22 minute read
Browns give scholarship
Browns give scholarship recipients clean slate
Fred and MariAnna Brown of Roswell, Georgia, are staying connected to their university and honoring their commitment to higher education in their home state of Mississippi. A recently established deferred gift from the couple will further their support of Mississippi State University, primarily through student scholarships. The Browns earned degrees from Mississippi State with the assistance of student loans and through their philanthropy hope to help make an education possible and help alleviate debt for future students. The couple’s gift will create
three academic-based endowed scholarships and provide support for the university’s music department in the College of Education.
A portion of the couple’s support places emphasis on veterans’ education. The Col. Fred N. Brown Jr. Endowed Scholarship will honor students pursuing undergraduate degrees in the College of Business. Recipients of the scholarship must be veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with a minimum 3.0 GPA, among other criteria.
An ROTC student at Mississippi State, Fred Brown earned a 1967 bachelor's degree in
agriculture followed by a master’s degree in plant pathology in 1969. He later earned another master’s degree in systems management at the University of Southern California. Originally from the Mississippi town of Ethel, Fred spent 30 years in the U.S. Air Force with various national and international assignments before retiring in 1999 with the rank of colonel. Presently, he is vice president of City Light & Power Inc. based in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
In the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the MariAnna and Fred Brown Endowed Scholarship will benefit students following in Fred Brown’s academic footprint by studying in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology. Recipients must have a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and meet established criteria.
The couple’s gift also establishes the Mary and Wendell Ladner Endowed Scholarship in the College of Education in honor of MariAnna Brown’s parents. The Ladners were strong proponents of education who lived in Flora, Mississippi, where they raised their daughter. The scholarship will benefit entering students majoring in teacher education with at least a 3.0 GPA who demonstrate financial need and meet other established criteria. “Neither of my parents had the opportunity for four-year degrees, and they would be thrilled to know their legacy is helping deserving students receive an education from MSU,” said MariAnna Brown, who earned an MSU education degree in 1968 and taught for nearly a decade in public schools before targeting her career toward teaching English as a second language.
The Browns have emphasized and encouraged the pursuit of higher education and have been fortunate to provide the means for their three children to attend college. Now the couple is placing value on assisting a new generation of students.
“Scholarships truly make a positive impact and give people a better life. A student either can be
- MariAnna Brown
hindered by his or her personal hardships or use hardships as the motivation to reach for success. We want to encourage future recipients to meet challenges in their lives and succeed along their paths toward future careers with our scholarships as incentives,” said MariAnna Brown.
Fred Brown shares the goal of their deferred gift. “Education is important to the quality of life for everyone, and we want students who hold our scholarships to work hard and be rewarded with a clean slate after graduation, free from the financial burdens of education,” he said.
Additionally, support from the couple will assist the university’s Steinway initiative in the College of Education’s Department of Music. Once an All-Steinway status is achieved, the university will work to maintain and replace these pianos over time. The Browns will help make that possible through their deferred gift. Apart from the deferred gift, the Browns also fund a Loyalty Scholarship in the College of Education and an annual scholarship in the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans through the MSU Division of Student Affairs.
For the Browns, Mississippi State will always be intertwined with their lives. They hope the same will hold true for each of their scholarship recipients as they graduate and embark on their chosen careers.
Why GIVE?
Riley Foundation honors Bonner by helping students thrive
During her time as provost and executive vice president of Mississippi State University, Judith L. Bonner wore many different hats. As the second-ranking university administrator, she provided direct oversight for eight academic colleges and two campuses, as well as many academic and non-academic support units. She secured many notable accomplishments for the university; however, her priority remained the success of students.
Through her commitments, Bonner also helped advance the MSU-Meridian campus—a charge that enabled her to strengthen connections with The Riley Foundation, a longtime MSU-Meridian supporter. Upon announcing her retirement from Mississippi State earlier this year, board members of The Riley Foundation sought to recognize Bonner’s hard work and dedication in a way that was most meaningful to her.
“MSU-Meridian is an important partner in our community, and Dr. Bonner was instrumental in adding new programs and increasing enrollment for MSU-Meridian,” said Becky Farley, executive director of The Riley Foundation. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with her, and we are proud to make a gift in her honor.”
Chartered in 1998, The Riley Foundation works to improve the quality of life for Meridian and Lauderdale County citizens through charitable grants. Its partnership with MSU-Meridian and prior support for the university has benefited students through the Riley Scholars Program and led to many educational advancements, including developments of the MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts, the I. Alfred Rosenbaum Building, and the Robert B. Deen Jr. Building, all located downtown at the MSU Riley Campus.
Extending such support with its most recent $25,000 commitment, The Riley Foundation has established an endowment within the Thrive Scholars Program bearing Bonner’s name. The Dr. Judy Bonner Endowed Thrive Scholarship will uphold the former provost’s legacy of investing in students by providing perpetual support for the valuable program.
The Thrive Scholars Program was launched at Mississippi State in 2018 to assist students who were previously or currently are a part of the foster care system, an emancipated minor, homeless, had both parents pass away, or any combination of these issues. As an advocate for student success, Bonner was instrumental in the creation of the program. “Statistics show that while 84 percent of 17 and 18-yearold foster youth want to go to college, only 2 to 9 percent of former foster youth actually obtain a bachelor’s degree,” Bonner said. “MSU plans to change those statistics, and this program can help with that mission.”
In addition to furnishing students with resources to help them succeed in the classroom, Thrive also aims to alleviate nonacademic stressors that can hinder academic achievement and degree completion by providing a sense of community and belonging. Some 50 Thrive Scholars are currently enrolled for the fall semester, 11 of which are entering freshmen.
“This program would not be what it is today without the vision and direction of Dr. Bonner,” said Le’Roy Davenport, MSU Thrive Scholars Program coordinator and alumnus of the College of Business. “She has gone above and beyond to make sure Thrive has what it needs to support its students. We are truly grateful for The Riley Foundation’s generous support for the endowment on behalf of such an inspiring leader.”
Bonner joined MSU in 2015 after a distinguished career as a longtime senior administrator and former president of the University of Alabama. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from that institution, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Ohio State.
Today, thanks to the newly created endowment, the efforts of Bonner’s work will continue to impact lives now and into the future. Recipients of the Dr. Judy Bonner Endowed Thrive Scholarship will be full-time MSU students who are a part of, or eligible for, the Thrive Scholars Program. Candidates may be eligible to receive the scholarship for up to four years and preference will be given to students from Lauderdale County.
“We hope this scholarship will help students overcome some of their struggles, have a good experience at MSU, and graduate,” said Farley.
STORY ADDIE MAYFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN BEAN
Judy Bonner, retired MSU provost
Campus Views
Bulldog tailgates
Sometimes the best parts of the gameday experience at Mississippi State University are the Saturdays spent meandering through the many tailgates present in The Junction and around Davis Wade Stadium, near Dudy Noble Field and Polk-DeMent Stadium, or close to The Hump. The colorful open tents house passionate and loyal alumni, friends, and families—all poised to energetically cheer for the Bulldogs during athletic competitions.
The tradition of tailgating at MSU is stronger than ever, bringing seasonal and relaxing fun for Bulldogs of all ages. And just as cowbells and all things maroon and white are prominent, tailgate food is not an afterthought, but a focal point. Some menus consist of timeless recipes handed down through generations, while other fare is just beginning the start of what may become a great Southern tailgate tradition.
RECIPE FROM "A MISSISSIPPI PALATE" Tailgate Eats
Blackened Chicken Pasta
Serves six to eight
6 chicken breasts, 5 to 6 ounces each; butterflied 1 cup Italian dressing 2 tbsp olive oil As needed: blackening seasoning 2 tbsp unsalted butter 3 cups sliced mushrooms 1 cup sliced green onions 1 tbsp minced garlic 2 tbsp Creole seasoning 1 ½ cups Parmesan cream sauce ½ cup heavy cream 1 pound dry fettuccine pasta, cooked according to directions As needed: shredded Parmesan cheese
Marinate the chicken in the Italian dressing for at least 6 hours or overnight. Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Season each chicken breast liberally with the blackening seasoning and sear for 3 minutes on each side, working in batches. Hold the chicken breasts warm in the oven and make the pasta. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the mushrooms, green onions, garlic, and Creole seasoning, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Add the Parmesan cream sauce and heavy cream and simmer for 4 minutes. Toss thoroughly with the cooked pasta and divide among six plates. Top each pasta plate with a blackened chicken breast (cut into strips) and Parmesan cheese.
"A Mississippi Palate,” a coffee-table cookbook with 105 Mississippi heritage recipes by acclaimed chef Robert St. John and 66 beautiful Mississippi watercolors by Wyatt Waters, inspires tradition. Books are autographed by both men and accompanied by an exclusive signed and numbered print of the Bully statue at The Junction near Davis Wade Stadium. Order your special cookbook today at msufoundation.com/cookbook or call 662.325.7000.
My Bulldog Experience: Caleb James
Being enrolled at Mississippi State University as a junior chemistry major in the College of Arts and Sciences has been a great experience. I have learned important skills, made new friends, and discovered many things about myself. Getting adjusted to the busy, fast-paced environment on campus has also given me more confidence in myself and my abilities. When I arrived at MSU my freshman year, the first thing that struck me was the size of the university. It is very different from the atmosphere in my hometown of Columbia, Mississippi. Columbia is a small, quiet town where everyone seems to know each other, word travels quickly, and you’re likely to see someone you know every day. It’s strange to think that my entire hometown and the neighboring community of Foxworth could literally fit into MSU’s main campus. For some people, the transition to a university with just over 20,000 students is no big deal. But for me, it was a huge step that took some adjusting. However, I’m thankful I made the move because it has helped me grow and break out of my shell a little more. At Mississippi State, I feel like I have the chance to meet new people and try new things every day. I’ve also realized that education at MSU is serious business. My professors have made it clear they are on a mission to educate students and prepare us to be the movers and shakers of the world. To keep up with the high expectations, I have had to work harder than I did in high school and have also learned helpful ways to study smarter and adapt to change. It’s challenging, but I know this experience is helping me see my full potential. I would not have made it this far without the help of my family and friends. My family has always been there to check in on me and remind me to not give up, and my friends have been there to give me the hard truths and help me whenever I’ve needed it. Also, the scholarship support I received from the Asbury Foundation made this entire experience possible because, to be honest, college is expensive. The Asbury Foundation Scholarship has definitely taken a huge weight off my shoulders. I deeply appreciate all their support for not only my education, but also for the assistance they provide other recipients like me.
reaffirms vision and energizes mission College of Architecture, Art, and Design
Creating, making, and achieving – the Mississippi State University College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD) collectively brings these components into an environment where students can couple their academic journey with a world of possibilities.
On a daily basis, CAAD promotes and engages students and faculty in conceptualization, craft, media and technology, history and theory, and aesthetics and ethical issues associated with making artifacts in the world. The making of these artifacts and the places individuals live and work, the things they enjoy, the art that enriches their lives, and the ways they communicate graphically – have long been vital knowledge to the college’s mission.
A storied history of 50 years of the Department of Art, nearly 45 years of the School of Architecture, a rising interior design program, and a burgeoning building construction science program — are core areas that creatively comprise CAAD. Within the college, the School of Architecture, the Department of Art, and the Interior Design Program are fully accredited nationally with their respective disciplines, and the Building Construction Science Program is currently in candidacy status for accreditation.
What lies ahead for the college? The focus of CAAD, under the new leadership of Professor Angi Bourgeois, dean since 2018 and faculty member since 2002, is threefold at present revolving around reputation, environment, and growth. And private gifts are bringing a new threshold of opportunity for CAAD to create an even greater impact for MSU through its endeavors.
Over time, outstanding CAAD graduates have become
owners and leaders in many professional firms and organizations, and the college utilizes their support to differentiate itself from programs at other universities across the nation. Financial commitments from these alumni, along with friends, corporations, and foundations must grow stronger in the future to extend the positive impact of CAAD worldwide.
Reputation:
CAAD is a recognized leader in all of its disciplines. Many of its faculty and students are also individually being recognized for their achievements as they gain exposure to art, design, construction, and culture abroad. There are multiple opportunities that allow students to have interaction and network with alumni and other art, design, and construction professionals.
The School of Architecture began as the first selfcontained, fifth-year architecture program in the nation. Today, the school continues to grow its reputation, housing a professional undergraduate Bachelor of Architecture program. The school has the state’s only curriculum leading to a professional licensure in architecture and continues growing in reputation. Design Intelligence ranked the school as the nation’s 25th best in 2016 among some 140 architectural programs in North America accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. Of late, the school stands out as one of the country's best for its work on storm-resistant change and development projects to protect and enhance communities damaged by hurricanes. The Department of Art is also thriving as it distinguishes itself as home of Mississippi’s largest undergraduate studio art program with concentrations in fine arts, graphic design, and photography. The college focuses its efforts on educating professional artists and providing active art galleries to serve the university, the community, and the region. Seven areas of emphasis are offered: ceramics, drawing, graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. MSU art students consistently garner more than 180 individual recognitions from regional, national, and international competitions annually.
Also growing in reputation is the college’s Interior Design Program, which is already known as one of the best in the South. The program trains students to create functional, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing residential and commercial interior environments. The program stresses studio-based learning, and students work with clients on real spaces. Graduates of the program work in diverse environments, including exclusive residential firms, large hotel chains, and the furniture industry.
Additionally, the Building Construction Science Program was added to the college’s offerings in response to the state of Mississippi’s needs. Students in this program learn by approaching projects from a comprehensive design and construction perspective. It is one of just two studio-based
construction programs in the nation, and the only program in the nation teaching construction management in a studio environment collaboratively with architecture students for a full year.
And furthering CAAD’s mission are two thriving research centers that provide opportunities for student involvement. These are the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio within the School of Architecture, which provides architectural services, city planning, and landscape design along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and the Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center, which has become the community design center for the state of Mississippi.
Environment:
A strong merit and need-based scholarship program allows CAAD to compete for the brightest students, while maintaining high academic standards in an environment enriched with diversity. These scholarships often make the difference in students’ success, as they alleviate some of the financial burdens and allow recipients to focus on their studies. Through Infinite Impact, more annual and endowed scholarships are sought to assist outstanding students in becoming the state’s talented artists, designers, and construction professionals of the future.
In all, some 760 students comprise the enrollment of CAAD. These students study and graduate with these degrees: Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Fine Arts,
Bachelor of Science in Building Construction, and Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. Many majors in CAAD boast a 99 or 100 percent placement rate for graduates.
CAAD offers its students, from freshmen to seniors, a great environment in which to learn. All majors within CAAD engage in studio-based, hands-on learning. The studio learning concept is a unique experience, and students have a designated studio space with 24/7 access. As freshmen, CAAD students can live and learn together by residing in either Earnest W. and Mary Ann Deavenport Hall or Hull Hall. With studio-based learning as the predominant teaching methodology in the college, this community provides CAAD students a context in which to network, study, and work together as they acclimate to this unique learning format. Students can also tutor on-site with access to study areas where they can gather and form a support network. As they begin senior study, all CAAD students work in teams on an industry-sponsored competitive design project with a real-world client for two weeks each year. The college values collaboration between CAAD majors and other majors across campus, along with alumni and other industry professionals.
A number of opportunities are available for CAAD students to gain professional experience through either an internship, externship, or co-op. Field trips are another important component of education for CAAD students as they engage in research and produce case studies in
preparation for these excursions. Additionally, students can explore academic opportunities outside the United States. CAAD encourages students to gain exposure to art, design, construction, and culture abroad.
One of the smaller colleges of campus, CAAD prides itself on low student to faculty ratios (average 15:1) and considers itself a close-knit community. CAAD has a faculty base of nearly 50 and continues efforts to attract innovative faculty from a global marketplace. The college is continuously at the top of MSU rankings on a national student survey relation to educational experience and engagement with faculty.
For CAAD, endowed chairs and professorships can heighten the scholarly and research environment. For many years, CAAD benefited from the Johnny Crane Endowed Professorship in Architecture, with an endowment created by the Crane family; however, other endowed positions are needed. A rigorous environment of hiring high-caliber faculty in a competitive marketplace of peer institutions and commercial organizations has made endowed chairs and professorships, which supplement salaries and research, even more important. Through Infinite Impact, the college hopes to establish more endowments for chairs and professorships to lift the overall environment and reputation.
Growth:
CAAD is currently housed in some eight buildings across campus, from Etheredge Hall by the Drill Field to Giles Hall by Davis Wade Stadium to the Visual Arts Center Gallery on University Drive. The innovative pedagogy of studio-based programs requires unique facilities. In the coming years, a single, sizable facility is needed to draw the college together to enhance its goal of collaboration. The university believes a larger, centrally-located facility can bring core components of the college into a cohesive space that will drive creative, collaborative direction and accommodate growth.
One reason for a larger facility is to specifically prepare for anticipated growth in CAAD programs. The Department of Art's graphic design program has been singled out by a national publication, HOW magazine, as an "under the radar" program of excellence. The Interior Design Program's work and accreditation presentation has been used by the national accreditation body as an example for other programs to emulate. And the Building Construction Science Program has implemented a studiobased undergraduate program unique in the country. Additionally, a number of state-of-the-art specialty resources are provided by the college to help students have the tools they need to excel in unique, studio-based CAAD programs. These resources are possible through individual and corporate support, and more opportunities exist for alumni and friends to connect their names with the college.
By endowing existing studios, contributors can heighten the student experiences available there.
Philanthropy for CAAD is essential on an annual basis to sustain its strengths and for the long term. Ultimately, a cornerstone gift through Infinite Impact can create a comprehensive endowment for CAAD that would grow the entire college in perpetuity. Such a gift would transform the college into a preeminent design institution in the Southeast, attracting more nationally prominent faculty and the most creative students. A leading endowment for the college would carry a significant naming opportunity and give the state of Mississippi the latitude to become a national leader in design and build, sustainable design, economic development, and innovative construction practices.
Infinite Impact: The Infinite Impact campaign will afford CAAD the means to attract additional support from alumni and friends and corporations and foundations that desire to increase the caliber of graduates in the workforce and ensure responsiveness to the needs of communities. Gifts through Infinite Impact are enabling CAAD to grow its vision by refining the quality of its existing efforts and extending the reach of its impact globally with significant influence in the areas of design and construction. There is always an opportunity to assist the students, faculty, and programs of CAAD.
Alumni and friends can learn more about the College of Architecture, Art, and Design at www.caad.msstate.edu, as well as via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @CAADatMSU.
PHOTOGRAPHY MSU OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS/SUBMITTED
P.K. THOMAS Get to know
Perry K. “P.K.” Thomas IV has always had his sights set on Mississippi State University. A Tupelo native, P.K. earned two degrees from MSU—a 2003 bachelor’s in communication and a 2008 master’s in physical education and sport administration. After graduation, P.K. was an MSU admissions counselor before joining the Yocona Area Council of Boy Scouts of America as a district executive. However, the passionate pull of his alma mater inspired him to return to the MSU campus, and in 2010, P.K. became assistant director of development for the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering. Four years later, he became director of development for the College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD). P.K. and his wife, Mary Brook, live in Starkville with their children, Will, Henry, and Lillian. He enjoys watching MSU sporting events and coaching his kids’ sports teams.
Now, more about P.K.:
Favorite spot on campus? Dudy Noble Field—there is nothing better than visiting with friends while watching the Diamond Dawgs play baseball.
What’s it like to build support for MSU? I have great pride in MSU as an institution and a sense of gratitude for what it has given me. Playing a small part in securing gifts that make an impact on our faculty and students is the least I can do to help repay MSU for all it has done for me.
Favorite thing about the job? I love seeing donors interact with those they have made an impact on—the satisfaction they gain from making a positive difference in someone else’s educational experience is really powerful.
What’s unique about CAAD? CAAD alumni designed many of the buildings on MSU’s campus. I think that’s really inspiring to current students and serves as a tangible expression of the quality of education offered through the college.
