Belinda Taft Presented with Themis Award at USM Symphony Finale

Fri, 04/28/2023 - 01:23pm | By: Mike Lopinto

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Symphony opened their season finale concert by presenting the 2023 Themis Award to School of Music Financial Manager, Belinda Taft. An introduction by School of Music Director, Dr. Colin McKenzie, included thoughts and memories from past and present faculty and students prior to the plaque presentation.

The award is presented annually to an outstanding USM administrator, professor, staff member, or other individual who has contributed to the success of this orchestra and its members. Each inductee receives a plaque, and their name is added to a permanent installation in the Symphony suite in the Fine Arts Building on the Hattiesburg campus.

A native of Jefferson County, Miss., Taft grew up in a USM family. She attended USM, graduating in 2000 with a degree in accounting. After several years of working in the accounting field as a comptroller for the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors and later as an accountant for the Mongomery Area Mental Authority, she returned to her alma mater in 2006 and accepted a position with the USM Foundation. 

Later, Taft transferred to the Athletic Foundation and then to a position with the USM Symphony Orchestra. She worked briefly in the Band Department before accepting a position as the Financial Manager position for the School of Music.

“I have very much enjoyed each job I’ve had, but the most fulfilling part is having a small role in helping students through awarding scholarships, and doing what I can to help them on their Golden Eagle educational and musical journey,” said Taft. “I am so thankful for the connections I’ve made with students from around the world.”

The award is named after Themis the Greek goddess of divine law and order; she was the Titan who assured that things were done in an honorable way. She presided over the most ancient oracles, and first instructed mankind in the laws of justice, morality, and good governance. She was the first counselor to Zeus, sat enthroned beside him, and advised him on the precepts of divine law and the rules of fate. She is the personification of the order of things established by divine law, custom, oracle, equity, and divine decree.

An avid supporter of the School of Music, Taft is a regular attendee of halftime performances by the Pride of Mississippi, concert band performances in Bennett Auditorium, and Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company. She also supports students and faculty with her attendance at their recitals and events. 

Previous Themis Award-winners include Dr. Harold Luce, Dean of the College of the Arts 1987- 1996; Dr. Peter Ciurczak, Director of the School of Music, 1988 – 1998; Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas, University President, 1975-1995; Sidney J. Gonsoulin, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs; Dr. Susan L. Steen, Director of International Education; Mr. Jerry Wren, Utility Crew Chief, USM Physical Plant; Mr. Tom Dungan, USM Symphony Orchestra Event and Logistics Coordinator; Dr. Mike Lopinto, Assistant to the Dean for Arts Administration and PR/Marketing and Event Coordinator for the School of Music; Mr. David Williamson, Director of Financial Aid; Dr. Stanley Hauer, Professor Emeritus; Rusty Rolison, Manager of Performing Facilities, Dr. Christopher Crenshaw, Senior Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Management; and Lonnie Young, School of Music Piano Technician.

“Though I have too many memories with individual students to name, my favorite memory was being on the sidelines during the Southern Miss and Southern University performance of ‘America the Beautiful,’“ said Taft.

In her spare time, Taft crochets, knits, reads, spends time with her husband, Chris, son, Andrew, and her cats, Clover and Sage at their home in Petal, Miss.