Foundations Magazine - Fall 2023 by MSU Foundation

Mississippi State University Foundation

Inside Fall 2023 Campus Views p. 16 | Why Give p. 18 | DIY Smartphone Photography Tips p. 29

Volume 23 | Number 2 BOARD CHAIR MSU FOUNDATION Anthony L. Wilson PRESIDENT AND CEO MSU FOUNDATION John P. Rush EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cathy Lammons MANAGING EDITOR Addie Mayfield GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sarah-Anne Murphy WRITERS Hailey Jenkins Addie Mayfield Chris Misun Shun Pounds CONTRIBUTING STAFF Erica Way, Marketing Manager CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kristen Hines Baker Sam Baker Megan Bean Chad Hathcock Kat Lawrence Robby Lozano Emily Grace McCall Chris Misun ••• Post Office Box 6149 Mississippi State, MS 39762 phone: (662) 325-7000 fax: (662) 325-8426 msufoundation.com

Foundations is published two times per year by the Mississippi State University Foundation. Please send comments and questions to P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 or phone (662) 325-3780. The Mississippi State University Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization that assists the university in accomplishing its goals and mission by cultivating and soliciting private support and ensuring stewardship for all contributions benefiting Mississippi State University. Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

contents

Campus Views

Trees now line The Junction's Compass Scholars Walk

features 08 | Presidential Endowed Scholars

22 | Impact of One

18 | Why Give?

30 | Hunter Henry Scholars

Selected for 2023–2024

How one professor is inspiring the next generation

The Legacy of Hunter W. Henry Jr.

Personal reflections on Henry’s support

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Noteworthy News 08 | Presidential Scholars Selected for 2023–2024 36 | Personnel Changes Development team announces new placements

38 | 2023 Fundraising Success MSU shatters single-year fundraising record

In Each Issue 03 | Viewpoint Foundation President and CEO 0 4 | Women in Philanthropy Fond memories inspire alumna to give back 1 3 | Student Perspective Annea Scales in her own words 14 | Foundation Favorites Jack McCarty proposes leisure activities

16 | Campus Views Additions and changes you may have missed 18 | Why Give? How one professor is inspiring the next generation 21 | Then and Now Hunter Henry Center 22 | Impact of One The Legacy of Hunter W. Henry Jr. 40 | Achievements FY23 by the numbers 41 | Foundation Board A complete list of our voluntary board

Our Cover Sunset at The Mill, the future home of MSU's Division of Development and Alumni.

PHOTO BY Chad Hathcock

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viewpoint

Defining philanthropy When I transitioned from my role as an admissions counselor in student recruitment to assistant director of development for the MSU Foundation in the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering, I was quickly overwhelmed by the success and profile of those graduates. Meeting graduates like Earnie Deavenport, Bobby Shackouls, Dave Swalm and Hunter Henry within my first month on the job was eye-opening. Their unique contributions to MSU are as notable (and noticeable) today as they were then. As Dr. Mike Highfield once told me when he attended a Foundation function alongside such outstanding alumni, “John, I walked into the room and immediately saw buildings, colleges and schools”. That really struck me because the individuals he referred to in his observation were friends and mentors to me. But for Mike, it was the visible impact of their gifts to MSU that he saw. He helped me realize that it is very difficult to understand the full magnitude of the generosity of our alumni and friends because philanthropy touches us all in different ways. Hunter Henry set a great example that showed the multiple layers of impact philanthropy can create. I never met anyone who enjoyed giving away their time and assets to impact strangers quite like Hunter. Each semester, he would take time to have lunch or breakfast with a small group of his scholarship recipients. There were so many students that we had to stagger the meals over several days. Hunter did this because it was important to him to know each student on a personal level. Those engagements were valuable to the students, and to me. It was through those engagements that Hunter taught me that the university was a three-legged stool standing on support for 1) great students, 2) the recruitment and retention of the best faculty to inspire those students and 3) quality facilities for such work to take place. Accordingly, Hunter put his resources into each of those areas. In particular, one of the passions Hunter took on was the need for the MSU Foundation and Alumni Association to grow in order to better serve the university. At the time, we were cramped in the Butler-Williams building and Hunter provided the lead gift to establish a new home for our division. Prior to the opening of the Hunter Henry Center (HHC), the MSU Foundation raised around $40 million annually. In the year the HHC opened, we experienced the highest fundraising year in our history along with Jim Bagley’s record-setting gift of $25 million to endow the Bagley College of Engineering. It truly ushered in a new era of fundraising at MSU. Today, the Foundation raises over $100M annually with a new record gift of $100M from George and Kathy Bishop. The growth and success have paved a fantastic journey for us, but with growth comes the need for a larger space.

JOHN P. RUSH '94, '02 President and CEO MSU Foundation

As this became more evident, I called Hunter’s son, Ticket, to advise him of the need. Ticket quickly responded, “Dad would be so proud to know the building has served as a springboard and would love to know it is time to move forward.” That conversation put me mentally back in a breakfast at Perry Cafeteria with Hunter and his students, and it’s inspiring to see that Hunter's legacy continues to guide us forward. MSU President Mark Keenum opens each commencement exercise by telling our students that if you ever see a turtle on a fencepost, you know he didn’t get there by himself. As we move to The Mill, we reflect on the invaluable contributions that made our journey possible. I hope you will take time to come see us in our new home, but when you do, please take a moment to look at our tribute to the HHC and all the donors who gave their resources to make it happen. Because, like the turtle, we would not be here without them.

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women in philanthropy

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women in philanthropy

Ashley (left) with her parents at the dedication of the Bill R. Foster Ballroom.

While it has been almost 40 years since graduating from MSU in 1984, for Kathy Foster Ashley, it feels as though it was yesterday. Ashley, a fashion merchandising and marketing major, was involved throughout campus in numerous ways. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority, Fashion Board and a Sigma Alpha Epsilon Little Sister, all while working part-time at Dixie’s Dress Shop, where she was selected as a Dixie Doll. She also garnered titles such as Miss Starkville in 1982, Starkville’s Miss Hospitality in 1983, Maid of Cotton Maid in 1984 and second alternate to Miss MSU in 1984.

career at MSU and is the namesake of the Foster Ballroom in the Union. He was the first director of the Union at MSU and often took his daughter to work with him. His office was later moved to Lee Hall, where he retired as associate vice president of Student Affairs. “My father was always my inspiration to do better and to be better. His hobby was his job. He loved Mississippi State and the students with whom he worked. We never went anywhere that we did not hear the words, ‘Hey Dr. Foster!’,” said Ashley.

The fond memories live on even now for Ashley, “I have great memories from my time at MSU, the most memorable is being a freshman watching the phenomenal football win of MSU over rival Alabama with a score of 6-3.”

Today, she is continuing her own legacy at her alma mater through a commitment for a planned gift that will create two endowed scholarships— the Kathy Foster Ashley Endowed Feline Medicine Scholarship in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Kathy Foster Ashley Endowed Scholarship to benefit students across the university.

The love and memories Ashley has of MSU started far before she stepped foot onto campus as a student. Her father, Dr. Bill Foster, spent his

While Ashley was not a vet student herself, she has always had a unique love for all animals— cats in particular. After touring MSU’s College of

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various companies before joining forces with her husband to become entrepreneurs in the furniture industry for two decades. From her time at MSU as a child and later as a student, to her professional career in sales and life as a proud alumna, Ashley said the most important thing she has learned is “to always be your authentic self and to respect others.” “As a female, I hope that young women keep in mind that they need to take ownership of their abilities to affect great change within their communities,” said Ashley. “I hope they see their role in philanthropy as more than giving to others, but to also appreciate the overwhelming feeling of joy that comes from watching others flourish and become the best individuals that they can be.”

STORY HAILEY JENKINS PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED Ashley crowned as Miss Starkville 1982.

Veterinary Medicine, she became more aware of the facilities, operations and mission of the school. “It was phenomenal, and I was very impressed! Knowing that I could help someone who loves cats as much as I do become a veterinarian gives me great pleasure,” said Ashley. The second scholarship, which is allocated across the university, has been included by Ashley because she is aware that only a small percentage of students go into veterinary medicine; therefore, she wanted to create an additional scholarship to meet the needs of more students. With these two scholarships, she hopes that future recipients will be encouraged to pursue their dreams and that they are cognizant of the extraordinary opportunity it offers them for higher education and future job prospects. She also hopes the awards will create a chain reaction of students who want to “pay it forward” by investing their own time and support into making a positive difference within their communities. Currently, Ashley resides in Lake Village, Arkansas, with her husband Earl Ashley and their seven cats. She spent ten years working in outside sales with

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Ashley (left) serving as a judge pictured with Sarah Cate Lay, Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen 2019.

Enjoy beautiful pictures of familiar campus scenes that bring back special memories of your time at Mississippi State. The official State calendar has become a Bulldog tradition. With pictures by MSU’s own award-winning photographers, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind treasure. Order online today at msufoundation.com or call 662-325-7000.

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noteworthy news

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2023-24 scholars with MSU President Mark E. Keenum. Photo by Chad Hathcock

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Mississippi State University has selected 21 Presidential Scholars for the 2023-24 academic year, recognizing them as outstanding undergraduates and recipients of the university's most prestigious scholarships. Presidential Scholars are exceptional students with strong academic skills, creativity and a drive for success. They choose to attend MSU to pursue their goals as part of the prestigious Shackouls Honors College. Endowment-level gifts for Presidential Scholarships at MSU provide students with financial support to cover the cost of attending the university for four years. The experience offers a one-time educational enrichment scholarship for study abroad opportunities, internships or other qualified academic pursuits, an undergraduate research fellowship award and mentoring opportunities. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum 30 ACT/1330 SAT score, as well as have graduated with a minimum core or overall 3.75 high school GPA (based on a 4.0 scale). Recipients are expected to maintain an overall 3.4 GPA in their respective academic majors. Presidential Scholars have opportunities to interact with members of the land-grant institution’s extensive research faculty and be part of the honors college’s summer-study program at Oxford University in England, among other enhanced learning experiences.

Scholar requirements at a glance: 1) Minimum ACT score of 30 2) Minimum SAT score of 1330 3) Minimum high school GPA of 3.75 4) Recipient expected to maintain an overall 3.4 GPA in academic major

ELLA ATKINS

MADELYN BERRY

CLAIRE BOUDREAUX

Nashville, TN Chemical Engineering Dean and Lauran Wingo Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Brandon, MS Aerospace Engineering Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Oxford, MS Psychology Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

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WENDY CAMPBELL

CLAIRE DECENT

KELSEY ANNE DEMBO

Starkville, MS English Alan Nunnelee Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Germantown, TN Marketing Steve and Patsy Fowlkes Brandon Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Ocean Springs, MS Electrical Engineering Tonya and Anthony Wilson Presidential Endowed Scholarship

PAYTON KELLYVAN DOMELEN

KEEGAN FIGUEROA

EVAN GARRISON

Mooreville, MS Political Science Mickey and Babs Holliman Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Webb City, MO Aerospace Engineering Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

WILLIAM HARVEY

LEXI HOLDINESS

CARTER HOLTON

Starkville, MS Political Science Leo Seal Presidential Endowed Fund

Meridian, MS Psychology Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

New Caney, TX Electrical Engineering Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Sun Prairie, WI Biomedical Engineering Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

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CHAUNCY JORDAN

JACOB KASITZ

ANNE PRESTON MCRAE

Clinton, MS Mechanical Engineering Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Gainsville, FL Geoscience Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Meridian, MS Political Science Hal and Linda Parker Presidential Endowed Scholarship

RYAN NEAL

ALYSSA NEWSOME

CHARLES NICHOLAS

Starkville, MS Philosophy Grisham Scholarship

Kosciusko, MS Wildlife and Fisheries Sanders Family Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Starkville, MS Chemical Engineering San Shuttleworth Adkerson Presidential Endowed Scholarship

JOY RAMIREZ

ABIGAIL SPREEN

STEPHEN WEATHERSBY

Brandon, MS Microbiology Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Metairie, LA Aerospace Engineering Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

Ridgeland, MS Electrical Engineering Louis A. Hurst, Jr. Presidential Endowed Scholarship

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student newsperspective

M y B u l ld o g E x p e r i e n ce :

Annea Scales

Class: Senior e, Meteorology Major: Geoscienc Albany, Mississippi Hometown: New

kids. I'm am the youngest of three Albany, Mississippi, and New dent! in stu ed e rais leg col and n on bor rati s I wa te and am a first-gene Sta i ipp siss Mis d self guitar nde my atte the only one who ing, art and teaching little free time, I enjoy bak a me plan ves not lea y did I e onl e aus leg While col te University bec d to attend Mississippi Sta s to nte wa l wa I goa w my t kne I . tha d lele ide uku dec I and undergrad. Whenever for i ipp in siss ool Mis sch of y te onl sta on leaving the ice because it is the w MSU was the right cho kne n I t, now gis ll-k rolo we is teo m me a gra e becom teorology pro science major, and the me ted with Mississippi that offers a geo i native, I'm well-acquain ipp siss Mis th nor a As y. ntr cou weather the ere oss sev acr of ted and respec n often on the edge ather, coming from a tow rologist we al teo loc me a ble e om icta red bec to unp the nadoes. My inspiration tor l era sev ng tching api Wa esc . ly events and narrow cloud nearly hit my city n when a rotating funnel de asio ma occ h nts suc eve er one ath ing we struck dur e the unfolding Laubhan of WT VA describ Chief Meteorologist Matt my interest in the field. me feel secure, sparking me weekend News in Tupelo as a part-ti gotten to work at WT VA . every a.m 6 and 5 at st Since Januar y 2023, I've eca air delivering the for on me ch cat can ere weather You sev t. ing meteorologis ek, par ticularly dur I also fill in during the we and , provided day has Sun n and bha ay Lau tt urd Sat meteorologists like Ma d nce erie exp ide time at ngs My . alo events. Working circle of inspiration erience, completing a full exp air for an onrd boa orld ing l-w spr rea a e invaluabl turity, ser ving as incredible growth and ma eptance acc my ed eiv rec I en wh MSU has been marked by son I was ure. Reflecting on the per re than I could exciting and limitless fut my life. I've achieved mo ped sha has sity ver uni the how how big the at d lize rea aze am me I'm de letter, eriences here have ma exp My . ago rs field yea ee thr e so much to learn in my have imagined just sissippi. I realized that I hav Mis n tow allsm of e es. sid iliti world is out at all of the possib I feel humbled and excited and every aspect of life. ential and Turner Wingo Presid num Memorial and Dean Kee t d ret sse Eve ble s rles wa I Cha le. the sib Receiving sissippi State pos de my experiences at Mis that the nify sig y The e. tru be Endowed Scholarships ma to good awarded them as it felt too e of allowing and shocked when I was and grant me the privileg in ing est inv rth wo me in ial ent ool. I am most pot sch see e for her ing people hout worrying about pay wit ure fut and s my die stu me to focus on my ortunities for continuing ting many offers and opp get lly ntr y are efu cou hop to the rd und wa looking for because stations aro quality confident this will happen a e am I hav s. we t new tha the w in kno eer y car m Mississippi State. The fro t gis rolo teo me a for always looking e. education and are reliabl

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Common IRA References: DECODING THE LINGO | Navigating IRA Transfers Individual retirement account (IRA) transfers are very popular methods of giving, but the numbers and acronyms associated with the processes can be confusing. Here is a brief breakdown of some of the most common IRA references. Thankfully, a QCD to an institution like MSU can further your philanthropic goals and counts toward your RMD, which can help reduce the subsequent tax hit. To learn more about IRAs and other gift planning options available through the MSU Foundation’s Office of Gift Planning, visit msugiftplanning.org.

• QCD = Qualified Charitable Distribution • RMD = Required Minimum Distribution • 70½ vs. 73 – Individuals 70½ years and older can make a direct, tax-free transfer (QDC) of up to $100k annually from their IRA to a public charity like the MSU Foundation. – At age 73, most individuals are required to start taking withdrawals (RMD) from their traditional IRA, which can create tax consequences.

ON CAMPUS | MSU Livestock Judging

Jack McCarty, a proud alumnus and executive director of development for the MSU Foundation, enjoys sharing more than just investment advice with alumni and friends. His passion extends to sparking people’s interest in a range of topics from entertainment to news. Here’s a sundry of Jack’s latest “top picks” that he hopes all Bulldogs will pass along to others.

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Dating back to the 1920s, the Livestock Judging Team has a longstanding tradition at the university. Under the direction of two-time MSU alumna Alexandra Pittman, who is one of the youngest college livestock judging team leaders in the country, MSU’s team has experienced great success over the past year and continues to grow. The upcoming construction of a new Livestock Judging Pavilion and Evaluation Laboratory at MSU’s South Farm will further enhance opportunities for the team and future agriculture leaders. The facility will be home to the collegiate judging team and will also offer space for regional and national judging events, animal evaluation research, outreach and instruction. To learn more about the project and current naming opportunities within the facility, contact Lacey Gordon, assistant director of development for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, at 662-325-6312 or lgordon@foundation.msstate.edu.

DOUBLE THE IMPACT | Loyalty and Legacy Scholarships The Loyalty and Legacy scholarships at Mississippi State University offer alumni and friends a unique way to double the impact of their giving through a matching gift program. Approximately $1 million annually is committed to student support through Loyalty and Legacy awards, and some 224 scholarships have been awarded to students from all backgrounds and majors since the program’s inception in 2010. For more information on creating Loyalty or Legacy scholarships at Mississippi State University, contact me at 662-325-9580 or jmccarty@foundation.msstate.edu.

ONE FOR THE ROAD | Starkville Roadtrip Playlist The next time you hit the road to head back “home” to campus, check out my newly created Starkville Roadtrip Playlist. The playlist features a blend of Southern rock, country, blues and hip-hop classics that will complement your journey to Starkville with a sense of nostalgia and diverse musical history. You’ll hear soulful and laidback rhythms from iconic Mississippi artists like B.B. King, Marty Stuart, Hardy, Elvis Presley and Starkville’s own Del Rendon, as well as other well-known musicians from all across the South. Use the QR code below to access the playlist on Spotify and start listening now.

GOOD READS | Boys from Biloxi John Grisham delivers another gripping legal thriller in Boys from Biloxi. The story follows childhood friends who end up on opposing sides of the law as their lives take different paths. With Grisham's trademark twists, the story is an immersive page-turner with a stunning conclusion. A true standout in the book is the city of Biloxi itself, brought to life in an immersive and compelling way. The Boys from Biloxi explores friendship, law and the city's intricate history and characters, making it a must-read.

WEEKEND GETAWAY | Cruise the Coast Need a place to read the Boys from Biloxi? What better place than the book’s setting on the Mississippi Gulf Coast? Head south for a weekend getaway on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Book your stay at the Pearl Hotel in the historic heart of downtown Bay Saint Louis. Reserve a table next door at Field’s Steak and Oyster Bar for dinner—you won’t be disappointed. Take a scenic drive along the coast to Ocean Springs to visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, where you can explore a range of exhibits showcasing the work of the iconic Mississippi artist. Don't forget to stop by Pass Books/Cat Island Coffeehouse in Pass Christian along the way. As you soak in the beauty and culture of the coast, keep an eye out for Lee and Leo Seal. The True Maroon alums are carrying on their family’s strong legacy that has greatly impacted the economy and revitalization of their home on the Gulf Coast, as well as at MSU.

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If there’s one thing that’s constant at Mississippi State University, it’s changes happening to our campus! If you’re planning a visit or just need a refresher, here are a few recent additions and changes that you might have missed. 16

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A stage for the future: How one professor is inspiring the next generation

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Clevinger aims to inspire students across various majors to realize their creative potential. She emphasizes the growth that performing arts, particularly the classics, can offer students from diverse fields like engineering, business, education and beyond.

Donna L. Clevinger, PhD, is on a mission. Settled into her office chair, she dives into her cabinets filled with a lifetime of memories. They're packed with teaching awards, souvenirs from shows she's helped create and trinkets that mean a lot to her. She's looking for one special inscription that displays the quote that’s guided her throughout her life. While she searches, pictures of her past students line the office walls, silently cheering her on. "This is it," she proclaims as she finds her treasure. Raising a page inscribed with a quote from Albert Einstein, she reads in a reverent voice, "Creativity is the ability to observe what others observe and conceive of ideas that no one else has ever thought of.” This quote is her guiding light, leading her to multiple institutions and many professional honors. Now, the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College at Mississippi State University is the place she proudly calls home, where she continues her legacy of helping students discover themselves through the arts and calls for people to rethink how they give back. Recently honored with the 2023 Shackouls Honor College Student Council Teaching Award, among other accolades, Clevinger has generously established The Dr. Donna L. Clevinger Endowed Scholarship for Creative and Performing Arts. This endowment, funded by her generous gift, aims to support students who've shown a passion for performing arts even before their time at the university.

“Students need to tap into their artistic side just like they tap into their scientific side,” said Clevinger. “There is nothing more exciting than seeing the light turn on in the student's face when they are making a new discovery, or they just figured out the meaning of what a character said and the significance our plays have on us today. We owe the classical period a great deal.” Clevinger's generous spirit is rooted in her childhood. She fondly recounts stories of her parents who demonstrated the essence of caring for others, despite their limited means. With pride, she tells the story of watching her father, who was a pharmacist, help those in need simply because they needed it. “I would hear my dad answer the phone at three o'clock in the morning and know that it was someone needing him to go to the drugstore and fill a prescription for their sick child or their grandparent. And my dad would get dressed and drive down to the store, meet the people there, and fill a prescription—at times, even paying for the prescription because the people had no money,” Clevinger said. She also shares a heartwarming story about how her mother generously gave her time and expertise to help others.

“GIVE YOUR PASSION. GIVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN. GIVE WHAT YOU WANT TO GIVE BECAUSE THERE'LL BE SOMEBODY OUT THERE, SOME STUDENT AT SOME POINT THAT WILL NEED IT.”

Clevinger

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that MSU offers students unique opportunities they may never have imagined. As she speaks about her students, she is careful to share that finding oneself is not bound only to students but to adults as well. Throughout her storied career, she has found that the best way to find oneself is through giving. The problem she’s seen is that most people have a limited idea of what to offer and why. “Sometimes we have to strip ourselves away to find our true self in giving and not think of it the way we usually think about giving,” she said. “We should be asking ourselves, ‘If you can't take this with you in your next life, where would you want it to be left to effect the greatest good?’” Not only does Clevinger challenge people to find themselves in this life through giving, but she offers insight into the legacy one can leave. For her, legacy isn’t about the numbers one can leave behind, but the impact gifts can have on those who come after and have the greatest need. Accordingly, she encourages alums to consider their legacy, not in terms of their wealth, but the impact their contributions can make on future generations. Clevinger

“My mom was a landscape architect who always made time to help a friend or stranger with gardening or landscaping needs, even if she wasn’t getting paid. She’d be out running errands and people would stop her and ask her advice on gardening and landscaping and she’d give it freely and graciously,” Clevinger said.

“When your voice is silent and people don't see you physically anymore, what are they going to remember? How are they going to remember you? Maybe you don't care. But there's some student out there that does need you. Two years after you're gone, ten years after you're gone. Maybe they've yet to be born, but they need you. And in a way, you need them too,” Clevinger said.

Clevinger stresses that their family didn’t have deep pockets, but they could give their time and energy to support others. That foundation of serving others has guided her in her pursuit of the arts and framed her approach to students.

Emotional and passionate, Clevinger hopes to inspire a spirit of giving in others. She emphasizes that these scholarships benefit students, their families, and the broader community.

Clevinger believes the Shackouls Honors College is a nurturing space where students can explore their identities through rigorous study and artistic expression. Students come to the honors college with varied hopes, dreams and backgrounds, yet many don’t know what to expect once they arrive. She uses that to challenge them to discover their inner selves and no longer rely on past accomplishments. “The honor students come with great dreams. A lot of them come with several scholarships in hand. Some of them come with a great deal of secondary school awards and honors and so forth, and they come here. Then the question becomes, ‘What are you going to do? Where are you going to go? What opportunities are you going to take?’ Because it is all here,” said Clevinger, who believes

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“Give your passion. Give what you believe in. Give what you want to give because there'll be somebody out there, some student at some point that will need it. And you'll be helping not only them but their families as well,” she said. With a lifetime of service, mentoring and performance under her belt, Clevinger is more passionate than ever to continue investing in the lives of others. And she eagerly encourages others to channel their passions into gifts that can also profoundly impact students' lives for years to come.

STORY SHUN POUNDS PHOTOGRAPHY OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Then and Now Hunter Henry Center

The sweeping, 41,000-square-foot stainless steel, granite and glass structure known as the Hunter Henry Center opened in 2002. It is named in honor of the late MSU alumnus and former Foundation board member Hunter W. Henry Jr., who made the cornerstone commitment for the facility. Built entirely on the strength of private gifts, it houses the Division of Development and Alumni with offices for the Alumni Association and the MSU Foundation, as well as a multipurpose ballroom, meeting rooms and a large donor recognition area. The exterior of the building is easily recognized by the unique modern design and distinctive, towering 80-foot spire. The year before the building opened, the division served some 90,000 living alumni and raised a then-record-breaking

$55.7 million for the fiscal year. Those numbers have grown considerably as the Alumni Association now encompasses over 158,000 living graduates and the Foundation has experienced another record-shattering fundraising year with $259.9 million—the largest of any higher education institution in the state’s history. The legacy of the Hunter Henry Center is now an integral part of MSU’s story. It is a tribute to where we have been and where we are going. As the division relocates to a new home in 2024, the center will continue to serve the university in a meaningful way as part of MSU’s College of Architecture, Art and Design.

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impact of one

The Legacy of Hunter W. Henry Jr.

Hunter W. Henry Jr. was a man with a story worth telling. From a childhood in rural Mississippi to retiring as an executive vice president of one of the world’s largest chemical production companies in the world, Henry was a respected leader, devout family man, benevolent servant and proud alumnus who saw potential in every person and opportunity he met. Although he passed away in 2011 at the age of 82, his story continues today through the resounding legacy he created at Mississippi State University. Born in McComb, Henry grew up in Canton, where his parents taught him courage and the value of an education. He always knew he would pursue a higher

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education and had his sights set on a chemical engineering degree, but his path to achieve that dream was a winding one. His dad, a dedicated member of the National Guard, had urged his son to attend West Point. When an appointment came, Henry was under weight and failed the physical. The Citadel became his next option. Henry enrolled but was disappointed to discover the school had no chemical engineering program. He was advised to stay two years and then transfer to another school. On his way home to Canton for the Thanksgiving holidays, his bus broke down, and he and a friend started hitchhiking. A chemical engineer who gave them a ride convinced Henry that he should enroll in a Mississippi school that had a chemical engineering program right away, instead of wasting two years in another curriculum. Henry’s father was less than thrilled that he had opted out of The Citadel, but in the end supported his decision to become a Bulldog. Henry thrived at then-Mississippi State College, where he was involved in and out of the classroom. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering in 1950 and joined the Texas Division of Dow Chemical Company the following year.

In 1962, he journeyed to the Netherlands, where he served as project manager for the initial engineering and construction of Dow’s Terneuzen complex. Throughout his career, Henry assumed progressive leadership roles within the company that spanned multiple U.S. states and international countries. Named to the board of directors of the Dow Chemical Company in 1979, he became president of Dow Chemical U.S.A. in 1982. Five years later, he assumed responsibility for all non-U.S. operations and global manufacturing for Dow as an executive vice president. Henry retired from the company in 1993 after 42 years of service.

Investing in Others Financial reward followed his business success, and Henry, along with his wife Lila, always made it a point to remember those institutions and individuals that helped him along the way. In particular, his lifelong connection to Mississippi State serves as a remarkable example of the transformative outcomes and positive ripple effects one alumnus can set into motion. In 1993, the Henrys began supporting MSU through the creation of the Henry Scholarship Program. Driven to invest in student and faculty success, they supported numerous

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Henry (center) with his scholars during the groundbreaking of the Hunter Henry Center.

areas across campus over the years. The Henrys went on to establish the Henry Endowed Fund for Engineering, an endowed chair position and lecture series in chemical engineering, and multiple scholarship awards, including the Lila and Hunter Henry Presidential Endowed Scholarship. By giving to both annual and endowed scholarship awards at MSU, Henry was able to maximize the number of students he supported. However, scholarships were never a numbers game to Henry, who believed in supporting student success at every level. He regularly met with his scholarship recipients, hosting an annual dinner event and frequently meeting groups of them for breakfast on campus. During their meetings, Henry enjoyed hearing about their coursework and career goals and was always willing to offer his advice and encouragement.

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When asked what inspired his generous support of so many scholarships, Henry said, “The joy and satisfaction I get out of seeing these young folks succeed as individuals is immeasurable.” “Dad and mom were committed to supporting the university, but their real focus was always on the success of students,” said the Henrys’ son, Ticket, who explained that his dad started giving back financially to MSU after being encouraged by former MSU classmate, fraternity brother and fellow board member Leo Seal. Ticket is the eldest of the Henrys’ three sons. He and his late brothers, Jim and Robert, shared their dad’s devotion to MSU. Jim shared their father’s alma mater, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1977, and Jim’s wife Kitty also attended MSU. The family followed Henry’s lead, growing support for the university and investing in Bulldog students. “He loved being involved on campus and encouraged us to do the same,” said Ticket. “I think dad saw scholarships, in particular, as a way to use his good fortune in a way that would have a direct impact on students’ success. And

the dinners he hosted for his recipients each year showed how committed he was to seeing the students succeed. It was more than simply throwing money at something to make it better, and that’s one thing that set my dad and his approach to supporting those students apart.” His commitment to his students made an indelible mark on the lives and careers of many, and the impact of Henry’s endowed support is still benefiting Bulldog students today. Of the nearly 300 Henry Scholars who have benefited from the Henry family’s scholarship awards over the years, more than 80 have chosen to pay it forward through their own gifts to MSU. One example is Dr. Mary Alissa Willis, a 2002 chemical engineering graduate who was among the first Henry Scholars on campus. Willis, who completed her medical education at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), completed a clinical neuroimmunology fellowship and previously served as Medical Director at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Cleveland Clinic. In 2019, she returned home to Mississippi to serve as associate professor and chair of neurology at UMMC. This move inspired her to reconnect with her alma mater and help create opportunities for other Bulldog students through her service and support. Accordingly, the Dr. Mary Alissa Willis Endowed Scholarship was established in 2022 to benefit fellow chemical engineering majors at State. She largely credits the gift to the kindness and impact Henry had on her life as a student and she hopes her gift will allow her to have a similar impact on the lives of current students. “At the time that I started MSU, my parents could not afford to help me with my college education. The Hunter Henry Scholarship was a godsend in many ways,” said Willis. “Hunter Henry gave not only money, but also time, to encourage the development of young people in Mississippi.

“HIS GENEROSITY HAS HELPED ME GET TO THE POINT THAT I AM ABLE TO GIVE BACK TO MSU AND HIS ADVICE MOTIVATES ME TO DO SO.” – DR. WILLIS

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Hunter Henry Center.

He took a genuine interest in all his scholars. His generosity has helped me get to the point that I am able to give back to MSU and his advice motivates me to do so. I am proud to be a Hunter Henry Scholar and I look forward to many years of paying forward his example of insight and generosity.”

New Horizons Although Henry was partial to contributing to scholarships and faculty support at MSU, he shifted his giving in a bold way in 2000 when he invested in a brick-and-mortar project that would forever change the physical and figurative landscapes of the university. The $3 million cornerstone commitment he and Lila made greenlighted construction for a $12 million facility that would become the new centerpiece for campus and community activities. Two years later, the ultra-modern Hunter Henry Center opened as MSU’s newest headquarters for alumni and philanthropy efforts. The sweeping, 41,000-square-foot stainless steel, granite and glass structure marked a new era for the university as the Alumni Association and Foundation staff settled into their new home that would no doubt facilitate greater opportunities to extend MSU’s outreach, strengthen its mission and better serve its inevitably growing alumni and fundraising efforts. “The Foundation and Alumni Association have a huge impact on students through the efforts they put into building partnerships and managing gifts to support student and university endeavors,” said Ticket. “I suspect my dad recognized that the success of the division ensures the success of advancing better opportunities for more potential students. If a university and its scholarship and outreach programs are going to grow, there has to be ample space to support its staff to make it successful.” More than two decades have passed since the Hunter Henry Center first opened its doors to the public in 2002. Over the years, the Division of Development and Alumni has reached many impressive milestones that would not have been possible without the support of alumni and friends like

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the Henrys who believed and invested in the future of the organization and the university. Through such incredible support, the division has grown and evolved, surpassing many expectations, including its own building capacity. The Hunter Henry Center has served its purpose well, as reflected in more recent years through an increase in staff members and demand for event and meeting spaces. The year before the center opened, the university served some 90,000 alumni and raised a then-record-breaking $55.7 million for the fiscal year. Today, there are more than 158,000 living alumni the association aims to engage. Similarly, the Foundation just celebrated its biggest year yet with more than $259 million in private support. The 2023 fiscal year also marked the tenth consecutive year for gifts totaling over $100 million. The collective growth across the division has exceeded the footprint of the Hunter Henry Center and led to a monumental decision for the future. In 2024, the division will relocate to The Mill at Mississippi State University. The acquisition of this historic building that has played an integral role in the success of both the city of Starkville and Mississippi State University for more than 100 years will bolster the division’s ongoing growth and advancement. “We, as a division, have been outgrowing the Hunter Henry Center for some time—much sooner than we ever anticipated. While we look forward to the future progress we will pioneer in our new home at The Mill, we are

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forever indebted to the incredible generosity of Hunter and countless others who helped bring the Hunter Henry Center to fruition,” said Vice President for Development and Alumni John Rush. “The Hunter Henry Center provided a transformative opportunity for our division to realize its potential, and we’re thrilled to continue that journey.”

Ongoing Legacy The legacy of the Hunter Henry Center—and the remarkable alumnus for which it is named—is now an integral part of MSU’s story. It is a tribute to where we have been and where we are going and will continue to serve the university in a meaningful way as part of MSU’s College of Architecture, Art and Design. The modern structure will now serve as a unique classroom space to foster learning among the college’s architecture students—further serving to inspire student success, just as Henry would have wanted. “We will miss the place we have called home for the past two decades but look forward to seeing the ways the Hunter Henry Center will benefit the university and College of Architecture, Art and Design in a new way,” said Rush. Renovations are currently underway at The Mill to accommodate the needs of the division. A special gallery area will be included in the space to showcase university history and achievements and to honor benevolent leaders like Henry who not only see potential in others, but act on it as well. A charter member of the MSU Chemical Engineering Hall of Fame and longtime servant of both the MSU Foundation’s board of director and Bagley College of Engineering’s advisory board, Henry was proud to serve his alma mater in a variety of ways. In recognition of his many contributions to Mississippi State, he was named Alumnus of the Year in 1988, Distinguished Engineering Fellow in 1991 and one of the 10 most prominent Mississippians honored on the 100th anniversary of land-grant colleges. He also received an honorary doctorate from the university in 2001.

Kicking off construction of the Hunter Henry Center are (from left) national alumni president Steve Taylor, architect E. Bowden Wyatt, foundation board president Leo Seal Jr., Hunter Henry Jr. President Malcolm Portera, state college board member Bryce W. Griffis, and vice president for external affiars Dennis Prescott.

“THE HUNTER HENRY CENTER PROVIDED A TRANSFORMATIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR DIVISION TO REALIZE ITS POTENTIAL, AND WE’RE THRILLED TO CONTINUE THAT JOURNEY.” – JOHN RUSH

Henry’s lifelong connection to Mississippi State benefited many and his generous spirit of giving extended to numerous areas that continue to thrive thanks to his visionary leadership and support. It was by chance that Henry came to enroll at Mississippi State, but it was by purpose that he became a valuable alumnus of the institution. By its very presence, the Hunter Henry Center emphasizes the importance that philanthropy plays in the life of this university and serves as a reminder of Henry’s enduring legacy that reaches far beyond the walls of campus.

The purchase and renovation of The Mill is being funded through a combination of the MSU Foundation’s existing capital reserves and private gifts. No state funding will be used for this project. Naming opportunities exist for alumni and friends who wish to contribute to the project and leave a lasting mark at the university. Each named area will be accompanied by appropriate signage, and commitments are payable over a five-year period. For more information, please contact John Rush at 662-325-1108 or john.rush@msstate.edu.

STORY ADDIE MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED

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Real Estate that makes a Real Difference. Gifts of real estate can greatly benefit students and enable Mississippi State University to grow and thrive. Whether retained and preserved for educational purposes or liquidated for immediate support, gifts of real property create strategic opportunities in the donor’s area of choice and also provide certain personal benefits. A variety of real estate types that can be transformed into rewarding charitable gifts exist. • Timberland

• Vacation Home or Condominium

• Recreational Property

• Commercial Investment

• Agricultural Farm

• Undeveloped Property

• Residential Home

• Mineral Interests

The MSU Foundation offers two programs to assist property owners with utilizing their real estate – Bulldog Properties and Bulldog Forest. Both avenues offer meaningful ways to begin a remarkable legacy. Contact the MSU Foundation’s real estate services team today to learn how easy it can be to make a real difference.

Jeff Little, Senior Director of Development, Bulldog Forest (662) 325-8151 | jlittle@foundation.msstate.edu Jud Skelton, Senior Director of Development, Real Estate Services FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2023 (662) 325-0643 | jud.skelton@foundation.msstate.edu

BY CHRIS MISUN

1_Composition: In photography and art, a common rule of thumb for design is using the Rule of Thirds. This “rule,” establishes that an image that places the main subject or point of focus is more appealing when placed on an intersecting point of vertical and horizontal lines that can be added to your camera app. Also placing horizons along either of the horizontal lines can help landscape photos become more visually pleasing. • iPhone | Go to “Settings,” choose “Camera,” and switch “Grid” on. • Samsung Galaxy | Launch the camera app, go to “Settings,” scroll down, and switch the “grid lines” option to “on.” • Google Pixel | Launch the Camera app, then tap the down arrow. Go to “More Settings,” then “Grid type.” Finally, choose the type of grid you want. 2_Creativity: Find different ways to change the angle and height of your photos. A great trick for some artistic photos is to hold the phone upside down with the lens closest to the ground and then angle the camera towards your subject or landscape. It gives the photo a whole new

perspective. Using this technique can also be combined with using reflections in puddles to take it a step further. 3_Stabilize: When possible, using a tripod with a phone adapter can make it easier for you to capture those family portraits when you don’t want to leave anyone out to take the picture. The Camera Apps have options to select timers so that you can press the capture button and have enough time to get over to the group. Some phones have an additional setting to take multiple pictures at once to ensure you capture one photo with everyone’s eyes open. 4_Edit: Learning the different editing tools that come bundled with your smartphone can take your photos to a whole new level. As the technology in smartphones continues to advance, the tools that allow you to edit your photos become more robust but not overly intimidating. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different image settings such as highlights, shadows, brightness, contrast, and more. Making adjustments to these settings can take a normally flat image where the colors and lights are muted and change them to enhance the picture.

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Classification: Senior Major: Biomedical Engineering

Austen Breland

A native of Ellisville, Breland aspires to become a design engineer. He hopes to pursue a career working on the mechanical design of prosthetic implants such as hip or knee replacements, or the development of novel drug delivery systems. In addition to his studies, Breland also is an undergraduate research fellow in the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College. This involvement enables him to contribute to research aimed at the development of a long-term intra-articularly injected drug delivery system for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

“I originally chose to major in biomedical engineering with the intention of pursuing medical school. However, I fell in love with the application of the mathematical and scientific concepts I learned as part of my degree, which influenced me to seek a future in engineering. The Hunter Henry Scholarship has allowed me to focus on my education and to better use my time outside of class to prioritize my personal and intellectual development.”

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Classification: Senior Major: Chemical Engineering

Shreenithi Lakshminarayanan

Lakshminarayanan chose MSU after meeting with several engineering professors and students and realizing how passionate they all were about their work and studies. She appreciated the collaborative atmosphere fostered within the chemical engineering department, as well as the opportunities to gain hands-on experience, and knew it was the right place for her. The Madison native is very involved in and out of the classroom, serving as a member of the Society of Women Engineers and Women in STEM Departmental Outreach and Mentorship.

“The Hunter Henry Scholarship has given me both the financial support and mentorship to try new things that I would never have the opportunity to consider otherwise. It has allowed me to pursue extracurricular clubs and activities related to my engineering studies, and to have a more enjoyable and comprehensive college experience. I am very thankful to have received this scholarship, and I hope to utilize the freedom it gives me to the fullest by being involved at MSU.”

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Occupation: Louisiana Crude Supply Coordinator for ExxonMobil Supply Chain Major: Chemical Engineering

Kelsey LeSaicherre

A 2013 chemical engineering graduate, LeSaicherre has spent the last decade working in progressive roles with ExxonMobil. She benefited from Henry’s investments at MSU in multiple ways, receiving support from the Hunter Henry Scholarship award and gaining valuable mentorship from former Henry Endowed Chair in Chemical Engineering Bill Elmore. She credits the Henry Chair’s focus on undergraduate student engagement with enhancing her time at MSU. Bringing these transformative experiences full circle, LeSaicherre has since created similar opportunities for current and future Bulldog engineering students through the establishment of the Kelsey LeSaicherre Endowed Scholarship at MSU.

“The Hunter Henry Scholarship enabled me to graduate without debt and set me up for financial and career success. It also allowed me to spend time pursuing my passions and to attend conferences that built valuable connections. I want to do my part to give other students that experience at MSU. My parents and grandparents encouraged me to pursue a college degree and have also contributed to my endowed scholarship. I’ve also been able to receive matching donations from ExxonMobil to help grow the endowment.”

Occupation: Nuclear Nonproliferation Project Specialist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Major: Chemical Engineering

Bradley Loftin

A fourth-generation Bulldog, Loftin graduated from MSU in 2000 with a degree in chemical engineering. He always considered MSU to be his “family’s school,” but credits the Hunter Henry Scholarship with “sealing the deal” in his decision to become a Bulldog. He paired his education and lifelong interest in the Manhattan Project to pursue a career in the nuclear industry. And he continues to abide by the advice given to him by Henry as a student—hard work pays off.

“Hunter came to campus at least twice each year when I was a student and always took all of his scholars to dinner. He was a generous man and was quite influential to all of us because he genuinely cared and wanted us to succeed at State and after graduation. His message to us always was that work ethic was every bit as important as grades. He wanted us to know that we could makeup where we lack in knowledge with hard work. He was always so encouraging.”

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Occupation: Patent Agent for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company Major: Chemical Engineering

Katherine Taconi

Taconi earned both her bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering in 2000 and 2004, respectively. She began her career in academia as a professor before moving to Texas, where she worked with a biofuels startup company. In 2012, she passed the patent bar exam and now works with researchers and engineers to develop their work into granted patents. The former Henry Scholar is grateful for the financial support the award afforded for her education, but perhaps more so for the opportunity it provided for her to meet and spend time with her benefactor. Although Taconi was the first in her family to attend MSU, her positive experience has led to the shaping of another Bulldog engineer as her son recently began his own studies in chemical engineering as a freshman this fall.

“The real joy and privilege of receiving this scholarship was getting to meet and spend time with Mr. Henry. He was just an amazing man. I looked forward to our visits every semester and continued to meet with him when I was in graduate school and no longer receiving the scholarship. I loved hearing his stories, and he was always so encouraging and supportive of all of us. He never hesitated to tell us how he was proud of us. Every time we saw each other, he made it a point to tell me he knew I was going to be successful and do great things. I’ve always thought it was so amazing that he took the time to get to know the students who he was supporting.”

Occupation: Chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Major: Chemical Engineering

Dr. Mary Alissa Willis

Willis is a 2002 chemical engineering graduate of MSU who shifted her focus from a career in engineering to a career in medicine. After completing her clinical neuroimmunology fellowship and serving as medical director at the Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she returned to Mississippi to raise the bar for neurologic care in her home state. She believes the Hunter Henry Scholarship was a godsend for her in many ways and helped get her to where she is today. In turn, Willis has established her own endowed scholarship for freshmen engineering students at MSU in recognition and appreciation of Henry’s investment in her life and career.

“Hunter Henry was very invested in the careers of his scholars. At first, I was reluctant to tell him that I aspired to medical school after three years focused on chemical engineering. When I did talk with him about my ambitions, he was extremely supportive. I had to catch up on pre-med coursework. Hunter wrote me letters of encouragement along the way. Hunter's support allowed me to focus on what was most important—taking good care of patients with multiple sclerosis—rather than finding a job that would allow me to pay off my debt. He was passionate about giving back. He could have chosen many other avenues for philanthropy, but he chose to invest in MSU engineers because of their potential to impact so many fields.”

Fall 2023 | FOUNDATIONS

FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2023

The Division of Development and Alumni will soon relocate to The Mill at Mississippi State University. Renovations are underway to customize The Mill's spaces to meet the staff's needs and give it a fresh, modern MSU look.

Expect an official announcement about the move in early 2024.

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noteworthy news

Development team announces new placements The Mississippi State University Foundation is pleased to announce recent strategic personnel changes, highlighting the institution's dedication to promoting strong alumni and corporate relationships. Lilly Bjorkman will move into the newly minted associate director of corporate and foundation relations role. In this pivotal position, Bjorkman will collaborate with MSU alums and cherished friends, championing endeavors to secure gifts from corporations and benevolent foundations. Moreover, she will be the primary liaison between key institutional stakeholders, including the Career Center and the Office of Research and Economic Development. Before this new appointment, Bjorkman served as the assistant director of development for the College of Business for three years. During her tenure, she demonstrated her exceptional abilities by actively engaging with alumni, friends, corporations and foundations, building and fostering strong relationships with all. Before joining MSU, she was a development specialist with the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Bjorkman

The annual giving team welcomed Peyton Hudspeth as their new associate director in July. Hudspeth is a proud alumna of MSU, holding a Bachelor of Science in secondary education. She has a reputation for leaving a lasting impression and was an exceptional educator at the Partnership Middle School and Starkville High School. Her dedication and enthusiasm for education are still remembered fondly.

Hudspeth

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Rob Jenkins has returned to the College of Business as the senior director of development. In his new role, he will work with the college's new dean, Dr. Scott Grawe, to support the college's development initiatives. With almost two decades of experience at MSU, Rob is a seasoned fundraiser who has collaborated with several deans across various academic colleges. Most recently, he served as an associate athletic director for development in athletics. Rob brings a wealth of experience to his new role and is a highly skilled professional who will be a valuable member of the development staff.

Jenkins

Kristi Swift has been appointed director of development for the College of Education and the MSU Library in the Foundation. Her primary responsibility in this position is cultivating relationships with the alumni and supporters of MSU and helping them connect to the university by finding ways to support their interests through giving. With 17 years of experience in the Starkville Oktibbeha School district, Swift worked as a teacher for 11 years, teaching kindergarten, first and second grades, and then as an instructional coach for pre-K through second grade for the last six years. She is excited to serve Mississippi State in a new capacity and is looking forward to making a positive impact in the College of Education and the MSU Libraries. The scheduled appointments demonstrate MSU's commitment to achieving excellence and the confidence placed in devoted professionals such as Bjorkman, Hudspeth, Jenkins and Swift. For more on the efforts and milestones of the Division of Development and Alumni, please visit devalumni.msstate.edu.

Swift

Fall 2023 | FOUNDATIONS

noteworthy news

$259.9 Million —

MSU shatters single-year fundraising record for a Mississippi public institution of higher learning.

Mississippi State University is proud to announce a momentous milestone in its history of philanthropic achievement that has eclipsed all previous single-year fundraising records among the state’s public institutions of higher education. With unwavering support from its dedicated alumni, friends and partners, the university soared to unmatched heights in the 2023 fiscal year, raising an astounding $259.9 million in gift commitments and marking the tenth consecutive year of private gifts totaling $100 million or above. “This unprecedented level of support for Mississippi State University is an extraordinary investment in the people and communities we serve. We are proud to have earned the faith and trust of our friends and alumni who recognize how we are taking care of what matters and who also know we will be good stewards of their gifts,” MSU President Mark E. Keenum said. “These gifts will positively impact our state for generations to come as more Mississippians gain access to scholarships,

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campus resources and hands-on education, research and service opportunities — enabling more students to pursue and earn their degrees, compete for the jobs of the future and serve their communities. I am so grateful to the Mississippi State family for their support of our university and the work we are doing.” The success of FY23, which ended on June 30, was made possible through the generosity of 20,460 unique contributors. Their gifts strengthened support for areas across the university and will enable MSU to propel innovation, empower students and amplify its positive influence both locally and globally. “This remarkable achievement not only demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the university's generous supporters, but also solidifies Mississippi State University's position as a leading institution dedicated to excellence in education, research and service,” said John P. Rush, president and CEO of the MSU Foundation. "We are tremendously grateful for the incredible outpouring of support from our alumni

and friends who have enabled us to realize this historic fundraising achievement. Their philanthropic spirit and dedication to our mission are driving forces behind our continued growth and impact." Alumni participation again reached over 19 percent (19.5), well above the national average of 8 percent (U.S. News) in the measure of support among former students. Additionally, nearly 6,600 individuals contributed to MSU for their first time and more than $5.3 million of the total funds raised were accounted from gifts of $1,000 or below. Counted among the FY23 fundraising total is a collective $40.2 million in deferred gifts. These planned commitments, established through a variety of methods including bequests, IRA rollovers and charitable gift annuities, among others, will fuel future opportunities for various academic disciplines, facilities, student and faculty support and outreach efforts in the coming years. As the deferred gifts serve as fortifying investments for the future of the university, outright gifts provided immediate support for critical areas across the university.

Such generous support enabled more than 5,000 private scholarships amounting to more than $11 million to be awarded to students in FY23. Gifts supporting scholarships include additional Loyalty and Legacy scholarships and funds for the MSU Compass Scholars program, all of which expand MSU's efforts to attract top students. More specific awards include the Coach Mike Leach Endowed Scholarship, created in memory of the late MSU football coach, as well as others benefiting areas such as engineering, industrial technology, agriculture, creative and performing arts and business. Other gifts from the just-ended year will support fundraising priorities such as scholarships and academic programming, enhanced research and community outreach, faculty support and campus infrastructure, among others that collectively drive transformative educational experiences for MSU’s diverse student body and strategic initiatives aimed at greater overall success. Most of the institution's fundraising is conducted by the MSU Foundation that was established in 1962 to help attract support from private sources. More information about the MSU Foundation can be found online at www.msufoundation.com.

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achievements

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foundation board news

Officers:

CHAIR — Anthony L. Wilson | Chairman, President and CEO of Mississippi Power Company | Gulfport, Miss. VICE CHAIR — Rodger L. Johnson | President and CEO of JKC Holdings, Inc. | Atlanta, Ga. TREASURER — Paul J. Karre | Senior Vice President HR/Communications for International Paper (retired) | Pawleys Island, S.C. PRESIDENT AND CEO — John P. Rush | Vice President of Development and Alumni, Mississippi State University | MSU MSU SECRETARY — Jack R. McCarty | Executive Director of Development, Mississippi State University Foundation | MSU CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER — Janet H. Carraway | Executive Director of Finance, Mississippi State University Foundation | MSU

Members:

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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jackson, MS Permit No. 134

Post Office Box 6149 One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 www.msufoundation.com

Mississippi State University Foundation @MSU_Foundation @msu_foundation

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

Compass Scholars WalK L eave your mark at Mississip p i St a t e Un iv e r sit y

The compass scholars walk, located south of Davis Wade Stadium in The Junction, offers opportunities for the Bulldog

family to acquire customizable bricks and pavers to be placed in

16” x 16” BLACK granite paver: Compass Scholarship pledge of $1,500 or more annually over five years per paver

the heart of gameday territory. Your contributions to the Compass Scholarship Program give us a competitive advantage as we recruit the best students who will excel and uphold MSU’s long-standing tradition of excellence and service. TO ORDER: Visit msufoundation.com/ compasswalk. FOR QUESTIONS: Contact the Office of Annual Giving at (662) 325-5975.

8” X 8” BRICK: Gifts of $750 each

8” x 4” brick: Gifts of $500 each