Top 10 Most Anticipated UM Events of 2016

Incoming Chancellor Dr. Jeffery Vitter visits with Chancellor Emeritus Robert Khayat. Photo courtesy of University of Mississippi Communications

Looking back over 2015, there were many memorable moments at the University of Mississippi. A few were not so pleasant, but the majority of them were definitely causes for celebration. As we approach the new year, here are 10 things we’re looking forward to in 2016:

• Chancellor Jeffery Vitter’s Arrival. After months of speculation and interviews, we look forward to the incoming administrator’s presence on campus and the business of leading the university.
• Completion of Construction Projects. Hopefully, we’ll finally see completion of the new residential halls along Rebel Drive and the expansion and renovation of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. And of course, The Pavilion at Ole Miss is set to open in just a few weeks, giving Ole Miss basketball a grand new home court. There are others to come, but these would suffice for one year.
• More Notable Celebrity Appearances. In the past, we’ve had certain actors/actresses, singers, authors and politicians show up unexpectedly for tailgating in the Grove and for more formal appearances in various campus venues. Now that Ole Miss is becoming known as “the place to be found” on social media, it’s almost certain that we’ll be seeing even more of the famous (and infamous?) “beautiful people” around.
• Making Some New Lists. We’ve made so many “best of” lists in the likes of the Chronicle of Higher Education, Forbes, Business Week, Fortune, etc. It’s time for UM to climb in the rankings we’ve already established and to get mentioned on others we’ve not yet made. Assisted by the hard work our talented faculty, staff and students, it shouldn’t be too hard to achieve.
• Setting New Enrollment Records. Been there, done that. But in the words of the old Staple Singers’ hit song, “Let’s Do It Again!” After all, we can never get too much of a good thing, can we?
• Special Performances and Exhibitions. Among the coming attractions at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts is the hit Broadway musical “Annie!” in January, acclaimed pianist Bruce Levingston with the French Ballet in February and Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” in April. Award-winning painter Carl Bryer Fallert-Gentry will display “40 Years of Color, Light and Motion” at the University Museum beginning in March.
• All the Star Athletes Recruited. We’ve drawn some of the nation’s best student athletes to play in various sports for the university, but we can always use a few more. Hopefully, Ross Bjork and his coaching staff can help Ole Miss sign several top prospects in football, basketball, baseball and more during the coming year. Hotty Toddy!!
• Continued Groundbreaking Research Projects. By now, it’s no secret that UM leads the way in research. Faculty is constantly being awarded grants and contracts for the study and development of solutions to real-world problems. It would be nice if 2016 turned out to be the year for a truly “eureka!” moment that benefit people everywhere.
• Multiple Recognitions of Student Academic Achievement. What if 2016 is the year that UM students were recipients of every notable award there is? Goldwater. Rhodes. Truman. Fulbright. Udall. Gates. Imagine what it would mean for the university’s reputation and rankings if such indeed occurs. It could happen!
• Retirements, Promotions and Graduations. Admittedly, probably not as newsworthy, but for those who’ve worked long and hard for years, it’s important nonetheless. This happens every year, but it’s always greatly anticipated.

Now, it’s your turn. What memorable occasion/event do you most anticipate happening at UM in 2016? Tweet your responses and let’s see how things work out. Who knows? You may be right!

Courtesy of Edwin Smith and the Ole Miss News Desk