St. Patrick students received a surprise visit this morning by University of Southern Mississippi President Joe Paul. Paul met with the senior class of 2023 to talk about college options and why they should consider USM after high school. President Paul was joined by Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes, who is a USM alumni and St. Patrick alumni, Ana Patino ’19. Patino, who is in her senior year at USM, talked about her time on campus and all the opportunities USM has offered her.
“Being back here on campus at St. Patrick is so nostalgic,” Patino said. “USM is very similar to St. Patrick in the small community feel. The classes are small and you are lucky to have instructors who know your name like your teachers do here.”
Paul finished his visit with a group photo with the senior class and a tour of the St. Patrick campus.