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Starkville provides outstanding experience |
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Thursday, 08 May 2008 |
As I spent time with Mississippi State families last week during commencement activities, I was struck by the number of parents who told me Starkville provided an outstanding experience for their child.
We bring thousands of young people into our community when they enroll at the university, and we sent more than 2,000 graduates off this past weekend. You should know what a profound and lasting impression of Starkville they take with them.
Time after time, I was approached by parents who repeated that the community has been an important part of their student’s life at MSU. I want to thank you for welcoming our students when they arrive and providing a nurturing home for them as they live and study here.
Mississippi State doesn’t take for granted the contributions every aspect of our community makes to the quality of our university lives — especially those of our students.
Parents were complimentary of our city’s merchants and the way they treat both students and parents. They were pleased with the way Starkville has grown over the past four years, and they observed that our community is projecting a positive statewide image. Many recognized that Starkville is positioning itself as an outstanding retirement community.
Our students obviously talk about the recreational and cultural opportunities Starkville provides, because parents commented on events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash and the Magnolia Independent Film Festival. Increasingly, there are more activities that encourage students to become part of the life of the larger community, and we believe that is good for Starkville and for Mississippi State.
We offer a special thanks to our religious community. Whatever the religious affiliation, there are many opportunities for our students to worship and to become involved in a community of faith. We’re grateful for the activities and growth experiences available to students of any faith, and we’re especially appreciative of those who are “adopted” for special occasions by local families.
Parents couldn’t say enough about the “curb appeal” of our city and campus, noting new connections between campus and downtown through bike paths and sidewalks. At Mississippi State, we credit the hard work of our support staff, who collectively have set a standard of excellence and hard work that make all of us proud. We want to continue our commitment to creating an inviting, welcoming environment that complements our community.
We’ve sent 2,000 young men and women off to new locations and new opportunities, but we know that Mississippi State and Starkville will remain special to them. Many will return for special events, and some will return to live in a place where they’ve established special memories. We thank each member of our community who has helped our students make Starkville “home.”
Vance H. Watson, Interim MSU President
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Last Updated ( Friday, 09 May 2008 )
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