July 8, 2025
Eight Alumni To Be Recognized at Homecoming for Excellence and Impact
By Jim Urbanek
The Ole Miss Alumni Association will recognize eight distinguished alumni with its highest annual awards as part of Homecoming 2025.
University of Mississippi Alumni Hall of Fame inductees for 2025 are: John Louis Black Jr. (BA 61, MBA 62), of Madison; Chip Crunk (BBA 87), of Brentwood, Tennessee; Albert L. Hilliard (BSCS 83), of Spring, Texas; Sam Lane (BA 76), of Jackson; and John Stroud (BSHPE 82, MEd 86), of New Albany.
Created in 1974, the Hall of Fame honors select alumni who have made an outstanding contribution to their country, state or the University of Mississippi through good deeds, services or philanthropies that have perpetuated the good name of Ole Miss.
Mary Susan Gallien Clinton (83), of Naples, Florida, will receive the Alumni Service Award for service to the university and the Alumni Association over an extended period.
Alexa Lampkin (BA 13, DMD 17), of Ridgeland, will receive the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which honors alumni who have shown exemplary leadership throughout their first 15 years of alumni status in both their careers and dedication to Ole Miss.
Morgan Freeman, of Charleston, will receive the Honorary Alumni Award. This award recognizes outstanding individuals who, though not graduates of the University of Mississippi, have consistently demonstrated over an extended period extraordinary commitment, moral and/or financial support, dedication, loyalty, leadership or service that has enriched the substance and contributed to the advancement of the university’s or Alumni Association’s missions, reputation or prestige.
“It’s a privilege to recognize these outstanding alumni who have excelled in their professions and remained deeply committed to Ole Miss,” said Ole Miss Alumni Association CEO Kirk Purdom (BA 93). “Their achievements and service exemplify the values we celebrate as a university community.”
The Alumni Association will host a gala for the honorees on Thursday, Oct. 9, in the Gertrude C. Ford Ballroom at The Inn at Ole Miss. Those interested in attending the dinner must register in advance by calling the Alumni Association office at 662-915-7375.
Hall of Fame Awards
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John Louis Black Jr. is a distinguished businessman and philanthropist whose life reflects a deep commitment to leadership, family and giving back. Black graduated from the University of Mississippi with distinction with a B.A. in Mathematics in 1961 and earned an MBA in 1962. He was awarded the Taylor Medal in mathematics and was inducted into numerous honorary fraternities, including Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma, Beta Alpha Psi and Phi Eta Sigma. He served as treasurer and president of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
Black began his career at Peat Marwick (now KPMG) as a CPA before founding Mediplex Inc. in 1968, a company that grew to operate 53 skilled nursing homes across seven southern states. He sold the business in 1981.
In 1963, he married Sandy, his lifelong partner, and together they raised three children. Their legacy now includes eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Black has served as president of both the Country Club of Jackson and Annandale Golf Club and is a former member of the Young Presidents’ Organization and Chief Executives Organization.
A passionate supporter of education and health care, Black has made transformational gifts totaling over $46 million to institutions including UMMC and the University of Mississippi. His generosity has supported cancer research and athletics, including the naming of The Sandy and John Black Pavilion.
Black also achieved Life Master status in duplicate bridge and remains an active and respected community leader.
“The number one priority in my life has been centered around family and Ole Miss has played a major role in that journey,” said Black. “I thank the Alumni Association and am so appreciative and humbled to receive this award and to be included among the many outstanding prior recipients.”
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Chip Crunk, owner and CEO of RJ Young, graduated from Ole Miss in 1987 with a degree in business, laying the groundwork for a career that would span decades and redefine the company his family helped build. Shortly after graduation, Crunk joined RJ Young, a company where his father, John Crunk, had taken majority ownership years earlier. He became CEO in 1995, and under his leadership, the business transformed from a respected office equipment supplier into a dynamic technology solutions company.
Throughout his career, Crunk has remained deeply engaged with Ole Miss, serving in numerous leadership and advisory roles across the university. He currently serves on the Ole Miss School of Business Advisory Board and has participated in countless initiatives designed to support students, alumni and university advancement.
His past involvement includes service on the Ole Miss Alumni Board of Directors, the Real Estate Advisory Board and the Athletics Committee Board. Also, Crunk participated in the Student Alumni Council’s annual Bridging the Gap panel—demonstrating his commitment to fostering connection between the university and the broader business community.
Whether through business, philanthropy or education, Crunk’s leadership is marked by consistency, humility and forward-thinking values. He is passionate about mentorship, team culture, and helping others succeed—principles he credits, in part, to the foundation laid during his time at Ole Miss.
“Being inducted into the Ole Miss Alumni Hall of Fame is an incredible honor,” said Crunk. “Ole Miss shaped the foundation of who I am as a leader, and it’s deeply meaningful to be recognized by a place that has given me so much. I’m proud to carry forward the values I learned in Oxford—integrity, service and innovation—into everything we do at RJ Young.”
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Albert L. Hilliard is a retired IT executive with more than 33 years of service at ExxonMobil, where he led global initiatives in industrial cybersecurity, project management and IT strategy. A native of Hernando, he earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Mississippi in 1983, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Dayton and an Executive MBA from Baylor University.
Hilliard began his career as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of captain and receiving the USAF Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement. During his ExxonMobil career, he worked in over 20 countries, directing complex technology operations and influencing enterprise-wide solutions across the energy sector.
The University of Mississippi holds deep significance for Hilliard and his family. In addition to his own achievements, three of his brothers, two nephews and two nieces are also proud Ole Miss alumni.
Hilliard served on the university’s School of Engineering Advisory Council from 2017 to 2025 and was honored with the Engineer of Distinction Award in 2018 and the Engineer of Service Award in 2024. He has been an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., for over 45 years and is a proud alumnus of the Eta Beta Chapter at Ole Miss. He is deeply committed to mentoring and community service.
Hilliard and his wife, the former Harriet Nailor (BA 83, MD 87), live in Houston, Texas. They have two sons, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.
“Ole Miss changed the trajectory of my life and laid the foundation for everything I’ve been blessed to accomplish,” said Hilliard. “To be honored by the university that has meant so much to me—and to generations of my family—is incredibly humbling. I am deeply grateful to be recognized alongside such an accomplished group of alumni.”
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Sam Lane is a founder of First Commercial Bank, headquartered in his hometown of Jackson. The bank changed its name this year to Story Financial Partners, and he serves as chief development officer. Prior to starting Story Financial Partners, he spent 17 years with Deposit Guaranty National Bank after graduating with a B.A. in English in 1976. Lane is married to the former Leila Bogy of Rosedale (BA 77), and they have three children: Ole Miss grads Mary Mills Ritchie (BA 03) and Ben (BS 14), and Samuel, a graduate of the University of Georgia. The Lanes have six grandchildren. He is a lifelong member of Saint Andrews Episcopal Cathedral.
Lane has served numerous terms on the board of the Ole Miss Alumni Association as well as the UM Foundation. He was cofounder of the Rebel Club of Jackson and later served as president of the Central Mississippi Alumni Club. He served as co-chair of the Ole Miss First Campaign and on the steering committee for the campaign to construct The Inn at Ole Miss. Most recently, he has served as co chairman of the Now and Ever Campaign at Ole Miss for the College of Liberal Arts.
Lane was formerly president of the Mississippi Kidney Foundation and a board member of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. He currently serves as chairman of the board of the Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center as well as a board member of Belhaven University.
“I was stunned when Kirk Purdom called to give me this news,” said Lane. “This is far and away the greatest honor I have ever received in my entire life. It means so much to me.”
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John Stroud is a former Ole Miss basketball star and accomplished coach with deep ties to Mississippi basketball. A four-year starter at the University of Mississippi, he was a two-time SEC scoring champion, the 1980 SEC Player of the Year, an AP All-American and remains the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,328 points—third in SEC history. Stroud was the 19th overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and played one season professionally in Spain.
In 1985, Stroud began coaching at New Albany’s W.P. Daniel High School, leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back Class 3A state championships in 1986 and 1987. He compiled a 71–24 record over three seasons before taking over the men’s program at Millsaps College in 1990. Over 13 seasons at Millsaps, Stroud posted a 204–131 record, winning three SCAC titles and making three NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. He was twice named SCAC Coach of the Year and remains the program’s all-time wins leader. His best season came in 1994–95, when Millsaps went 25–3 and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16.
In 2004, Stroud returned to New Albany to open an insurance agency and coach his daughters. Over 13 seasons, he led the Lady Bulldogs to a 248–131 record and the 2011 Class 4A state title. His teams also reached the state semifinals in 2009, were runners-up in 2010, and made a memorable triple-overtime quarterfinal appearance in 2015. He retired from coaching in 2017.
Stroud is a member of both the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and the Ole Miss M-Club Hall of Fame.
“Being inducted into the Ole Miss Alumni Hall of Fame is one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Stroud. “Ole Miss shaped me, not just as an athlete, but as a person. It gave me lifelong friendships, values that carried me through every chapter of my journey and a deep love for a place I’ll always call home.”
Alumni Service Award
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Mary Susan Gallien Clinton served as chairman of the University of Mississippi Foundation Board (2022–24), a director since 2019, and a member of its Joint Investment and Executive committees (2020–24). A member of the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy since 2013, she has served as chairman, scholar programming chair and helped launch the Global Leadership Circle. She chaired Legacy Award events honoring Robert Khayat (2016) and AJ Brown (2024) and will co-chair in 2026.
Gallien Clinton created the Council’s first scholarship to include a paid internship with INSOUTH Bank, where she is a director—combining financial aid with career mentorship. A longtime Delta Gamma advisor at Ole Miss, she is committed to student leadership development.
As chairman of Gallien Global Vision since 1990, she distributed African wildlife documentaries to over 110 countries and co-produced Swift and Silent, which won the 1993 Academy of Cable Entertainment’s Best International Documentary. She later founded Renaitre Glycolic Skin Care on QVC and expanded into ethical sourcing and philanthropy-focused ventures.
She is a founding trustee and former board member of the Naples Children & Education Foundation, which has raised over $334 million for underserved youth. Gallien Clinton is chair-elect of the Shelter for Abused Women & Children and co-chaired its 2024 fundraiser, which raised more than $1 million. She is a past national vice chair of the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Her honors include Collier County Women of Initiative (2024), AHA Woman of Impact (2024) and Delta Gamma Fraternity’s Oxford Award (2019).
She lives in Naples, Florida, with her husband, J.D. Clinton. Their sons, Denver (BAccy 17, MAccy 18) and Hurst, a Vanderbilt graduate, work in the family’s INSOUTH Bank.
“It is a privilege to serve Ole Miss —a university where I have witnessed firsthand spark purpose and cultivate leadership in everyday moments,” said Gallien Clinton. “Students leave not only prepared but inspired to be their best selves and use that growth to uplift those around them.”
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
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Dr. Alexa Lampkin, a Ridgeland native, made history in 2009 as the first African American valedictorian of St. Joseph Catholic School in Madison. She earned a B.A. in Biology from the University of Mississippi in 2013, where she was a Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College scholar, and received her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the UMMC School of Dentistry in 2017. In 2024, she completed an Executive Master of Science in Population Health Management.
Following a rigorous residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, Lampkin became the youngest assistant professor at UMMC’s School of Dentistry. From 2021 to 2024, she served as a director of admissions, helping shape the next generation of dental professionals.
In 2024, she transitioned to private practice and is now the sole practitioner at Mint Dental in Pearl. She continues part-time as a UMMC faculty member, remaining dedicated to dental education and expanding access to care in underserved areas.
A trailblazer in her field, Lampkin became the first African American female president of the UMMC Dental Alumni Board in 2022 and the first female dentist appointed to the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.
She is an active member of the American Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Society, American Dental Education Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. A Fellow of the International College of Dentists, she was named to the Ole Miss Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Lampkin. “The University of Mississippi and the UMMC School of Dentistry didn’t just educate me—they empowered me. This place gave me knowledge, purpose and a deep love for service.”
Honorary Alumni Award
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Morgan Freeman, the accomplished actor, director, and narrator, is closely tied to the state of Mississippi and holds a special relationship with the University of Mississippi. Although not an alumnus, Freeman has long been a supporter of the university’s cultural and academic initiatives. In recognition of his contributions to the arts and his commitment to education and community engagement in Mississippi, Ole Miss awarded him an honorary degree in 2013.Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Mississippi, Freeman has consistently championed Mississippi’s cultural development. Through his work with the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, which he co-founded, and his support for regional arts and education, Freeman has become a vital part of the state’s creative identity—an identity in which Ole Miss plays a central role.In 2021, Freeman and criminal justice and legal studies professor Linda Keena donated $1 million to establish the Center for Evidence-Based Policing and Reform at the University of Mississippi, which aims to enhance skills, drive research, and provide training in evidence-based policing. It serves as a forum for scholars in this field.Freeman’s honorary degree from the University of Mississippi acknowledges not only his exceptional artistic achievements but also his dedication to enriching Mississippi’s cultural and educational landscape.
His connection to Ole Miss is a testament to the university’s broader impact beyond academia, celebrating figures who shape Mississippi’s story on the national and global stage.
“Deep gratitude is expressed for the University of Mississippi’s commitment to education and research,” said Freeman. “Being recognized as an honorary alumnus of Ole Miss is a true honor. Ole Miss holds a special place, and this award strengthens that connection.”