36 • AUGUST 2022
Golden Eagle Logo is not available for use on all munications materials. Beyond the Department of etics, use of this logo is limited to gameday-related otions, promotional items for student recruitment oses, and Student Affairs. ission to use this logo on any communications erials, advertisements, social media graphics romotional items must be granted by both hern Miss Athletics and the Office of University munications. Barhams the Tell us about your family. Benjie, 57 - Pam, 55 - Benjamin, 28 - Brennan, 26 - Barrett, 23 How did you meet and how long have you been married? Pam and I met at Southern Miss on a “blind date” set up by fraternity and sorority friends in 1986. We’ve been together since and married 33 years. What are some of your favorite things about Clinton? We lived in Hattiesburg from 1989 ‘til 2002, when a career move brought us to the Jackson Metro/Clinton. We were attracted to Clinton by friends, school system, college town atmosphere, and church family, among other things. We enjoy the chamber and main street activities, the many family-oriented events throughout the year, well run government body, safe environment, and history of Clinton. What brings you the greatest joy as a parent? As parents, our greatest joy is witnessing our children growing up, succeeding in their endeavors, being happy in their relationships, careers, and lives in general. What drives you to have the job that you have? Pam and I have had the opportunity to enjoy jobs in our time living in Clinton and they have all provided different things that have introduced us to lifelong friends, helped us make a difference in others’ lives, and provided us professional growth. Our motivation has always been to provide for our family, enjoy the fruits of our labor, and see what a positive difference we can make in others’ lives. What do you love about your team/school? I grew up a Southern Miss fan, so “it’s in the blood.” Pam inherited the black & gold love as a student. Our children grew up Golden Eagles attending events and games with friends and family. Southern Miss is an institution that started in 1910 as Mississippi Normal College grew to Mississippi Southern College, and finally to the Univ. of Southern Mississippi. She has endured many obstacles and in spite, has grown into a one of the Gulf South’s premier research institutions. It boasts one of the best K-12 educational, business, nursing, polymer engineering, ocean engineering, computer engineering, and construction engineering schools in the nation. It has the 3rd best family military support programs in the country. As a recent, July 2022, new member of the Sunbelt Conference, our athletes compete for championships in 17 D-1 sports. Southern Miss is in a vibrant, growing region of Mississippi, but it also has an intimate feeling on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Coast campuses. There is a sense of pride, loyalty, and tradition at Southern Miss that we experience and that makes it a special place for students, alumni, faculty, and staff. FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE Tailgate Dip • 1 can refried beans • 8 oz. cream cheese • 1 can turkey chili • Diced jalapeños • Grated sharp cheddar cheese Layer all ingredients except cheddar and microwave 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle cheese on top and serve with tortilla chips. Hometown CLINTON • 37