MS SC635

Recognizes Dr. Jay Dean's 30 years of service as Music Director and Conductor of the Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, which he led since 1988 until his retirement in June 2018.

Acknowledges the orchestra's distinguished national reputation and its role as the oldest operating symphony orchestra in Mississippi, founded in 1920.

Notes Dean's recruitment efforts and programming achievements, including performances with world-renowned soloists such as Plácido Domingo, Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Joshua Bell.

Credits Dean's leadership for generating more than $5 million in annual economic activity through University of Southern Mississippi Arts Programs and earning the Governor's Award for Leadership in the Arts in 2009.

Extends recognition to Dean and his family for his contributions to preserving and presenting classical music in Mississippi.