• Skip to Content

Northwest Mississippi Community College

  • Sign in to your Merit page
« Back to Recent News

Northwest Introduces its Honorees for the Northwest Soiree

by Sarah Smith

Senatobia, MS (01/08/2024) — Northwest Mississippi Community College announced its annual Northwest Soiree honorees as Michael Joe Cannon of Oxford earning the Alumni Professional Achievement Award; Jim Flanagan of DeSoto County for the Spirit of Northwest Award; Jameson Rodgers of Batesville for the Young Alumni Professional Achievement Award; and for the Outstanding Corporation Award, Reedy Acres Foundation.

The Northwest Soiree is the college's premiere fundraising and community recognition event at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts located on the college's main campus in Senatobia. It is a black tie or formal attire affair and guests can expect a cash bar, heavy hor d'oeuvres, silent auction, and wine pull during the social hour. The night will end with a Nashville Songwriters Round with Jameson Rodgers and Friends.

"We are excited to recognize our honorees as they are such distinguished alumni and individuals who have been so supportive of Northwest," said Patti Gordon, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement. "They are well-respected in their communities, and we invite you to come out and show your support for these well-deserved honors. In doing so, you will also be making a difference in the lives of Northwest students and in our communities."

The Alumni Professional Achievement Award is awarded to an alumnus who has accomplished extraordinary success in their professional careers. Cannon with his success in the auto-sales business has made not only a successful business model but is a mid-south household name for his iconic slogan, "Nobody beats a Cannon DealNOBODY!"

For the Young Alumni Professional Achievement Award, Rodgers was selected for his success in the country music business as a singer-songwriter who has collaborated with a variety of artists during his time in Nashville. He will also be performing at the Heindl Center for the Northwest Soiree.

The Spirit of Northwest Award goes to an individual who is an advocate for Northwest and has contributed to the legacy of excellence at Northwest. This year that was not better represented than by Jim Flanagan. The President and CEO of DeSoto County Economic Development Council is a native Mississippian originally from the coast.

The Outstanding Corporation Award goes to a business or foundation who has been a generous supporter of Northwest and helps move forward the vision of the college. The Reedy Acres Foundation is a true example of this prestigious recognition.

To learn more about the Northwest Foundation, please visit northwestms.edu/foundation or to reserve tickets for the Northwest Soiree, please visit www.heindlcenter.org.

Media Attachments

Northwest Soiree poster

Northwest Mississippi Community College

Andrew Dale, Associate Vice President of Community Relations, adale@northwestms.edu

Share this Story

  • Print
  • Email

Recent News

  • Northwest Practical Nursing Faculty Pass (CNEpv) Exam
  • World-Renowned Blue Man Group Set to Perform at Heindl Center on March 18, 2026
  • Northwest Choir Students Shine at National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) MS Chapter Auditions
  • Northwest Foundation Announces Top Sponsors for Soiree
  • NWCC Art Instructor Lucia Nelson Chosen as NW's Humanities Council Teacher of the Year
  • Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch to be Honored at Northwest Soiree
  • Satsha Burden of Tupelo to be honored for the Northwest Young Alumni Professional Achievement Award at the Northwest Soiree: A Garden Gala
  • Sayle Oil Co. to be Honored at Northwest Soiree: A Garden Gala
  • Northwest's Career-Technical Educators Complete Inaugural Class of AccelerateMS Instruction Program "FACET"
  • Archie Manning in Conversation at the Heindl Center on Friday, Feb. 20
… View all recent news
Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out