The Drawl - Southern Miss Alumni Association

The Drawl
The student handbook was called The Drawl from approximately 1954
to 1978. There are no existing records to indicate the reason for adopting
The Drawl as the handbook’s name, but an inference can be drawn from
the fact that the school’s name included the word “Southern,” and what
do Southerners do if not drawl? The Drawl was revived by the Alumni
Association in 2002 to ensure that the traditions and history of Southern
Miss are passed
on to all future
Golden Eagles.
Introduction
Tradition | Pride | Loyalty | Excellence
Congratulations! You are part of a history and tradition that is known as The
University of Southern Mississippi. This university—with almost 100 years of
educating young people, more than 16,000 current students, more than 2,500 fulltime
faculty and staff, and nearly 120,000 alumni from campuses in Hattiesburg
and on the Gulf Coast—is something more than special. It is awesome.
As we approach the centennial celebration of the institution’s founding in 2010,
you are responsible for carrying on this tradition. The purpose of this manual is to
give you the opportunity to learn about our beloved Southern Miss’ history and
traditions so you can be aware of our proud past and play a significant role in
achieving our future potential.
The defining characteristics of Southern Miss are her Southern charm and
friendliness. They are what USM is known for, and you need to remember that.
In the 1963-64 edition of The Drawl, then the student handbook, Dr. William D.
McCain, fifth president of The University of Southern Mississippi, wrote
The warmth of the friendly spirit on the campus of The University of Southern
Mississippi rivals that of the September sun. This warmth of friendliness grows
out of the fact that here at Southern we all “belong,” and you will feel it because
now that you have joined us, you “belong” too. It grows also out of the individual
friendliness that you will see and hear in the friendly smiles and pert “hellos” you
exchange as you go about the campus. Among Southerners introductions are not
necessary—everybody speaks!
It was true in the 1960s, and it is true today. We hope you already know this and
are living it in your life as a Golden Eagle.
This manual is especially significant as it marks the centennial edition of this
publication. March 30, 2010 is the 100th anniversary of the founding of Southern
Miss, a landmark occasion for our institution. We also encourage you to regularly
practice the Southern Miss traditions included in this manual for many years to come.
Southern Miss to the Top!
Robert D. Pierce II
Executive Director
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