MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Simmons, Harvey, Posey, Scoper, Blackmon, Johnson (38th), Jackson

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF JAMES LOWRY "BILLY" BOLDEN AND EXPRESSING THE LEGISLATURE'S DEEPEST SYMPATHY UPON HIS PASSING. 

WHEREAS, James Lowry "Billy" Bolden was born on April 15, 1930, and departed this life on March 2, 1997, at his home in Lorman, Mississippi, after a two and one-half year bout with multiple sclerosis; and

WHEREAS, James Lowry "Billy" Bolden was a native of Gulfport, Mississippi, and was educated in the Mississippi and Louisiana public and private schools, graduating from Alcorn Laboratory School; and

WHEREAS, James Lowry "Billy" Bolden received the A.B. degree from Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, Mississippi; M.A. from University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois; and did further study at the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; and Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; and

WHEREAS, his professional career began at Utica Junior College, but he devoted 37 years to Alcorn State University -- 34 years in the Office of Student Affairs; and

WHEREAS, Dean Bolden, as most referred to him, was Dean of Student Affairs from 1960 to 1980 and was Associate Dean of Student Affairs for Administration from 1980 until his retirement in August 1993; and

WHEREAS, throughout Mississippi higher education, he was known by other deans and vice-presidents of student affairs as "The Dean" because of his long tenure and seniority in the position; and

WHEREAS, Dean Bolden is remembered for bringing such renowned artists as Duke Ellington and his orchestra, Woody Herman and his orchestra, James Brown, the Russian Cossack Singers/Dancers, the Poets, Little Milton, the Bar-kays, and Cameo to perform at the campus, and is also remembered for saying in his inimitable style, as announcer for campus football games, "It's Homecoming"; and

WHEREAS, James Lowry "Billy" Bolden's affiliations included: President, Southwest Regional Guidance Association; American Personnel and Guidance Association; American College Personnel Association; Southern Personnel Association; Mississippi Association of Student Personnel; consultant, Minority Student Affairs, Michigan State University; Phi Delta Kappa International Education Fraternity; and charter member, Eta Tau Chapter, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; and

WHEREAS, James Lowry "Billy" Bolden was inducted into the Alcorn State University Hall of Honor in May 1996; and

WHEREAS, James Lowry "Billy" Bolden was the son of the late J. Hall and Blanche Lowry Bolden, and is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dr. Joyce J. Bolden, and his daughter, Pamela B. Hutchinson (Richard) Gracin; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding citizens who have truly improved life in Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the life of James Lowry "Billy" Bolden and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of James Lowry "Billy" Bolden and made available to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.