MERIDIAN — The Meridian Campus of Mississippi State University invites the public to a recognition ceremony and reception to be held Thursday, Sept. 27, at 4:30 p.m. honoring Dr. David Moffett, professor emeritus, who served as the first dean of the local MSU campus from its inception in 1972 until his retirement in 1998.

The event will be held in the MSU-Meridian Kahlmus Auditorium.

“We hope friends, associates, current and former MSU-Meridian Advisory Council members, employees, students, and others who came to know and love Dr. Moffett and his wife, Towana, when they lived in Meridian will join us for this celebration,” said Linda Butler, MSU-Meridian PR/Marketing and event coordinator.

“In addition to serving as a reunion for friends of the Moffetts and those involved in the development of MSU-Meridian during its first 26 years, several speakers will pay homage to our first dean and a plaque will be unveiled commemorating his place in the history of the Meridian Campus.”

Included on the program will be MSU President Robert H. “Doc” Foglesong; MSU-Meridian’s newest dean, Dr. Donna L. Clevinger; M.F. “Buddy” Kahlmus, long-time MSU Advisory Council member and co-chair of the MSU-Meridian Building Campaign; Dr. Habib Bazyari, professor emeritus and former chair of the Division of Business and Industry; E. Harold Keyes, associate professor emeritus and former interim chair of the Division of Arts and Sciences, who spearheaded this recognition ceremony; Renee Edwards, president, MSU-Meridian Student Association; and 1994 MSU-Meridian alumnus, the Reverend Carlos Wilson, pastor of the Ebenezer M. B. Church in Hattiesburg.

Moffett led MSU’s campus in Meridian from its modest beginnings in rented space on the Meridian Community College campus in 1972 when only limited course offerings were allowed, sustained it through trials and tribulations when there was even talk of closing the “Branch” (as it was then called), grew the campus in student enrollment and academic offerings including the awarding of bachelor’s and graduate degrees, orchestrated a successful fundraising campaign and construction of the 26-acre MSU-Meridian Campus, and was responsible for making a difference to MSU, this region, and the lives of countless students.

In looking back at a quote from Moffett during the fundraising campaign, one gets a glimpse at the measure of the man.

He said, “There are generally only a few once-in-a-lifetime opportunities presented to a generation of people. Such is the case now for residents of this region who have the opportunity to make a tangible statement about the value they place on education and their desire to enable individuals to enhance the quality of their lives.”

Moffett continued, “ … It is also an opportunity to establish a strong symbolic campus—which makes a perpetual statement reflective of both the University’s and this community’s commitment to higher education.”

A plaque is to be placed on the tower leading into the MSU-Meridian Campus facility that will be a lasting, tangible symbol as a reminder of the leadership and many contributions of Dr. David Moffett as the first dean of the Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus.

“Dr. David Moffett is near and dear to the hearts of many. Were it not for his vision, diligence, winning ways, and character, the MSU-Meridian Campus may not have survived or most certainly not thrived as it has to its present status,” said E. Harold Keyes. “It has been my honor to spearhead this recognition process in honor of my friend and former employer, David Moffett. I cannot think of a more deserving educator and friend to this community and those of us who live here.”

As part of the tribute to Moffett, tax-deductible contributions are being accepted and, at Dr. Moffett’s request, will be presented in his honor to the MSU-Meridian Student Association for worthy student-related projects. Anyone who desires to make a tax-deductible contribution should send the check to: MSU Foundation (designate for Moffett Student Association Fund), MSU-Meridian Campus, 1000 Highway 19 North, Meridian, MS 39307.

Individuals who plan to attend the reception are encouraged to call in their RSVP to 601.484.0194.