Foundations Fall 2017

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CONTENTS

Features

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An Infinite Impact continues A legend begins Honoring life’s work All in the family

News

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Student Relief Fund gives much-needed helping hand Reeveses create legacy through annuities, estate Pi Kappa Phi supports MSU ACCESS program Ambassadors make inroads with philanthropic mission Affinity plate sales grow support for MSU programs Foundation places three in new fundraising roles

Sections

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NOTES: Vice

President for Development and Alumni NOTES: Executive Director of Development PROFILE: Anthony and Tonya Wilson BOARD: 2017 Officers and Members

EDITOR

Amy Cagle DESIGNER

Erin Norwood

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WRITERS

Amy Cagle, Addie Mayfield, Jack McCarty, Abby Ready and John P. Rush PHOTOGRAPHERS

Megan Bean, Russ Houston and Beth Newman Wynn EDITORIAL BOARD

Cathy Lammons and John P. Rush

ON THE COVER

Old Main Academic Center opens at MSU, and private gifts are enhancing the facility. Learn more on pages 6-7.

Cover photo

by Megan Bean

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 662.325.1006.

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 benefitting 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.

N OT E S

Where do we go from here?

JOHN P. RUSH Vice President for Development and Alumni

As a new academic year began, we were already immersed in another fundraising period for Mississippi State University. We hope to engage even more of the university’s nearly 139,000 alumni and extend our reach to friends, corporations and foundations who are ready to make their impact through the endeavors of MSU.

Donors are supporting MSU in record numbers. And, we pause to reflect back to the generosity of alumni and friends that afforded our institution its second highest giving year in school history—$108.6 million in gifts and pledges during FY 17. Some 23,625 of you fueled the year that marked the fourth consecutive time MSU has surpassed $100 million raised.

Where do we go from here? There are still countless opportunities for all of us to make one Infinite Impact. And, we must accelerate our efforts moving forward. With just a few years remaining, every day counts in this capital campaign.

With Infinite Impact, our university is pursuing a stronghold at the national level for the critical areas of our mission of teaching, research and service. A high level of participation in this campaign from donors will be the true measure of success because it will represent the breadth of our commitment. Our $1 billion goal is a necessary benchmark to ensure MSU lives up to its potential and deepens the impact it makes everywhere.

Fundraising for Mississippi State is a great opportunity, and our staff undertakes that quest with zeal. MSU more than sells itself. Our nearly 140-year-old institution is a newsmaker and trendsetter. We are working to solve world hunger and find influenza vaccines for this season’s viruses. We are pioneering cutting-edge technology for unmanned aerial systems and the car of the future. And, we are partnering with the local school district to positively impact rural education with a future campus school at MSU.

Over the course of this year, we will continue to dream big. Transformative opportunities abound for us to share with you, and your contributions will bring limitless possibilities for our university. With further help from you, we can push the boundaries of our success nationally and globally.

The premise of Infinite Impact is simple. This campaign sets the stage for great success. Students positively transform their lives here. When they graduate, they will enter the world as our best products, prepared to lead and succeed. Your investment counts—in their futures and in ours as citizens of the world they will help us shape.

I challenge you to pursue another realm of giving in the coming years that will ultimately benefit you and Mississippi State University. We are all in for the challenge. This is our world, and this is our time to monumentally impact it for the future.

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College of Education strengthens mission with campaign gifts

There is no better opportunity for positive change in Mississippi than in its grassroots—education. The MSU College of Education stands ready to lead. Building on the strength of the work in place, the college’s passion is to expand teaching, research and outreach so every child has a chance for success. The generosity and vision of alumni and friends can make this happen with Infinite Impact.

For over a century, the College of Education has been preparing highly qualified students to serve as teachers, administrators, supervisors, counselors and other education related professionals. The college is dedicated to offering nationally accredited programs based on essential knowledge, sound practice, relevant research and realistic training, and its efforts are increasing. Beyond campus, two distance degree programs offered by the college are among the nation’s best—the bachelor of education degree program and the elementary education/early childhood education program.

Infinite Impact will provide resources to maintain and strengthen the college’s mission and initiatives. It is with the generosity of loyal alumni and friends that the university can positively impact the world through education.

The following outlines specific areas of the College of Education where Infinite Impact gifts can make strides possible.

Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic

Families with children who struggle with autism and other developmental disabilities have a new resource. The Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic (ADDC) is the flagship clinic of the MSU School Psychology Services Center, the only comprehensive pediatric psychological service center in northern Mississippi.

The ADDC provides comprehensive behavioral and academic services to children, adolescents, and emerging adults with a variety of disabilities, along with their families. The facility primarily serves clients with autism spectrum disorders that may range in age from birth to 22 years old. Services also are available to others with intellectual or developmental disabilities, various genetic and chromosomal disorders, including Down Syndrome, as well as speech and language delays and disruptive behavior disorder.

Infinite Impact gifts can help provide

ADDC services to more children and families in our region at little cost. Beyond serving the public, the clinic will be helping train students enrolled in the college’s school psychology program and conducting vital research.

Endowed Chairs and Professors

The College of Education needs to recruit and retain exceptional faculty to teach the thousands of students who are counting on MSU to prepare them for a meaningful future.

To flourish, talented students need innovative teachers; however, there exists the challenge of hiring top-notch faculty in a competitive marketplace of peer institutions and commercial organizations.

Most recently, the college secured its first endowed position, the Dr. Susan McLaren Brooks Endowed Elementary Education Professorship. Future earnings from the endowment will provide a salary supplement and support for the holder who will mentor promising students on their paths toward rewarding careers in education.

Endowed faculty positions provide leverage with which MSU can attract top educators and researchers in their fields by giving them additional salary support and funds for research.

World-changing research takes place in the College of Education every day, and endowed positions can help make this possible in perpetuity. Chairs may be established with a minimum gift of at least $1.5 million, while a professorship requires at least $500,000.

Facilities

The university is slated to break ground for a new music building in 2018. The facility will house the MSU Department of Music and will contain a world-class recital hall. Once complete, the Music Department hopes every studio, practice room and classroom will contain the world’s finest piano, the Steinway.

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Mississippi State continues its quest to become the first school in Mississippi to receive the enviable designation, All Steinway School.

A total of $2 million in gifts can help make that dream possible in time for the opening of the new facility. A generous donation will enable the placement of a 9-foot Steinway “D” in the new building, and additional funds are needed for a second Steinway “D” there.

Beyond contributions to purchase Steinways, the Music Department also works to build an endowment for the future. The earnings from the endowment will ensure proper maintenance of these Steinway pianos for years to come. Steinways throughout the department will train the next generation of musicians.

Partnership School

Historically, the state of Mississippi has struggled with education. To help address this challenge, as well as others, the College of Education will help lead a new Partnership School that will extend beyond the needs of our state to have national impact as a model for rural education and rural teacher education.

The 128,000-square-foot facility for the Starkville Oktibbeha School District Partnership School is slated for completion at Mississippi State in 2019. The school will serve every sixth and seventh grade student in the local district and also will be a demonstration site for student teachers and faculty members.

The Partnership School will provide educational lessons for local district and MSU students as the two entities work jointly to identify collaborative efforts on curriculum, instruction, assessment and evaluation. In addition, preservice teachers and teachers enrolled in graduate programs will engage in field experiences in the school to observe, firsthand, instructional practices they are learning in coursework.

By participating in observations at the Partnership School, College of Education graduates will master effective teaching practices they can carry to schools. In addition to the

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impact this model will have on our campus students, teachers and administrators from across the state will engage in observations and internships to obtain valuable knowledge and research for their home districts.

Beyond committed support, Mississippi State currently seeks an additional $2 million in gifts for the endeavor. Through Infinite Impact, generous support for the Partnership School will mean essential knowledge, sound practice, relevant research and realistic training are paramount in the lives of students and faculty.

Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships

A strong merit and need-based scholarship program allows MSU 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 to become talented teachers, administrators and educational researchers.

Annual scholarships of any amount are essential, and endowed scholarships begin with $25,000. These scholarships can benefit qualifying students in any of the college’s seven departments: Counseling and Educational Psychology; Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education; Instructional Systems and Workforce Development; Kinesiology; Leadership and Foundations; Music; and the MSU-Meridian Division of Education.

Likewise, fellowships can help the college attract the best graduate students nationally in all fields of study. Since many students incur the burden of student loans during their undergraduate study, they are in need of fellowships as a means of supporting themselves in order to pursue a graduate education.

Gifts through Infinite Impact can generate a competitive stipend for a student pursuing a higher degree and simultaneously advance quality education in our nation as these professionals later enter the workforce. In the

College of Education, graduate fellowships begin at $250,000, while post-doctoral fellowships start at $300,000.

T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability

Mississippi State continues as a national leader in the effort to accommodate and make the MSU campus more accessible to individuals with physical challenges and mental limitations. The T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability has long served students, children and families with its mission to ensure persons with disabilities are able to continually benefit from technological solutions and advances in the field of assistive technology.

The T.K. Martin Center maintains a state-ofthe-art clinical, research and training program with a dedicated staff that includes special education teachers, speech and occupational therapists, case workers, engineers and researchers. Two primary programs, EXPRESS Yourself, an art program for disabled adults, and Project IMPACT, an early intervention preschool program, are thriving.

And, every summer, the center offers the popular Camp Jabber Jaw designed for children who use augmentative communication devices.

The College of Education seeks additional gifts to endow a generous bequest from the late Lorene G. Martin, who shared a love of MSU with her late husband, T.K. Martin, the center’s namesake.

The endowment will continue the center’s work in perpetuity—entwining the couple’s legacies forever. Gifts can help the college reach its goal for the Theodore K. and Lorene G. Martin Endowed Fund for Excellence and honor a lifetime of special accomplishments that impact people every day.

Infinite Impact begins now.

Loyal support from faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends can lead foundations, corporations and individuals nationwide who are capable of larger gifts to support the College of Education through commitments to campaign goals. For assistance in exploring opportunities, contact Trish Cunetto, the college’s director of development, at 662.325.6762 or tcunetto@foundation.msstate.edu.

Campaign climbs above $760 million

Mississippi State University’s largest capital campaign maintains its momentum, surpassing $760 million. The campaign looks to advance MSU on its path toward national prominence with transformational support for the land-grant institution’s long-range strategic goals.

As of September, the number of new donors through Infinite Impact reached more than 24,502. In all, over 57,566 generous contributors are part of the $1 billion university-wide goal.

Infinite Impact is a catalyst for the continued growth and increasing level of prestige at MSU. The financial support provided through the multi-year endeavor is critical to the commitment to excellence for which the university is known.

Gifts for scholarships, endowed positions, enhanced facilities and endowed excellence funds are helping the university create impact from within MSU and beyond through the university’s people and programs. The campaign is sparking the imagination of students and faculty and inspiring them to shape the world in bold, new ways.

Since the campaign’s inception, nearly $184 million has been raised for scholarships and fellowships and nearly $56 million for faculty support. Additionally, nearly $89 million in facility support and almost $431 million in programs and annual support comprise the overall fundraising total.

As the Infinite Impact campaign continues, gifts are needed for priorities across campus in the university’s academic colleges and schools, MSU-Meridian, athletics, the University Libraries and the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College.

Annual support designated for a specific college, school or area is needed, along with gifts to grow the university’s endowment. Deferred gifts and other commitments, such as charitable trusts and bequests, will assist the university over time.

Alumni and friends may visit www. infiniteimpactmsu.com and view Infinite Impact campaign videos or request a copy of the university’s Guide to Giving. The campaign extends through 2020.

a legend begins k

iconic Old Main Academic Center opens

A premier classroom building is connecting the past, present and future at Mississippi State University. In mid-August, the captivating Old Main Academic Center opened its doors to breathe new life into the heart of campus for students, faculty and visitors.

An estimated 11,000 students will utilize the $41-million building and its resources on the busiest campus days. Located at the corner of George Perry Street and Barr Avenue, the academic center replicates the character and scale of legendary Old Main Dormitory that burned in 1959.

Beyond paying homage to history, the building creates a future blueprint for teaching and learning important to the university’s academic mission. The three-level facility contains 90,000 square-feet of classroom space and associated spaces with advanced technology to meet multiple teaching styles and learning environments, from independent and small group study to large auditorium space and distance learning space. Another 60,000 square6

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feet houses a two-level parking garage.

The building’s impressive first-floor rotunda salutes Robert E. “Bob” Wolverton Sr., former vice president for academic affairs and longtime professor of classics. Along with Wolverton, MSU recognizes business alumnus Turner A. Wingo for his contribution that sparked the building’s construction with the naming of the 455-seat auditorium.

Private gifts associated with naming special features within the facility are enhancing the project. Many of these select areas are available for individuals, corporations and groups to link their names to this facility and also honor or remember family members, friends and mentors.

The building’s treasure of architectural

A captivating tribute (far left):

Katie Erickson, an MSU senior graphic design student, captures and shares her passion for watercolor painting with this Old Main Academic Center image. She studies in the studio of Brent Funderburk, William L. Giles Distinguished Professor of Art in the College of Architecture, Art and Design.

features include a grand staircase and a second rotunda. Other select naming features include various classrooms, a lounge area and a commons area with library resources for students of all academic disciplines.

Of the 20 classrooms, one has been named

by David and Susanne Purvis in honor of emeriti faculty Catherine R. Boyd and the late Leroy H. Boyd. A study room is named by John and Marilyn Nunnally and family in honor of former MSU employee Peyton Nunnally and his wife, Elizabeth Nunnally. Additionally, the first-floor gallery with its Steinway piano is named for Louis Burns Brock, Jay Brock and Hank Brock.

Each named area will be accompanied by appropriate signage, and commitments are payable over a five-year period. For assistance, contact Jack McCarty, executive director of development for the MSU Foundation, at jmccarty@foundation.msstate.edu or 662.325.7000.

Standard Classroom

Naming Opportunities: Study Room — $30,000 each Small Classroom — $100,000 each Standard Classroom — $150,000 each Active Classroom — $250,000 each Commons Area (with library resources) — $100,000 Lounge Area — $500,000 Grand Staircase/First Floor — $1 million

Study Room

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Honoring life ’s work Endowment memorializes longtime MSU researcher

Drs. Janice E. “Jan” Chambers and the late Howard Chambers shared a passion for innovative research that sparked a valuable collaboration for over half of their 47-year marriage.

Today, Jan is memorializing her husband’s contributions through the Dr. Howard Chambers Endowed Scholarship. His presence will remain unforgettable because of the scholarship and his extraordinary accomplishments.

“Howard loved his job and appreciated the environment that MSU provided him throughout his entire faculty career,” said Jan, MSU Giles Distinguished Professor of Veterinary Medicine and director of the university’s Center for Environmental Health Sciences (CEHS). “He always felt fortunate to have a job where he could ‘play in the lab every day and get paid for it.’”

A native of Buda, Texas, Howard received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley, all in entomology. In 1968, he joined the MSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology as a toxicologist, where he served for nearly 50 years.

During his tenure, Howard developed federally supported research programs initially 8

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focused on insecticide toxicology and more recently on improved nerve agent antidotes.

His efforts, many of which included crossdisciplinary research collaboration with Jan, led to the invention and patent of several chemical compounds used in combatting chemical warfare and furthering research for nerve agent antidotes.

Nerve agents have been used in modern warfare since World War II, and their most recent use against civilians in Syria has proven that they remain a dangerous threat around the world to both the military and the public.

Current antidotes save lives by restoring function to the nervous system after the nerve agent has already poisoned it. The antidotes act only on the muscles and glands and cannot penetrate into the brain to stop damage at its source. Using the chemical compounds developed by Howard, Jan and her CEHS team have identified antidote compounds that can enter the brain and work to stop the seizures and the brain damage that nerve agents cause.

“The antidotes currently used are enzyme reactivators. They don't pass the blood-brain barrier so they can't protect the brain. As a

Jan Chambers (center) is flanked by her daughters, Kristen Funck (left) and Cheryl Chambers, as they help her display a plaque in recognition of their father's achievements.

Both are educators, Kristen at James Madison University's Department of Chemistry in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Cheryl in MSU's Department of Communication.

result, there is brain damage from the seizures,” Jan said. “The antidote compounds we have identified get directly to the brain to save lives and prevent seizures and brain damage.”

A Berkeley, California, native, Jan received her bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco before earning a Ph.D. in animal physiology from MSU in 1973. Garnering national attention for her work at MSU, Jan became the first and only woman to receive the American Chemical Society/Agrochemical Division’s International Award for Research in 2005. In 2009, she was recognized as the first woman to receive the international Society of Toxicology’s Education Award. She has also served as chairperson for the Board of Scientific Counselors within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, held appointments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory committees, and she was recently recognized as a winner of the 2017 Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award.

Beyond the couple’s long list of professional achievements, Jan and Howard always placed great importance on their students. Recognizing that the working relationships between students and professors are what make MSU’s research programs successful, the Chamberses have guided and inspired numerous Bulldog scholars over the years.

In addition to serving as a mentor, Jan,

along with her late husband, has further invested in students’ success through contributions to areas including the Division of Student Affairs, the Compass Scholarship program, CVM and CEHS. Her most recent gift not only extends such support by enabling more aspiring students to obtain a higher education, but also acknowledges the impact financial assistance had on both her and Howard’s student experiences.

“While Howard’s scientific legacy will continue to be carried on by his colleagues and students, I wanted to do something that would help students and be a tribute to his time here at MSU,” said Jan. “I chose to establish a scholarship because neither of us would have been able to go to school without scholarship support. It made all the difference in the world to the education we were able to receive.”

The Dr. Howard Chambers Endowed Scholarship will support full-time undergraduate students and preference will be given to Mississippi residents enrolled in life and physical science or math related majors. As an endowed gift, the scholarship will provide perpetual support for future generations of Bulldogs and forever honor Howard’s hard work and dedication.

As an open fund in the MSU Foundation, the Dr. Howard Chambers Endowed Scholarship may be increased through additional gifts at www.msufoundation.com.

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All in the family k

An appreciation of Mississippi State University and what it has enabled the Baker family of Slidell, Louisiana, to accomplish has manifested itself in gifts from them that support the Bulldog experience.

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B

Bill and Susan Baker gratefully acknowledge the excellent education Bill received through the College of Business, and the accounting degrees their sons, Brian and Keith, earned from the Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy. These well-earned academic degrees prove essential in helping the three lead their family business, Slidell Oil Company.

Bill Baker was born in New Orleans and grew up in Slidell, eventually making his way to Mississippi State. Earning a marketing degree in 1968, Bill became the first MSU graduate in his family.

With MSU degree in hand, Bill began his career with Shell Oil Company as an analyst, first working in Atlanta, Georgia, then Houston, Texas, and later Phoenix, Arizona, in a technical sales position. From there, Bill joined his father, Willis, at Slidell Oil Company. For Bill, entering the family business initiated several decades of progressive roles.

In 1969, Bill and Susan married in the months following a successful blind date. Native Texan Susan earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish with a minor in math from the University of Texas. Following graduation, she worked in Houston for an oil company.

After their marriage, she taught for several years in high schools and joined Slidell Oil by the time their sons were in grade school.

The Bakers take pride in their business and the progress it has made over time. Although Bill stepped down as president in 2005, he remains involved with the company. At the helm of day-to-day operations, Brian and Keith share the lead. The brothers received accounting degrees in 1996 and 1998, respectively, and now oversee the business as managing partners. They strive for growth and quality service throughout the Southeast as the company works with businesses in the retail sector. They divested their commercial business in 2016.

Today, Slidell Oil Company has expanded from Louisiana into Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, marketing Shell, Chevron, Texaco, Valero and Liberty brands in retail units. The company also operates multiple convenience stores throughout these areas.

With the business being prudently guided by their sons, Bill and Susan are reacquainting

themselves with Mississippi State in recent years.

They initially began their support of MSU with the Department of Athletics, gifting primarily for baseball and football. They have a great appreciation of university sports and the student-athletes who compete on behalf of MSU.

Of late, the Bakers’ generous support extends to academics, with an MSU scholarship named in their honor. The Bill and Susan Baker Endowed Scholarship assists accounting majors with preference given to juniors and seniors who demonstrate strong academic potential toward an accounting career. The Adkerson School is among the top 25 undergraduate and graduate accounting programs in the nation, and gifts from alumni and friends like the Bakers are strengthening its mission.

“We are interested in helping students who are diligently working toward their accounting degrees, and we look forward to getting to know future recipients of our scholarship,” said Bill.

“It was actually Susan who expressed a strong desire to support academics, and we are proud to put our stamp on the university in this manner.”

Susan explained her reason behind the scholarship. “The MSU education earned by Bill and my sons has impressed me tremendously, and I feel it helped them refine their talents. The MSU administration makes helping students plan for life beyond graduation a priority and that’s important,” she said.

Susan shares Bill’s enthusiasm for the university and the community, and she feels spending more time in the area suits them.

“Starkville is a well-kept secret, and we love being a part of the community,” said Susan. “It’s great to tap into the excitement of the university again at this point in our lives.”

For Bill and Susan, time spent with their family is also precious. The couple are devoted grandparents to four grandchildren, MaryBeth and Thomas by Brian and wife, Cassie, a Louisiana State University graduate, and Ella and Amelia by Keith and wife, Tuesday, an MSU elementary education graduate.

“We hope the next generation of Bakers keeps the business going strong and also keeps our family ties firmly rooted in Bulldog country,” said Bill.

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Enjoy beautiful pictures of familiar campus scenes that bring back special memories of your time at Mississippi State. The official State calendar has become a Bulldog tradition. With pictures by MSU’s own award-winning photographers, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind treasure. Order online today at msufoundation.com or call 662-325-7000.

Share your Bulldog spirit with friends and family this holiday season.

Send exclusive Mississippi State holiday cards featuring original illustrations by MSU alumni. Purchase yours online at

msufoundation.com.

NEWS

Student Relief Fund gives much-needed helping hand Mississippi State University exhibits a great sense of responsibility and caring for enrolled students. An MSU Student Relief Fund, built with private gifts, helps those members of the student body affected with day-to-day crises or displaced by catastrophic disasters which may affect the university over time.

By supporting the MSU Student Relief Fund, alumni and friends can make a positive impact on students’ lives at a time when they need it most and benefit them directly.

“Anyone can join us as we assist members of our MSU family and lay the groundwork for the future by sharing the positive message of the MSU Student Relief Fund,” said Dean of Students Thomas Bourgeois. ”Donated funds go directly to students who need help due to extenuating circumstances.”

Bourgeois explained that his office assesses individual needs and administers the fund for acute crisis situations that may impact a student’s ability to succeed academically.

“Without this fund, some of our students never would have had the opportunity to walk across the stage at graduation to receive their MSU diplomas,” Bourgeois said. “The impact of the Student Relief Fund is real and has helped students recover in the face of tragedy.”

Bourgeois said the MSU Student Relief Fund has been very helpful to students who have experienced natural disasters, such as tornadoes or hurricanes, accidents such as house fires, or other circumstances leading to loss of books and other academic supplies.

Fundraising efforts for the MSU Student Relief Fund are a collaborative effort within

the university community.

“The MSU Student Relief Fund can keep hope strong for students who hold their dreams of a college education close at a time when everything seems bleak. MSU is one critical part of a greater journey as students and their families rebuild their lives following disasters,” said Jana Berkery, the university’s director of annual giving.

Berkery continued, “For nearly 140 years, MSU has revolved the service component of its mission around people helping people.

The passion to unite and help others in trying times makes our university an extraordinary place for generations who choose to enroll here for the best educational experience possible.”

The MSU Foundation accepts gifts for the MSU Student Relief Fund at any time.

To support MSU students that have been affected by recent disasters, like Hurricane Harvey or Hurricane Irma, gifts can be designated to the MSU Student Relief Fund online at www.msufoundation.com/ studentrelief. Gifts also may be made by contacting the Office of Annual Giving at 662.325.2466.

The Maroon Volunteer Center also serves as a resource for those looking for avenues to offer assistance, with information included online at www.mvc.msstate.edu/blog/ hurricane-relief-efforts/.

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NEWS

Reeveses create legacy through annuities, estate

For William “Bill” and Betty Reeves of Guin, Alabama, their love for Mississippi State University and the remarkable companionship of a furry friend inspired their strategic gifts to the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Since 2012, the Reeveses have established six charitable gift annuities for the CVM Small Animal Critical Care Unit Fund. While the annuities are helping grow resources for future laboratory space where students can learn important medical concepts in intensive- and critical care delivery, the investments also provide the Reeveses with significant charitable tax deductions and annual fixed payments.

“Knowing that we wanted to give to Mississippi State, the gift annuity was a very attractive option to us, not only because of the tax deduction, but also because we were able to get a larger return,” said Bill Reeves.

A Mississippi native of Columbus, Bill enrolled at Mississippi State as a U.S. Navy veteran under the Korean G.I. Bill.

He graduated from the MSU College of Education in 1961, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Mississippi and a Doctor of Education from the University of Alabama.

Betty Reeves received a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from the University of Alabama. However, the Double Springs, Alabama, native later joined her husband’s alma mater, graduating with a doctoral degree from the MSU College of Education in 1975.

Both served as members of the MSU faculty for several years before Bill became president of East Mississippi Community 14

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Betty and Bill Reeves

College. The couple later relocated to north Alabama, where they retired as distinguished educators from the Winston County School District.

It was during retirement that Bill decided he “needed something to do.” On a visit to a local flea market, he found the solution—a short-legged Feist that would earn the name “Rocky.” Although the couple had owned several dogs over the years none were able to demonstrate the companionship that Rocky provided.

“After we were retired, we just had more time to spend with Rocky than we ever did with any other pets,” Betty admitted.

Following Rocky’s death, the Reeveses wanted to honor him. That’s when they began looking into ways to support CVM, thus assisting others with their beloved pets.

“Mississippi State gave us the foundation we both needed for our careers, and we’re happy to be able to give back in a way that means so much to us,” said Bill.

In addition to their annuities, the couple has also designated MSU as the benefactor of their estate. Through their planned gifts, the Reeveses are further enabling CVM to provide quality educational experiences for ambitious students and top-notch care for patrons and their beloved pets.

More on supporting Mississippi State through gift annuities and estates can be found at www.msugiftplanning.org.

Mississippi State University embraces an inclusive secondary education program and welcomes individuals with intellectual disabilities to the student body through ACCESS.

NEWS

Pi Kappa Phi supports MSU ACCESS program

ACCESS students (front) Spencer Kirkpatrick, Joe Silvera and Jordan Dominy with Pi Kappa Phi members (back) Connor Crossett, Logan Timmis, Tristan Hendrix and Harrison Bond

Private gifts are enhancing the program, and the most recent support comes from a student fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi.

ACCESS is an acronym for academics, campus life, community involvement, employment opportunities, socialization and self-awareness—the vital components of challenging students to reach a level of independence. Academic plans for enrollees are customized, supporting participation in classes, work studies and internships that aid in social and educational development.

“Our fraternity created an endowment to directly aid the operation of ACCESS,” said Logan Timmis, president of Iota Nu Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and a junior natural resources and environmental conservation major from Nashville, Tennessee. “The mission of ACCESS gives our chapter a front row seat to impact fellow students with different abilities.”

The Pi Kappa Phi Excellence Endowment provides a “college coach” student position to support the work of the full-time ACCESS staff. ACCESS coaches represent all majors at MSU and are from all walks of life.

“The Pi Kappa Phi gift brings long term impact through a college coach position, and this is a great commitment from the fraternity.

Nothing can take the place of personal interaction by these special coaches as they help participants transition into daily college life,” said Julie Capella, assistant dean and

director of MSU Student Support Services who directs ACCESS. “We pair all our students with coaches, many of which have previous volunteer experience on campus.”

Three Pi Kappa Phi fraternity brothers are ACCESS coaches. They are Harrison Bond, a sophomore landscape contracting major from Atlanta, Georgia; Connor Crossett, a senior kinesiology major from Helena, Arkansas; and Tristan Hendrix, a junior agriculture economics major from Hoover, Alabama.

“By providing this endowment, our chapter can witness the results of our gift and enjoy the benefits of impacting lives,” said Timmis. “As our fraternity brothers work hand in hand with ACCESS, our chapter unites and shows our support for them in their constant efforts to promote the abilities of others.”

Sixteen participants attend MSU from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and the Bahamas. At the end of their four-year journey, certificate recipients are part of MSU graduation ceremonies.

Since its inception in 2010, MSU ACCESS has awarded four students with certificates.

For more on MSU ACCESS, visit www.access.msstate.edu or contact Casey McGee, assistant director of development for the Division of Student Affairs, at cmcgee@foundation.msstate.edu or 662.325.9129 to contribute.

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NEWS

Ambassadors make inroads with philanthropic mission

Philanthropy creates wonderful impacts for people everywhere, and the MSU Foundation Ambassadors are targeting Bulldogs as the recipients of that message.

“The Foundation Ambassadors allows me to meet and influence many people, including generous donors who make a significant difference in the educational experience of my fellow students and me,” said Ambassador President Mackenzie Miller, a senior biological sciences major from Biloxi who leads the 41-member group.

Foundation Ambassadors strive to educate the MSU student body about the importance of philanthropy. From an annual thank-you letter writing campaign during Donor Appreciation Day on the MSU Drill Field to fundraising for Compass Scholarships, members work diligently and passionately each year. The group also heavily promotes Hail State Giving Days, a 48-hour event hosted by MSU for Bulldogs to come together and donate for any area across campus.

“We pursue gifts from everyone connected with MSU from graduates to currently enrolled students during Hail State Giving Days,” said Miller. “Last year, almost every member of our Ambassadors group personally donated and advanced the overall impact of the event by supporting the areas we personally believe are most important.”

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Miller

2017 Ambassadors: Back row (from left): Gerrard Mohead, Gina Garner, Jessica Morris, Ellery Chancellor, Caroline Russell, Carlee Dymond, Emily McGinity, Ramey Rimes, Taylor McNair, Katie Bostick, Camille Stevenson, Karlyn Purvis, Samantha Grunwald, Tyler Ash and Sydney Austin Middle row (from left): Celia Andreo, Haleigh Smith, Tyler Lowe, L.D. Carpenter, Kerry Steen, Jes Miller, Joe Arata, Evan Thomas, Joely Pugh and Taylor Howard Front row (from left): Mackenzie Miller, Skyler Kennamer, Keyonna Wilder, Abby Hollingsworth, Ellie White, Courtney Williams, Abigail Devlin and Lindsey Winborne

NOT E S

Gifts increase value of MSU diplomas

JACK MCCARTY Executive Director of Development

I was visiting an alumnus last week in Meridian. He was reminiscing about his time at Mississippi State and mentioned he received his sheepskin in 1952. He was obviously referring to his diploma. Until about 100 years ago, a common practice was to print diplomas on sheepskin. Paper was more difficult to create in that era, and sheep’s skin was known to produce a high-quality document. My 1991 diploma is definitely not printed on sheepskin; however, it is likely one of my most coveted possessions.

A diploma from an institution of higher learning is like a share of stock in a publicly-traded company. The diploma on the wall, much like the stock, carries a value. Investment gurus determine complicated statistics like the price-to-book ratio, price-earnings ratio, and dividend yield to determine a share’s value. A stock’s price is determined simply by supply and demand after it is openly trading in the market. If there is high demand and many people want to own it, the stock price goes up. With low demand and people selling, it goes down.

The MSU diploma is very similar. I would argue that my Meridian friend’s diploma has significantly increased in value since 1952. MSU is a larger, more comprehensive university now. We were a great value then, maybe even more so now. SmartAsset, a financial technology company, rank’s MSU as a “Best Value College.” Kiplinger's magazine consistently ranks MSU among its “Best Values” in U.S. public universities and colleges.

If MSU diplomas were in fact shares of stock, analysts would likely rank us as a “strong buy.” Why is this? Just like a stock price, the diploma increases in value through investments. When you make an investment in MSU though a gift, you are having a direct impact on the value of the diploma. One could easily argue that my 1991 diploma framed with a maroon mat is worth more in 2017 than when I received it. Our stock has gone up!

As you consider future gifts to MSU, think of your gifts as permanent investments in our future leaders. Scholarships, faculty support, facilities and campus beautification are examples of ways you can have a direct impact on the value of an MSU education and experience.

Through MSU’s research and service arms, you can also impact and shape the future of our world and your immediate surroundings.

If you buy shares of your favorite up and coming stock, you are taking a chance. There is a risk versus reward factor involved in that transaction. However, when buying stock in the Maroon and White, I’ll bet on that investment every time!

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NEWS

Affinity plate sales grow support for MSU programs

Mississippi State University leads all other universities in the number of affinity license plates on the road in Mississippi and continues to gain ground in other states.

The purchase of MSU car tags by alumni and friends helps expand the Bulldog presence across the nation, while helping fund priority programs for the university.

“In the last 10 years, we’ve almost doubled the amount of MSU affinity plates and averaged nearly 1,000 tags per year growth,” said Jeff Davis, executive director of the Alumni Association.

In Mississippi, MSU dominates the affinity plate race holding the highest number of tags in 60 of 82 counties. Since the university’s car tag program began in the early 1990s, the effort to dot the roadways with maroon has grown tremendously, and efforts are intensifying within the state’s borders.

Mississippi State is working on a campaign to target and paint the counties in Mississippi that are not already maroon.

Bulldogs in Mississippi can purchase a collegiate license plate for $53.50 per year in addition to the standard tag fee at their local county courthouses. Of this, $32.50 goes directly to MSU for priority programs.

Davis emphasized the impact of tag support for MSU. “Last year, 22,314 tags were present in the state, generating more than $725,000 in support toward priority programs at Mississippi State,” he said.

Along with Mississippi, MSU affinity license plates are now available in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, D.C., with efforts currently underway to 18

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include North Carolina. In the future, the Alumni Association hopes to add plates for Maryland, South Carolina and Virginia.

MSU affinity plates are growing in popularity, and the tag program varies based on each state’s regulations. By purchasing an MSU affinity license plate, citizens can show Bulldog pride wherever they reside and wherever they drive.

“MSU was the first out-of-state plate in Alabama, and just in two years, we have more than 2,800 tags there, making us a top 10 university plate in that state,” Davis said.

MSU plates are also increasing on the roadways of Texas. In that state, 10 percent from each affinity plate supports a scholarship fund specifically for Texas residents who attend Mississippi State University and meet certain criteria.

“Car tags provide great support for the university and are great ways for MSU alumni and friends to prominently display their pride in Mississippi State,” Davis said. “We need more individuals to purchase affinity plates, continue to renew those plates annually, and establish dominance within all Mississippi counties and across the United States.”

To initiate interest for MSU affinity plates in other states, contact Libba Andrews, the association’s associate director, at 662.325.7000 or landrews@alumni.msstate.edu. For more information on MSU's car tag program, visit www.alumni.msstate.edu/cartag.

NEWS

Foundation places three in new fundraising roles Harrington

As fundraising for Infinite Impact continues, the MSU Foundation welcomed a new fundraiser for the Division of Student Affairs and selected two veteran team members for roles in athletics and the business college.

Casey McGee began her new duties as assistant director of development for the Division of Student Affairs in midSeptember. The division is a major university unit comprised of 21 departments engaging students through programs, services, facilities and activities designed to promote active citizenship, learning, well-being and success.

Starkville native McGee joins the MSU fundraising team from a successful stint with the MSU Alumni Association. Most recently, she was assistant coordinator of chapter and recruitment programs, working as a liaison between the Alumni Association and the Office of Admissions and Scholarships.

McGee received her MSU bachelor’s degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations in 2015. She joined the Alumni Association from A2H Inc. in Memphis, Tennessee, where she served as marketing coordinator.

Also beginning a new role is Rob Jenkins. As associate athletic director for development, Jenkins will serve as a liaison between MSU Athletics and the MSU Foundation as he works to secure major gifts for both organizations. He brings great experience and institutional knowledge to this role after amassing fundraising experience in several MSU colleges, including arts and sciences, education and business.

Most recently he was director of development for the College of Business.

Jenkins

McGee

Jenkins joined the MSU Foundation fundraising staff in 2006. Before that, Jenkins was at AmSouth Bank and held positions in sales with Sanderson Plumbing Products Inc. He is a 1992 business administration graduate from Starkville.

Succeeding Jenkins as director of development for the College of Business is Zack Harrington who has served as the college’s assistant director since mid-2014.

Harrington will continue to secure major gifts for the major academic unit and its Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy.

A Hattiesburg native, Harrington holds two degrees from MSU, a 2009 bachelor's in business administration with an emphasis in real estate mortgage finance and a 2010 master's in sport administration. As an undergraduate, he was a quarterback during the 2006 and 2007 seasons for the Bulldog football team.

Before his MSU career, Harrington worked in sales with SERVPRO Cleanup Services. Earlier, he was employed by Mediterranean Shipping Company in Charleston, South Carolina, and interned for two years in Vienna, Virginia, with ICS SERKA, a major provider to the U.S. government of construction, industrial and logistical services.

All fundraising personnel are working to further the Infinite Impact campaign. Visit www.msufoundation.com for a complete list of our personnel.

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PROFILE

DONORS:

Anthony and Tonya Wilson Gulfport, Mississippi

HO M E T O W N :

Anthony and Tonya Wilson are Mississippi natives who hail from D’Iberville on the Gulf Coast. They are passionate Bulldog supporters who work to cultivate the next generation of engineers.

Over the years, the Wilsons have loyally gifted for scholarships. They support both annual and endowed engineering scholarships at MSU-Starkville and through MSU’s partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, where the pair studied as undergraduates. These scholarships reflect their dedication to helping talented Mississippi students study engineering.

The MSU educational experience Anthony enjoyed provided a great foundation for his long career with Southern Company and its subsidiaries in various roles. He serves as president and CEO of Mississippi Power, where he initially worked as an electrical engineer following a co-op stint with the company as an MSU student. Earlier, he served as executive vice president of customer service and operations for Georgia Power.

As a proud alumnus, Anthony gives of his time as a member of the MSU Foundation Board and the James Worth Bagley College’s

Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisory Board. At MSU, he was named an honorary Distinguished Engineering Fellow in 2009 and Alumni Fellow in 2012.

After earning an electrical engineering degree from MSU in 1987, Anthony received an MBA from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1992. Fellow USM graduate, Tonya earned a mathematics education degree in 1988 followed by an educationschool administration degree in 1993. For a decade, she taught high school math and later worked at a technical college while the family resided in Atlanta, Georgia.

Married for 29 years, the Wilsons are the proud parents of three daughters, Meghan, Katie and Natalie. Eldest daughter Meghan (far right) earned a degree from Auburn University and presently studies clinical speech pathology at the University of Memphis graduate school. Katie (second from right) and Natalie (far left) are enrolled at MSU, where Katie is a senior mechanical engineering major, and Natalie is a sophomore interior design student. The entire family enjoys gathering for Bulldog events.

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Loyalty. Pride. Passion.

2017 Board of Directors BOARD

OFFIC E R S

Chair - Earnest W. “Earnie” Deavenport Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Eastman Chemical Co. (retired), Greenville, S.C. Vice Chair - D. Hines Brannan Jr. | Managing Director of Accenture (retired), Atlanta, Ga. Treasurer - William A. “Lex” Taylor III | Chairman and CEO of The Taylor Group Inc. | President of Taylor Machine Works, Louisville, Miss.

President and CEO - John P. Rush | Vice President for Development and Alumni, Mississippi State University Secretary - Jack R. McCarty | Executive Director of Development, Mississippi State University Chief Financial Officer - David D. Easley | Executive Director of Finance, Mississippi State University

M EM BE R S

Richard C. Adkerson | Vice Chairman, President and CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., Phoenix, Ariz.

William B. “Bill” Berry | Executive Vice President of ConocoPhillips (retired), Katy, Texas Robert P. “Bob” Bowen | Partner-in-Charge, Mid-South Audit Practice, Arthur Andersen & Co. (retired), Holly Springs, Miss.

Albert C. Clark | President of C.C. Clark Inc., Starkville, Miss.

Randy J. Cleveland | Vice President, Americas of ExxonMobil Production Co., Fort Worth, Texas John D. Davis IV | Neurosurgeon/Founding Partner of NewSouth NeuroSpine, Flowood, Miss.

John N. “Nutie” Dowdle | Chairman of the Board of Dowdle Enterprises, Columbus, Miss.

Tommy Dulaney | President and CEO of Structural Steel Services Inc., Meridian, Miss.

Michael E. “Mike” Dunlap | President and COO of Dunlap & Kyle Co. Inc., Batesville, Miss.

Virginia Carron Eiland | Lawyer/Managing Partner, Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, Atlanta, Ga. Linda M. Garrett | Principal of Garrett Associates Inc. (retired), Atlanta, Ga. S. Bryce Griffis | President of Sturgis Timber Co. (retired), Sturgis, Miss.

Jan L. Gwin | Managing Director of Raymond James & Associates, Memphis, Tenn.

Thomas G. “Tom” Hixon Sr. | Chairman of Phoenix Development Co. LLC, Ridgeland, Miss.

Wilbert G. “Mickey” Holliman Jr. | Bulldog Club President | Chairman and CEO of Furniture Brands International (retired), Belden, Miss.

Herbert V. “Herb” Johnson | President of HVJ Associates Inc., Houston, Texas Rodger L. Johnson | President and CEO of JKC Holdings Inc., Atlanta, Ga. Mark S. Jordan | Real Estate Developer of Mark S. Jordan Companies, Ridgeland, Miss.

Rusty C. Linton | Orthopedic Surgeon of Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic P.A., Columbus, Miss.

Lewis F. Mallory Jr. | Chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank (retired), Starkville, Miss.

Bobby P. Martin | Chairman of The Peoples Bank, Ripley, Miss.

Mike M. McDaniel | CEO of M3 Resources LLC, Houston, Texas Roderick A. “Rod” Moore | Executive Vice President and CEO, Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance (retired), Brandon, Miss.

Thomas B. “Tommy” Nusz | Chairman and CEO of Oasis Petroleum Inc., Houston, Texas Linda F. Parker | Secretary of Sunbelt Wholesale Supply (retired), Bolton, Miss.

Richard H. Puckett Sr. | Chairman and CEO of Puckett Machinery Co., Flowood, Miss.

Robert L. “R.L.” Qualls | President and CEO of Baldor Electric Co. (retired) and Co-chairman of Taylor Companies, Little Rock, Ark. Gregory C. “Gregg” Rader | CEO of Columbus Recycling Corp., Columbus, Miss.

Bradley M. “Brad” Reeves | Alumni Association President | Partner for Randall, Segrest, Weeks, Reeves & Sones PLLC, Ridgeland, Miss.

Charles W. “Tex” Ritter Jr. | President and CEO of The Attala Co. (retired), Kosciusko, Miss.

James J. “Jim” Rouse | Vice President of ExxonMobil (retired), Houston, Texas Richard A. Rula | President of Hemphill Construction Co., Florence, Miss.

Michael W. “Mike” Sanders | President and CEO of Jimmy Sanders Inc. (retired), Cleveland, Miss.

Paula A. Schuerer | Owner and veterinarian of Animal Ark Animal Hospital, Franklin, Tenn.

Leo W. Seal III | President of the Leo Seal Family Foundation, Bay Saint Louis, Miss.

Bobby S. Shackouls | Chairman and CEO of Burlington Resources Inc. (retired) | Houston, Texas Cynthia W. “Cindy” Simpson | Principal/Managing Director of Gensler, Dallas, Texas Douglas T. “Doug” Terreson | Head of Energy Research for Evercore Partners, Point Clear, Ala. Bryan S. Wilson | Managing Partner of Tacoma Ag, Starkville, Miss.

Turner A. Wingo | Owner of Sherry’s Hallmark (retired), Collierville, Tenn.

Mark A. Worthey | Owner and President of McClaren Resources Inc., McKinney, Texas James K. Dossett | Legal Counsel, Jackson, Miss.

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Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jackson, MS Permit No. 134

Post Office Box 6149 One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 www.msufoundation.com ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

Giving + Getting the most from your assets

When most people think about making a charitable gift, they think of giving cash. While we welcome gifts of any kind to help support Mississippi State University, there are many ways you can benefit through making a gift of other assets to us.

• • • • •

ou can avoid paying capital gains tax if you give appreciated assets.

Y You will receive a charitable deduction for your gift which can lower your tax bill.

You can make a gift today while preserving your cash for immediate or future needs.

You and your family can receive benefits such as lifetime income.

You may be able to make greater gifts than you ever thought possible.

For more information on how you can give and get the most from your assets, contact the MSU Foundation Office of Planned Giving.

Wes Gordon, Director of Planned Giving (662) 325-3707 | wgordon@foundation.msstate.edu

MSU is an AA/EEO university.