House Resolution 104

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING HENRY J. STERN UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM HIS POSITION AS ASSISTANT ATHLETICS DIRECTOR FOR OLE MISS SPORTS PRODUCTIONS.

WHEREAS, Henry J. Stern has announced his retirement from his position as Assistant Athletics Director for Ole Miss Sports Productions after proudly serving the University of Mississippi for over two decades; and

WHEREAS, Henry J. Stern spent the past two decades enhancing Ole Miss' athletics video operations where his work on the various Ole Miss coaches' shows has earned numerous honors including: Telly Awards, AVA Awards, Communicator Awards and awards from the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters, and he has served as writer and producer of Ole Miss' acclaimed series, "The Season"; and

WHEREAS, his highlight shows have always been outstanding, and he should especially be commended for his ability to produce a highlight show following the 2010 loss to Jacksonville State University and for his work during the entirety of the Ed Orgeron era; and

WHEREAS, in February 1990, Stern came to Oxford as the Sports Producer for the University's Teleproductions Resource Center, and he later served the center as assistant director, interim director and the first Executive Producer of Mississippi Today, a public broadcasting show about business in the state; and

WHEREAS, prior to his tenure at Ole Miss, Stern gained valuable experience and demonstrated his outstanding talent in sports productions while working as an Associate Producer for ESPN's SportsCenter and USA Network's Thursday Night Fights; and

WHEREAS, his tailgating expertise displayed in Swayze Field's Oakes Pavilion deserves special commendation, and in the days before permanent grills in left field, he was able to feed a battalion of Oxonians, athletic department personnel and stray college students utilizing only kosher meats and a hibachi grill, and his humor and generosity are of great credit to him and of equal value to those who call him a friend; and

WHEREAS, though Mr. Stern is a native of Opelika, Alabama, and he spent time working in Connecticut and Florida, he has left his greatest mark in Mississippi, and Mississippi is better for his time in service to our state; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend exemplary citizens, such as Mr. Stern, who bring great pride to our state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Henry J. Stern upon his retirement, and extend best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Henry J. Stern and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.