Yearbook released, new editor chosen

By definition, the word ‘unbound’ means free or not attached.

This was the word that came to Eryka Wallace’s mind last spring after she was chosen to be editor-in-chief of The Southerner, the yearbook of the University of Southern Mississippi.

“I sat back and threw around words that could potentially describe the university,” Wallace said. “I started to look at books, and I realized that all books have bounds and limits, but when I think of my university, I see no limits or bounds that could define us. We are creative, bold, determined and unbound.”

With her staff of 25 working for nearly a year to write stories, take photos and design pages, Wallace’s final product is ready to be picked up by students, a little earlier than expected.

“I can say that this staff has worked tirelessly to create an on-time, high quality yearbook,” Wallace said. “This staff has been great to work with. Together we managed to produce this book in a timely manner, and I am extremely proud of their work.”

The staff will be hosting a Southerner Yearbook Release Party in the Student Activities Hub on May 3 from 12:15 until 1 p.m., and all students are invited to attend and pick up books. The yearbook will cost $20 this year, and cash or checks will be accepted.

Wallace said that because of recent budget cuts at Southern Miss, the staff had to think of other ways to fund the book.

“We want to continue to provide the students with high quality to work, and to do so we have to be able to afford it,” Wallace said.

At the same time Wallace was busy unpacking yearbooks to prepare for distribution, The Southerner’s current photo editor, Kelly Price, was preparing her application for editor-in-chief of the 2012-2013 yearbook.

“I think this is a great opportunity, and I have learned so much from being the photo editor on staff,” Price said. “I’m ready to learn even more as the editor-in-chief.”

After she was selected to be editor of the yearbook, Price said she wants to focus on bringing back more student spotlights and get feedback from students on whom they think should be featured.

“I think it’s important that everything we include in the book tells someone’s story and that we focus on the students and how they experience Southern Miss on a personal level.”

Price was named editor on Friday, and has already begun working. She said in addition to distributing this year’s book, she is currently working on the planning process of the book and hiring staff members for next year.

“Right now we are mainly focused on selling this year’s book,” Price said. “After graduation I’ll definitely be working full time on things for the next book.”

Price also works as a resident assistant on campus and is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She is from Terry and has worked for The Southerner since her sophomore year as a photographer.

Wallace said she is excited for Price and thinks she will do a great job on the book.

“I am thrilled that Kelly will be the next editor,” Wallace said. “She is very capable and has so much drive and passion. I know that her book will be amazing and inspirational.”

Wallace said she has enjoyed her time as editor of The Southerner and is proud of her finished product.

“I feel that we as students of Southern Miss have gone through many obstacles and setbacks, whether it personal, academically, politically or morally, but somehow the spirit of the students soar on,” Wallace said. “We are unbound by any obstacle that may stand in the way of our future successes.”