Architecture, communication alumni address graduating class

Ivey Smith

Mississippi State broke with tradition this spring by calling on two of its alumni to deliver commencement remarks to more than 1,600 graduates.

Instead of the traditional single speaker, the university had Jackson native Janet Marie Smith and Meridian native Kevin Ivey field questions posed by President Donald Zacharias. The unusual format, which Zacharias-a communication professor-had proposed, pleased the graduates and audience of more than 9,000.

Smith, a 1981 architecture graduate, is vice president for sports and entertainment facilities with Turner Properties in Atlanta, as well as vice president of planning and development for the Atlanta Braves. She previously was consulting architect for the construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Baltimore Orioles' new home.

Ivey is vice president of strategic planning and advanced projects for the Cable News Network. The 1984 communication graduate joined CNN shortly after receiving his degree. He is responsible for evaluating and implementing emerging technologies related to news gathering. He played key roles in the creation of CNNSI, the joint venture with Sports Illustrated magazine, and with CNNfn, which focuses on business and financial news.

Both agreed that pursuit of a goal was paramount in launching their careers.

"Do what you want to do, not what anyone else expects," Smith said. "I wanted to move to New York City, even though I had no career aspirations."

Ivey said, "I started with basic strategy: find work. Opportunities are found and they are made. A lot of times we have to be willing to take on the tasks that others either were unwilling or unable to do. I also was willing to forgo a larger paycheck for the long-term opportunity."

Asked how being from Mississippi impacted their entry into professional careers, Smith said, "I think it is an asset because people have a fascination with the South, Mississippi in particular."

Ivey agreed, telling the audience that "being from Mississippi can be a tremendous asset, though, to be honest, I have run across people who still do not understand Mississippi and the South, in general."

He called on the graduates "to serve as ambassadors" for the state as they live the rest of their lives.