USM's Thames Chosen as Award Finalist

USM President Shelby Thames was chosen as a finalist for Modern Paint & Coatings magazine's "Man of the Year" Award for 2005.  Although the award was not presented to Thames at Saturday night's banquet, his selection as finalist created substantial buzz at the annual event.  "When I heard his name among the top 3, I thought this could be the year," stated Samuel Hanes, spokesperson for the magazine.

In the entire history of the event, no previous year's winner had ever won the Award.  Thames, a recent winner of the Award, almost accomplished that feat.  "Although he didn't pull it off this year, I would think he's got a real shot at it over the next few.  There just aren't alot of 'bucket and paddle' scientists out there to consider," Hanes said.

Thames was unable to be reached for comment on Sunday.  IHL Board member Scott Ross was extremely pleased for Thames.  "This is the kind of award that professors at a place like Southern should routinely be considered for," Ross stated.