A rose to the Columbus Crime Lab, now in its 11th year. From its modest start — one technician with a fingerprint kit and not much else — the lab has proven its worth over the ensuing years. That one lab tech, Austin Shepherd, now leads a unit that has four employees and has run more than 60,000 tests in the fields of drug analysis, fingerprint analysis, cell phone extraction, limited video enhancement and crime scene investigation, on more than 42,000 pieces of evidence. The lab has assisted more than 60 law enforcement agencies in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and Tennessee, and has proven to be a very effective tool for helping promote the safety of our community.
A rose to Nora Miller, who was named president of Mississippi University for Women on Friday. The speed with which the IHL Board moved in this decision only affirms Miller’s impeccable credentials for the job. With 17 years of experience at the The W — including Jim Borsig’s seven years as president where Miller was his No. 1 aid — Miller’s intimate knowledge of the university and her devotion to her alma mater made her not only the best choice, but the only choice, as evidenced by the IHL’s swift action in promoting her to the position. Miller, who had served as acting president since Borsig retired in June, will ensure a smooth and seamless transition as The W moves forward in its important mission. Congratulations, President Miller!
A rose to the Starkville-MSU Symphony, which kicked off its 50th season Saturday with a concert at The W’s Rent Auditorium. The season-opening concert is part of a partnership between Starkville-MSU Symphony and MUW, bringing world-class, locally performed classical music to a broader Golden Triangle audience. The Starkville-MSU Symphony Association was established on March 2, 1969. Under its leadership, the symphony’s program of work has grown to support the community orchestra, chorus and its yearly education initiative, Programs for Children. With the goal of introducing the vibrant classical music genre to an audience reflecting the entire Starkville and surrounding community, every concert has remained free to the public throughout the entire 50-year history. Bravo!
A rose to Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science students who have organized Sunday’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night Walk. The event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Columbus Riverwalk, and family, friends and MSMS students will gather together to celebrate, honor or remember those touched by cancer. Registration is free, but walkers are encouraged to raise funds to support the mission. The event will include music, fireworks and ceremonies honoring survivors and remembering those lost to these cancers.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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