Southern Miss Activities Council

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“Sex in the Dark” Highlights Events Planned by Student Health Services

The phrase “condom fashion show” should easily suffice in grabbing people’s attention.

Student Health Services at The University of Southern Mississippi hopes the unconventional “contest” will do much more than that by helping raise awareness about the dangers of unprotected sex.

The fashion show is part of a special Sex in the Dark event sponsored by Student Health Services and the Southern Miss Activities Council from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10 in the R.C. Cook Union Building, Room B. The program will also include a panel discussion by campus “sexperts” who will answer questions submitted anonymously about sex and sexual relationships.

“The fashion show is just a fun activity that’s edgy enough to get people talking – which is what we want,” said Jodi Ryder, health education and promotion coordinator at Southern Miss. “Sex can be an uncomfortable topic and we want to create a fun, relaxed atmosphere to bring awareness to the risks and responsibilities that come with it.”

Ryder notes that the fashion show will consist of Southern Miss students modeling outfits they constructed from condoms supplied by Student Health Services. “Don’t worry, there are rules to make sure all entries are decent,” said Ryder. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner.

February represents a busy month for Student Health Services which also plans activities related to National Eating Disorders Week (Feb. 20-26) as well as the department’s annual health fair, set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Feb. 23 in the Union lobby.

When asked if she believes students are doing enough to protect themselves health-wise, Ryder said, “I would like to say yes but I don’t think that’s the case. That’s why we have these awareness events. When I’m out talking with students I realize how unaware they are of risks and dangers that come with certain behaviors. We offer a lot of education as well as clinical services at a price you can’t beat.”

For more information about Student Health Services call 601.266.5266 or visit http://www.usm.edu/healthservice/

Filed under: Hattiesburg, Medical, USM, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Jodi Ryder, Southern Miss Activities Council, Student Health Services, University of Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss to Host Centennial Student Leader Reunion

USM

As part of its Centennial Celebration, the university is hosting a student leader reunion and inviting former students who served over the years as leaders with Student Government, Greek Council, the African American Student Organization, Southern Miss Activities Council, as Southerner or Student Printz Editors, with Southern Style, named to the university’s Hall of Fame or chosen as Outstanding Freshman or Best Citizen.

This reunion is an opportunity for the university to recognize these individuals for their contributions to the university, and for them to see firsthand the growth and progress that is taking place in student life at Southern Miss. It is also an opportunity for these alumni to share their experiences and meet with current student leaders to share their insights about the finer points of student leadership.

In the university’s first 100 years, student leaders have been instrumental in its growth and development. From founding traditions to setting standards for student cultures of service and involvement, the contributions of these individuals have lead to the strong student environment present today.

During their two-day visit to campus, many of these former students will participate in a reunion tailgating event, attend the Southern Miss vs. Kansas football game, tour campus, attend breakout sessions with current student leaders and a attend a “Blast from the Past” brunch on Saturday at the Thad Cochran Center.

Filed under: Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, USM, African American Student Organization, Greek Council, Hattiesburg metropolitan area, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Southern Miss Activities Council, Student Government, University of Southern Mississippi

Friday Night at the Fountain Moves to New Centennial Green Space

Friday Night at the Fountain, a popular Southern Miss football season tradition, will move to the newly established Centennial Green, located at the center of the Hattiesburg campus at the site of the former University Commons. (Courtesy of University Photo Services)

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – A home football game tradition continues at its new home when the Friday Night at the Fountain concert and pep rally kicks off at 7 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 10 at the Centennial Green, located at the site of the old University Commons on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi.

Friday Night at the Fountain will begin with a concert by the Southern Miss student group S.M.A.S.H. from 7-9 p.m., which will be followed by a pep rally featuring the Southern Miss Cheerleaders, Dixie Darlings, Golden Eagles mascot Seymour, a member of the Southern Miss football coaching staff and the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band.

Held prior to each home football game, Friday Night at the Fountain is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and administrators to get in the spirit to cheer the Golden Eagles to victory against their upcoming football opponent. Sponsored by the Southern Miss Activities Council (SMAC), the event was previously held near the fountain in front of the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building.

“We’re excited about having Friday Night at the Fountain at the Centennial Green,” said Southern Miss Student Activities Director Joel Hughes. “It’s the perfect location for this event because it’s become a popular campus destination for our students, and the university has done a great job of landscaping the grounds around it.”

The event will also feature inflatables provided by Action Party Rentals and refreshments, including snow-cones, popcorn and cotton candy. Following Friday Night at the Fountain, the Power House restaurant, located adjacent to the Centennial Green and across from Cook Library, will serve all-you-can-eat chicken wings for $7.99.

Private funding has enabled the university to landscape the perimeter of the Centennial Green, including the addition of 16, 20-ft tall Southern Magnolias, which make up a screen at the north end of the site. Hattiesburg landscaper Fred Fisher has donated labor and plants for this landscaping effort as part of an overall effort to beautify the campus during its yearlong Centennial Celebration.

Student Government Association President Kasey Mitchell said she’s received a lot of positive feedback about moving the event to the Centennial Green. “This marks an important transition for the Southern Miss community,” she said. “The Centennial Green is a beautiful space and our students have really taken to it, so now they can enjoy one of their favorite events at one of their favorite places on campus.”

Student tailgating will also resume this football season at The District, located adjacent to the Ogletree Alumni House. For more information about Friday Night at the Fountain, contact SMAC at 601.266.4403. For information about student tailgating, including policies and procedures, call the Dean of Students Office at 601.266.6028 or online visit www.usm.edu/sga and click on the student forms and applications link. For information about tickets to the Southern Miss-Prairie View A & M football game, call 601.266.5418.

Filed under: Featured, Sports, USM, Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building, Dixie Darlings, Hattiesburg, Hattiesburg metropolitan area, Hattiesburg Mississippi, Power House restaurant, Pride of Mississippi Marching Band, Southern Miss Activities Council, Southern Miss Golden Eagles, Student Activities Director, Student Government Association, The University of Southern Mississippi, University Commons, University of Southern Mississippi