Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/144441
Lucas Addresses May Lunch & Learn Crowd The Ogletree Alumni House, a century-old building renovated in the mid-2000's after a $3.25 million fundraising campaign, was nearly destroyed by the tornado. "It's the building that so many associate with Southern Miss," Lucas said. "And it took a direct hit." Other damaged buildings included residence halls and a few classroom facilities. MSAE member Marty Milstead, executive vice president of the Mississippi Homebuilders Association, welcomes Dr. Aubrey Lucas, presidentemeritus of the University of Southern Mississippi to the May MSAE Lunch & Learn Program. Milstead and Lucas are second cousins. Lucas said the school recently planted about a dozen live oaks, transplanted at about 35 feet in height, to the front of the campus bordering Hardy Street. He indicated the trees and repaired brick and wrought-iron fences are helping cover the scars from the storm. "We've actually taken calls from USM alumni who want to donate trees from their own yards so they can help restore the beauty of our campus," Lucas said. "We tell them 'thank you so much!,' but we have to use trees from professional landscape services." A restoration campaign is underway to raise funds for repairs and beautification of the campus. More information is available at the USM Foundation website, usmfoundation.com. SUMMER 2013 | CONNECTIONS MSAE members (from left) Marty Milstead of the Mississippi Homebuilders Association, Kristen Brock of VisitHattiesburg and MSAE Executive Director Amy Wilson welcome Dr. Aubrey Lucas, president-emeritus of the University of Southern Mississippi as the May Lunch & Learn speaker. May Lunch & Learn Highlights University of Southern Mississippi President Emeritus Dr. Aubrey Lucas said repairs are progressing at a rapid pace on the campus after a February tornado uprooted many trees and heavily damaged several buildings. 27