2025 Welcome Back Celebration

August 29, 2025

Chamber of Commerce Hosts Annual Welcome Back Celebration Honoring Delta State Faculty and Staff

CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Delta State University faculty and staff back to campus last week with its annual Welcome Back Celebration, held Monday, August 18, from 5–7 p.m. at The Pharm’s newest location: 301 Cotton Row.

Hosted and organized by the Chamber’s Green & White Committee, chaired by Becky Nowell, the event has become a much-anticipated tradition to kick off the academic year. Local businesses and Chamber members gathered to show appreciation for DSU employees and celebrate the university’s impact on the community.

The evening opened with a special welcome from Dr. Daniel Ennis, President of Delta State University; Mayor Paul Janoush of Cleveland; and Chamber Executive Director Hannah Aguzzi, each offering words of gratitude, encouragement, and partnership as the university community embarks on a new academic year.

Attendees enjoyed a complimentary dinner catered by The Pharm, along with beverages donated by Whole Cellars, Mitchell Distributing, and Nehi Bottling, along with door prizes contributed by local businesses, which added to the festive atmosphere. The relaxed setting gave Chamber members the opportunity to connect personally with Delta State employees and warmly welcome new faculty and staff.

This year’s celebration was made possible by the generous support of sponsors:

  • Statesmen Level Sponsors ($1,000): Bolivar Medical Center, Cannon Motors, and Quality Steel

  • Fighting Okra Level Sponsors ($500): BankPlus, Cleveland State Bank, Eley McPherson, Guaranty Bank, Jackson and Braswell, P.A., Jantran, Lifetime Dental, Partnership Properties, Peter’s Pottery, Planters Bank, RCI Marketing, Renasant Bank, and Roy Collins Construction

  • In-Kind Sponsors: Delta Party Rental, Mitchell Distributing, Nehi Bottling, Whole Cellars, and The Pharm

  • Door Prize Donors: Bolivar Medical Center, Delta Magazine, Kut Works Boutique, Mod & Proper, H Squared, Black Door Boutique, 719 Nutrition, Southern Summit Roofing & Construction, Lena, Staple, Bar Fontaine, Sunset Florist & Gifts, Performance Therapy, Griffith Real Estate, Cleveland State Bank, Mississippi Grounds & YO Eddie BBQ, Gilbow’s, The Wishing Well, and Flowers & Things

The Welcome Back Celebration reflects the strong partnership between Delta State and the Cleveland-Bolivar County business community, and the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to supporting higher education and workforce development in the Delta.