The Mississippi Legislature is convening for its 2015 annual session in Jackson and Jackson State alumni and friends are invited to show support for their alma mater at JSU Day at the Capitol on Thursday.

According to Dr. Mary M. White, interim vice president for Institutional Advancement, alumni and friends are to convene at the Capitol’s rotunda on the first floor from 8 a.m. to noon.

“Included in activities will be our Virtual Green Screen where legislators will have the opportunity to video record a message to be produced for their constituents,” White said.

Representative from JSU’s Colleges of Business, Public Service, Education and Human Development, Liberal Arts, Science Engineering and Technology will exhibit highlights and accolades, she said.

“Enjoy the exhibits of some of our patented research and prized faculty,” said White, adding: “Breakfast is on us.”

Alumni are asked to wear blue and white to show their JSU pride.

JSU staff and administrators are carrying a positive message to lawmakers this session, highlighted by successes spearheaded by President Carolyn W. Meyers.

Pointing to trailblazing successes from state funding, Meyers noted:

– Health care remains a critical issue for Mississippians. We are proposing a School of Public Health to promote health care as an economic driver. A fully accredited School of Public Health provides a unique opportunity to educate and prepare professionals to provide public health services in the state’s urban and rural communities. Currently, the state has no accredited School of Public Health.

– Developing the state’s workforce is an imperative. Jackson State now offers four new degree programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) — training professionals to meet the needs in some of the fastest growing career tracks in our economy. A Stock Market Trading Room is now open at JSU, providing students with state-of-the-art market experiences that prepare them for a myriad of jobs in business and industry. The Department of Mass Communications is being been transformed into a School of Journalism and Mass Communications to produce digital storytellers equipped for emerging occupations.

– Recognized as one of only five universities in the country as an Apple Distinguished School, we immerse our students in a technology rich learning environment. This helps develop citizens capable of contributing to our state’s economy using the tools required in a modern society. We are proud to serve 200 rural communities by providing real weather reports through Weathervision. We are also pleased to note that Jackson State provides technical support for 32 small businesses located in the Mississippi e-Center @JSU.

Alumni and friends have much to boast about on JSU Day at the Capitol in urging continued support by state lawmakers to achieve the university’s goals.

For more information, contact Jean C. Frazier, state relations coordinator, Division of Institutional Advancement, 601.979.4208