Alumni Association Awards

Each year at Homecoming, the Alumni Association honors distinguished alumni and its most faithful servants at the Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet and the Annual Awards Brunch.

The Alumni Hall of Fame was established to recognize those whose contributions of time and financial means have helped move Southern Miss forward.  The nominee must have graduated fifteen years previously.

The Alumni Association presents six awards during the Annual Awards Brunch on the Saturday of Homecoming.  The awards presented include:

•Outstanding Service Award – given to seven (7) alumni based on their service to the University;
•Continuous Service Award – given to five (5) alumni for their long-term efforts and dedication to Southern Miss;
•Special Service Award – given to individuals, not necessarily alumni, who have made a significant, unique contribution to the University, community, or their profession;
•Outstanding Young Alumnus / Alumna Award – given to one alum thirty-six years of age or younger who has made contributions of time and effort to the University, community, and their profession;
•Meritorious Service Award – given to one alum annually who has continued to give of their time and talents throughout the years to recognize outstanding alumni support, professional achievement, loyalty, and service to the University;
•Friend of Southern Miss Award – given to one individual annually who is not an alum, but has contributed greatly to the progress of Southern Miss throughout the years.

Make an Award Nomination

Alumni Chapter / Ambassador Awards

The Alumni Association gives three annual awards for leadership, service, and excellence during the alumni leadership retreat each January.  These awards are given to select chapters, chapter presidents, and ambassadors to recognize them for success in their respective leadership roles and to acknowledge their willingness to go above and beyond in their duties.  The awards include the following: 

•Alumni Chapter of the Year - given to the top alumni chapter based on overall success in a variety of categories.
•Alumni Ambassador of the Year - given to the top alumni ambassador in the calendar year for overall excellence in leadership.
•Scott Caldwell Award- given to the top chapter president in the calendar year based on excellence in leadership and chapter growth.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Alumni Association annually awards a number of scholarships to incoming freshmen and current students who are part of The Legacy.

The Legacy Scholars Program has awarded five $1,000 one-time scholarships to incoming freshmen each year since 2004, while the Powell and Frances Ogletree Endowed Scholarship, the Past Presidents Council Endowed Scholarship and the Clyde Kennard Memorial Endowed Scholarship are awarded to current Golden Eagles.

The Mary Loraine Peets Buffett Scholarship is awarded annually to two women from Mississippi who select a major from within the College of Arts and Letters. The $5,000 scholarship is renewable up to four years.

A number of the Association’s chapters award scholarships as well. 

In addition, children of alumni may be eligible for an Out-of-State Tuition Waiver.