THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: David Tisdale
May 24, 2004 (601) 266-4499

SOUTHERN MISS’ WALT CAIN TO INTERN IN U.S. SENATOR
THAD COCHRAN’S OFFICE FOR SUMMER 2004

HATTIESBURG --- University of Southern Mississippi Student Government Association President Walt Cain, an international studies major from Madison, will enhance his academic experience at the university by participating in a summer internship in U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran’s Washington, D.C., office this summer.
Cain will perform a variety of duties for Cochran, including constituent services, capitol tours and research on legislative issues for Cochran and other members of his staff. Cochran currently is chair of the Senate committee for homeland security appropriations.
"I’m really looking forward to it, and seeing how things work with regard to the legislative side of dealing with homeland security issues," Cain said. "It’s obviously a great opportunity…Senator Cochran is well respected, both in Mississippi and in Washington."
As the recently inaugurated president of the Southern Miss Student Government Association, Cain believes the internship will also help him as a campus leader. "It will be a good way to see how people handle different situations (through legislation), and learn how to achieve a common goal with people that you may have little in common with. That translates not only to student government, but life in general. Succeeding is being able to work with and understand different people."
In addition to being involved with SGA, Cain is a member of Pi Kappha Phi and Men of Excellence at Southern Miss. In addition to majoring in international studies, Cain is also pursuing a minor in political science.
Southern Miss Assistant Dean of Students Mike Mitchell said Cain "has a real grasp on the concept of leadership."
"He’s a phenomenal guy, and it has been a blast watching him grow through his involvement in student government," said Mitchell, who also serves as adviser to the SGA.
Southern Miss Assistant Dean for Greek Life John Burks also praised Cain for being an active campus leader who has made a difference for his fellow students at Southern Miss. "Walt’s dedication to The University of Southern Mississippi can be seen through his hard work with our student body," Burks said. "I have had the opportunity to work with him in the Student Activities Office and the Greek Life Office, and he has always been very dependable and willing to do whatever it took to get the job done."