Development

Since the first dollars were raised for the USJ IMAGINE More capital campaign in the fall of 2018, fourteen capital projects have been completed or are under construction. The generosity of our USJ family has made it all possible, committing more than $5.6 million in monetary and in-kind gifts to date. Plus, there’s more excellence on the horizon!

Bruins tennis will have a new home in the spring of 2022. Construction on the new tennis facility is in progress between the Lower School and south parking lot of Kirkland Field at Carlock Stadium. Once complete, the Bruins will have eight courts instead of six and will feature lights and improved spectator views. Plans have also been finalized to add a new facility that will serve as a home to both Bruins tennis and Bruins golf.

The USJ Arbor Project is ongoing. To date, more than 220 trees and shrubs have been added to our campus, with 60 added this past March along the Middle School access road past the pond, at the Middle School drop-off, and along the embankment just north of the Lower School. Trees and shrubs will continue to be added in hopes that our campus will ultimately qualify for arboretum status as we work to beautify our campus and enhance the student experience.

Construction of the newly named Overton Stadium began this summer. Thanks to a generous gift from Whitney and John Overton, Bruins baseball will have a renovated home with a new backstop, press box, and stadium seating. When the Bruins take the field in the Spring of 2022, play will happen on the nicest diamond in the area.

Funds are still required to complete the remaining projects. If you would like to learn more or discuss a gift to the campaign, you can reach out to Chief Development Officer, Russ Ellis at 731-571-3802 or rellis@usjbruins.org. Gifts can also be made on the USJ website: www.usjbruins.org/give.

When 2021-22 school year winds down, work will begin on campus civic projects. A hallmark of every stage of the campaign has been to create security and safety and improve traffic and pedestrian flow. Plans for the summer of 2022 include demolition of the old tennis courts to create more parking, defined and enhanced drop-off areas at the Upper School and football field house, improved roads into campus and a new spring sports entrance area.

If you would like to support these projects through in-kind or monetary donations, reach out to Chief Development Officer, Russ Ellis at 731-571-3802 or rellis@usjbruins.org. Gifts can also be made online at usjbruins.org/give.

If you would like to donate a tree for the USJ campus as part of the Arbor Project, please contact Russ Ellis at rellis@usjbruins.org or call 731.300.3645.

Since 2018, The Camille and Ralph Jones Academic Center (JAC) has provided quality academic support services for USJ students. Its services assist the University School of Jackson community in maintaining a standard of excellence in USJ’s highly competitive academic atmosphere.

Academic support services range from managing and updating appropriate classroom accommodations to temporary support, in the form of small group instructional services. These services are in addition to the student’s daily classroom instruction.

In three years of operation, the JAC has impacted the lives of many USJ students and their families.

Christy and Chuck Cloud and their daughter, Colby, have witnessed firsthand the impact of the Center. Colby graduated in May 2021 and is attending Mississippi State. Her sister, Charley, is a Bruins junior who joined the USJ family in the fall of 2019. “We are forever grateful to the JAC, Christy Glenn, and the instructors for the difference they have made in Colby’s life. In fact, the JAC played a major role in our decision to join the USJ family. Colby was able to thrive these last two academic years at USJ due to the assistance of the JAC and her determination. Again, we are grateful!”

The JAC instructors are committed to helping students like Colby reach their highest academic potential by considering and teaching to each student’s unique circumstances.

To help our students succeed, the center utilizes a comprehensive, prescriptive instructional design that allows each student to achieve their highest academic potential effectively and efficiently. Our center designs each student’s academic action plan based upon preliminary parent/student interviews, classroom teacher input, initial academic assessments, and when necessary, outside professional evaluations and recommendations.

The JAC services provided during the school day are free and are included as part of tuition costs.

Please note that annual Fund for Excellence (FFE) gifts can be designated to the Camille and Ralph Jones Academic Center.

When the Bruins hit the gridiron this fall, it was under the additional lighting of a brand new jumbotron in the north end zone! The new addition enhanced the Friday night experience with an 11 ft x 21 ft LED video screen adorned with Bruins’ paws and USJ blue and red.

Athletic Director Michael Stroup is pleased with the ongoing improvements being made to the athletic facilities, “Two years ago, due to the generosity of the Carlock family, we installed artificial turf and made some substantial upgrades to Kirkland Field at Carlock Stadium. With the jumbotron we’ll continue to improve the Friday night experience for the USJ community and visiting teams.”

Special thanks to our premier jumbotron sponsors who’ve helped make the scoreboard upgrade possible: ATA, Garrett Plumbing, H&M Construction, and the Uniform Source.

During your time at USJ, you will have many opportunities to support the school and the surrounding community. While each opportunity for support serves different needs, they all enhance your student’s experience. Your time and talents are great assets to the USJ family – thank you! There are many channels to direct a monetary gift as well.

FUND FOR EXCELLENCE – Every Year

The Fund for Excellence supplements the annual budget and covers expenses that tuition doesn’t. In reality, tuition dollars cover 91% of the cost required to educate our students. A gift of any size to the FFE is critical in funding multiple areas of instruction and can be designated to the area of most interest, e.g., libraries, the arts, athletics, the Jones Academic Center, and more. The FFE is an ongoing part of every school year.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGNS – Periodically

A Capital Campaign funds building and renovation projects that enhance the campus, learning, and extracurricular activities, and programmatic additions the school’s strategic priorities that are not covered by tuition. We are currently in the middle of the IMAGINE More Campaign. Campaigns of this nature are not ongoing and typically last from three to five years.

ENDOWMENT FUNDS – Periodically

Invested funds in an Endowment provide a steady, predictable flow of income to support USJ over time. Named endowment funds, like the Donald Newman Endowed Chair of Mathematics, provide support for specific elements of the USJ experience. The principal dollars invested in any endowment provide long term stability and growth, while the institution can utilize a set percentage of interest accrued on an annual basis.

PLANNED GIVING – As a donor feels moved

Planned gifts made through bequests, life insurance policies, and charitable trusts provide for the ongoing sustainability of USJ. Naming USJ as the beneficiary to any planned gift provides financial security and opportunities to plan for future endeavors.

SUPPORT GROUPS – Throughout the year

USJ offers families the options of supporting three unique support groups: Arts Guild – designed to enhance experiences on the stage, the studio, in choir, and band. Bruins Club – the Bruins Club provides different avenues to support the multiple sports that take place on our campus. From SuperBooster passes, concession stand proceeds, to the annual Bruin Booster Golf Classic, our athletes and coaches are provided with the tools they need to succeed. Parents Club – Since our school’s founding, the USJ Holiday Mart, presented by the Parents Club, has been an annual holiday tradition in Jackson. The Parents Club supports our teachers, faculty, and staff throughout the school year, ensuring they have the best resources at their fingertips.

Tax-deductible donations may be made online at usjbruins.org/give. You may also mail or drop off your pledge or donation at the Lower School building at 240 McClellan Road in Jackson.