achievements
INFINITE IMPACT celebrates monumental conclusion
Infinite Impact leaves a lasting legacy like no previous fundraising campaign undertaken by Mississippi State University. Following its decade-long run, the campaign closed in June with an incredible $1.07 billion in gifts to advance the university. The monumental support of 72,747 generous contributors enabled MSU to reach this echelon of philanthropy, surpassing a $1 billion milestone previously never achieved by an educational institution in the state of Mississippi. The success of Infinite Impact is evident across the 142-year-old university as MSU makes strides in numerous areas. As an outcome of campaign commitments, MSU has been enhanced in its ability to attract and serve a diverse population of eager students and dedicated faculty; contribute research, expertise and innovation to society; and advance its stature nationally in higher education. Infinite Impact will continue to resonate positive achievements for MSU well into the future, as an accountability to the state and nation inspires the institution to continually elevate its performance. Infinite Impact began in mid-2010 with an initial $600 million goal that would be exceeded several years ahead of schedule. Because of this overwhelming support, the MSU Foundation board of directors and MSU President Mark E. Keenum formally extended the goal to the $1 billion-level, the largest ever set forth by the university. During Infinite Impact, gifts benefited MSU’s core group— its students and faculty, along with ushering in critical support for facilities and programs. Universitywide, the priority goals for Infinite Impact secured $247.4 million in scholarship support; $78 million for faculty support; $121.4 million for new facilities and improvements for existing facilities; and $626.5 million for annual and program support. Another significant noteworthy accomplishment was the $285.2 million raised in deferred gifts, much of which will grow the university’s overall endowment over time.
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FOUNDATIONS | Fall 2020
Campaign support was widespread, impacting the academic colleges, the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, MSU-Meridian, MSU Libraries, and athletics. Almost every area of MSU was touched by philanthropy in some way, and the generosity of donors brought seven consecutive record years of support over $100 million—a new fiscal year average for MSU fundraising efforts. Over the nearly 60-year history of the MSU Foundation, alumni and friends have loyally met fundraising challenges. MSU’s two previous comprehensive campaigns were successful—the first raising more than $143 million in the 1990s; the second coming a decade later and raising more than $462 million. Many alumni and friends were part of these campaigns, which had lasting results for the university’s endowment and campus infrastructure, among other areas. However, Infinite Impact not only exceeded its billion-level goal, it substantially grew the university’s already strong base of supporters as 37,009 first-time donors made MSU their philanthropy of choice. Attainment of this monumental goal brought a passionate conclusion for Infinite Impact, but not an end to the university’s success. Layer upon layer, MSU is building a greater, more expansive reputation for its overall learning and research environment. Through alumni, friends, corporations, foundations, and organizations, MSU and MSU Foundation leadership will continue stewarding investments to seize new opportunities and forge a more ambitious path toward becoming an elite national university. Furthermore, MSU will reap the rewards of the campaign and share its impact with future students and rising generations of people everywhere.
STORY AMY CAGLE
