Trent Lott National Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship

On 5 March 2010, the university I attend, the University of Southern Mississippi, had a grand opening of the newest building on campus, the Trent Lott National Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. When I attended the grand opening, there were photographers, camera people, Dr. Saunders, Former Senator Trent Lott and his family, and Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant. There was no dry seat in the conference room the ceremony was held at except for these two rows that were reserved for people who did not show up until the start of the ceremony. I kind of found that a waste but understood it was very respectful not to pursuit those seats while there was someone speaking during the ceremony. After everyone spoke, Dr. Saunders and Phil Bryant unveiled a big plaque to Trent Lott. This plaque was mesmerizing when I took the first picture of it being unveiled. Afterwards, my friend Hana and I roamed around the new building. We began climbing the stairs which are very nice. Better than the Liberal Arts Building. We went through to see the kitchen and offices on the second floor. As we finished roaming around on the second floor, I saw the many quotes that are on opposite sides of the building, one quote that caught my attention that was said by Donald Trump, this quote was on the West Side of the building saying, "If your going to think, think big." Finally we made our way up to the 3rd floor. Up there was a nice conference room and an exact replica of Trent Lott's office when he was a U.S. Senator. I loved the twin chandeliers outside his replicated office. Also at the top of the 3rd floor I believe that there is a Southern Miss Seal and know for sure that there is National Seal. Both Seals are at the top of the building, one facing highway 49 and the other facing the MM. Roberts Stadium (aka the Rock). After this historic moment I witnessed, it inspired me to become a better student and also a better person.

(I took this photo, that cake tasted AMAZING!)

If you are interested to visit the new building, feel free, no one will stop you from looking around, or at least I don't think they will. Here is the article on the university website.

The "Art" in front of the Liberal Arts Building

A few weeks back I last saw the Liberal Arts Building (also known as the L.A.B./LAB) as it has always been. I have not been there in about a week and I have been hearing my friends talking about a "monstrocity" that was placed outside of the LAB in the middle of the court yard. I did not believe them until I saw it for myself. I, like my friends, dislike this piece of art in the middle of the LAB court yard. I am opposed to this piece of art. To me, I see this as just a waste of steel because it is infront of the LAB. When you look at it, the two pieces almost look like its in the shape of "06" as in the year of 2006. There is no plaque saying who made it and what it is exactly. I am curious of what it exactly is. Another thing that bothers me is the colors used. It doesn't really suit the LAB, but it wasn't my decision to put it there. If it were, I would just leave the LAB court yard as is, the architecture is great and needs no additional monuments to help it stick out. I want to put a suggestion box next to this structure to see the other student's input, or take a survey in person to everyone I see at the LAB.

You can visit my major's department of history here.