LETTER FROM THE USM FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE

Director

Eagles soar, relying on wind currents to travel from one destination to the next. Like those currents, you are Giving Wing to Southern Miss students, faculty and staff, enabling them through philanthropy. It has been just over a year since the public announcement of our University’s historic $150 million campaign, Give Wing: The Campaign for Southern Miss. Your support has been resolute. The Golden Eagle family is taking this campaign to new heights beyond our imagination—and in record time! As of Feb. 28, 2023, you have generously given more than $140 million toward our goal.

In the pages of this Impact Report, you will read stories of members of the Southern Miss family who care deeply and have created opportunities for others. These are but a few examples of alumni and friends whose giving demonstrates ways to support our campaign pillars of student success, including athletic support, academic excellence, and innovation and discovery.

Under the leadership of President Joe Paul, we are harnessing our Southern Miss grit and redefining the “Top.” In pursuit of audacious goals, together, we Give Wing to a new generation of scholars, scientists, caregivers, educators and more, changing lives—one at a time.

Thank you for joining us on this journey and for your generosity.

Stace Mercier

Dr. Joseph S. Paul Took Flight in ’75, ’79 Hattiesburg, Miss.