Danny Mitchell exemplified the phrase "Southern Miss to the Top!" After earning his bachelor's degree in 1970 and his master's in 1971, he remained involved with the University for more than 40 years, helping to make it better each year.
Before he passed away in September 2014, Mitchell served as president of the Southern Miss Alumni Association and the USM Foundation and also served on the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation board of directors. He and his wife, Patty, were members of the Eagle Club and the USM Foundation Honor Club. Mitchell was inducted into the Southern Miss Alumni Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Southern Miss School of Mass Communication and Journalism Hall of Fame in 2009.
Beyond that, Mitchell left a legacy for Southern Miss by making the College of Arts and Letters the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. His unrestricted gift was assigned by the dean of the college to support the School of Mass Communication and Journalism building fund, helping to furnish and equip the newly renovated College Hall. In gratitude for Mitchell's support, the student media suite reception area in College Hallhas been named in his memory.
"Danny truly loved his University and always wanted to support it," said Patty Mitchell. "When the opportunity came up to buy the insurance, Danny jumped at it. As his widow, I find great comfort in this tribute."
Danny Mitchell was a model alumnus, generous with his time and his treasure. Because of his foresight to include the University in his estate plans, a historic piece of Southern Miss will forever bear his name.