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
Sam Baker
Addie Mayfield
Shun Pounds
CONTRIBUTING STAFF
Erica Way, Marketing Manager
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Ammon
Sam Baker
Megan Bean
Grace Cockrell
Chad Hathcock
Russ Houston
John Lee
Robby Lozano
Emily Grace McCall
Hall Puckett
Daniel Stober
Brandy Williams
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.
Our Cover
A pair of geese enjoying an early spring swim at the Warnock Family Forest, which will soon join the lands encompassed by the Bulldog Forest thanks to a gift from Aldie and Candice Warnock. Read more on page 20.
Pass it on
I grew up in the Pine Belt of south Mississippi and was blessed to spend much of my childhood with my dad on our family timber farm. Together, we hunted deer, worked the land and made many great memories. At the time, I didn’t realize the impact those activities would have on my life. Looking back, I see they were valuable lessons in conservation and stewardship.
As a parent myself, I’ve had the privilege of passing on this legacy and love for the outdoors to my own kids, who are the fourth generation to appreciate our family farm. My oldest, Ann Garvin, especially loves to hunt, and despite being in high school, still “lets” me hunt with her. My son, Max, who is named after my dad, also loves it, and the two of them are pretty competitive with each other. For me, it’s not about the trophy anymore, but about spending time with my kids and sharing those same life lessons my dad shared with me. (My kids’ purpose is likely much less sentimental, but I hope they will feel the same one day.)
There’s something special about connecting with nature and learning to respect wildlife. It creates a special bond between those involved and makes you want to leave things better than you found them. In many ways, philanthropy is the same. It is taking care of what matters and upholding the values that we’re instilled in us. It often rewards those who give as much as those who receive. And it’s something we’re proud to pass on to future generations.
This issue of Foundations Magazine features a few of the unique ways our alumni and friends are “passing it on” through their gifts to MSU. It also highlights ongoing construction projects across campus that serve as visible reminders of the investments being made for current and future Bulldogs. Philanthropy, at its core, is a way for us to take part in something greater and carry on the tradition of support that unites the Bulldog family.
As you read through these pages and take in the sights of our ever-growing university during your next campus visit, please know how grateful we are for all you have done to “pass it on.”
JOHN P. RUSH '94, '02 President and Chief Executive Officer MSU Foundation
Behind every gift is an inspiration. For some, their philanthropy is inspired by a personal experience or the desire to make something better than before. For others, it’s a person. For Amy L. Walker, it was her grandfather Leslie Lampton Jr., the founder of Ergon Inc., who taught his family the importance of giving. Following his example, she’s investing back in her alma mater to help students become better prepared to succeed.
Walker graduated from Jackson Preparatory School before pursuing her higher education. Although she was raised as a fan of another university, Walker made a bold choice to attend MSU.
“When I told my family I was going to Mississippi State, you could hear a pin drop,” said Walker, who, despite her family’s differing affinities, knew MSU was the place for her.
At MSU, she was initially drawn to accounting but quickly realized her passion was elsewhere. She instead chose to pursue a degree in business with
an emphasis in marketing. While on campus, she also met her future husband, DeFord, a fellow student and 2002 graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences.
After graduating from the College of Business in 2002, Walker worked for Yellow Book USA before joining the family business in 2004. She worked in procurement and real estate prior to joining the Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions team, where she currently serves as area sales manager in the southeast region. In 2021, she was appointed to the Ergon board of directors, becoming the first female and the first of the third generation of Lamptons to be selected to the board.
Ergon Inc. began in 1954 as a small fuel transport service. Over the years, the family business has expanded and grown into a well-diversified organization that serves industries essential to global manufacturing and infrastructure. Today, Ergon employs more than 3,500 people and serves customers in more than 90 countries. Walker credits
Lampton Family Give Back event
“HE WAS ALWAYS KIND AND TAUGHT EACH GENERATION OF THE FAMILY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK.”
much of the company’s success to her grandfather’s leadership and his dedication to instilling values of service, generosity and kindness in every aspect of the business, as well as his family.
“When my grandfather was younger, both of his parents were killed in an automobile accident. Shortly after, the Great Depression hit. Through all of this, he ended up going into a children’s home before being adopted by a family in Jackson that could not have kids. After serving in the war, he married my grandmother and together, they raised four boys, all while he worked to establish Ergon,” Walker said.
She continued, “At first, the business was just him, one other employee and a fuel transport truck. They started by delivering fuel after hours to highway construction companies. From there, he kept working and expanding, and now, Ergon is one of the largest privately-held companies in Mississippi.”
Walker recounts her grandfather’s faith-based values through all the ups and downs and is grateful for the ways they impacted her family.
“He was always kind and taught each generation of the family about the importance of giving back. Because of that, when I was fresh out of college and didn't have much, I'd still try to give at least fifty dollars to those in need so I could always be invested in giving back,” she said.
Walker's recent gift to MSU reflects her family's commitment to philanthropy and serves as a meaningful source of support that will benefit countless students across various disciplines for years to come.
Her gift will bolster support for five distinct areas at MSU, namely within the College of Business. The focus of her giving is aimed at the College of Business Experiential Learning Fund, which will advance the college’s efforts to expand student learning through experience, action and hands-on activities, as well as the Department of Marketing. Her support also extends to the Management Seminar Series that is hosted by the Department of Management and Information Systems, as well as the College of Arts and Sciences and the Construction and Materials Research Center in the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering.
The wide-range of support speaks to Walker’s belief in empowering cross-disciplinary skills.
“If you look at the world today, workers need various skills. Someone majoring in communication or journalism, for example, may be great at writing, but they also need business skills to better understand the day–to–day responsibilities of working somewhere. Likewise, a lot of businessminded people are great at the hard skills of their jobs but may not know how to communicate their ideas,” said Walker, who encourages students to find usefulness in what other disciplines have to offer for their own pursuits.
Through her own professional experience, Walker has gained a good perspective on the benefits of diversifying personal talents and skillsets. She hopes students will take advantage of the various learning opportunities available at MSU and is proud to invest in such. Furthermore, as a member of the marketing advisory board for the College of Business, she has seen firsthand the difference private support can make in students’ success.
“Knowing the inner workings of the university has helped me figure out how I can help bridge different concepts to better MSU and help students become better entrepreneurs or engineers and businesspeople as they enter the world,” she said.
In addition to financial support, Walker also invests in others through shared knowledge and mentorship. She serves as the chairman of The Skills Foundation of Mississippi, which aims to equip Mississippi's residents with the skills required to be more efficient and successful in the job market. Through this organization, she teaches the value of learning soft skills and how having them can make a difference in one’s career.
“A PERSON CAN BE TRAINED ON TECHNICAL SKILLS, BUT THE ACTUAL SOFT SKILLS OF SHOWING UP FOR THE INTERVIEW, SHOWING UP FOR WORK ON TIME AND BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE ARE WHAT SO MUCH OF THE WORLD IS INVOLVED IN TODAY.”
“A person can be trained on technical skills, but the actual soft skills of showing up for the interview, showing up for work on time and being able to communicate are what so much of the world is involved in today,” she says.
Using her experience and lessons learned throughout her life, Walker is carrying on her family’s legacy and growing opportunities for others through her support and involvement at MSU. And while giving back is a part of her foundational doctrine, she readily acknowledges where it all started.
“It's something instilled in me from my grandfather,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s about giving back to others what God has given us.”
STORY SHUN POUNDS PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMITTED
Class: Junior
Major: Criminology
Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi
Choosing to enroll at Mississippi State University was a decision influenced by several factors, but the most prominent was the availability of military scholarships. I enlisted in the military during my senior year of high school in 2019. From basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, to AIT in Fort Lee, Virginia, I learned invaluable lessons about discipline, resilience and the importance of service to others.
Although I planned to attend Mississippi State after completing my training, the COVID-19 pandemic added new challenges to my plans. I opted to start my college career at Hinds Community College (HCC), staying closer to home. After graduating from HCC in fall 2022, I took the following semester off to spend precious time with my family and be there for my grandmother as she passed. She was always an unwavering source of support and encouragement and I know she would be proud of all I have accomplished and will continue to achieve in the future.
My goal of becoming a Bulldog was finally realized last fall. I have appreciated every opportunity MSU has afforded me, including being a Shackouls Honors College student, a member of the Delta Chi fraternity and the recipient of the Thomas B. and Terri Nusz Endowed Scholarship for America’s Veterans. This scholarship is more than just financial assistance—it is an honor. It motivates me to be a better student and to work hard to better myself and my career potential.
I chose to study criminology because I’ve always been fascinated with law. This interest has grown stronger through my military involvement and continued service with the National Guard, which gives me a stronger sense of duty, purpose and order in life. After graduation, I plan to pursue a law degree, with a goal of eventually serving as a District Attorney or working with the FBI.
My college experience has been shaped by the support of those who believe in me. I’m honored to have the opportunity to further my education as a Nusz scholar and look forward to my future as a proud Bulldog alumnus.
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.
GOOD READS | Welcome to the Circus of Baseball: A Story of the Perfect Summer at the Perfect Ballpark at the Perfect Time
Ryan McGee is no stranger to fans of the Southeastern Conference. He can be seen each week on ESPN’s “Marty and McGee” alongside Marty Smith. This show meets at the intersection of southern lifestyle and sports to bring viewers the latest headlines across the SEC landscape. I just completed Ryan’s book, Welcome to the Circus of Baseball. It is a great read about Ryan’s summer of 1994 spent in Asheville, NC (a great getaway for a weekend) with the minor league organization, the Asheville Tourists. It was one of the better sports books I’ve read in quite some time.
ON CAMPUS | Grant Presidential Library
The Mitchell Memorial Library on campus houses many rare and unique artifacts, but the fourth floor, which houses the Grant Presidential Library, is particularly intriguing. The Grant Collection contains an array of correspondence, research notes, artifacts, photographs and memorabilia, by and about the United States’ 18th president, covering his early life, Civil War triumphs, presidency, and beyond. Here are a few interesting pieces worth seeing:
• A very rare copy of the famous “Vicksburg Daily Citizen,” which was in press when the siege ended. It is so often forged that the Library of Congress has developed guidelines for verifying authenticity.
• A set of China made specifically for the wedding of Grant's daughter, Nellie, which was held in the White House.
• Engineering drawings that Grant drew when he was a cadet at West Point in the 1840s.
• A plaster cast of Grant’s face taken shortly after his passing. Known as a “death mask,” these casts were considered valuable mementos and memorials of the departed.
ON CAMPUS | T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability
MSU’s T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability is dedicated to providing assistive technology services and outreach to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities. The center’s staff engages in ongoing research and development efforts to advance assistive technologies and adaptive solutions that aid individuals with impairments in communication, mobility and other areas. They also provide a wide range of impressive programs, including the Project IMPACT early intervention service, IGNITE Dyslexia Services and Express Yourself! art program. It is one of the most eye-opening tours at MSU. Contact me if you want to schedule a visit to learn more the next time you’re on campus.
Radio Revival
Want to impress your friends at your next dinner party? Visit your local antique mall and buy an old radio. You can usually find them in the $50-100 range. Implant a small Bluetooth speaker into the body of the radio, then download the KWEM Radio app on your phone and pump Elvis Presley, BB King, Howlin Wolf and Johnny Cash through your “new” contraption. The old school tunes will impress your guests and they will never know the music is not coming straight from West Memphis in the 1950s!
GOOD EATS | Coastal Cuisine
If you’re visiting Orange Beach this summer, book a dinner reservation at Voyagers in the Perdido Beach Resort. The upscale restaurant features unexpected dishes, a wine list spanning eight countries and some of the best panoramic views overlooking the Gulf. Start with an order of broiled oysters and a wedge salad; then enjoy a dry-aged ribeye with a crab Oscar crown or try the Perdido Stuffed Chicken with a side of Bayside Blue Mac. If you’re looking for less of a splurge, check out CoastAL Orange Beach. The waterfront restaurant and open-air bar offer great food and live music in a beachfront, family-friendly atmosphere.
ROAD TRIP | South Dakota
When looking for a travel destination, don’t overlook South Dakota. Fly into Rapid City for an easy drive to several sites. The Black Hills, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial are a must. The historic western town of Deadwood is easily doable, and Devils Tower is just across the state line in Montana. If you pan for gold and strike it rich, we have some great giving opportunities at MSU—and yes, we take gold!
For over 100 years, the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering at MSU has been at the forefront of education and research. Advancing in every aspect, the college is committed to pursuing excellence in education, and providing an environment for personal growth and development. Accordingly, the college and its Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering are working to secure support to renovate part of Patterson Hall for the development of the Hall School's future innovation and research facility—the Innovation Design and Engineering Education Lab (iDEELab). In a time where industry engagement is more important than ever, the iDEELab will serve as a platform where visionary cohorts of faculty, students and industry partners converge to collaborate, innovate and push the boundaries of what's possible.
“The goal of the iDEELab is to provide students with mentorship from faculty and industry board members, as well as access to infrastructure and equipment necessary to solve open-ended realworld engineering problems, and as such, bring ideas of deep technology to products that can break into the market—all through co-curricular and intracurricular activities within the university campus,” said Haitham El Kadiri, head of the Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering and PACCAR Chair.
Designed to serve as an intracurricular experiential learning program that exposes engineering students to real-world industry applications, the IDEELab provides cutting-edge, hands-on and critical thinking opportunities within each engineering core class. Courses are delivered in such a way that students can both learn and practice the rules of engineering throughout their undergraduate studies. They can also participate in a deep engineering mentorship and take advantage of a diverse portfolio of industry opportunities and challenges.
“Students want to build and invent, but most academic settings teach them only to solve close-ended problems through design processes. They aren’t taught how to physically build out their designs or think outside the box to achieve higher levels of success,” said El Kadiri. “This lab will bridge the gap between theory and industryrelevant practice.”
Support for the iDEELab will expand MSU’s capabilities for technology creation, fortifying classroom instruction with opportunities for engineering students to address realworld applications as a key component of the curriculum. The advanced equipment and mentorship will enable students to manufacture, assemble and test their work, bringing the educational experience full circle. According to El Kadiri, only a few engineering programs in the country offer this manufacturing readiness level under the combined mentorship of faculty and industry representatives.
“All the data shows that engineers need more hands-on experience, and the iDEELab helps us facilitate that from the first day students step onto campus,” said Ross Smith, IDEELab’s director. “It also opens a tremendous opportunity to tailor student training to the needs of manufacturing industries, which is at the core of Mississippi’s land-grant university mission. Advanced manufacturing technologies remain the most critical component of the future economic fabric, and as such, it is absolutely crucial to equip our students early on in their careers with the right skills to create these technologies.”
One key trait companies seek in new hires is previous work experience. Similarly, students want more hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. The iDEELab addresses both needs, enabling more engineering students to graduate with the confidence and skills needed to tackle any engineering project from day one.
“The lab will serve as a unique, on-campus complement to our co-op and internship opportunities, giving students access to advanced faculty and industry mentorship, manufacturing equipment and collaborative design spaces to practice their skills,” Smith said.
Bagley College Dean and Earnest W. and Mary Ann Deavenport Jr. Chair Jason Keith expressed his excitement for the formation of the iDEELab.
"This facility will provide new opportunities for students to engage with industries in unprecedented ways and further extend our land grant mission, all in support of the MSU Strategic Plan for Transformational Change.”
Central to the iDEELab's success is its collaborative ecosystem, where industry partners actively contribute to student learning experiences. By providing relevant problems and opportunities, these partnerships ensure that coursework remains aligned with industry demands, preparing students for the dynamic landscape of modern engineering. Furthermore, industry partners benefit from investments in the lab as they engage with faculty and student cohorts on projects that address their specific opportunities and challenges.
“University-industry collaborations can transform research and development processes to accelerate open innovation and scale the transfer of technology. In turn, faculty will learn industry needs on a daily basis through their R&D collaboration, which will enable them to go back and tailor teaching processes to what industries want students to learn. This is like a continuous education of faculty necessary for improving the undergraduate curriculum and advancing the nation’s competitiveness in technology,” said El Kadiri.
Investments from corporate partners provide the iDEELab with support for resources and equipment needed to teach modeling and manufacturing in the context of specific organizations’ needs. This allows students to see the impact of their research and access new skills, while simultaneously providing companies with the competitive edge of faculty expertise. These mutually beneficial partnerships reflect Mississippi State University’s core mission for excellence in teaching, research and service and underscore our role as a major contributor to economic development.
Milwaukee Tool, a global leader in delivering innovative solutions to the professional construction trades, and one of the largest employers in the state, understands the value of the iDEELab and has contributed to its ongoing success. The company has generously gifted more than $100,000 of tools and power equipment and supported a number of student projects. This strategic partnership empowers students to apply their skills and knowledge in manufacturability while leveraging Milwaukee® products as a canvas for innovation. In turn, students and faculty have been working on specific research projects to help innovate product solutions for Milwaukee®.
"Haitham and the team have an amazing vision for the future of the school, aiming to partner with the industry to enrich students so they can make a significant impact upon graduation. Over the
years, we've been engaged with his team and witnessed remarkable improvements, along with a clear trajectory for their progress. The addition of the iDEELab is poised to be a game changer, setting a new standard for student development through industry engagement, offering students real-world experience equivalent to an internship or co-op,” said Matthew Waldrop, director of operations for Milwaukee Tool. “We've fully embraced this vision and are committed to providing support wherever it's needed to sustain their growth. I speak on behalf of all Milwaukee Tool when I share how genuinely excited we are for what the future holds!"
The partnership with Milwaukee Tools is just one example that demonstrates the Bagley College’s dedication to teaching students how identify and solve engineering problems from the industry perspective, and subsequently create new technologies through the process. Furthermore, El Kadiri believes mechanical engineering coursework should also encourage a deeper understanding of human behaviors and markets that inform such ideation. He emphasizes the importance of shifting engineering education paradigms toward a more output-driven approach, enriching learning experiences and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
“Faculty and staff deserve the opportunity to learn and be incentivized for innovative, industryrelevant work; students deserve an educational experience that prepares them to be capable and well-informed engineers; and alumni and shareholders deserve measurable benefits from our work,” said El Kadiri. “The opportunities provided in the iDEELab will better position the Hall School and the entire university to continue to meet these critical needs. It’s all about reconnecting our curriculum to the real-world industry.”
A shining example of what's possible when passion meets purpose, and visionaries unite to turn dreams into reality, the iDEELab is not just a space—it's a movement. It's a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity and perseverance in driving positive change and shaping the future. And its impact will extend far beyond the walls of Mississippi State University, leaving an indelible mark on the world for generations to come.
“Everyone has innovative potential to change the world. Students especially have so much energy and willpower to participate,” said El Kadiri. “It’s our responsibility as a land-grant institution to provide those opportunities, and the iDEELab does that daily.”
The initial phase of construction for the iDEELab is underway thanks to a federal grant and private support from alumni and friends. Additional investments will ensure progress as development of the lab completes phase 2 and begins phases 3 and 4. For more information about how to support the iDEELab, contact Bennett Evans, senior director of development for the Bagley College, at 662-325-0386 or bevans@foundation.msstate.edu.
1. Randy J. Cleveland Engineering Student Center: Renovation work has begun on the former Materials Testing Laboratory located between McCain Hall and the Walker Engineering Building. A gift from Randy and Nina Cleveland is funding the establishment of the collaborative service center benefitting engineering student in this convenient location.
2. Ballew Hall: A staple in MSU’s agricultural buildings, Ballew Hall is currently receiving an overhaul in conjunction with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ 120th anniversary. Read more about the project on page 16.
3. New Dining Facility: Formerly the University Florist, this location will soon welcome new student dining options. The project is part of MSU’s dining services refresh, which also includes relocating the iconic State Fountain Bakery to its original home in the lower portion of Perry Cafeteria.
4. Jim and Thomas Duff Center: Located on the former site of McCarthy Gym, the Jim and Thomas Duff Center will be the new, centralized home for MSU’s kinesiology department, Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic and Disability Resource Center. The building, made possible through the generous support of brothers Jim and Tommy Duff, will join the J. Charles Lee Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building on the new McCarthy Quadrangle.
5. Azalea Hall: Work is underway on a new residence hall located across from the Old Main Academic Center. Support from the Luckyday Foundation further benefits the 412bed complex development with the addition of the Luckyday Tower, a living and learning community for MSU’s Luckyday Scholars.
Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation builds success through ongoing support
Mississippi State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) celebrated a milestone last year as it marked 120 years of innovation in teaching, research and service at the land-grant institution. Over the last 12 decades, the college has grown in both size and prominence to become a national leader with top-ranked programs and nearly 24,000 living alumni. CALS’ evolving campus footprint further demonstrates this progress, and Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is proud to invest in the continued progress.
An organization dedicated to engaging and developing the next generation of farm leaders and advancing rural communities through grassroots advocacy and support, MFBF is a longstanding supporter of the university. The 100-year-old organization recently made a $100,000 commitment to bolster CALS’ capital improvement project aimed at renovating Ballew Hall.
“In Mississippi, agriculture is the number one economic driver in our economy. Agriculture is important, but often times, takes a back seat. Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is proud to invest in the Ballew Hall renovation
to give the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences a new home, because the men and women who do so much to invest in farming and ranching across the state deserve state of the art facilities to continue their important work,” said MFBF President Mike McCormick.
Constructed in the 1960s as a meat research and teaching facility, the building once was the nucleus of animal and dairy science courses on campus. However, the addition of the new animal and dairy sciences complex has shifted that focus to the H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center, known as MSU’s South Farm, creating the prospect of a new and different future for Ballew Hall. Renovations are currently underway to transform Ballew Hall into the new administrative home for CALS and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES).
Support from MFBF for the project will update the facility and increase office spaces and conference room availability. The renovation also includes the installation of a new HVAC system and additional ADA compliance measures. Of the $100,000 commitment, $50,000 will provide immediate assistance while the remaining $50,000 will further fund the Ballew Hall Building Excellence Endowment to ensure ongoing support for the building and other needs for CALS in the future.
“The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation is a highly valued partner with Mississippi State University, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station in advocating for farm families and supporting the work we do in teaching, research and outreach to the stakeholders we serve,” said Scott Willard, dean of CALS and director of MAFES.
In recognition of the gift, the recruitment suite within the building will be named in honor of MFBF. The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation-CALS Recruitment Suite will provide space for prospective students and their families to visit with CALS administration and learn more about educational paths and opportunities within the college.
“It is significant that the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation gift will support the student recruitment and admissions suite in a renovated Ballew Hall, which is a testament to their commitment to the future of agriculture,” Willard said.
MFBF’s investments at MSU have benefited areas across campus, including CALS, the College of Forest Resources, Bulldog Athletics, student scholarships, the MSU Extension Service and others. The organization also supported an earlier CALS’ facility development through the renovation of the Lloyd-Ricks-Watson building.
“IT IS SIGNIFICANT THAT THE MISSISSIPPI FARM BUREAU FEDERATION GIFT WILL SUPPORT THE STUDENT RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS SUITE IN A RENOVATED BALLEW HALL, WHICH IS A TESTAMENT TO THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE”
“Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation has a long history of supporting CALS, MAFES and MSU, and we appreciate the work that President Mike McCormick and his staff do on behalf of all sectors of Mississippi agriculture and their unwavering support for our programs and our faculty and staff,” Willard said.
McCormick expressed similar sentiments, “As the largest general farm organization in Mississippi with 179,000 member families, Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation sees firsthand what education and research can do to improve productivity on our members’ farming operations. Mississippi State University provides both aspects and is a leading resource to continue the legacy of agriculture in Mississippi.”
Great universities like MSU are built with the help of visionary leaders like MFBF, who are shaping the landgrant institution into an even more powerful force for teaching, research and service. Their gifts are providing the building blocks that fuel the achievements of current and future generations.
For more information about the Ballew Hall renovation and ways to support other capital improvements within CALS, contact Will Staggers, director of development, at 662-325-2837 or wstaggers@foundation.msstate.edu.
STORY ADDIE MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The merging of two campus traditions at Mississippi State University has brought a convenient new way for alumni and visitors to shop Mississippi-made gifts.
The University Florist has provided fresh flowers, gifts and ornamental plants since 1928. Previously located on Lee Boulevard, the florist moved to the A.B. McKay Food and Research Enology Lab at MSU’s North Farm last fall to allow for the construction of new dining options near the heart of campus. Its retail items are now available at the MAFES (Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station) Sale Store, better known as MSU’s famed “Cheese Store.”
From farm-fresh produce to handcrafted artisanal goods, the MAFES Sale Store now showcases an even wider array
of locally sourced goods that reflect the rich agricultural and craftsman heritages that embody the Magnolia State. In addition to the store’s traditional offerings of meat, eggs, dairy products, salsa, peanuts, muscadine juice and other MSU raised and processed items, the store now features goods previously available at the MSU Florist, including McCarty’s Pottery and pre-made floral arrangements.
Whether you’re looking for something special for Mother’s Day or graduation or simply shopping for yourself, the MAFES Store has something for everyone. Shop in-store at 925 Stone Boulevard, Monday through Friday from 9am4:30pm, or order online at msucheese.com.
Here are a few of our favorite gift ideas that are perfect for all your upcoming occasions.
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