Penney and Edward Gong Memorial Scholarship established at Delta State University
Cleveland, MS (08/11/2026) — Contact: Nathan Duff FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4678
Email: nduff@deltastate.edu
Penney and Edward Gong Memorial Scholarship established at Delta State University
CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University is proud to announce the establishment of the Penney and Edward Gong Memorial Scholarship, created to honor the lives, legacy, and lasting contributions of Vera "Penney" Gong and Edward "Eddie" Gong to Delta State University and the greater community.
The scholarship was established by the Gong family to celebrate the impact Penney and Eddie had through their dedication, service, and generosity throughout their lives.
Vera "Penney" Gong, a 1997 alumna of Delta State University, served the institution faithfully for many years and was named Registrar Emeritus following her distinguished career. Known for her unwavering commitment to students and the university community, Penney made history in 1995 as the first Delta State employee to receive the H.L. Nowell Outstanding Support Staff Award, an honor recognizing exceptional service and dedication to the university.
Edward "Eddie" Gong was also a Delta State alumnus (1973) and a well-known member of the Cleveland community. A successful entrepreneur, Eddie owned Flatlanders Screenprinting, and then Eddie and Penney opened Harmony Family Entertainment Center, which became a familiar and valued business in the area.
Eddie and Penney shared a loving marriage beginning in 1970 and remained devoted to one another until Penney's passing in 2023. Eddie passed away in 2024. Together, they built a legacy rooted in hard work, community involvement, and a deep connection to Delta State University.
Both were known for their kindness, humor, and devotion to family and friends. Through the establishment of the Penney and Edward Gong Memorial Scholarship, their memory and values will continue to inspire and support future generations of Delta State students.
"The Gongs' legacy will live on through the memories they created and the impact they had on those around them," said Dr. Suzette Matthews, Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the Delta State University Foundation. "With this type of scholarship, we can honor those we have lost while creating lasting opportunities for future generations of Delta State students."
For more information about supporting the Penney and Edward Gong Memorial Scholarship or establishing a scholarship at Delta State University, please contact Amber Kincaid at the Delta State University Foundation at DSU Box 3141, Cleveland, MS 38733; akincaid@deltastate.edu
Cutline: The Penney and Edward Gong Memorial Scholarship has been established at Delta State to honor the memory of two of DSU's most cherished alumni.
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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,800 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 15 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
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