Senate Concurrent Resolution 520

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND DEDICATED COMMUNITY SERVICE OF DR. HALIL OZERDEN OF GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Dr. Halil Ozerden of Gulfport, Mississippi, an immigrant from Turkey, Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, former member of the State Board of Psychology and an active member of the Gulfport Rotary Club passed away on Friday, August 18, 2006; and

WHEREAS, Halil Ozerden left Adana, Turkey, with just $100.00, but he earned a Ph.D. and lived with gusto with his family for nearly 40 years in Gulfport, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, he came from a modest background and rose to success. He embodied the American dream. "He always dreamed of coming to the United States and becoming an American citizen," his son Sul Ozerden said. "He worked very hard to achieve that dream. I learned more about being an American from him than I have from anybody else"; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ozerden began teaching psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi in 1970 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1971. In 1992, Governor Kirk Fordice appointed him to the State Board of Psychology; and

WHEREAS, a lover of sports, Dr. Ozerden holds a record for scoring six goals in one soccer game as a graduate student at USM. He also competed in marathons and loved sailing; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Ozerden attended St. Peter's By-The-Sea Episcopal Church but he also adhered closely to Islam; and

WHEREAS, Halil Ozerden and his wife of 40 years, Candace, instilled confidence in both of their children. Sul attended Georgetown University, spent six years in the Navy, and became a successful attorney. The couple's daughter, Emile Ozerden Gottschlich, works in advertising at The Sun Herald; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this Mississippian who was a model citizen and will be missed by his adopted community and state:

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 and dedicated community service of Dr. Halil Ozerden of Gulfport, Mississippi, and extend to his surviving family the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Dr. Ozerden and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.