Southern Miss Alumni Association Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:15am | By: Samantha McCain Alexander

The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association will induct seven of its most dedicated and distinguished alumni into its Hall of Fame. 

The 2024 inductees include: 

Gary Carmichael ’77, ’89 of Hattiesburg, Mississippi 

Kevin Giddis ’83 of Watersound, Florida 

Julie J. Gresham ’98 of Ocean Springs, Mississippi 

Morgan McCarty ’90 of Hattiesburg, Mississippi 

Roy Robinson ’86 of Fairhope, Alabama 

Kelsey Rushing ’94, ’96 of Canton, Mississippi 

Mollie VanDevender ’78 of Jackson, Mississippi 

“The Alumni Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed to any alumnus of the University,” said Jerry DeFatta, executive director of the Southern Miss Alumni Association. “Each inductee has experienced significant professional accomplishment and contributed time and resources in moving the University forward. Their efforts have brought favor and distinction to Southern Miss, and we are honored to celebrate them in this way.” 

Established to recognize those whose contributions of time and financial means have helped move Southern Miss forward, these seven inductees will be honored at the Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, Oct. 18. They will also be recognized during halftime of the Homecoming game against Arkansas State on Saturday, Oct.19.  

Presented by Keesler Federal Credit Union and Butler Snow, the Hall of Fame banquet is annually hosted as a highlight of The University of Southern Mississippi’s Homecoming celebration.  

Additional events hosted by the Association during Homecoming weekend include: 

Thursday, Oct. 17 
26th Annual Alumni Homecoming Scholarship Golf Tournament 
Hattiesburg Country Club, 1:00 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct. 19 
Annual Awards Brunch and Business Meeting to honor select alumni and elect new members to the Board of Directors 
Thad Cochran Center, TBD 

Pregame at Southern Station (member exclusive event) 
Spirit Park, TBD 

Click here for a full list of alumni who have been inducted into The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Hall of fame.

Click here to learn more about Southern Miss Homecoming events.

The Southern Miss Alumni Association serves as a driving force in the effort to advance The University of Southern Mississippi by providing alumni with a deeper connection to Southern Miss. Click here to learn more about the Alumni Association, including membership options.