This has absolutely nothing to do with any of the threads I have seen on this message board, but I inadvertently stumbled across a bit of information which I believe should be noted simply for the sake of historical interest. Many posters probably know that WorldCom began right here in Hattiesburg as LDDS (I once used LDDS as my long-distance carrier). What I did not know is that the very first minute of long distance service was purchased by USM. I present this simply as interesting historical information. Those not interested in historical trivia, or who are already aware of this bit of historical trivia, should ignore this posting.
WorldCom timeline
1983
• At a Hattiesburg, Miss., coffee shop, founders Bernie Ebbers, Bill Fields, David Singleton and Murray Waldron work out details for starting LDDS, or Long Distance Discount Service. The WorldCom name is suggested by a waitress. 5
1984
• LDDS sells its first minute of long distance to the University of Southern Mississippi. 5
quote: Originally posted by: Just Plain Jane "Related in what way? I was not aware that Pileum played any role at USM during that era. "
I believe there was a Pileum/WorldCom connection, but I can't remember exactly. Any other old-timer out there remember what was posted on the FS board?
quote: Originally posted by: truth4usm/AH "I believe there was a Pileum/WorldCom connection, but I can't remember exactly. Any other old-timer out there remember what was posted on the FS board? "
There were posts on the old website that might have insinuated the "cross-training" of executives.
I have heard, but have not ever confirmed, that Jill Beneke (blonde lady in light blue suit on the front row of the Stringer/Glamser hearings), currently a highlevel employee of Pileum, was employed by World Com.
I've also heard that Ms. Beneke has been seen round campus a lot recently . . .
These are both rumors, as far as my own knowledge goes. But maybe some dogged research buff out there can trace the Pileum-Beneke-WorldCom connections?
quote: Originally posted by: Anne Wallace "I have heard, but have not ever confirmed, that Jill Beneke (blonde lady in light blue suit on the front row of the Stringer/Glamser hearings), currently a highlevel employee of Pileum, was employed by World Com. I've also heard that Ms. Beneke has been seen round campus a lot recently . . . These are both rumors, as far as my own knowledge goes. But maybe some dogged research buff out there can trace the Pileum-Beneke-WorldCom connections? NO QUARTER. Anne Wallace"
From the June 22, 2004 Liberty & Power: Group Blog: "President of Pileum, Jill Beneke, sat close by as Thames read aloud from intercepted emails during the hearing last week."
quote: Originally posted by: educator "Why was [Jill Beneke] on the front row? SFT orchestrated where she sat, but why did he think it was beneficial to have her there up front?"
educator,
Why was Jill Beneke in the front row, near Thames? A couple of those who reported from the April 28 hearing assumed she might be able to prompt him about additional intercepted emails. since Pileum had been brought in to do that kind of dirty work.
As for possible connections between Beneke and WorldCom, I take it that nothing else has turned up.