The Drawl - Southern Miss Alumni Association

facing away, signifying that they are no longer students
but alumni.
The Official Ring must be earned by maintaining
a good academic record and completing the
required number of credit hours. Therefore, it is a
symbol of honor and achievement. It is also a way
to show support for the University. The ring
encompasses everything that a student experiences
while on campus and represents the hard work and
determination that our alumni are known for.
Doctoral Regalia
The University honors the excellence of its
doctoral graduates with custom regalia. In a
stately color of antique gold, with black and
white accents and a uniquely Southern Miss
design, the regalia were designed by a Southern
Miss alumnus, Dr. Reginald M. Houze ’00.
The robe boasts custom features with the most
distinctive being the University seal, featuring
the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building
dome, embroidered in gold at chest level on
both velvet panels. The hood adds meaning and
dimension to the academic garment, with its
color indicating the source of the degree. The
Southern Miss doctoral regalia is finished with a
six-corner black velvet tam with gold metallic center button and tassel that
are sewn in place.
The University Mace and
Presidential Medallion
The mace, a symbol of academic prestige, is carried
by the president at the head of ceremonial
occasions. It features an eagle that points with
uplifted wings to a crown of laurel and is encased
in an open orb of sterling silver. With “Southern
Mississippi” embossed at its base, the orb adorns a
36-inch ebony staff, banded and tipped with silver.
The medallion, which symbolizes the Office of
the President, is suspended on a ribbon of black
velvet. Like the mace, the sterling silver medallion
also features an eagle with uplifted wings to a
crown of laurel, signifying honor and distinction.
Engraved on the reverse side of the
medallion are the names of past
Southern Miss presidents and the
dates of their administrations.
The mace and medallion,
designed by Southern Miss alumnus
Ronlin Foreman ’76, were
first used for the inauguration of
Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas as University
President in 1976, and continued
to be used today.
The painting of
the “Little Rock”
The Little Rock features different
sayings in support of Southern
Miss athletics. The rock is painted
by members of The Legacy Association, the student branch of the Alumni
Association, in an effort to increase enthusiasm
throughout the campus. Phrases like
“BBQ the Blazers” (for the Golden Eagles
game against the University of Alabama at
Birmingham) and “ESPN Game Day at the
Rock” are typical phrases painted on the
Little Rock to show Southern Miss spirit.
The Eagle Walk
Lamar Reynolds
Lamar Reynolds gives new meaning to the w o r d comm
i t m e n t. A 1966 graduate, he is a permanent fixture at
Southern Miss football g a m e s and has been since the
October 3, 1981, Golden Eagles/Texas-Arlington
m at c h u p. During the 1999 season, the University recognized
Reynolds’ dedication to the team: He wa s
presented w i t h a Southern Miss jersey w i t h the n u m b e r
200 on it, signifying his 200-g a m e attendance streak.
Reynolds’ streak c a m e to an unfortunate end following
the October 27,
2001, g a m e against
Houston due to the
passing of his m o t h e r.
At final count,
Reynolds attended
230 consecutive
Golden Eagle football
g a m e s.
The Pl a c e
Over the past century,
Southern Miss has enjoyed a
proud history of athletic excellence.
For example, our
football team boasts two
national championships in
football, Conference USA
championships, All-Americans
and significant bowl victories.
The Eagle Walk, located
under the east side of The Rock (M.M. Roberts Stadium) on Eagle Walk
Drive, displays the memories of Southern Miss’ past and the promise of its
future. It is a living monument that recognizes the greatness of all those
who, on Saturdays during the fall, have had the privilege of going to battle
for the Black and Gold.
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