viewpoint
MSU weathers challenges, forges ahead with impact The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for our university community and our world. In addressing the risks and uncertainty surrounding the disease, Mississippi State University leadership has made many difficult decisions, including delivering all coursework online or through other remote instruction for the remainder of the semester. By restructuring the spring graduation ceremony, MSU helps ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff. Although the graduation ceremonies for our 2020 graduates will be much different than initially planned, the significance of their accomplishments is no less deserving of such recognition. MSU is considering ways to honor these graduates. As we navigate this new, unfamiliar territory, I am grateful for the enduring spirit and cooperation of the MSU community. In reflecting on past events of this new decade, I ponder on the meaning of the word "commencement." We typically associate the word with the end of a student's journey toward a degree, but the actual definition implies the beginning of something. Likewise, the official close of the semester will mark a momentous milestone in the lives of our spring graduates as they trade their role as "student" for that of "alumnus." The end of one path marks the beginning of another path. This thought also brings to mind the impact of Jim and Jean Bagley, two Bulldog faithfuls that I am blessed to have considered dear friends. Like many, I was deeply saddened to learn of their passing earlier this year. I had the great opportunity to work closely with Jim and Jean for many years and learn why they chose to invest in the future of MSU and the students who would attend here. Jim possessed strong feelings that MSU provided him with the tools to embark on an amazingly successful career. Aside from being very generous, Jim and Jean were very precise about their gifts and the longtime impact of those gifts. As a result, most of their gifts established endowments, and because of their strategic giving, their legacy lives on through the investments they poured into our campus. I am glad to know that future generations embarking on new chapters at MSU will benefit from Jim and Jean
Bagleys' dedication. Like Jim and Jean, the generosity of every loyal benefactor has helped transform the trajectory of this institution over the years. It is a clear reminder of the new beginnings we all have the power to create. The soon-to-be alumni who will graduate in May are perhaps the most immediate outcome of such support. I look forward to seeing how their gratitude will be put into action, forging a new wave of benevolent patrons who believe in the future of Mississippi State. Similarly, another commencement is approaching with the completion of Infinite Impact. It is truly outstanding to see all that has been accomplished throughout this ambitious endeavor, thanks to the strength and shared vision of the Bulldog family. Yet, as we continue on this journey toward the campaign close, I hope your commitment and passion remain steadfast because the impact is only just beginning.
Spring 2020 | FOUNDATIONS
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