The Golden Quills
A Distinguished Tradition
The Golden Quills is a prestigious, invitation-only event dedicated to honoring remarkable individuals within Southern Miss Business. This tradition celebrates outstanding student honorees and their accomplishments as they approach graduation, as well as recognizes faculty and staff who contribute to the success and vibrant legacy of our college.
What's in a name?
Drawing inspiration from our university's beloved mascot, the Golden Eagle, we chose an event name that would encapsulate everything this special tradition was meant to be. After careful consideration, we found our muse in quill feathers, well-known as a writing tool and created from the flight feathers, which are located at the tips of the wings and tail. These large, unyielding feathers provide an essential role in flight, proving to be particularly important for a golden eagle's ability to soar and glide for long distances. Symbolically, quill feathers represent wisdom, intelligence, creativity, and courage. Furthermore, the USM presidential medallion includes the image of an eagle clutching a quill and scroll, symbolizing honor and distinction.
Thus, The Golden Quills was born, symbolizing not only our mascot, but also the scholarly excellence and vibrant spirit of Southern Miss Business. This name also pays homage to our official school colors, black and gold, derived from the beautiful Black-Eyed Susan flowers that grace our campus grounds.
Meet the Artist Behind The Golden Quills Design
Growing up in a household steeped in creativity, Desiree Rodriguez's artistic talent blossomed at an early age. While she always enjoyed creative hobbies, Desiree didn't formally pursue her talent until high school when she began selling her original paintings and prints. This integration of business and art led her to blend these two passions and pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing at Southern Miss. She has continued to hone her skills through creative internship experiences with the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs and BREAD Agency in Hattiesburg.
Desiree's unique background made her the perfect candidate as lead artist for The Golden Quills artwork. While reflecting on her design, she explained that she made the eagle blend seamlessly with the “Q” to emulate the organic nature of drawing with quill and ink, reflecting her deep artistic sensibilities. She went on to share that, “The College of Business and Economic Development fosters professional independence in students, encouraging them to write their own stories in life. An ink design subtly conveys that message while maintaining the event's branding. While marketing may be my area of study, I am an artist above all else. It was a joy to combine those two passions in this project!”
Desiree graduated in May 2024 with her undergraduate degree and began pursuing an MBA while working full-time in Southern Miss Admissions.
The Golden Quills Society
As part of this tradition, honorees are inducted into The Golden Quills Society, joining a growing network of exceptional individuals committed to making an impact. During the ceremony, each honoree receives the distinguished Golden Quills lapel pin—a symbol of their hard work, passion, and commitment. This emblem serves as a lasting reminder of their accomplishments and the collective spirit of those who have walked the same path.