Skip to main content

The Columns

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

The Columns, 1982 Spring

In this issue:

"Half-Century Alumni"

In Days of Youth and Beauty, Thy Halls Have Been Our Home - alma mater. Class of 1932.

"NASA Honors MSU Alumnus"

Dr. William R. Lucas, director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., has received — for the second time in his career —NASA's highest award to a federal employee, the Distinguished Service Medal. He received the honor for his significant contributions to the success of the first Space Shuttle mission. Lucas, who earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Memphis State in 1943, was presented the medal by NASA Administrator James M. Beggs at a special ceremony last November at the Marshall Center.
The Columns, 1982 Summer

Cover Story, "25 years a University"

The beginning of Memphis State University's first 25 years as a university was marked on July 1, 1957, when the Tennessee Legislature's university status-granting resolution went into effect. The story of how Memphis State College became Memphis State University is worth telling this summer as we celebrate our silver anniversary as a university. Alumni who were students at the time may well remember the campaign but not know of some of the 'back room' politicking that went on. Others may learn a little more about the history behind this school.

Also featured, "'The Associates' Are A New Way To Give To MSU"

July 1,1982 marks the 25th anniversary of university status' for your alma mater. It was on July 1, 1957, that Memphis State College became Memphis State University. In conjunction with the 25th anniversary date, a new program of annual giving from the University's various publics will begin. The Associates of Memphis State University is a new program designed to accept all annual unrestricted gifts, given through the Memphis State University Foundation. As monies are received, they will be placed in an interest-bearing account and will be utilized where needed within the academic programs at MSU.
The Columns, 1983 December

Cover Photograph, "Happy Holidays!" by Art Grider

Four members of the Student Ambassador Board, sponsored by the MSU National Alumni Association, join Santa around the tree at the It's Christmas shop in Park Palace Mall, Memphis. Pictured with jolly 'ol St. Nick are (from left) Amy Martin, Julie Thompson, Phil Feisal, and Kevin Garner.

Also featured, "'M' Club Adds Six" by Bob Winn

MSU inducted six new members into the "M" Club Sports Hall of Fame. They were Dave Casinelli, Bob Ford, Ed Hammonds, Frank Snyder, Russ Vollmer, and George Zarecor.
The Columns, 1983 November

Cover Story, "Center Features Total Package" by Laverne Daley

The thinking person's approach to a lifetime of good health is MSU's new Fitness and Wellness Center, suggests Mike Robb ('75 BA, '78 JD), Memphis attorney and member of the National Alumni Association's Board of Directors. (Photo by Art Grider). A look at MSU's new Fitness and Wellness Center.

Also featured, "Dean Supports Master Teachers" by Dianne Dolan ('84)

Highlights of Tennessee Governor Lamar Alexander's Better Schools Program and MSU's Dean of the College of Education, Robert L. Saunders', participation in the Master Teachers Program.
The Columns, 1983 October

Cover Photograph, "Bombs Bursting In Air" by Art Grider.

Bombs bursting in air were only part of the aerial fireworks as the Tigers thrashed Ole Miss 37-17 in the season opener before a sellout crowd of more than 51,000 in the Liberty Bowl. MSU scored the final 27 points in the contest that featured 75 pass attempts.

Also featured, "Travelin' Tigers"

MSU National Alumni Association tours announced to Hawaii, San Francisco, & Las Vegas; an Alaskan Cruise; plus Switzerland/Bavaria including the 350th anniversary presentation of the Oberammergau Passion Play.
The Columns, 1983 September

Cover photo: MSU President Dr. Thomas G. Carpenter surveys a model of the central campus of Memphis State, "The University of the 80's". The model is housed in the second-floor foyers of the Administration Building. (Photo by Art Grinder).

Also featured, "Tigers' Rebuilding on Track"

Sports Illustrated writer Norman McCoy previews the football season.
The Columns, 1983 Spring

Cover Story, "Something To Cheer About!"

The MSU Varsity Spirit Squad captured first place at the 1983 Collegiate Cheerleader National Championship competition held in Dallas in January by the National Cheerleader Association, thereby gaining the status of the No. 1 cheerleading squad in the country.

Also featured, "MSU First in Nation to offer Degree in Bio-Medical Illustration"

Memphis State, in cooperation with the University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences, now offers a bachelor of professional studies degree in biomedical illustration, enabling people to learn how to communicate and document the life sciences through art and photography. The new degree, offered through University College, MSU's interdisciplinary college, has two concentrations, pre-medical illustration and biomedical photography.
The Columns, 1983 Summer

Cover Story, "Distinguished Alumni"

Too often alumni feel they've all been forgotten by their alma mater except when it's time to ask for money. And while it's nice when alumni remember to support their university, it's also nice when the university remembers the alumni.

Also featured, "White House Hears The Sound of Music From MSU Alumnus"

From rock music to "Hail to the Chief' is the path MSU alumnus Michael Cunningham's ('75) musical career took after his graduation from the University. Cunningham, who played with Memphis' own Boxtops before he enrolled as a music student at Memphis State, played double bass for four years with "The President's Own," U.S. Marine Band.
The Columns, 1984 April

Cover Photograph shows flowers on the mall in front of the Administration building trumpet the start of spring.

Also featured, "Ken Swartz Earns Coveted TV News Photographer Award" by Dianne Dolan

Over the past 30 years, only two persons have achieved the distinction of winning the award twice. Ken Swartz is now the third.
The Columns, 1984 March

Cover Story, "MSU Day at Mud Island"

MSU alumni and the community are invited to join the festivities on April 7 in a salute to local alumni and in appreciation to the Memphis/Shelby County community for its support of the University.

Also featured, "Patterns and Textures"

Student works in MSU's Press Photography Class include the pattern of cobblestones on the Mississippi River bank.
The Columns, 1986 Summer

Cover Story, "New Tiger Den and Cafeteria"

The new Tiger Den and Cafeteria officially opened in February in Jones Hall, complete with a big-screen TV, video recorder, and dance floor. Various programs have been held since its opening, including a 50's Night in April that featured a 50's costume contest, hula hoop contest, trivia contest and a dance contest. On the cover, left to right, are Jimmy Laffiteau, Lisa Little, Alexia Hampton, Austin Byrd and Linda Wray, contestants in the costume contest. (Photo by Mike McElya).

Also featured, "Six Students Compete In Miss Tennessee Pageant"

Six Memphis State students competed in this year's Miss Tennessee pageant in June, after winning in the Miss MSU, Miss Libertyland, Miss Milan Scepter, Miss Memphis, Miss Bluegrass Festival and Miss Madison County pageants.
The Columns, 1987 Spring

Cover Story, "Tigers take Metro!"

MSU's Marvin Alexander (44) lofts an inside shot over Louisville's Mike Abram (34) as MSU teammate Rodney Douglas prepares to rebound in the Tigers' 75-52 victory in the 1987 Metro Conference Tournament championship game in Louisville in March. Over 18,000 watched as MSU, led by tournament Most Valuable Player Alexander, defeated the arch-rival Cardinals. Alexander and teammate Vincent Askew were both named to the All-Tournament team.

Also featured, "Executive Center Opens" by Laurie Finn

The newest building at Memphis State University - appearing from the outside as a large, four-story brick building and inside as a spacious, elegantly styled education and meeting facility dominated by an atrium - is the Fogelman Executive Center, the newest center for executive education in the Mid- South.
The Columns, 1988 Spring

Cover Story, "Proposed Pyramid Arena New Home for Tiger Basketball?"

On the cover is an exterior view of the proposed Pyramid arena which could be the future home court for MSU Tiger basketball. Shown here is an interior view of the arena with its planned 20,000 seats for basketball fans. Pyramid photos by Mike McElya '88.

Also featured, "MSU Pom-Pom Squad Three Time Champs"

MSU's Pom-Pom Squad took top honors in the National Dance Competition in San Diego, CA in January, winning the event for the third consecutive year—that's every time the competition has been held.
The Columns, 1988 Summer

Cover Story, "The Mighty Sound of Fall '88"

Showing off their new uniforms, members of MSU's band grace this issue of The Columns, heralding the onset of fall and an exciting Homecoming '88. The band received an Outstanding Achievement Award in the 1988 Best Dressed Band Awards Program of the National Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors.

Also featured, "Alumnus Has Major Role With Former President Carter"

In his position as special assistant to former President Jimmy Carter, Jim Brasher '65 BBA may find himself having dinner with the head of a huge multi-national corporation, or jogging the 3.6-mile distance around the Imperial Palace in Toyko with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
The Columns, 1988 Winter

In this issue:

"Women and the Law Highlighted at Form"

Issues like pay equity for women, pensions and child care took center stage on the Memphis State campus in October, at a forum on "Women and the Law: Liberty and Justice for All?" Rep. Mary Rose Oakar (D-Ohio) was the forum's keynote speaker, discussing "The Federal Case—Women's Issues in the U.S. Congress." The forum was sponsored by MSU's National Alumni Association and the Economic Justice for Women Coalition, an organization of 26 Memphis women's political, religious, professional and civic groups.

"Room Service" Due On MSU Stage"

"Room Service," the classic farce revolving around the antics of a somewhat crazed producer and what he goes through in order to get his show produced, will be presented at 8 p.m., Feb. 18-20, and Feb. 23-27 on Memphis State University Theatre's Main Stage. Stephen Hancock, who in the past directed "The Seagull" and "The Importance of Being Earnest," will direct the comedy production.
The Columns, 1989 Fall

Cover Story, "Preserving the Past: Indian Village Adds Flair to Memphis State Education" by Tona D. Jackson '88 BA

In 1962 Chucalissa became an official part of the department of anthropology at Memphis State and historical digs have been taking place on that site every summer by college students and interested archeologists. Today history buffs and curious spectators can visit the C.H. Nash Museum and Chucalissa and see actual digs taking place. Visitors may even be on-hand when a new piece of the puzzle is uncovered.

Also featured, "Stobart Joins Tiger Team" by Tona D. Jackson '88 BA

With the National Collegiate Athletic Association's sanctions out of the way, MSU's 19th head football coach Chuck Stobart can finally ready himself and his team to meet all opponents on the playing field. Stobart was chosen on June 26, 1989, to replace former head coach Charlie Bailey, who resigned on May 3 after NCAA rule infractions were cited.
The Columns, 1989 Winter

Cover Story, "MSU's Pouncer"

MSU's Pouncer, assisted by Kristen Murdock, 4, La Petite Miss America for 1988-89, entertained the crowd during the Homecoming football game against Mississippi State. The daughter of Michael Murdock '74 (MSU golf team member and Tennessee State Open Golf Champion '72) and Nancy Murdock (MSU Golden Girl '71-'74), Kristen captured six national contest crowns during the summer of 1988.

Also featured, "'Glasnost' Opens Doors Between MSU, Russian People"

For Jennie Springer '59 BA/'60 MA, "glasnost" is not just a word on TV or in a newspaper about Russia's new policy of openness with other countries. She is one of a number of MSU alumni, faculty and staff now able to tour Russia and exchange visits with the people—opportunities almost unheard of before restructuring began in that country in 1987.
The Columns, 1990 Spring

On the Cover: "Follies Fun"

Members of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority perform in Delta Zeta Follies to raise money for the Greek scholarship fund. Greek members often raise money and volunteer their time for philanthropic endeavors. (Photo by Gary Shelly).

Also featured, "Three Women Make Their Marks on MSU"

On Friday, March 2, 1990, Memphis State University and the National Alumni Association presented the 1990 Distinguished Alumni Awards just as they had done for the last 13 years. On this night two of the women, Dixie Carter and Judge Bernice Donald, were honored as Distinguished Alumni of MSU and the third, Nancy Elliott McKinnie, was the Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient.
The Columns, 1991 Spring

Cover Story, "Alumni Distinguish Themselves in Various Fields"

OnApril5,1991 five alumni of Memphis State University were presented with Distinguished Alumni Award honors. These alumni are Roy W. Black '61 BBA, Dr. Otis Floyd '80 EdD, Mayor Dick Hackett '73, Lily Peter '27 BS and Robert Wang '75 MS. In addition the Outstanding Young Alumni Award was presented to Gary Shorb '85 MBA.

Also featured, "The New Tax Act and You" by Robert F. Sharpe & Company, Inc.

In early November, President George Bush signed into law the long-awaited deficit-reduction legislation. The act includes numerous income tax law changes which took effect Jan. 1, 1991. The changes are quite complex, making the impact on charitable giving— or any other single issue—difficult to ascertain at a glance.
The Columns, 1991 Summer

Cover Story, "New President has Great Expectations"

As the rest of the world enters a new decade, Memphis State University is also entering a new phase under the leadership of Dr. V. Lane Rawlins and his wife, Mary Jo. Rawlins is MSU's tenth president.

Also featured, "New Coach Takes Over the Lady Tiger Helm"

It was at once an ending and a beginning for the Lady Tigers as head coach Mary Lou Johns stepped down from her 20-year post and Joye Lee-McNelis took the reins.
The Columns, 1991 Winter

Cover Story, "A Decade of Change - Carpenter Style"

When Dr. Thomas G. Carpenter was appointed MSU president in 1980, he stressed the fact that Memphis State hadn't even gotten close to reaching its potential. In the last 10 years, the University's endowment fund has grown from $ 10 million to more than $50 million; sponsored research revenues have increased by almost 40 percent; and MSU now has five Chairs and 18 Centers of Excellence. That's something for any university administration to be proud of.

Also featured, "Housing Complex Complete"

The new $7.5 million single-student housing complex at Memphis State was opened for occupancy on Jan. 3, 1991.
The Columns, 1992 Summer

On the Cover:

Dr. V. Lane Rawlins was officially inaugurated as the 10th MSU president at a ceremony on May 8, 1992. In his inaugural speech, Rawlins pledged that MSU "will seek excellence in all of its programs and apply the highest feasible standards to our endeavors." The pursuit of excellence continues.

Also featured, "Comments, Kudos and Constructive Criticism"

In most businesses, satisfied customers are the best PR money can't buy; this holds true for MSU's continuing effort to raise its image in the eyes of its constituents— students, alumni and the community. MSU's "customers" have a lot to say about Memphis State University, where it's been and where it should be going
The Columns, 1992 Winter

Cover Story, "Getting Back to Basics"

Micki Masters Carrington ('82 BHE) takes time from her career as a dietitian to help the Memphis Literacy Council put a lid on illiteracy in Tennessee. Carrington is a former Peace Corps volunteer who joined the Each One Teach One program in June.

Also featured, "The Start of Something Great"

The nationally televised MSU DePaul game was a competition of firsts for the Tigers. The first time in a new home, the first time in a new league, a new University president and a new conference, The Great Midwest. The Pyramid, Memphis State's new basketball home, adds a new dimension to roundball play and a new shape to the downtown Memphis skyline.
The Columns, 1996 February

Cover Story, "A Campus Plan: To Meet the Needs"

Legend has it that a few years ago Memphis State officials asked a campus planner to look over the old sod and let them know the possibilities. He is supposed to have said, after a look, "Tear it down and start all over." Fortunately, his advice wasn't taken and another, more optimistic, campus planner was found. The nine buildings now under construction or planned for immediate construction all will fit into an architectural -as well as academic- plan. For answers to questions often asked by Alumni, The Columns asked Dr. Calvin Street, director of institutional research, about what is happening to our campus.

Also featured, "Tiger Cagers Experience Growing Pains" and "Runnerup AFL Rookie"