Contact: Sammy McDavid
STARKVILLE, Miss.--More than 30 Mississippi State University Alumni Association chapters are sponsoring summer send-off parties for first-time students, their parents and prospective students.
Now in its third year, the welcoming program helps incoming freshmen and transfer students continue their preparation for campus life. It also provides alumni and friends the opportunity to offer additional support and well-wishes.
Most of the events are taking place July 28--Aug. 8. Two early gatherings were held in Greenwood and Yazoo City.
"We always are excited to welcome new members to the Bulldog family," said Jimmy Abraham, alumni association executive director. "These celebrations provide excellent opportunities for alumni and friends to give advice and share their love for our school with incoming and prospective students."
In addition to food and soft drinks, each local celebration will include campus representatives from the admissions and scholarships, alumni association and other offices to answer specific questions from students and parents. Attending incoming students will receive a "send-off" T-shirt, while supplies last.
Upcoming chapter parties include:
--July 28, Florence and Northwest Alabama; Memphis, Tenn.; and New Albany and Union County.
--July 29, Batesville and Panola County; Gautier and Jackson County, and Starkville and Oktibbeha County.
--July 31, Decatur and Huntsville, Ala.; Kosciusko and Attala County; Montgomery, Ala.; Nashville, Tenn.; Saint Johns County and Northeast, Florida; and Vicksburg and Warren County.
--Aug. 2, Atlanta, Ga.; Forest and Scott County; Hideaway and East Texas; and Houston, Texas.
--Aug. 3, Birmingham, Ala.; and New Orleans, La.
--Aug. 4, Brookhaven and Lincoln County; Cleveland and Bolivar County; Greenville and Washington County; Meridian and Lauderdale County; and West Point and Clay County.
--Aug. 5, Jackson and Central Mississippi; Jackson and West Tennessee; Ripley and Tippah County; and Tupelo and Lee County.
--Aug. 7, Biloxi, and Harrison and Stone counties; and George and Greene counties.
--Aug. 8, Corinth and Alcorn County.
For details on the scheduled events, visit the "Send-Off" icon at www.alumni.msstate.edu, or telephone the alumni association at 662-325-3659.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.