Mississippi State University President Mark Keenum hosted a Christmas luncheon Dec. 4 for the university’s Association of Retired Faculty at The Mill Conference Center.
Following a welcome and invocation, Keenum presented information on the state of the university, citing statistics on academic achievements and highlighting the MSU nursing program in Meridian and new buildings and renovations across campus.
The luncheon also served as an awards ceremony for ARF’s annual student awards. The organization awards four $500 awards each year to students who excel in their fields of study. The students were nominated by faculty from their respective programs, and faculty representatives presented the awards during the luncheon.
Ted Atkinson, associate English professor, presented The Peyton Williams Distinguished Writing Award to Annie Kirkpatrick. The Harry Simrall Award for Engineering was presented by Robert Green, interim dean of the Bagley College of Engineering, was awarded to engineering student Khaoula Kamal. Agriculture student Georgia Neill received the Charles Lindley Leadership in Agriculture Award, presented by Jada Chubb, director of academic relations for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. College of Architecture, Art and Design Director Karen Spence presented The William Giles Award for Excellence in Architecture to architecture student William Brotherton.
Along with their awards, each student received a check from ARF and a hand-painted cowbell from the president’s office. Kirkpatrick also received a plaque from the Peyton Williams publication.
New ARF lifetime members were recognized after the awards and recently deceased members were honored with the readings of their obituaries. The meeting concluded with the election of officers for the coming year.
ARF was organized in 1986, with 73 charter members. All retired MSU faculty and professional staff are eligible for ARF membership. Dues are $25 per year, or $300 for a lifetime membership. To learn more about ARF, please visit its website at https://www.hrm.msstate.edu/retirement/arf.
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