Ann Olivia Radicioni is this year’s Miss MSU, a title that is given to those who show true passion for the university and for serving their community.
Radicioni was shocked when she learned of her achievement.
“I felt absolute disbelief,” Radicioni said. “I felt so immensely privileged that Mississippi State would take a chance on me in naming me Miss MSU. My friends covered me in love that night and had me reflect on all of the outstanding memories I’ve gotten to make and the great people I’ve gotten to meet during my time here.”
Radicioni is involved in many organizations on campus. She showcases campus to prospective students and is an MSU Roadrunner, is involved with the Mississippi Model Security Council, is a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and is an MSU Presidential Scholar.
Whit Waide, an assistant clinical professor at the MSU Department of Political Science and Public Administration, had nothing but kind words to say about Radicioni.
“What is so exquisitely wonderful about her is that she is as nice, kind, thoughtful and gracious as she is brilliant,” Waide said. “That she has become Miss MSU and a Rhodes Finalist in the same week has got to be the best week anybody has ever had at State. She was already Miss MSU in my mind even before she actually was named Miss MSU. She’s one of the best people I know.”
Radicioni said her desire to become Miss MSU was inspired by past Mr. MSU, Reese Dunne, who represented MSU while making positive impacts on the community.
“I came up with ideas for elementary school fundraising, and seeing this as a means for stewardship in our community because I think that the only time a title should have power and mean anything is if you’re able to give back to people. I think in every gift and blessing you have, there’s an obligation in it,” Radicioni said.
After graduation, Radicioni plans to attend graduate school for political science to learn about the world’s education and welfare systems and how to improve related conditions in the South.
“I hope to use Miss MSU as a means to connect with people wherever I wind up going. You can really find someone with a connection to Mississippi State in the most unlikely of places, and I hope discussions of my college years spark those bulldog connections,” Radicioni said.
Elena Palomino, a senior in marketing and Spanish from Burke, Virginia and former roommate to Radicioni, said Radicioni embodies what MSU is for many people.
“Ann Olivia is just incredibly smart, incredibly talented and very capable,” Palomino said. “She’s very thoughtful and very wise and puts a lot of thought into the things she does – like each of the organizations she’s in – she’s so intentional on how she chooses to devote her time to them. Kindness, education and community are just huge things that Mississippi State represents that also represent her so well, I think. She’s the perfect person to represent the university.”