Famous award-winning journalist. Super Bowl champion. Iron Chef. Philadelphia 76er featured in Sports Illustrated. Not bad company, huh? That’s right. As a University of Southern Mississippi student, you are joining a legion of successful, talented, and proudly individualistic folks across the globe – our famous alumni.
Super Bowl Winning athlete | Ray Guy
Before being drafted by the Oakland Raiders, Ray Guy had a record-setting career at USM. He later became a the first punter selected in the first round of the NFL draft, and won Super Bowls XI, XV, and XVIII with the Oakland Raiders. He was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August 2014, another historical first for punters.
First Female Iron Chef | Cat Cora
You’re in good company at Southern Miss surrounded by the legend of the first-ever female Iron Chef, Cat Cora. Cat is all over tv making her mark on the culinary world. Cat got her start at Southern Miss having earned her undergraduate degree with us before moving on to the Culinary Institute of America. Never just a chef, Cat is an accomplished author having penned numerous cookbooks.
Clarence Weatherspoon | NBA | Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat | 2nd in Slam Dunk Contest
Golden Eagle Clarence Weatherspoon was drafted by the NBA and went on to play for teams including the 76ers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Never one to be outdone, Weatherspoon set a 76ers franchise rookie record with 1,290 points. Before his NBA career, Clarence represented the US in the Goodwill Games, winning silver, and won Bronze in the 1991 Pan-American Games. A lifelong Golden Eagle, Clarence returned to Southern Miss as an assistant coach. Way back machine: Check it out! Clarence featured Sports Illustrated in this throwback article.
RELATED:
- More famous alumni! Southern Miss grad & Good Morning America Anchor Robin Roberts awarded honorary degree!
- Southern Miss Alumni Association has a great Instagram!
News Anchor | Sally-Ann Roberts
New Orleans news star Sally-Ann Roberts got her start at Southern Miss. As an award winner and a team player, Sally-Ann boasts awards in journalistic excellence from the Press Club of New Orleans, the Louisiana Associated Press, and part of a news team that earned the coveted Edward R. Murrow Award for late-breaking news. Sally-Ann is also an accomplished author.
So now you know about some of our famous alumni! Being a Southern Miss Golden Eagle is not only a great choice for a quality and affordable education, but also puts you in good company! If you are ready to become a Golden Eagle, our 50+ online programs are a great fit for your busy schedule!
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