deen served in the Pacific Theater during World War II after his 1943 graduation from Starkville High School. In 1946, he entered Mississippi State after three years in the U.S. Army Air Corps, studying electrical engineering until the summer of 1947, when he left for law school.
A national and international award-winning photographer, Deen is a former national secretary of the Photographic Society of America.
MSU recognized his long record of public service to the Meridian/Lauderdale County community and to the university in 2012 with an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service.
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Harriet Laird | Public Affairs
