Friendship, Faith, and Giving Back: A Conversation with Steve Longo ’82
For Mississippi Christian University alumnus Steve Longo, the path to MC began long before he ever stepped onto campus as a student.
“My first encounter with MC was through the Math and Science Tournament during my junior
and senior years at Saint Stanislaus Catholic High School,” Longo recalled. “It became an
option for me to further my education.”
Drawn by strong academic programs in math and business, and the opportunity to compete in
track and field, Longo sensed MC was where he belonged.
“It was through conversations with Coach Joe Walker that I knew MC was the right place for
me,” he said.
More than four decades later, Longo remains deeply connected to the university that helped
shape both his professional success and personal character.
Relationships That Last a Lifetime
When asked about his favorite memories from MC, Longo’s answer comes without hesitation:
the people.
“My teammates and friends — many are still my best friends today,” he said. “We had many
good times, created fond memories and accomplished great things.”
Some of his most enduring memories, however, came through adversity.
“My most vivid memories may not be my favorite,” he admitted, “but enduring and overcoming
challenges made me stronger and better.”
Longo credits several individuals at MC for profoundly impacting his life and career. Among
them was legendary Choctaw coach Joe Walker, Jr., head track and field coach at MC from
1970 to 1979.
“Words cannot describe what Coach Walker has meant to me,” Longo said. “He was a coach, a
mentor, a leader and an example of doing things the right way. He inspired me to do the same.”
He also remembers Dr. Paul Ohme, who taught him multiple calculus courses and served as his
advisor throughout college.
“He was an outstanding teacher, but his support and guidance went beyond the classroom,”
Longo said. “His classes sharpened my analytical skills.”
“My upper-class teammates - Vic, Joe, Johnny, Jim, Kevin, Tom, Doug, and Lee - encouraged
and challenged me.”
Accounting professor Sandra Parks also left a lasting impression.
“She taught me debits and credits,” he said, “but also to remember you need a higher power in
your life.”
Building a Career — and a Life — on a Strong Foundation
After graduating from MC, Longo pursued a career in accounting and financial planning. He has
been a Certified Public Accountant since 1987 and has spent the past 26 years working in
investments and financial planning.
He believes his MC education helped prepare him not only professionally, but also personally as
well.
“MC reinforced the values, faith and work ethic instilled in me by my parents,” Longo said.
“When you are on your own and can choose any path, you make choices — what you do, who
your friends are, and who you want to be. I believe MC helped me in that journey.”
Giving Back with Gratitude
Longo’s support for MC has been fueled by his desire to honor those who have impacted his
life.
He also points to the leadership of Dr. Marcelo Eduardo, Dr. Lloyd Roberts and past MC
President Dr. Lee Royce as examples of stewardship that strengthened his commitment to the
University.
“I saw their vision and great stewardship of the assets and the people under their direction,” he
said.
Longo remains encouraged by what he sees in today’s School of Business students.
“I don’t hope,” he said. “I believe students are receiving a great foundation to pave the way for
their careers.”
Programs like Faith and Ethics in Business provide students with valuable opportunities to learn
from successful leaders who model integrity in the workplace.
“I’ve had the pleasure to interact with MC students, and I come away impressed each time,” he
added.
“How Blessed I Am”
Looking back, Longo says MC has always been about relationships.
“The friendships that started, developed and continue today,” he said. “People from many
different backgrounds, personalities and regions of the country.”
His perspective on life and generosity was shaped even more deeply after Hurricane Katrina,
when he lost nearly everything he owned.
“You take stock in what is important,” Longo reflected. “Stuff is just stuff.”
Today, gratitude remains at the center of his story.
“How blessed I am,” he said.
Longo shared one final request with the MC community — prayers for longtime MC track coach
Billy Lamb and his family.
And with unmistakable MC pride, he added:
“Go Choctaws!”
