The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation Annual Report 2010 | 1
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Annual Report
The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation
W Looking forward to our next 100 years, Southern Miss will change the world by focusing on what we do best. These are exciting times for our university. Join us as we lead the charge to the top in our second century of service to the higher mind.
With the recent conclusion of our centennial year, we are inspired by all that has gone into building this great university. Early leaders like Joe Cook, Claude Bennett, J.B. George and R.C. Cook were instrumental in guiding Mississippi Normal College through its infancy and into young adulthood. A few decades later, Southern Miss has emerged as the premier research university of (and for) the Gulf South. What a rich heritage we share! Clearly, 2010 was a remarkable year for Southern Miss. Our Centennial Celebration, under the capable leadership of coordinator Jennifer Payne included the Centennial KickOff Concert featuring RenÊe Fleming, a full day of Founders’ Day Celebration events, the Centennial Commencement Celebration in M.M. Roberts Stadium, a Homecoming Parade through downtown Hattiesburg and the unveiling of our Centennial history book, Treasured Past, Golden Future, just to name a few. From performances by renowned artists to lectures featuring national leaders such as Rudy Giuliani and Madeleine Albright, we enjoyed a year of programming that offered something for everyone and heightened the love and the pride we all feel for The University of Southern Mississippi. In August, we opened the academic year on a good note. Every measure that matters was up: degrees awarded, graduation rate, student retention, student satisfaction scores, external research funding, academic accreditations, student volunteer hours, national media coverage and private giving. These are no small accomplishments and are the result of focused effort on the part of the entire campus. To make such progress is laudable. To have done it in the midst of the most severe economic downturn in memory is nothing short of miraculous
and is a testimony to the dedication of our faculty and staff. Strong universities deserve strong leadership. We are blessed to have some dynamic new additions to our Executive Cabinet who have already started making a positive impact in their new roles: Bob Pierce, vice president for Advancement; Russ Willis, interim vice president for Administrative Affairs; Dr. Denis Wiesenburg, vice president for Research; and Dr. Frances Lucas, vice president and campus executive officer–Gulf Coast. I am delighted to welcome these extremely capable individuals to my executive team. With their help, the leadership of Southern Miss will be even better as we look to 2011 and beyond. Looking forward to our next 100 years, Southern Miss will change the world by focusing on what we do best. Together we will develop a more student-centered campus, national and international recognition for all academic programs, unique programming on the Gulf Coast, more successful alumni who give back to the University, a model for sustainable living, sufficient financial support for students and faculty to achieve their goals, relevant research serving critical societal needs, jobs for our graduates, internationalization of programs, a haven for the arts and stronger communities. These are exciting times for our university. Join us as we lead the charge to the top in our second century of service to the higher mind.
Martha D. Saunders, Ph.D. President The University of Southern Mississippi
2010-11 Board of Directors Executive Committee 1. Raymond VanNorman President 2. Gee Ogletree Vice President 3. Lou Ann Poynter Secretary 4. Fred Drews Treasurer 5. Tom Potter Member-At-Large 6. Reed Allison Investment Committee Chair 7. Linda Keng Planned Giving Committee Chair 8. Carl Nicholson Immediate Past President 9. Abb Payne Current Giving Committee Chair 10. Mike Ratcliff Policies, Planning and Bylaws Committee Chair
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I am indeed honored to be currently serving as president of the USM Foundation for 2010 -11, and I pursue the position with pride and a serious commitment to make the Foundation, and the entire University, better. We appreciate your past contributions of time and treasure, and we ask that you continue your support. It truly makes a difference.
Ex-Officio Martha Saunders President of the University Russ Willis Chief Financial Officer of the University Alvin Williams President-Elect of the Southern Miss Alumni Association Vic Roberts President of the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation Jon Mark Weathers President of the Research Foundation Bob Pierce Executive Director of the USM Foundation
Board Members Jeff Bowman Hope Broome J.R. Brown Jim Carraway Mike Collins Ric Corts Tom Estes
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The 2010 calendar year and the 2009-10 fiscal year were both exciting and successful for The University of Southern Mississippi and the USM Foundation. While we have recently concluded a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of Southern Miss, 2011 proves to offer multiple opportunities to bring our University and our Foundation to new heights with new accomplishments.
Michael Herrington Robert Jackson Gwen James Rickey Jones Rex Kelly Karl Langenbach Julie Lennon
Alan Lucas Adele Lyons Sean McGee Lynn McMahan Becky Montague Tracy Powell Susan Riley
Kathleen Shaughnessy Ken Stevens Charlie Sutherland Clay Thames Charles Thomas Gilbert Van Loon Thad Waites
The close of our 2009-10 fiscal year was made particularly special with the renewed commitment from the Luckyday Foundation to continue the Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program at Southern Miss for another four years. The latest $7.4 million commitment from the Luckyday Foundation raised the organization’s total level of support for the University to approximately $17 million and ensured its scholarship program would continue to have an impact on Southern Miss students through 2014. The significant Luckyday gift not only benefited the scholarship offerings of the USM Foundation, it also lifted our total gifts and pledges for last fiscal year to almost $12 million. Last year was also historic in the life of the University as a whole. The University’s Centennial Celebration included numerous once-in-a-lifetime events such as the performance of world-renowned soprano Renée Fleming with the USM Symphony Orchestra and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani serving as the University’s May 2010 Commencement speaker. We also had the opportunity to permanently memorialize the momentous occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding with the dedication of the Centennial Gateway made possible by a gift commitment from the Ed Langton family of Hattiesburg. The Foundation has also done its part to play a role in the success of the Centennial Celebration by focusing for the last two years on the Centennial Scholarship Campaign. By the end of 2010, the campaign had generated
almost $4 million in new funds for student scholarship support. The campaign does not conclude until March 30, 2011, so you still have time to participate if you have not yet done so. Finally, the past year has been one of significant transition for the USM Foundation staff. Not only did Bob Pierce become the executive director of the Foundation and vice president of University Advancement after an almost 12-year stint as our alumni director, the Foundation office relocated from its long-time home in the Honor House to the third floor of the brand new Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship. While the Honor House held great memories and tradition for the Foundation, the size of the staff had outgrown the facility. The Trent Lott Center provides ample space for the Foundation staff and offers professional surroundings in which the Foundation can conduct its business. I am indeed honored to be currently serving as president of the USM Foundation for 201011, and I pursue the position with pride and a serious commitment to make the Foundation, and the entire University, better. You of course play a role as well. We appreciate your past contributions of time and treasure, and we ask that you continue your support. It truly makes a difference. I hope you enjoy this annual report and that you are as optimistic as I am about the future of our beloved University. Southern Miss to the Top!
Raymond VanNorman President The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation
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Sharing the Spotlight in a Lead Role “The most important lesson I have learned from the Luckyday Program is that being a leader doesn’t mean you have to steal the spotlight... It is what you do when no one is watching that makes you a leader.”
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nastasia Talley’s dreams of becoming an aspiring musician began at the young age of five in Bolton, Miss. “My mom constantly heard me playing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ on the keyboard as a kid,” recalled Talley. “I guess she finally realized I was making big plans for myself.” Talley spent her childhood and teenage years building her piano repertoire and strengthening her vocal chords. As a student at Clinton High School, she was a member of the Attaché Show Choir, where she recalls learning the value of teamwork and integrity. For Talley, the college application process was simple. There was only one place for her. She took one look at Southern Miss and knew it was where she belonged. “I immediately fell in love with this place,” said Talley. “They have the best music program in the region, and I knew I would fit in well here. My enthusiasm to start this new chapter in my life made the transition from high school to college very easy.” Talley was accepted into the Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program at Southern Miss. Founded by the late Frank Day, the Luckyday Foundation funds scholarships for exemplary students who graduate from Mississippi high schools with outstanding leadership skills and a commitment to their community.
Luckyday Scholar, Anastasia Talley, lets her musical talent shine while Luckyday Program Director Larry Sparkman looks on.
The Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program began with an initial gift from the Luckyday Foundation in 2001 and welcomed the inaugural class of Luckyday Citizenship Scholars in fall 2002, according to Dr. Larry Sparkman, director of the Luckyday Program. In 2010, 100 entering freshmen were awarded $4,000-per-year scholarships, which are
renewable up to four years. Since 2001, the Luckyday Foundation has made almost $17 million in gifts and commitments to Southern Miss. Over the past eight years, the Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program has impacted the lives of more than 900 students at Southern Miss through the gift of scholarship, service, leadership and community engagement. From the beginning of her freshman year, Talley was immersed in the Luckyday Program. She met her fellow Luckyday Scholars and immediately felt at home. “There is something so comforting about being surrounded by people you can relate to in such a big place,” said Talley. Freshmen Luckyday Scholars live in a designated community where they are encouraged by upper-class mentors and develop a supportive group that guides their transition into the university experience. While service, community and connection are vitally important to the program, students are also introduced to the philosophy of servant leadership through a special class designed for Luckyday Citizenship Scholars. Leadership opportunities follow their freshman year, and a large percentage of students go far beyond the requirements of the scholarship, providing leadership for the program and support for their fellow students. “The servant leadership philosophy has helped me to be a generous person and put other people’s needs before my own,” said Talley. “In our society, we think about ourselves and what we need far too often. We don’t realize that others have needs much greater than our own.” “Anastasia has brought a sense of excitement and openness to the Luckyday Program,” said Sparkman. “Her musical
abilities are exceptional, but her beautiful smile and inviting personality seem to bring out the best in everyone around her. She is thoughtful, engaging and enthusiastic about her studies, especially opera! Having served as a mentor in our program, she is beloved by her fellow Luckyday Scholars and is viewed as a leader by her peers. We are fortunate to have her as part of our Luckyday family.” “The Luckyday Program has really helped me as a student. It teaches you to be your best person, both in the community and in the classroom. I really feel like I have done that here,” said Talley. “I want to continue to do my best so I can give back to those who gave so much to me.” After graduating in May 2012, Talley hopes to attend graduate school for opera performance in the northeastern United States. “I would love to go to a conservatory and further my education in vocal studies,“ said Talley. “I know that I will be well-equipped because of the phenomenal instruction I have received here at Southern Miss. I will definitely miss this place.” “Anastasia is definitely making the most of her opportunities at Southern Miss and has great dreams for her future, which I believe are well within her reach,” said Sparkman. Whatever the future holds for Talley, she plans to continue practicing servant leadership. “The most important lesson I have learned from the Luckyday Program is that being a leader doesn’t mean you have to steal the spotlight,” said Talley. “It is what you do when no one is watching that makes you a leader. There are people all over this campus that want to help others on any level they can. And it is those little acts of kindness that bring out the best in you.”
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A Legacy of Service Continues “The gift of scholarship helps students like myself to follow what they have been called to do. I have been exposed to the blessing of someone else’s generosity, which motivates me to do the same...”
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or Southern Miss nursing student Hunter Speeg, serving others has always been a top priority. After taking a class in anatomy and physiology at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, Miss., he felt compelled to pursue a career in nursing as a way to continue his desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Speeg transferred to Southern Miss in 2009 and enrolled in the School of Nursing. In the fall of 2010, he was among the inaugural class of recipients of the Frederick E. Tatum, M.D. Annual Nursing Scholarship. Established through a commitment of $100,000 to The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation from South Mississippi Home Health Foundation Inc., the Tatum Nursing Scholarship provides financial support for nursing students interested in home health care and community health.
Hunter Speeg, recipient of the Frederick E. Tatum, M.D. Annual Nursing Scholarship, obtains hands-on experience in the clinical simulation lab, part of the curriculum in the School of Nursing at Southern Miss.
Founded in 1987 by South Mississippi Home Health Inc. (currently Deaconess Homecare and Deaconess Hospice), South Mississippi Home Health Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization funded by donations from Deaconess employees in Mississippi and from investment income. The foundation is directed by Mary Stainton, president, and Elaine Temple, secretary/treasurer, both of Hattiesburg. Fellow board member and vice president of professional services for Deaconess Homecare, Penny Lovitt, also played an instrumental role in establishing the scholarship in honor of Tatum. “Homecare is primarily delivered by registered nurses in the communities. The board members
of South Mississippi Home Health Foundation were seeking a mechanism to honor Dr. Tatum and also to benefit nursing and homecare,” said Stainton. “The board is excited and pleased to work with Southern Miss on the establishment of this scholarship.” The Tatum Nursing Scholarship has helped Speeg by eliminating some of the financial burden of paying for education. “It is an honor to be selected as a recipient, but it’s truly one of the most helpful things that has been provided to me,” said Speeg. “College is very expensive, and house and living expenses add all the more to those costs. I am blessed by the donors’ generosity to not have to work while in school in an attempt to avoid putting any type of financial burden on my parents.” South Mississippi Home Health Foundation found it important to honor Dr. Tatum for his commitment to health care in Hattiesburg. In 1963, he was one of 10 physicians to found Hattiesburg Clinic. He was also one of the founders of the second home health company in Mississippi in 1969. “Dr. Tatum has, and will always be, a champion for students entering the health care delivery system. He is a man who is dedicated to the learning process and has a strong desire for everyone to keep learning,” said Stainton. Tatum also played a significant role in the success of South Mississippi Home Health Inc. as it became one of the largest homecare companies in the state and region and was recognized nationally for its many contributions in the field of homecare.
“As a native of Hattiesburg, I have always been a supporter of Southern Miss,” said Tatum. “My wife, Mary, and I are overwhelmed with the honor of a scholarship established in my name. I believe strongly in the value of education and know this scholarship will help provide the gift of education to many students.” Through their gift, South Mississippi Home Health Foundation hopes to benefit current nursing students in need of financial assistance who might otherwise not have the financial resources to stay in school. They also look to make an impact on Southern Miss by potentially keeping these students enrolled in the University and creating a vision for others to give to the School of Nursing. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2011, Speeg plans to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and begin his career as an RN in the Hattiesburg area. He hopes to one day be able to help financially support future students at Southern Miss. “The gift of scholarship helps students like myself to follow what they have been called to do. It is an opportunity to help a student in pursuing a career that is healthy for society,” said Speeg. “I have been exposed to the blessing of someone else’s generosity, which motivates me to do the same, not as a way of paying back anything but as a way of being a blessing to someone else.”
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A Symphony of Success “I am leaving something that houses so many memories of the times I spent here with my mother, and that is truly meaningful to me.”
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Dana Ragsdale, professor in the School of Music at Southern Miss, admires the harpsichord in her house that she is gifting to the USM Foundation through a life estate to create an endowed scholarship for music students.
n the winter of 1973, Colorado native and skilled harpsichordist, Dana Ragsdale, took on the adventure of moving to the Deep South from Connecticut to pursue her dream of a career in music education at an institution of higher learning. Little did she know that this was the beginning of a career full of challenges and experiences that would compose a symphony of success, allowing her to leave a lasting legacy at The University of Southern Mississippi.
Ragsdale returned to Southern Miss in 1982 and taught Baroque history and performance. She also took on the challenge of starting a new course in the performance practice of music from the 19th and 20th centuries, the first class of its kind at Southern Miss. The following year, Ragsdale revived the Collegium Musicum, an ensemble comprised of voices and instruments that performs music from the Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque eras.
After more than 35 years as a member of the Southern Miss faculty, Ragsdale will be creating an endowed scholarship for music students by gifting her home to the USM Foundation through a life estate. The life estate is a planned giving instrument that transfers full ownership of Ragsdale’s home to the Foundation upon her death, while reserving possession of the home during her lifetime. It is a relatively simple legal process that ensures a future contribution to the Foundation while providing significant tax advantages to the donor.
“My colleagues perceived I was a performer but that I also had some scholarly ability and enjoyed research and classroom teaching, so they took advantage of that,” said Ragsdale. “It has suited me well because I love to stretch intellectually and conduct research to keep growing.”
In the beginning of her career at Southern Miss, Ragsdale taught piano classes to music majors who were, as she recalls, extremely eager to learn. After successfully coordinating and standardizing the class piano program, Ragsdale took a sabbatical to earn her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music.
In 2002, Ragsdale traveled to The Abbey in Pontlevoy, France, with the University’s study-abroad program when the Baroque Ensemble was invited to give a live concert on the first anniversary of 9/11. “That was certainly a highlight of my career,” said Ragsdale. “I will never forget the response of the French people who came to hear us and their compassion and empathy for what we experienced on 9/11. It was a very crosscultural experience.” Ragsdale’s mother, who had moved to Hattiesburg in 1997, shared in her daughter’s passion for music. She was an avid supporter of the arts at Southern Miss, attending
numerous concerts and performances over the years. “When my mother passed away in 2005, I wanted to find a way to honor her for her love and support throughout my life,” said Ragsdale. “I realized that leaving my house to the University in my life estate would be a great way to endow a scholarship for music students in her name.” Being such a long-time and faithful member of the Southern Miss faculty, the life estate is a wonderful way for Ragsdale to ensure her legacy in perpetuity at Southern Miss. “I am leaving something that houses so many memories of the times I spent here with my mother, and that is truly meaningful to me.” Ragsdale retired from Southern Miss in 2009, but continues to work as an adjunct faculty member, teaching a graduate seminar in Baroque performance practice. As she reflects on the highlights of her tenure at Southern Miss, she can’t help but smile. “It has been a blessing to have watched all these years how the number of ensembles has grown, and the standards keep going higher and higher,” said Ragsdale. There is no doubt that Ragsdale will continue to impact the School of Music at Southern Miss. Her symphony will continue on into the future, touching the lives of students through her gift of scholarship and compassion for the arts.
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A Joyful Return on Investment “I can assure you every program I have supported at Southern Miss has given back to me emotionally, intellectually and spiritually in ways I wouldn’t have imagined.”
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he University of Southern Mississippi Foundation has been the fortunate recipient of many gifts that have made a great impact on both the students and the University community. While the Foundation looks at these contributions as a generous outpouring of support to the University, Beverly Dale sees her motive for philanthropy to Southern Miss as a selfish one that returns to her much personal joy and pride in her alma mater. Dale received her Bachelor of Science in microbiology from Southern Miss in 1968 and served as a member of the microbiology faculty from 1972-74. She recalls her college experience as being full and happy. Active in student government, Delta Delta Delta sorority and her academic studies, the focus of her student years was directed toward campus life and family. “There are times when I wonder how I could have been so disengaged from world-changing events taking place outside my college cocoon,” said Dale. “In particular, when I entered Southern Miss, the Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964 was laying groundwork for the future of the civil rights movement in Mississippi and throughout the United States. And the Vietnam War was far more removed from me than it should have been, particularly since my dad was training young men who might go to Vietnam, and my fiancée, also a Southern Miss graduate, was a second lieutenant in the Army who very likely could have gone himself.”
Beverly Dale mentors Jennie Thomas, the 2006 recipient of the Presidential Scholarship that Dale established in honor of her late parents, John and Margaret Dale.
However, Dale is now taking the opportunity to make an impact on similar issues at Southern Miss today. “A lot of my current interests at Southern Miss arise out of those events occurring during my collegiate years that are forever connected in my mind and memory with the happy student years,” said Dale. “I can assure you every program I have supported at Southern
Miss has given back to me emotionally, intellectually and spiritually in ways I wouldn’t have imagined.” Dale has played an instrumental role in supporting numerous programs at Southern Miss. In 2008, she established the Lieutenant Colonel John H. Dale Sr. Distinguished Lecture Series in the College of Arts and Letters as a tribute to her late father. During a distinguished and decorated career that included service in World War II and the Korean Conflict, Col. Dale served as the head of the ROTC department at Southern Miss from 1957-61, and again from 1964-66. After retirement from the U.S. Army, he was a faculty member in science education until 1980, as well as a volunteer as the Southern Miss golf coach. Dale was also a key player in the establishment of the Major General Buford “Buff” Blount Endowed Professorship in Military History in honor of General Blount’s service to the nation and in support of his continued interest in international security and global policy. “The Dale Lecture Series actually arose out of my work with Buff in establishing his endowment,” recalled Dale. “I am proud, as my father would have been, to have the Dale name linked at Southern Miss with that of a distinguished general and statesman, General Buff Blount.” In 2007, Dale also helped establish the Alvin J. Williams Endowed Professorship in Minority Entrepreneurship in the College of Business. During his tenure at Southern Miss, Williams served as professor of marketing, chair of the Marketing department and interim dean of the College of Business. “I want Southern Miss to become the economic development and entrepreneurship center of the state of Mississippi. Alvin Williams helped me understand the possibility of realizing that dream,” said Dale.
In 2005, Dale honored her parents with the establishment of the John and Margaret Dale Presidential Scholarship Endowment. She has become a close mentor to Jennie Thomas, the 2006 recipient of her Presidential Scholarship. “It has been so rewarding to watch an amazing young woman complete her four-year undergraduate tenure at Southern Miss and move on to a professional career that will allow her to give back to the citizens of Mississippi,” Dale said of Thomas. “Once again, the selfish motive for philanthropy – Jennie would have been a star without the Dale Scholarship, but that tied me to her, and I got to go along for a wonderful ride.” “I retired in 2004 after a 20-year career in the biotechnology industry and joined the USM Foundation Board in the same year,” said Dale. “The timing of the two events allowed me to immediately shift my energies to what was going on in Hattiesburg and at Southern Miss,” recalled Dale. “I am happy to see the reorganization of the Foundation and the Alumni Association in the Advancement Division of the University. I believe that will move our development activities in a positive direction.” There is no question that Dale’s energizing commitment to Southern Miss has made an impact on the University. “I enthusiastically encourage anyone who is considering getting involved in fundraising activities at Southern Miss to do so NOW,” said Dale. For all that she has given to Southern Miss, Dale takes joy in viewing her volunteer work and philanthropy as an opportunity to grow closer to her alma mater. “Thank you, Southern Miss, for the opportunities you afford me still today. Southern Miss to the Top!”
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Preparing for Another Successful Century
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“We have been very blessed in our life, so the opportunity to give back is one way of showing how thankful we are to have had a chance to attend such a wonderful university.”
he University of Southern Mississippi’s centennial year was filled with exciting once-ina-lifetime events that celebrated the history, progress and growth of the University. With generous alumni and friends supporting the Centennial Scholarship Campaign, The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation is leading the way for another successful 100 years. The Centennial Scholarship Campaign, which will continue through March 30, 2011, is aimed at ensuring the future lifeblood of the institution by increasing the availability of unrestricted, endowed scholarship support. The campaign was announced in March 2009, along with a lead gift of $100,000 from former Hattiesburg Mayor Bobby Chain and his wife, Betty. Since then, alumni and friends have responded in large numbers. At the conclusion of 2010, with three months left in the Centennial Scholarship Campaign, more than $3.6 million had been contributed to Southern Miss scholarships in conjunction with the fundraising efforts.
Raymond and Michelle VanNorman, alumni volunteers who recently supported the Centennial Scholarship Campaign with a gift of $100,000, show their Golden Eagle spirit in their home in Madison, Miss.
With a gift of $100,000, Southern Miss alumni and volunteers Raymond and Michelle VanNorman of Madison, Miss., want to ensure that the University continues to provide top-flight education and scholarship opportunities to its students. Raymond is currently serving as president of the Foundation and has served on the investment committee for years; Michelle is in a three-year term on the Alumni Association’s board and also served last year as a member of the alumni director search committee.
“We have been very blessed in our life, so the opportunity to give back is one way of showing how thankful we are to have had a chance to attend such a wonderful university,” said Michelle. “Unrestricted funds will help Southern Miss to meet the scholarship needs of individuals and recruit top-notch students to our University.” After graduating from Southern Miss, Michelle earned her medical degree from University Medical Center in Jackson, Miss., in 1995. She completed her residency at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and St. Jude Cancer Research Center. After completing a year as chief resident in the Department of Pediatrics at UMC, Michelle joined Rankin Children’s Group in 1999, where she currently serves as a partner. Raymond is currently the regional president of BankFirst Financial Services in Madison, Miss. “Raymond and Michelle really serve as incredible examples of what the Southern Miss experience should be about,” said Bob Pierce, vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the USM Foundation. “They were both heavily involved as students here and have remained passionate about our alma mater. Not only have they risen to the top levels of their professions with Michelle being a pediatrician and Raymond being a bank president, they have given back to Southern Miss in numerous ways with their involvement in both the USM Foundation and Southern Miss Alumni Association boards of directors.” Raymond sees the Centennial Scholarship Endowment as an imperative component
to continuing the excellence of education at Southern Miss. “Michelle and I attended Southern Miss because of the scholarships that were offered to us. Hopefully, our gift will help others with their decisions to attend Southern Miss,” he said. “The Centennial Scholarship is attractive to us because there has always been a need for unrestricted funds for the University to direct where they see the possibilities of attracting better students in all fields of study.” Southern Miss looks to the future with plans for another abundantly successful century. “As the University turns the corner for its second century of teaching, research and service, it is well poised for further greatness,” said Pierce. “We have a strong, visionary leader in Dr. Saunders, enrollment is growing and the institution is expanding its impact on the state, region and nation. External factors, however, such as the economy, continue to weigh heavily on our faculty, staff and especially students. The Centennial Scholarship Endowment will help provide needed scholarships to ensure bright, motivated students have the opportunity to complete their educations at Southern Miss and go on to great things as Golden Eagle alumni.” For more information on the Centennial Scholarship Campaign, please contact the USM Foundation via telephone at 601.266.5210 or via e-mail at foundation@usm.edu.
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The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation Financial Statements Consolidated Statements of Financial Position June 30, 2010 and 2009
Consolidated Statement of Activities Year ended June 30, 2010
Consolidated Statement of Activities Year ended June 30, 2009
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years ended June 30, 2010 and 2009
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The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation
The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation was chartered in 1959 as a Mississippi nonprofit corporation with Powell G. Ogletree serving as its first executive director and Moran M. Pope Jr. as its first president. The USM Foundation is also recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization by the Internal Revenue Service. In its first 50 years of service and support, the USM Foundation has grown to include more than 650 endowed funds and reported net assets of more than $80 million at the close of its 2010 fiscal year on June 30, 2010. The Foundation is led by a 39-member Board of Directors and is supported by a 24-member professional staff.
Location and Office Hours
As of March 2010, the USM Foundation staff is located on the third floor of the Trent Lott Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship on the Hattiesburg campus. Alumni, friends and donors are invited to visit the Foundation’s offices during regular business hours from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Honor Club
The philanthropy of The University of Southern Mississippi’s most generous benefactors is recorded through the names of individuals and organizations enrolled in its Honor Club. Established in 1985, the USM Foundation Honor Club was created as the major gift recognition society to honor those donors whose vision and passion for Southern Miss inspired them to support the University with a significant financial gift. Honor Club members have long been celebrated for their loyalty to Southern Miss. They have created countless opportunities for students, faculty and staff through their generosity. Whether creating a lasting legacy through an endowed scholarship or supporting faculty excellence, these patrons have helped to make Southern Miss the premier research university of the Gulf South.
Honor Club membership is achieved when a donor reaches $10,000 or more in charitable contributions to the USM Foundation. The Honor Club consists of seven giving levels ranging from Associates for Excellence, recognizing those who have contributed at least $10,000, up to the Gallery of Benefactors, honoring those whose cumulative gifts have topped the $1 million mark. As of December 31, 2010, the Foundation boasted nearly 1,400 active members in the Honor Club.
Donor and Scholarship Lists
In an effort to “go green” and serve as good stewards of its donors’ generosity, the USM Foundation donor and scholarship lists can be found online by visiting www. usmfoundation.com/donors.
Gift Information
To make a gift to the USM Foundation, please contact the Foundation office via telephone at 601.266.5210. Gifts can also be made online by visiting www.usmfoundation. com/giving. As of January 2011, the minimum amount required to establish an endowment with the USM Foundation is $15,000. The USM Foundation Board of Directors approved the new minimum endowment level at its June 2010 meeting. This change does not affect membership in the Honor Club, which is awarded to individuals who have given cumulative gifts of $10,000 or more to the USM Foundation. In addition, endowment funds established with the Foundation prior to the end of December 2010 that were not fully endowed by the end of the calendar year have been grandfathered in at the $10,000 minimum.
Endowment funds are permanently restricted accounts that are maintained in perpetuity by the USM Foundation. The amount contributed, or corpus, is invested on a long-term basis to provide continuing financial support for the area of the University designated by the donor. In a typical year, Foundation endowments generate a spending allocation of approximately four percent of the fund’s value to benefit Southern Miss students, faculty and programs. These funds can assist virtually any area of the University and can include scholarships, chairs, professorships, development funds and others. Endowed funds are an excellent way to memorialize a donor, professor, colleague or family member while providing long-term support for the mission of the University. If you have questions about an existing endowment, or for more information on establishing a new endowment, please contact the USM Foundation.
Contact Information The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation 118 College Drive #5210 Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001 T: 601.266.5210 F: 601.266.5735 E-mail: foundation@usm.edu www.usmfoundation.com
The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation Staff The mission of The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation is to build relationships with alumni and friends in order to secure private funds and other resources for the benefit of The University of Southern Mississippi. As a nonprofit organization, the Foundation receives, invests and distributes private gifts in support of the University’s mission. The Foundation provides service to our donors, our University and our community by encouraging commitment and investment in the future of the University.
Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the USM Foundation Bob Pierce Executive Assistant Lindy Miller
Advancement Services Associate Director for Advancement Services Josh Hernandez Manager of Information Systems Dawn Higdon Manager of Research Pam Gibbs Research Specialist Karyn Dew Pledge Specialist Nichelle Cole Data Specialist Crystal Coats Data Specialist Jerry Kaye Parker
Development
Financial Services
Associate Director for Development Mike Bonnette
Chief Financial Officer and Associate Director for Administration Jennifer Boucher
Administrative Assistant MaryAnn Parrish Manager of Communications and Annual Giving Amy Martin Development Officer and Annual Giving Jessica Cloud Development Officer Katye Ainsworth Development Officer Markus Jones Development Officer Brian Morrison Development Officer Leigh Corban Todd Coordinator of Donor Relations and Special Events Meg Jones
Manager of Financial Services Leslee Smith Donor Relations Accountant Belinda Taft Account Specialist Susan Weakley Senior Accountant Stace Mercier
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Annual Report
The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation
aa/eoe/adai uc 63678.5210 2.11
118 College Drive #5210 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-0001 T: 601.266.5210 | F: 601.266.5735 | E-mail: foundation@usm.edu www.usmfoundation.com