THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI FOUNDATION 2018 Impact Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 | WELCOME
09 | FEATURE STORIES
04 | LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
26 | FINANCIAL INFORMATION
08 | MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
DEAR SOUTHERN MISS SUPPORTERS,
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very day we are inspired by the generosity of alumni and friends and the domino effect created by your giving. Our Impact Report provides insight into this chain reaction, what motivated givers last year, and how your philanthropy is changing one life, and another, and another‌ I hope you enjoy these stories and know that every gift, no matter the size, has meaning. Together, we are reaching new heights at USM – in recruitment, in student success and in philanthropy. In 2018, your gifts combined with others, totaled over $21.3 million in outright and planned gifts to support all areas of our University. It is my great honor to assist you in your charitable giving, and I appreciate the trust you place in the Foundation. Thank you for your generosity.
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CHAIN REACTION
A series of events so related to each other that each one initiates the next; a self-sustaining reaction yielding energy or products that cause further reactions of the same kind (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
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t The University of Southern Mississippi, philanthropy sets off a powerful chain reaction. A single gift can appear to be inconsequential until you pause to consider the ramifications of an act of generosity. We often discover one investment was the catalyst behind many additional positive outcomes at Southern Miss. Seemingly isolated actions can lead to vast results, giving students, faculty and programs the push they need to be unstoppable. Each gift initiates the next. Each investment provokes progress today, tomorrow and years into the future. Each contribution empowers someone else to earn their degree, expand their horizons, impact the community with all they have learned and pay the kindness forward through a gift of their own. Like a gentle nudge at the start of a chain of dominoes, each investment leads to another gift, triggering the next contribution and keeping the momentum going as the gift of education transfers from one to the next. Physics proves a single domino can knock over another domino roughly one and a half times larger than itself. As a one-time gift becomes an annual scholarship, an endowed scholarship or a named professorship, the impact steadily increases. Looking back on 2018, the chain reactions that took place because of your philanthropy through the USM Foundation are monumental. Your giving excited discovery, propelled the academic journeys of new and experienced
scholars, and stimulated collaboration across USM’s campuses, teaching and research sites. Collectively with the gifts of numerous others, your contributions sparked a breathtaking cascade of transformation, leaving lives and programs far different than before. Within these pages are stories of chain reactions set into motion because of private giving. These are stories of passions being ignited, legacies being entrusted and the effects gifts of all sizes have on the Southern Miss community. From annual contributions and endowed scholarships to program support, faculty enhancements and learning environment improvements, never underestimate the impact you have made. By giving to the areas of Southern Miss that are meaningful to you, you have made a purposeful difference in the lives of Golden Eagles. Your impact is worth celebrating because when we celebrate the strengths and capabilities of our community and invest in making those around us even better, our efforts accelerate progression. Our collective giving molds our institution into the model for public higher education as we prepare tomorrow’s leaders for success after graduation and instill in them characteristics of servant leadership that prime them to continually give back.
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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outhern Miss changed my life. Like so many others, I came to campus as a teenager from a small town. When I left, I had learned a little about the world and a lot about myself. With my degree, I had the foundation for a career. Through the British Studies Program, I had my first taste of international travel. My experiences in Greek Life and student government taught me about cooperation, collaboration and leadership. In all these experiences, I developed relationships that have lasted my whole life. Southern Miss continues to enrich me. I come back to campus as often as I am able. I have had the privilege of seeing a brother, a son and two nephews walk the stage at Reed Green Coliseum since I earned my degree. I have traveled all over the country – literally from coast to coast – watching Southern Miss athletic teams compete and win. If you say, “Southern Miss,” I say, “To the Top!” Just like you, I AM PROUD to be a Golden Eagle. I am thankful for the privilege of serving as USM Foundation Board president. In this role, and in my prior years on the Board, I have learned so much about the generosity of our donors and the impact 4
of your gifts. I am honored to offer my sincerest thanks for your support of Southern Miss this year. Your giving, and that of others, provides benefits to our students that are boundless and life-changing.
confident that today’s students will understand the importance of giving back to their alma mater, changing the culture of philanthropy at Southern Miss, as one gift leads to another.
I am always awed to see these bright students excelling all over our campuses and research sites. They are dreaming bigger dreams than I ever thought possible, while philanthropy provides them with new avenues toward success. Our alumni and friends remain engaged, even as they work to sustain success in their lives and careers – they are always ready to give back to the University that provided them the tools to get there. The USM Foundation Board of Directors and staff continue their commitment to financial stewardship by making meaningful decisions to raise permanent, self-sustaining funding to create stability, flexibility and opportunity for many generations of Golden Eagles to come.
I hope you enjoy reading our Impact Report. Each feature gives you a glimpse of the stories of our students, faculty and staff, other alumni and friends. It is designed to show you the impact of philanthropy – like the domino effect illustrated throughout. Clearly, one person can make a difference in the lives of our students.
In fiscal year 2018, philanthropy changed the stories and the lives of so many of our students, with more than 2,180 scholarships awarded through $3.9 million in private gifts, with an additional $3.7 million in charitable giving supporting other areas of the University. Following your lead, I am
Thank you, again, for your commitment and generosity to Southern Miss. Southern Miss to the Top!
Jim Warren President of the Board of Directors
2018-19 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jim Warren ’84 | President
Managing Member – Carroll, Warren & Parker, PLLC Duane Lock ’83 | Vice President
President – River Oaks Energy, Inc.
Stace Mercier ’89, ’96 | Secretary
Executive Director – The USM Foundation Gene Gouaux ’07 | Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
Attorney – Gouaux Law Firm Assistant Professor of Business Law – Nicholls State University Joy Lightsey ’73 | Member-at-Large
Senior Vice President of Operations (Retired) – SunTech, Inc. Kristy Gould ’09 | Policy and Bylaws Committee Chair
Chief of Corporate Planning and Development – Hattiesburg Clinic, PA Chris Inman ’96 | Investment Committee Chair
Managing Principal and Financial Advisor – Inman Wealth Management, LLC Joseph Quinlan ’73 | Resource Development Committee Chair
Chairman and CEO – First National Bankers Bankshares, Inc.
Gary Carmichael ’77, ’89 | Immediate Past President
Owner and Strategic Partner – Pride Staff (Payroll Plus, Inc.) 5
Front Row (Left to Right): Bill McLeod, Alvis A. Wright II, Tommy Thornton, Kristy Gould, Julie Lennon and Sandra McDaniel Second Row: Duane Lock, Shonna Brown, Gene Gouaux, Stace Mercier, Joy Lightsey, Jana McDonnell, Benny Hubbard and Omar Nelson Back Row: George Openshaw, Max Draughn, Bill Ward, Stephen Carmody, Gary Carmichael, Jim Warren, Joseph Quinlan and Alvin Williams Not Pictured: Julie Breazeale, Louie Ehrlich, Kevin Gilbert, Stan Harrell, Doc Holliday, Chris Inman, Robin Robinson, Kelsey Rushing, Jason Sanderson and Chuck Scianna
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BOARD MEMBERS Julie Breazeale ’01, ’07 CEO – Polk’s Meat Products, Inc.
Shonna Brown ’01 Associate Commissioner and CFO – Conference USA
Stephen Carmody ’84 Attorney – Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC
Max Draughn ’84 Owner and CEO – Heartwood Capital, Inc.
Louie Ehrlich ’81 Co-owner – Ehrlich Capital, LLC Retired CIO – Chevron
Kevin Gilbert ’94, ’96 Educator and President – Mississippi Association of Educators Executive Committee Member – National Education Association
Stan Harrell ’78 CFO – United States Chamber of Commerce
Doc Holliday ’71 Owner – Bruce A. Holliday, CLU Insurance and Financial Products
Benny Hubbard ’90 Managing Partner – Hubbard Insurance and Financial Solutions, LLC
Julie Lennon ’85 General Counsel – Gaedeke Group
Sandra McDaniel ’94 Co-owner – Griner Drilling Service, Inc. and Jack Morris Gas
Jana McDonnell ’83 Owner – U-Save Auto Rental of America, Inc.
Bill McLeod Attorney – McLeod & Associates, PA
Omar Nelson ’94 Attorney – Gibbs Travis, PLLC
George Openshaw ’90 Senior Vice President, Wealth Management – Morgan Stanley
Robin Robinson ’78 Director of Organization Development and Corporate Communication – Sanderson Farms, Inc.
Kelsey Rushing ’94, ’96 Attorney – Office of Capital Defense, State of Mississippi
Jason Sanderson ’91 CFO – Brown Bottling Group, Inc.
Chuck Scianna ’75 Owner and President – Sim-Tex, LP
Tommy Thornton ’72, ’78 Executive Director – Hattiesburg Clinic, PA
Bill Ward ’68 Owner – Ward International Trucks, Inc.
Alvin Williams ’74 Distinguished Professor of Marketing – University of South Alabama
Alvis A. Wright II ’97, ’00 Marketing Programs and Product Development Manager – Alabama Power Company
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MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT
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he pages of this report are filled with some of our finest stories from 2018 – stories of the impact your generosity, and that of other Golden Eagles, has made on our University. Like you, my family chose to change lives at The University of Southern Mississippi through the establishment of a scholarship endowment. That makes this report even more special to us, and we are happy to share our story with you.
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Collectively, private giving amplifies our successes – one student, one program, one gift at a time. The effects of philanthropy are far-reaching, yet close to home with our students, faculty, and staff – beginning a chain reaction in their lives. I hope you enjoy reading these stories of impact because they are our stories, effecting change every day on our campuses. While our individual Southern Miss stories differ, the thread that binds us together is our
mutual commitment to do our part in moving our University forward. Together we will continue to raise the standard of success as we redefine what we mean when we say,
“TO THE TOP.”
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resident Rodney and Mrs. Temple Bennett gleaned their philanthropic vision as children, watching their families take care of those in need – in their churches, in their neighborhoods and throughout their East Tennessee communities. While the gifts were more often made in time than money, the spirit of compassion and service was deeply engrained, long before the two ever met.
BENNETT SCHOLARSHIP PERPETUATES EDUCATIONAL LEGACY college coursework amidst life’s daily obstacles. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices she made for us,” said Rodney.
Rodney’s journey to becoming the 10th president of The University of Southern Mississippi was not storybook. Born in 1966 to parents who were not married, Rodney, along with his older sister, Denise, lived with their mother JoAnnetta in her parents’ home. In a time when communities shunned the unwed mother, JoAnn struggled not only to support her children, but to be an accepted part of their community. Working at a denim jean factory, the hours of manual labor left her exhausted. Covered in dirt and the inky blue stain of denim every day, she dreamt of a better life for herself and her children. Those dreams began to take shape when she enrolled in Knoxville College, a historically black liberal arts college. She attended classes while continuing shift work at the factory, all while parenting her children. “Although I was a small child at the time, I’m proud of, and amazed by, the choices my mother made at such a young age. They changed our lives forever. I cannot imagine the mental, emotional and physical strength it took for her to endure her shift at the factory and her
Beginning with her struggle to raise children as a single parent, JoAnn’s commitment to better herself and the lives of her children did not go unnoticed by the children’s paternal grandmother, Lema Bennett. On JoAnn’s graduation day, she was present to applaud as JoAnn crossed the commencement stage. After the ceremony, Lema circled JoAnn’s name in the program and mailed
it to her son, Robert, the children’s father, with a simple note: “You have two children, and their mother just finished college. It’s time to come home and be a part of your family.” After receiving the program, Rob did just that, and soon after the couple married. JoAnn began her teaching career in special education before accepting a position in a traditional classroom with the Knoxville (Tennessee) City School District, where she stayed for 33 years until her retirement. There, she taught first through sixth grades, including a year as Rodney’s third grade teacher at Fair Garden Elementary School. As a school teacher, JoAnn realized the importance of her role within the community. “Everyone knew my mother in our community,” said Rodney. “Everyone knew she was a teacher, and educators were so highly respected. She was admired and trusted.” From a young mother without a husband to a leader in her community, JoAnn remained passionate about the power of education. Later in life, JoAnn received her graduate degree, while continuing to inspire her students, children and even her husband to advance their educations. Through laughter and tears, the Bennetts become emotional telling their family stories. That pride shapes their philanthropy today by helping others through the gift of education. The sacrifices JoAnn made to further her education against incredible odds motivated Rodney to pursue every 9
educational opportunity available to him and inspired a philanthropic vision for him and Temple that includes the recent establishment of a second endowed scholarship through the USM Foundation. In July of 2018, Rodney and Temple chose to contribute $100,000, including his $72,630 salary increase from the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, to establish the Bennett Family Gulf Coast Aspiring Teacher Scholarship Endowment. The scholarship will support a full-time undergraduate student majoring in elementary education or special education, who is from Hancock, Harrison or Jackson Counties in Mississippi and attends classes at the Gulf Park campus. Preference will be given to a student who graduated from high school more than five years prior to enrolling at USM in hopes of providing aid to students like JoAnn. “We want to help someone who is in a situation like that of my mother,” said Rodney. “This scholarship was designed to help those Golden Eagles get to the finish line, because society’s traditional timeline to college doesn’t always fit. We want those students to know someone cares about them enough to invest in their education, and that education can change their lives and the lives of their families. I know it’s possible because I lived it.”
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Rodney and Temple know the importance of investing in Southern Miss students. With this second scholarship, the Bennetts chose to support students studying at Gulf Park, since there are not as many scholarships available for Gulf Park students as there are for those studying on the Hattiesburg campus. “Temple and I hope this scholarship embodies the spirit of who we are at Southern Miss. We hope it exemplifies our culture of care and concern for others. We know everyone has their place in the Southern Miss family, and maybe this scholarship is the one thing that changes a student’s narrative. I hope our philanthropy at Southern Miss meets students where they are and helps them develop into who they want and need to be.” When Rodney met Temple in their history class at Middle Tennessee State University, they shared a faith in God and a calling to help others. Early in their relationship, Temple gifted a leather-bound Bible to Rodney for his birthday, and many verses within it have guided their relationship, parenting decisions and careers over the past 30 years. When it comes to their generosity to Southern Miss and perspective on where they have come from, they take guidance from the scriptures within this wellread book.
“No flashy new toy or shiny gadget could bring us as much joy and satisfaction as helping others by passing on the blessings we have received,” said Temple. “It is our hope that as the scholarships are awarded, we will see tenacity and determination, like that of Rodney’s mother, in those students. We are looking forward to sharing their successes with them.” As difficult and trying as the early years were, the Bennett family remains purposeful. They see that purpose with the next generation, including their daughters, Colby and Logan, who are currently working on their bachelor’s degrees. The Bennetts’ adversities have inspired their greatest gifts and guided them to use their talents and resources to powerfully impact the Southern Miss community. Much to his parents’ delight, the son of a firstgeneration college student is a university president who continues to financially invest in the educators of tomorrow. The gift of education, with deep roots in care and compassion, clearly represents the Bennett family.
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NO FLASHY NEW TOY OR SHINY GADGET COULD BRING US AS MUCH JOY AND SATISFACTION AS HELPING OTHERS BY PASSING ON THE BLESSINGS WE HAVE RECEIVED.
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D
iffering circumstances and decades apart, two characteristics define the lives of Judge R.J. Bishop and Derrick Dyess: Mississippi roots and a determination to succeed in spite of difficulties. While their hometowns in Wayne County and Jefferson Davis County sandwich Hattiesburg, it was through philanthropy that their stories intersected at The University of Southern Mississippi. In 2007, fresh out of high school, Derrick joined the United States Coast Guard, passionate to serve others. Over the course of five fulfilling years, he completed numerous search and rescue operations, as well as fisheries and safety compliance enforcement in the Gulf of Mexico, and was promoted to Second Class Boatswain Mate. Derrick was in his prime, earning numerous awards and honors for his dedication to his country. Life was seemingly perfect for him and his wife, Emily, who were also expecting their first child. “In 2013, my career came to a sudden halt, and my life was turned upside down,” said Derrick. “A severe service-related spinal injury prompted emergency back surgery that was unsuccessful, forcing me to permanently retire from the Coast Guard that October. My body failed me suddenly and left us trying to pick up the pieces.” With a desire to keep moving forward, Derrick applied and was accepted to Southern Miss. He began classes in 2014, working toward a political science degree. The Gulf Park campus provided the perfect location for him to remain close to his family while furthering his education. Having always been drawn to the water, the campus’ beachfront view helped Derrick feel connected to the Gulf he loved. Although his life changed quickly and dramatically, he and Emily began their new journey. Driving hurt. Sitting hurt. Standing hurt. It seemed impossible for Derrick to find relief from his chronic pain while managing his coursework and home life. Some days, simple tasks like getting out of bed were excruciating. Despite the constant discomfort he endured, Derrick maintained a 3.0 GPA and received numerous academic honors.
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AN UNBREAKABLE SPIRIT When he could not imagine the pain getting any worse, his health took another blow. In December 2016, he experienced epileptic seizures and fractured his leg twice in less than a year and a half. Five weeks before graduation, Derrick was hospitalized, and over the course of six surgeries, doctors pieced his leg back together. “While there’s never a good time to break your femur, mine broke at the absolute worst time. I wasn’t sure if I’d walk again and yet I couldn’t forget my capstone course, research papers and exams,” said Derrick. “If it weren’t for my wife and the incredible faculty members who responded with compassion and understanding, my education could have easily ended right then.” Thankfully, that was not the end of Derrick’s Southern Miss story. He showed a remarkable ability to confront and overcome adversity in his life, and though his bones broke, his spirit never did. He refused to allow this setback to define his story. In the midst of this chaotic semester, one of his professors nominated him for the Judge R.J. Bishop Mississippian Award. Dr. Douglas Bristol, associate professor of history, observed Derrick’s perseverance and grit. He admired Derrick’s courage, and when he read the award criteria, he saw the characteristics that made Derrick the perfect candidate. In April 2018, Derrick was honored with the Judge R.J. Bishop Mississippian Award, and in May he celebrated the completion of his bachelor’s degree. He required crutches to cross the stage at graduation, but he did it.
Although Judge Bishop, the award’s namesake, experienced a different set of obstacles, his path to a college degree was also trying. One of 12 children, a difficult childhood increased his desire to leave Wayne County and gain an education. Though he successfully entered the teaching profession, he longed to study law. He taught in the winter to save money to attend law school at the University of Sewanee. When he was within reach of his goal, one of his sisters became ill and was hospitalized. Although resented by his siblings for leaving home, he used his savings to pay the medical bills, leaving too little to afford graduation fees to receive his degree. This haunted him for the rest of his life, to such an extent that it became an obsession that his daughter, Elna, should receive the best education available. After Judge Bishop’s lifetime, Elna established the Judge R.J. Bishop Mississippian Award in 1978 in his loving memory. The annual award honors men and women who have endured financial and/or personal hardships to pursue their education so that they, their children and other Mississippians might have a better life. If anyone understands the challenges and heartache of Judge Bishop’s life, it is Derrick. His courage to persevere in the face of extreme adversity; strength to push himself as hard as possible mentally, emotionally and physically; and character to remain committed to helping others instead of being bound by his disability, earned him the distinction of being the 2018 Bishop Award recipient. “Derrick’s mental and physical strength are aweinspiring,” said Dr. Bristol. “When most students would have given up, Derrick simply found new ways to persevere. If he was unable to sit through an
entire class because his back hurt, he laid on the floor. When he could not walk across campus because of his broken leg, he bought a scooter. He arranged with professors to make up assignments when he was out of school in the hospital, and when pain medicine affected his memory, he committed to reading all of his assigned readings twice. Regardless of his personal struggles, he remains upbeat and outgoing. He continues to push through the pain.” Just as Judge Bishop and his daughter would have wanted, Derrick’s educational journey is not over yet. Following graduation, he patiently waited for his leg to heal while applying for graduate school. Funds from the Bishop Award allowed him and his wife to pay medical bills and support their family as the primary breadwinner took another step in continuing his education. When he joined the Coast Guard, it was to help people in some of their most desperate times of need. Now Derrick plans to continue his service to the public in a new capacity. His passion for research regarding voter turnout and civic participation coupled with a bachelor’s degree in political science makes him hopeful about career opportunities after earning his master’s degree in May 2020. “I’m still wrapping my head around living with a disability and accepting the limitations of my broken body, but I don’t dwell on questions like, ‘Why me?’ Instead, I ask myself, ‘What’s the good that can come of this?’ I’ll never be able to thank the Bishops or the Southern Miss community enough for all they’ve done to help me and my family. The best I can do is give life everything I’ve got and hope my actions show how deeply grateful I am.” 13
PLANNING FOR TOMORROW’S GOLDEN EAGLES
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hat greater gift could we leave to the next generation than the gift of knowledge?” Steve Strickland asked his wife Julie as they began discussing their philanthropic vision through estate planning. Memories from their time at Southern Miss rose to the top as they recounted some of the best years of their lives. Although they are only in their mid-50s, a desire to plan for the future led them to establish a $1 million planned gift with $750,000 designated to academic support and $250,000 toward athletics. “We’re not getting any younger, and we realized we didn’t even have a will. Because of the lifelong relationships and phenomenal educations we gained at Southern Miss, we knew supporting our alma mater was the right thing to do,” said Steve. “It’s where we met and fell in love. It’s where we come on game days and attend events with the College of Business and Economic Development. This University means the world to us, so naturally we want to do everything we can to support the people and programs that are special to us. A planned gift was the perfect way to accomplish our goals.” They say opposites attract, and that certainly was the case for Steve and Julie. Julie grew up in Sibley, Miss., just south of Natchez. The youngest of three sisters and the daughter of a cattleman and farmer, she learned to love and respect nature, fish, and make good grades in school. She never questioned if she would attend college; the question was where. Driven to make good use of the money her father
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paid for tuition and books, she graduated magna cum laude. “I came to USM to earn my degree, not to find a husband, although I didn’t really start having fun in college until I met Steve,” Julie said. “I happily graduated from Southern Miss with two degrees and a slew of wonderful memories we made together.” Steve, one of four children, grew up in Meridian, Miss. Good grades came easy, so he occupied himself in class by talking and telling jokes despite regular scolding. After high school, he played baseball at Meridian Community College for two years before beginning work at a foam insulation factory. With encouragement from his older sister Joni, who was thriving at Southern Miss, Steve moved to Hattiesburg to study marketing. With little financial support from his parents, he sold books door to door in the blistering summer heat to graduate debt-free. “When you come from where I came from, you put a higher value on education. I feared I’d die young if I continued such physical work at the factory. By the time I saved up enough money to attend Southern Miss, I recognized how a college degree could change my life,” said Steve. Steve joined Kappa Sigma Fraternity, sharing the best experiences college had to offer with his band of brothers, including attending football games in The Rock and competing in intramural sports. He had no idea membership would also lead him to his future
wife. One Sunday afternoon, Julie visited the Kappa Sigma house to meet her tennis partner as Steve returned home. Whether it was love at first sight or Julie’s family fishing lake that sealed the deal, Steve asked her to marry him three months later. Working diligently on his coursework, Steve finished his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1986, a year before Joni, becoming the first member of their family to earn a college degree. Julie finished her bachelor’s degree in elementary education the same year before completing a Master of Education in 1987. Steve’s career began as a financial advisor in Jackson; Julie began teaching, and the two soon married. The Stricklands cherish each memory and many friendships their time at Southern Miss afforded them. Although they cannot visit campus as frequently as they would like, the University remains a major part of their lives. “Over the years, we’ve given back financially to USM, supporting academics and athletics. We established a scholarship endowment for marketing and finance students; we are active Eagle Club members and support various other initiatives as they arise,” said Steve. “We realized we could give a much larger amount through a planned gift than we could currently. Knowing firsthand how education can change a student’s life, we agreed to support the EAGLE Scholars Program. It fits our vision perfectly.”
Through a bequest, Steve and Julie will create three EAGLE Scholars scholarship endowments, including one specifically for a marketing major and two available to any student in the College of Business and Economic Development. Recipients will gain support for tuition and a book allowance, the opportunity to study abroad or participate in other experiential learning programs, real-world corporate training, coaching and professional development to enhance their education, and career preparation. Through the Athletic Foundation, they will also create the Steve and Julie Strickland Football Enhancement Endowment to assist with coaches’ salaries and general program support. This endowment is the first of its kind. “The decision to create a perpetual stream of funding for salary support for coaches comes from our desire to keep the best coaches on our sideline. That, in itself, will help us remain competitive,” said Steve. While this planned gift is not the end of their giving to USM, it is a piece they have desired to put in place for some time. “Having our names associated with the exceptional programs Southern Miss offers is both an honor and a privilege,” said Julie. “We now have peace of mind knowing that our gift will be used how we intend. We hope our story will inspire others to consider the type of legacy they want to leave behind and set plans in place now to ensure its fruition.”
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SOUTHERN STYLE CAUGHT EAGLE FEVER
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or more than 40 years, an elite group of student leaders have donned golden blazers as they host University events, tours and Orientations. These blazers have become the signature mark of Southern Style members. Through their hospitality and willingness to serve others, they have prepared thousands of new students for a successful transition to life at Southern Miss. To support the professional development of these University ambassadors, a fundraising effort was launched through the USM Foundation’s Eagle Fever crowdfunding platform in spring of 2018. With overwhelming success, the project garnered support from 126 donors across 15 states, allowing Southern Style members and leaders to attend the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop (SROW) in Orlando, Fla., and learn cutting-edge practices within the fields of orientation, transition and retention, while enjoying all the city has to offer. “We are delighted by the incredible support Southern Style received through our crowdfunding project. The Southern Miss community rallied around these wonderful student leaders and showed a strong commitment to their personal growth and team development,” said Laura Laughlin, director of the Office of Orientation and Transition Programs. “Beyond their academic talents, this special group has a heart for serving others. It’s rewarding to see our alumni, friends and past Southern Style members investing, knowing our students’ successes make the entire University better.”
No single gift fully funded the project; instead, contributions ranging from $10 to $500 combined to generate $10,084 over the course of the onemonth campaign. Each gift pushed the team closer to reaching their goal and increased their enthusiasm about attending SROW a few weeks later. Personal messages from donors honoring past Southern Style members and leaders with their gifts filled the project’s “donor wall” and caused a surge of pride for the current team.
“IN HONOR OF SOUTHERN STYLE CHANGING LIVES LIKE IT CHANGED MINE.” “FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THE MEMORIES WE MADE IN GOLD JACKETS!”
“I will forever treasure the bonds formed while serving on Southern Style,” said Madison Crimm, 2018 Southern Style member. “We learned so much about our beloved University and experienced the thrill of sharing our passion with the next class of Golden Eagles. Knowing our trip to Orlando was made possible by friends and alumni, especially former Southern Style members, is really special. Now it’s my turn to keep the tradition alive and well by supporting the next students who wear their gold blazers with pride.” Contributions to Southern Style’s Eagle Fever campaign provided team building and professional development opportunities for these student leaders while they attended SROW. They networked with 2,200 peers from the Southeast region and presented 10 educational sessions during the conference. The team represented USM well as they competed in multiple conference competitions, including the most outstanding undergraduate student leader, undergraduate case study competition and graduate case study competition. Beyond SROW, dollars raised will assist in funding other programs and leadership development opportunities housed in the Office of Orientation and Transition Programs.
“IN HONOR OF MY 2012 TEAM - THE BEST FRIENDS I COULD HAVE EVER MADE!” 17
COMMEMORATING OUR MOST LOYAL
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iven the clues “bow tie” and “generosity,” who comes to mind? For many in the Southern Miss community, those words trigger thoughts of our beloved President Emeritus Aubrey K. Lucas. His dedication to Southern Miss is almost immeasurable, and his distinguished bow ties are iconic. During his tenure, a small Mississippi university transformed into one of the most respected schools in the South. With his giving to USM dating back to 1960, it is fitting that the USM Foundation’s loyalty society is named in his honor. 2018 marked the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Aubrey K. Lucas Society, causing reflection on the impact its members have made through their annual contributions. The Society recognizes alumni, parents and friends of Southern Miss who have demonstrated a longterm commitment to the University. Membership is maintained by making annual gifts for three or more consecutive fiscal years, regardless of the amount, through the USM Foundation. “Southern Miss is undeniably better because of the generosity of Aubrey K. Lucas Society members,” said Kelly Ellis, manager of annual giving. “Their commitment changes the lives of students, faculty and staff every day by enabling the University to advance academic programs, improve technologies in the classroom, expand research opportunities and fund scholarships, among many other things.”
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Since the society’s establishment in 2013, membership has grown to nearly 2,400 individuals. Each year, members receive decals with a unique bow tie design inspired by some of Dr. Lucas’ favorite ties. This year, charter members also received a special keepsake keychain to further celebrate their continued support of Southern Miss. When Dr. Lucas purchased his first bow tie in 1982 from Cable Car Clothiers in San Francisco, he had no idea the style would become his trademark. Around the same time, he and his wife Ella began to increase their philanthropic contributions to USM, not realizing the impact their generosity would have in their lifetimes. His first bow tie and their initial gifts seemed simple at the time, but their significance is unrivaled. “While all of our giving to Southern Miss has supported worthy causes, the contributions closest to our hearts are those that have allowed us to witness the impact almost immediately. We’ve been able to see lives changed before our eyes through supporting causes such as the Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry and our endowment for faculty excellence. The sense of gratification we receive is truly heartwarming, and we are grateful to be able to experience the transformation our giving makes possible,” said Dr. Lucas. As state funding for institutions of higher learning differs from year to year, it is the support of loyal donors, like those in the Aubrey K. Lucas Society,
who keep the University moving forward, educating the leaders of tomorrow. With the flexibility to designate gifts to so many areas of the institution, the potential is limitless. While Dr. Lucas smiles every time he sees a car with an Aubrey K. Lucas Society decal prominently displayed, he believes membership has room to grow. “Southern Miss has taken so many of us from our modest roots and given us the education we needed to achieve immeasurably more than we ever imagined,” said Dr. Lucas. “Let’s keep the work of the University in our minds and in our hearts by supporting it as much as we can. New and interesting programs develop at USM almost every day, so there is always a need to which we can lend our help. When we respond to the University’s call for support, we gain the most wonderful feeling of satisfaction from being part of something that makes a significant difference in our Southern Miss community, across the state and throughout the region.”
Each bow tie pictured belongs in Dr. Lucas’ personal collection.
19
“I
think I can, I think I can, I think I can!” For Chiquila Dolison, these words are more than a phrase from her son’s favorite storybook. Having read “The Little Engine That Could” to Raylan countless times, the phrase has become her mantra to finish the educational journey she began at Southern Miss more than a decade ago. The Jackson Newell Foundation Annual Scholarship is helping fuel the last leg of her expedition. Although six-year-old Raylan has heard about the value of optimism, determination and hard work from the beloved story of a railroad engine, he sees these traits in his mother’s dedication to bettering herself through three college degrees, while working full time to provide for him. After graduating with special honors from Oak Grove High School in 2005, Chiquila attended Jones College before transferring to USM to work on a bachelor’s degree in economics. As a first-generation college student, navigating the application process and transitioning into a university setting was challenging, but she persisted.
20
RIGHT ON TRACK Her innate love of learning and drive to challenge herself laid the foundation for the achievements she has experienced thus far. In 2010, Chiquila graduated cum laude from the Honors College and entered the master’s program to study economic development, graduating in 2012. She secured a graduate assistantship to begin doctoral studies and has been awarded two scholarships funded by generous donors through the USM Foundation. Similar to the little blue locomotive, Chiquila believes in her dream of earning her Ph.D. in human capital development and has worked diligently to make it a reality. Finishing her dissertation is the final hurdle, and the impact of her studies will better the lives of others who have faced the challenges she and her mother, Clories Thompson, know all too well. Having been raised by a single mother and experiencing the challenges of raising her own child alone, Chiquila’s passion for single parents runs deep and spills into her doctoral studies. Her research focuses on single mothers’ persistence to college degree attainment and analyzes their perspectives on overcoming barriers in Mississippi. Her findings will direct a series of recommendations regarding support services offered by institutions of higher learning and expand the body of research regarding these services for single mothers on college campuses. “My doctoral experience has been a personal, professional and spiritual transformation. All I have learned and encountered during my time at USM has
afforded me exceptional opportunities for growth and prepared me to become a knowledgeable and empathetic scholar practitioner,” said Chiquila. “I can hardly contain my enthusiasm for all of the ways I will be able to serve others with my degree.” Aside from her faith and encouragement from her mom, Chiquila draws inspiration from her scholarship donors’ investments. They have changed her life. By easing the financial burdens of college expenses, Chiquila’s scholarship donors aid her in being the best scholar, mother and employee she can be. “Raylan knows mommy works all day and sees me completing schoolwork at night, but he cannot fully understand those dynamics as a child. Scholarship support helps me keep the different roles I’m balancing in order, so I can manage my time and finances responsibly.” Chiquila’s scholarship is funded through consistent annual giving by the Jackson Newell Foundation. She is one of five students, each of whom are employees or children of employees of the USM Physical Plant, who have been awarded the Jackson Newell Foundation Annual Scholarship since it was established in 2016. When Chiquila broke news of the scholarship to her mom, who is a custodial supervisor at the University, they both cheered with excitement and gratitude. When it comes to balancing the cost of her education with all of life’s other expenses, every dollar helps, and this
scholarship has relieved stress during her final year of school. Annual scholarships, like the one the Jackson Newell Foundation provides, can be established for $500 or more a year with a five-year commitment. For roughly $42 a month, an annual scholarship can have a significant impact on a student’s life. Look at the difference it is making for Chiquila and her son. “Although I was drawn to the study of human capital development to help others, it feels as though I have gained the greatest benefit thus far. I have such gratitude for the donors, faculty and family members who have helped me on my journey and pray my life and career will perpetuate the impact of their generosity.” In the near future, Dr. Chiquila Dolison will cross the stage at commencement and receive her doctoral hood. In the upcoming years, the investments made in her education and personal development will impact the lives of countless others. Her “I think I can” will soon evolve into “I did!”
21
“WHAT IS LIFE IF YOU CAN’T GIVE SOMETHING BACK?”
O
ver $35.7 million has been granted to Southern Miss by the Luckyday Foundation, which was founded by an astute businessman and philanthropist. Close friends and associates of Frank Rogers Day attest he would be pleased to know that because of his financial generosity, 1,182 Mississippians have attained college degrees from USM while being continually engaged in meaningful service within their communities. Knowing these graduates attribute a great deal of their successes to the Luckyday Citizenship Scholars Program, which is fully funded by the Luckyday Foundation, would evoke a deep sense of satisfaction from the private and generous benefactor. Frank Day was born and raised in Aberdeen, Miss. The son of a prominent lumberman, he learned self-discipline and developed a competitive spirit, both of which could be observed later in his career. Following graduation from The University of Mississippi and service in the U.S. Army in Augsburg, West Germany, he began his banking career at First National Bank of Jackson, predecessor to Trustmark National Bank. He steadily earned a name for himself in the banking industry. In 1981, he was named chairman and CEO of First National Bank and retired as chairman of the board of Trustmark National Corporation in 1999.
22
“Frank loved playing a good tennis match, enjoyed a funny story, and above all, relished the company of good friends,” said Holmes Adams, chairman of the Luckyday Foundation. “For all his financial success, he was intensely private, often dodging the limelight. Those who knew him saw him extend a helping hand to many people who could never repay him. During his lifetime, we had only an inkling of his capacity for generosity. His foundation that he funded upon his death demonstrates the breadth and depth of his generous nature.” Eight anonymous scholarships for Jackson-area students who otherwise had little chance for a college education were the beginning of Mr. Day’s legacy at Southern Miss. Although his work with the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Jackson was known, he wished his investment through the Luckyday Foundation to be kept strictly confidential. It was not his nature to seek recognition for his generosity. Knowing others could experience a better life because of his philanthropy was reward enough. “When Frank Day established the Luckyday Foundation in 1978, I believe he was acting on an admonition in the Gospel of Luke: to those to whom much is given, much is required. Frank was a very successful banker and businessman, and a corollary to his financial success was his empathy and understanding of the plight of less fortunate people in his community,” said Holmes.
The Luckyday Program at Southern Miss is centered around scholarship and servant leadership. By instilling these characteristics in the next generation of Mississippians, the Luckyday Program honors Frank’s legacy and prepares students to make a difference using their unique talents, capabilities and resources. “Frank Day was a great believer in investing in people. He was not enamored with bricks and mortar, and the Luckyday Foundation has continued, after his death, to attempt to fulfill his goals of investing in young Mississippians so they may obtain a college education,” said Holmes. As students approach Luckyday Citizenship Hall on the Hattiesburg campus, they are greeted by a bronze statue of Frank Day. At the base of the sculpture, the words of his favorite quote serve as a daily reminder of a man who worked hard, knew the value of a dollar, and made it one of his missions to help Mississippi students attend college. “What is life if you can’t give something back?”
23
THANK YOU A
s you can see, the impact of philanthropy is significant at Southern Miss. Your generosity set off a powerful chain reaction that allowed the lives of Golden Eagles to be transformed through the gift of education this year! We are grateful for your support and thank you for investing in the areas of Southern Miss that are meaningful to you.
24
25
FISCAL YEAR 2018 FACTS AND FIGURES THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI FOUNDATION HONOR CLUB CELEBRATES THE PHILANTHROPY OF THE UNIVERSITY’S MOST GENEROUS BENEFACTORS. This distinguished group of alumni and friends has made a profound impact at Southern Miss by making significant financial gifts to the area of the University most meaningful to them. Honor Club membership is achieved when a donor reaches $25,000 or more in cumulative giving to Southern Miss through either the USM Foundation or the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation. Corporate or organizational membership is achieved at a minimum giving level of $125,000.
THERE ARE 2,456 MEMBERS OF THE HONOR CLUB. THE USM FOUNDATION HONORS THE GENEROUS SPIRIT OF UNIVERSITY BENEFACTOR THROUGH
OSEOLA MCCARTY
THE MCCARTY LEGACY, A SOCIETY
THAT RECOGNIZES THE FORESIGHT OF THOSE WHO ARE HELPING TO SECURE THE FUTURE OF SOUTHERN MISS THROUGH PLANNED GIVING. In 1995, Oseola McCarty forever changed USM with the announcement of a planned gift of $150,000 to the institution. As a washerwoman who lived frugally, this gift represented the majority of her life savings.
THIS
YEAR
WE
WELCOMED
14 NEW MEMBERS T O
26
THE
NAMED IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Aubrey K. Lucas The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation’s Aubrey K. Lucas Society recognizes alumni, parents and friends of Southern Miss who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the University through three or more consecutive years of giving to the USM Foundation.
THERE ARE
2,387
MEMBERS OF THE AKL SOCIETY , INCL U D IN G 335 HOUSEHOLDS W ELCOM ED THIS YEAR .
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI FOUNDATION FINANCIAL POSITION Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
As of June 30, 2018 and 2017
June 30, 2018 and 2017
A Cash and cash equivalents Accrued earnings Prepaid assets and other receivables (note 2) Pledges receivable, net (note 3) nvestments (notes 4 and 5) Amounts due from externally managed trusts (note 6) Net investment in direct financing lease (note 7) Property and equipment, net (note 8) otal assets N
2018
2017
$
2,996,270 153,608 1,383,924 10,671,148 113,822,707 5,644,811 — 301,248
3,122,635 134,539 421,452 4,950,614 107,101,292 5,102,951 284,307 27,155
$
134,973,716
121,144,945
$
457,939 244,184 31,107
438,862 263,831 33,489
733,230
736,182
7,356,199 44,802,423 82,081,864
6,348,577 37,181,815 76,878,371
134,240,486
120,408,763
134,973,716
121,144,945
A
Liabilities: Accounts payable Gift annuities payable Life estate payable otal liabilities Net assets: nrestricted emporarily restricted (note 9) Permanently restricted (note 10) otal net assets otal liabilities and net assets
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
27
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES Year Ended June 30, 2018
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI FOUNDATION Consolidated Statement of Activities Year ended June 30, 2018
T
P
U Revenues, gains and other support: Contributions Net investment gain (note 4) Change in value of split interest agreements ther
T
$
otal revenues, gains and other support Changes in restrictions: Change in restriction by donors Net assets released from restrictions (note 11) otal changes in restrictions xpenses: Program services: Contributions and support for he Southern ississippi
4,401,150 148,654 (108,492) 30
17,414,122 6,677,798 (109,561) 533,084
4,395,207
15,678,894
4,441,342
24,515,443
— 7,296,135
(762,151) (7,296,135)
762,151 —
— —
7,296,135
(8,058,286)
762,151
—
7,731,325
—
—
7,731,325
1,634,969 1,317,426
— —
— —
1,634,969 1,317,426
2,952,395
—
—
2,952,395
10,683,720
—
—
10,683,720
1,007,622
7,620,608
5,203,493
13,831,723
6,348,577
37,181,815
76,878,371
120,408,763
7,356,199
44,802,423
82,081,864
134,240,486
otal supporting services otal expenses Change in net assets Net assets at beginning of year $
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
28
10,799,668 4,834,766 (1,069) 45,529
niversity of
Supporting services: General and administrative Fundraising
Net assets at end of year
2,213,304 1,694,378 — 487,525
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES Year Ended June 30, 2017
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI FOUNDATION Consolidated Statement of Activities Year ended June 30, 2017
T
P
U Revenues, gains and other support: Contributions Net investment gain (note 4) Change in value of split interest agreements ther
T
$
1,966,283 1,611,191 — 34,948
otal revenues, gains and other support Changes in restrictions: Change in restriction by donors Net assets released from restrictions (note 11) otal changes in restrictions xpenses: Program services: Contributions and support for he Southern ississippi
5,104,139 111,610 (620,114) 84
10,169,127 10,597,328 (621,823) 74,538
4,595,719
20,219,170
3,612,422
12,011,029
(10,603) 8,386,447
(132,499) (8,386,447)
143,102 —
— —
8,375,844
(8,518,946)
143,102
—
niversity of 8,797,840
—
—
8,797,840
1,625,659 1,240,225
— —
— —
1,625,659 1,240,225
2,865,884
—
—
2,865,884
11,663,724
—
—
11,663,724
324,542
3,492,083
4,738,821
8,555,446
6,024,035
33,689,732
72,139,550
111,853,317
6,348,577
37,181,815
76,878,371
120,408,763
Supporting services: General and administrative Fundraising otal supporting services otal expenses Change in net assets Net assets at beginning of year Net assets at end of year
3,098,705 8,874,527 (1,709) 39,506
$
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
To review the full set of financial statements for The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, as well as the organization’s IRS Form 990, visit usmfoundation.com. 29
FISCAL YEAR 2018 FACTS AND FIGURES 2017-18 MARKED THE
GROWTH OF THE MARKET VALUE OF THE ENDOWMENT
USM FOUNDATION’S HIGHEST FUNDRAISING YEAR, WITH
$21.3 MILLION CONTRIBUTED,
FY18
FY17
INCLUDING $5.8 MILLION FY16
IN PLANNED GIFT COMMITMENTS.
$100,767,722
$94,547,679
$83,295,901
The USM Foundation administers a variety of scholarships for eligible
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION AND COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS SYSTEM.
students through the
Students can easily search, review requirements, apply and accept awards for available scholarship opportunities.
NUMBER OF FULLY FUNDED ENDOWMENTS (BY CALENDAR YEAR)
2,182 SCHOLARSHIPS
767
803
836
866
2013
2014
2015
2016
893
WERE AWARDED TO SOUTHERN MISS STUDENTS, TOTALING
$3.9 MILLION
2017
Academic Divisions
THE USM FOUNDATION PROVIDED
$7.6 MILLION IN SUPPORT TO THE UNIVERSITY.
30
Faculty and Staff Support Financial Aid Libraries Operation and Maintenance of Plant Other Restricted Purposes Unrestricted
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI FOUNDATION Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 Years Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 2018 Cash flows from operating activities: Change in net assets Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation Fair value of donated property and equipment Fair value of donated real estate and life estate Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on investments, net Loss on disposition of life insurance policy Gain on disposal of furniture and equipment Receipts of permanently restricted contributions Permanently restricted dividends and interest Change in amounts due from externally managed trusts Change in gift annuities Change in life estate payable Present value adjustments to annuities Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accrued earnings Prepaid assets and other receivables Pledges receivable, net Accounts payable
$
2017
13,831,723
8,555,446
16,357 (15,325) (22,000) (4,488,167) 568 (10,611) (2,437,414) (27,647) (541,860) (11,030) (2,382) 28,687
11,028 — (41,305) (8,904,311) — — (4,668,279) (9,513) (219,435) (32,984) 33,489 25,984
(19,069) (962,472) (5,720,534) 19,077
(5,255) 580,716 3,273,902 66,870
(362,099)
(1,333,647)
(72,876) (35,533,732) 33,332,946 92,669
— (10,012,788) 8,558,597 195,638
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,180,993)
(1,258,553)
Cash flows from financing activities: Receipts of permanently restricted contributions Permanently restricted dividends and interest Annuity payments
2,437,414 27,647 (48,334)
4,668,279 9,513 (48,334)
2,416,727
4,629,458
Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment Purchases of investments Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments Principal payments received under direct financing lease
Net cash provided by financing activities Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(126,365)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
2,037,258
3,122,635
1,085,377
2,996,270
3,122,635 31
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
,
CHARTERED IN 1959 The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to serving the University community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support for scholarships and other academic needs at Southern Miss. The Foundation manages donor contributions from alumni and friends of Southern Miss to provide our students with the most advanced educational opportunities. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, whose members serve as advocates for the University, its colleges and programs. Foundation board members are committed to building successful partnerships with Southern Miss and its many generous supporters.
LOCATION AND OFFICE HOURS The USM Foundation is located on the third floor of the Trent Lott Center. Alumni and friends are encouraged to stop in while visiting the Hattiesburg campus during regular business hours from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
DONOR RECOGNITION THE USM FOUNDATION HONOR CLUB
The philanthropy of the University’s most generous benefactors is recognized with membership in the Honor Club when an individual reaches $25,000 and an organization reaches $125,000 in charitable contributions through the USM Foundation or the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation. Donors are acknowledged for giving at various levels. THE MCCARTY LEGACY
The McCarty Legacy is the planned giving recognition society of the USM Foundation. Membership is reserved for those alumni and friends who have included the Foundation in their estate plans through bequests, life income gifts, trusts, life insurance policies, retirement plans or other arrangements. AUBREY K. LUCAS SOCIETY
Named in honor of President Emeritus Aubrey K. Lucas, the USM Foundation’s Aubrey K. Lucas Society recognizes alumni and friends of Southern Miss who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the University through consecutive years of giving to the USM Foundation. Membership in the society is maintained by making annual gifts for three or more consecutive fiscal years, regardless of the amount.
CONTACT INFORMATION The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation 118 College Drive #5210 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406 T: 601.266.5210 | F: 601.266.5735 | Email: foundation@usm.edu usmfoundation.com
AA/EOE/ADAI
32
2018
The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation Impact Report