2020 USM Foundation Impact Report

2020 Impact Report

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2020 was a year of profound disruption.

All normalcy was seemingly shattered, leaving many feeling broken. Feelings of trepidation and uncertainty permeated our lives.

Yet through the strain and apprehension,

Golden Eagles did not waver.

Together we rallied, even when forced apart, bound together by the

SOUTHERN MISS SPIRIT. It is our collective determination—our collective will—to

PROTECT, PROGRESS AND PROPEL. Together, our broken pieces aligned to form something beautiful, like the shards of glass in a mosaic,

whose shared state of disorder becomes

a work of art.

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“Each of you is like a golden shard in our grand mosaic.. ”

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2020 brought out some of the very best in our Golden Eagle family. Support came from across the country for students in need of relief from multiple tornadoes and the crippling lockdown of last spring. Hundreds of alumni and friends showed up in our true Southern Miss way to lend a hand. Our communities are stronger because of our culture of philanthropy.

In support of Southern Miss, the USM Foundation had a record-breaking fundraising year with $39 million given charitably in fiscal year 2020. Your loyal and generous support through the Foundation makes a life-changing impact on the lives of Golden Eagles with the gift of education. Even during the most challenging times, our alumni and friends inspire, amaze and humble us.

Each of you is like a golden shard in our grand mosaic — perfectly placed to make a stunning whole. Our philanthropic spirit binds us, even when things appear broken and shattered. Together, we are advancing the University, providing more opportunities for our students.

When you read this year’s Impact Report, I hope you enjoy the stories of how profoundly your charitable giving, and that of others, impacts Southern Miss. I hope it reminds and encourages you to continue seeking ways to stay involved with USM. Your engagement impacts our students, programs and campuses.

Our Foundation team is poised to help you explore ways your philanthropic vision aligns with our University. When bound together, nothing can stop our collective movement to the top.

Thank you for your generosity.

Stace Mercier ’89, ’96 Executive Director

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“Your ongoing support has helped

propel us toward the bright future we hope for— we dream about — – and we are beginning to experience.”

Thank you.

Thank you for your commitment to our students and to our University.

Thank you for supporting one another as neighbors and as members of our Golden Eagle family.

Thank you for continuing to demonstrate the Southern Miss Spirit to the world.

There is no question the past year has brought with it more uncertainty than many of us have experienced in our lifetime. We have been forced to forge a new path through uncharted waters — but I remain encouraged and inspired by each of you.

In a time when we must remain physically apart from one another, each of you have demonstrated

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that nothing can temper the Southern Miss Spirit — and you have proven, yet again, what we all know to be true.

The Southern Miss we know is built upon the unwavering caliber of our people. We are not afraid. We do not hide. We do not stop when something challenges our dreams. We band together. We support one another. And we overcome any obstacle with courage, persistence, and compassion for our fellow Golden Eagles.

Our collective success has never been — and will never be — determined by any one individual or any one group. Banding together, like the shards in a mosaic, we have defied the odds to realize an incredible year of progress at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Together, we have — • Increased our enrollment at a time when many institutions across the country were not able to do so; • Developed ways to deliver a large portion of our curriculum in remote formats while still maintaining the high-quality standards for which the University is known; • Stabilized our institutional finances, despite the impacts of the pandemic, while still maintaining progress toward the IHL Board’s expectations for financial sustainability; and • Initiated new construction projects that continue to shape our campuses and our students, including breaking ground on the first facility in our institution's recorded history to be fully privately funded through the USM Foundation.

The role of private giving in advancing our progress cannot be overstated. Your ongoing support for student scholarships, for academic and research initiatives, and for facility projects that will no doubt transform our students’ experiences has helped propel us toward the bright future we hope for — we dream about — and we are beginning to experience.

We have already shown that, together, we can rise above any challenge with the same grit, determination, and resilience that have characterized the Southern Miss we know and love for decades. And against all odds – together – we are achieving our vision of becoming the model for public higher education across the country.

I am so grateful each of you are our true partners in creating our Southern Miss legacy — and I hope you, too, join me in being excited and encouraged for the bright future I know lies just ahead.

Rodney D. Bennett University President

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Everyone can tell their own story as to how Southern Miss has made an impact on them. My travels were a little nontraditional, having moved to Hattiesburg with my husband, Dr. Trent Gould, who now serves as the dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences at USM. Early on, I worked in development for the USM Foundation, which allowed me to become personally involved with The Children’s Center for Communication and Development. I instantly fell in love with their work, their families and, of course, the kids, who continue to teach me lessons I will carry for a lifetime.

I was honored and humbled when asked to serve as president of the USM Foundation Board of Directors. I made a pledge to this University to help lead in the Foundation’s efforts. Interestingly, I remain humbled by the experiences I’ve had working alongside the Foundation’s

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“Impact. Isn't that why we are all involved with the USM Foundation? Somewhere throughout our journeys, the University has influenced our lives so greatly, we are compelled to give back.” wonderful leadership team, staff and world-class board of directors. I will quote a colleague who stated simply that they are “awesome human beings,” impressing upon me a level of dedication, commitment, generosity, respect, vision and compassion that makes me so very proud.

In a time of uncertainty, donors like you committed more than $39 million through the USM Foundation, including an unprecedented number of planned gifts and more than $7 million in outright gifts in fiscal year 2020. The Foundation provided over $8 million to the University, including more than 2,100 scholarships, as well as support for the academy and all areas of the University’s campuses and coastal research sites. Each and every gift demonstrates your dedication to taking Southern Miss to the top.

You made an unconventional year remarkable.

As you read this year’s Impact Report, I hope you enjoy the many stories of personal philanthropy providing the gift of education. I hope you can see yourself throughout the stories and accounts of “why” so many choose to give back to Southern Miss. Our Golden Eagle family is special — as is each gift and each of you.

On behalf of the entire Foundation Board of Directors and staff who work diligently to responsibly steward all contributions, thank you for making an impact.

Southern Miss To The Top!

Kristy Gould President – Board of Directors

2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee 2

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1. Kristy Gould ’09 President Chief of Corporate Planning and Development Hattiesburg Clinic, PA

2. Louie Ehrlich ’81 Vice President President – Ehrlich Capital, LLC Retired CIO – Chevron

3. Stace Mercier ’89, ’96 Secretary

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Executive Director – The USM Foundation

4. Shonna Brown ‘01 Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair Associate Commissioner and CFO – Conference USA

5. Reed Allison ’83 Investment Committee Chair Senior Vice President of Investments, CFP Stifel Nicolaus and Co., Inc.

6. Duane Lock ’83 Immediate Past President

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President – River Oaks Energy, Inc.

7. George Openshaw ’90 Member-at-Large Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Morgan Stanley

8. Joseph Quinlan ’73 Resource Development Committee Chair Chairman – First National Bankers Bankshares, Inc. USA

9. Kelsey Rushing ’94, ‘96

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Policy and Bylaws Committee Chair Attorney – Office of Capital Defense, State of Mississippi

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BOARD MEMBERS 1. Chris Anderson ’95

12. Kimberly Nastasi ’99, ’01

Chair, Department of Surgery University of Mississippi Medical Center

Director of Communications and Community Engagement – Huntington Ingalls Industries

2. Jeff Bowman ’93

13. Jennifer Payne ’04

President – Cooperative Energy

3. Haley Broom ’02 Assistant District Attorney for the Second Circuit Court District of Mississippi

Communication and Event Specialist

14. Rhonda Phillips ’83, ’86 Dean, Honors College – Purdue University

15. Tracy Powell ’86 4. Carlen Chestang ’84 Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff Redstone Arsenal

Attorney – Sherrard, Roe, Voigt & Harbison, PLC

16. Chuck Scianna ’75 Owner and President – Sim-Tex, LP

5. Robert Donnell ’92 Owner – Robert E. Donnell, III, CPA

17. Steve Strickland ’86 President – Stonehenge Private Client Group

6. Max Draughn ’84 Owner / CEO – Heartwood Capital, Inc.

18. Tommy Thornton ’72, ’78 Retired Executive Director – Hattiesburg Clinic, PA

7. Stan Harrell ’78 CFO – United States Chamber of Commerce

19. Sean Tindell ’96, ’98

8. Verdell Hawkins ’00

Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Economic Development Manager Gulf Power Company

20. Gilbert Van Loon ’81 Attorney – Butler Snow, LLP

9. Wade Howk ‘03, ‘06 CFO – Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati

21. Alvin Williams ’74

10. Joy Lightsey ’73

Interim Dean, Mitchell College of Business and Chair, Marketing and Quantitative Methods University of South Alabama

Retired Business Owner – SunTech

11. Shane McCarthy ’99, ’01 CFO – Enhanced Capital Partners, Inc.

22. Alvis Wright ’97, ’00 Marketing Programs and Product Development Manager – Alabama Power Company

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CENTER FOR MILITARY VETERANS, SERVICE MEMBERS and FAMILIES This collection of stories and statistics is a snapshot of our communal effort to holistically care for and meet the needs and interests of the military-student community, commensurate with the honor of which they are so deserving.

The USM Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families is a nationally recognized, comprehensive, “military-friendly” education support program that successfully attracts military veterans, service members, family members and survivors to pursue their academic and professional development interests. The program assists these exceptional students throughout the entire academic process — from application for

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admission to graduation and professional placement.

Founded in 2014, the Center is currently housed in a 1,600-square-foot refurbished dwelling on the west side of the Hattiesburg campus. The Center quickly outgrew that space, and its new home is currently under construction. Located at the corner of 35th Ave. and Pearl Street, Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor is designed to provide the more than 1,700 military-

students at Southern Miss with a home of their own. QuinlanHammond Hall is scheduled for completion by the end of 2021. The fundraising effort, led by the USM Foundation, is a culmination of more than 150 donors contributing more than $3 million in private funds. The building is named after lead benefactor and USM alumnus, Joe Quinlan ’73, and the Center’s founding director, Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond ’79, '86.

68 scholarships in the total amount of $146,375 have been awarded by the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families through the USM Foundation from 2014 to date.

24,546 students and local veterans have been served by the Center since its founding in 2014.

Due to the increase in USM’s military-student population, the Center’s staff has

DOUBLED in SIZE.

Military Times has rated the Center as a TOP 10 “BEST FOR VETS” institution across the nation. USM is nationally recognized as the top Military Caring University across the state of Mississippi and has earned designation as a Purple Heart Institution.

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STAFF SPOTLIGHT

David Magola

David Magola was born and raised in Hattiesburg, Miss., and is a proud Southern Miss alumnus of the class of 2009. David is the senior Veterans Affairs (VA) certification specialist at the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families located on the Hattiesburg campus. “Southern Miss is my alma mater, and I’ve always wanted to make a positive difference here,” said David.

He greets each day as a new opportunity to help USM students who have an affiliation with the military.

In his sixth year with the Center, David’s primary responsibility is to certify enrollment to the VA each semester for those who use VA education benefits. He also manages the Center’s work-study program.

David is also a donor to the Center’s building initiative with a monthly payroll deduction. He sees QuinlanHammond Hall as a beacon that will shine brightly for USM’s military-students, as well as the greater Hattiesburg community. Working with the Center’s founding director and one of the building’s namesakes, Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond, inspires David to turn challenges into learning opportunities and remain positive. “He sets the example of what leadership is,

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and he is the true meaning of what loyalty, integrity and moral courage stand for,” said David.

David hopes he can provide inspiration to the students who use the Center’s services, and he takes his obligation to lead by example, love the students, and provide the finest in customer care seriously. “Our culture is to work hard and find a way to succeed. I live to this standard and hope my work encourages and assists our students in their successes after graduation.”

Aside from assisting our veterans, service members and their families, David enjoys spending time with his wife, Heather, his two sons, Lucas and Eli, and his extended family and friends, as well as painting, writing music and attending church.

Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor will provide our military-students the finest support and care as they transition from military service to higher education and further into the community workforce.

number of future military-students as they pursue their careers outside of their service to our nation.

Ultimately, Quinlan-Hammond Hall will honor those who voluntarily ‘stood up’ to protect the freedoms we hold so dear, including the pursuit of a Southern Miss degree.

This facility will provide our staff the tools needed to expand existing services and recruit an increasing

MA J. GEN. JEFF HAMMOND

THE FAIRCHILD An alumna of The University of Southern Mississippi, Rachael Fairchild ’11 and her family have a deep appreciation for military service. Her grandfather, Cpl. Douglas Fairchild, served in the Marine Corps during World War II in the Pacific Theater. “Though I was quite young when my grandfather passed away, an awareness of the magnitude of the war permeated my education at home through my dad’s own ardent study of military history,” said Rachael.

“Additionally, my partner, who has served in the Navy for nearly 17 years, has broadened my understanding of the vital role our service members have in areas of both conflict and peace,” she explained. “We believe in the work our servicemen and women are doing, as well as in the families who support them at home.”

Rachael and her parents, Mark and Kay Fairchild, jointly contributed $30,000 to support the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families building initiative, Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor.

A longtime friendship with the Center’s director, Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond, only increased the Fairchilds’ desire to support military-students and their families at Southern Miss.

Mark and Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond became friends more than a decade ago, sharing a love for military

Family

history and a desire to give thanks to the men and women who sacrifice for our country. This bond brought them into a discussion about the potential of a new facility and how the Fairchild family could be involved.

“My dad rarely talked about his service,” said Mark.

“He was part of a five-man mortar crew and fought in Guam and Iwo Jima. They’ve studied and termed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) now, but back then, many veterans like my dad kept everything inside. I can tell you he paid a high price holding on to those memories.”

The family patriarch’s service resonates within each member, teaching each to respect the high level of sacrifice our country’s service members and their families face. Military service comes with a unique set of challenges, and the Fairchilds know an education should not be one of them.

“In moments requiring leadership, the only available resources for me were the guiding principles of honor and integrity instilled by my family and my educators at Southern Miss. The same principles are paramount for our Armed Forces and the reason our military-students, as well as their families, make such incredible students and proud USM alumni,” said Rachael.

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Quinlan-Hammond HALL OF HONOR DONORS The following donors have contributed $1,000 or more to this special initiative:

Joe and Suzanne Quinlan

James Jones

Carlos and Judy Tolosa

Veterans of Foreign Wars U.S.

The Jimmy A. Payne Foundation

Col. Ronald A. Dabbieri

First National Bankers Bankshares, Inc.

Lt. Col. Leslie E. and Col. Wanda C. Wood

The Duff Family Foundation

Joey and Wendy Quinlan

Chuck and Rita Scianna

Dr. Prasanna Sugathan

Andy and Stace Mercier

Albert and Robinson Architects, PLLC

Bank of Wiggins

Paul and Ruth Centanni

The Citizens Bank

Sam and Mamie Clinton

Mississippi Power Foundation

Commiskey – Wheat Detachment #1073 –

Sim-Tex, L.P.

Marine Corps League

Betty Dettre

Lester** and Jan Haddox

Tom and Susan Bizzell

Art and Tammy Martin

Carroll, Warren and Parker, PLLC

Randall and Melissa Odom

Dr. Martha Saunders and Mr. Joe Bailey

William and Martha Resavy

PriorityOne Bank

Col. Ambrose and Beverly Szalwinski

Chad and Katherine Driskell

United Community Bank

Maj. Gen. Jeff and Diane Hammond

Brig. Gen. Margarett Barnes

Mike and Wendy Magusiak

Col. E. H. Felsher

Origin Bank

Brian Smith

John and Pauline Pendergrass

Billy Hewes Real Estate

Mark and Kay Fairchild

McCarty Architects

Rachael Fairchild

Dr. Melvin Walker

Ryan Jumonville

Spencer Adams

Larry Payne Foundation

Keith and Carolyn Morris

Vic and Janis Nichol Andrew Nichol J.R. Prather Sandestin Investments, LLC Spring Engineering, Inc. The Paul and Sherry Broadhead Foundation Richard Johnston Ronnie Lott Rob and Shay Tatum

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** deceased

Lead donors to the QuinlanHammond Hall of Honor building initiative, Suzanne and Joe Quinlan, stand with their USM Foundation Gallery of Benefactors pencil sketch, which now hangs in the atrium of the Trent Lott National Center on the Hattiesburg campus.

CORPORATE

Giving

Companies do not function in isolation from the communities surrounding them. They are an intricate part of the communal whole.

From their employees, to vendors and products, many companies’ philanthropy is the crux of their overall enterprise. Positive social impact is often made through strategic and generous use of finances, employee time, facilities, or their own products and services, to help others in the community and support charitable causes.

Featured next are two such companies that are altruistic partners with Southern Miss.

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LEAD BY

Example The Tatum family has a long history of instilling a sense of community awareness and engagement in their family and their companies, including Merchants Foodservice. That philosophy is still fundamental today.

USM alumnus and 2015 Alumni Association Hall of Fame Member Andy Mercier ’83, ’84, the company’s president and chief executive officer, maintains those same philanthropic values and leads by example. Recently, the company distributed $26 million of food to Mississippians as part of the USDA Farm to Families Food Box program for COVID-19 relief. “Most often, we center our community work around our area of expertise — and that’s food,” said Andy. “We can often do the most good by donating food products and distribution services. We also seek food donations from our suppliers and partner with nonprofit organizations to distribute to those families who need it the most.” Merchants has partnered with the USM Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry, Mississippi Food Network and Christian Services, as well as other charitable organizations, working to end food insecurity by delivering approximately one million food boxes to more than 240 different locations throughout Mississippi during the pandemic.

Through supporting countless causes, the Tatum family has touched many lives and certainly left a great mark on the Hattiesburg community. Generous supporters of the University Libraries and the arts at Southern Miss, the family also donated the land to start William Carey University. “Long held ideals of community drive us to continue to support nonprofit endeavors,” said Andy. While many donations are quiet and behind the scenes, the company also encourages employees and partners to serve their communities throughout the year through clean-up days, employee giving to various charitable organizations and other volunteer opportunities. Officers of the company have served on the boards of the USM Foundation, the Southern Miss Alumni Association, the Area Development Partnership, the Pinebelt Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi . Other corporate donations include property and transportation equipment to Christian Services and Goodwill Industries.

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Understanding the importance of higher education, four endowed scholarships have been established through the USM Foundation by Merchants Foodservice. Today, more than 100 students have received financial aid totaling just shy of $100,000.

1. The Don Suber — Merchants Foodservice Hospitality and Tourism Management Scholarship Endowment is awarded to a junior or senior in hospitality and tourism management who is a native Mississippian.

This fund was named to honor Don Suber in recognition of 50 years of employment with Merchants, including 20 years as president.

2. The Bob Lowe — Merchants Foodservice Hospitality and Tourism Management Scholarship Endowment provides a scholarship for a student majoring in hospitality and tourism management with an emphasis in food and beverage management.

This fund was established by Merchants Foodservice to honor Bob’s nearly 30 years of service to USM and the restaurant community.

3. The John Merl Tatum — Merchants Foodservice Scholarship Endowment is awarded to a student majoring in nutrition and food systems who is a native Mississippian.

The endowment was established to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the company.

4. Gordon Hicks – Merchants Foodservice Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarship Endowment is awarded to a deserving student majoring in nutrition and dietetics.

The scholarship was created in partnership with Bryan Foods in memory of Gordon’s long career with Merchants, beginning as a Southern Miss student and staying with the company for more than 20 years before transitioning to Bryan Foods.

Additionally, Merchants has supported the Alfreddy Cook Memorial Scholarship Endowment, the Centennial Scholarship Endowment, the George Robert Hall Air Force ROTC Scholarship Endowment and numerous others.

The company is a member of the Eagle Club, supporting Southern Miss athletics for 34 years, as well as the USM Foundation Honor Club at the Joseph Cook Fellowship level.

Chip and Mary Tatum are members of the USM Foundation Honor Club at the Gallery of Benefactors level representing cumulative giving in support of USM of $1 million or greater.

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A TRADITION OF

Generosity

A polymer, simply put, is a molecular structure that consists of similar elements bonded together. Where the layperson sees an automobile tire, a plastic fork and a pair of contact lenses, the polymer scientist sees polyisobutylene, polystyrene and silicone hydrogels. Synthetic, or man-made, polymers are prevalent in materials used in daily life, ranging from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to plastics and composites. An endowment funded by Ergon will benefit students in USM’s School of Polymer Science and Engineering as they train in this field, where cutting-edge technology shapes the future.

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A $1 million commitment from the Ergon Foundation, Inc. led to the creation of the Ergon Polymer Science and Engineering Scholarship Endowment. Once fully funded, the endowment will annually provide scholarships to 20 students majoring in polymer science and engineering.

The Ergon organization got its start in 1954 when Leslie Lampton, following military service, started Lampton Oil Company in Jackson, Miss. Over the years, what began with two employees and a used fuel truck grew into a global enterprise, which now employs over 3,000 people and serves more than 90 countries around the world. In 1970, all of Lampton’s companies were brought together under the name “Ergon,” which translates as “a measure of work” in Greek.

Though Lampton passed away in 2018, Ergon remains family owned and operated, with his four sons serving as directors and several members of the third generation working throughout the organization. Leslie Lampton was gifted with strategic insight, and by meeting industrial needs, he built a corporate giant that encompasses multiple business segments, including refining and marketing, specialty chemicals, asphalt and

emulsions, midstream and logistics, oil and gas, and construction and real estate.

Lampton’s emphasis on people and cultivating relationships led to his establishing the companyrelated foundation, which prioritizes community outreach through educational opportunities, medical research and other charitable work.

According to longtime employees, Lampton was known to say, “Our story has always been about people — the Ergon family.”

USM alumni Emmitte Haddox ’64 and Ken Cooley ’83 understand the importance of investing in future polymer scientists and engineers and were instrumental in facilitating the endowment.

Haddox, an accounting graduate and former treasurer and member of the USM Foundation Board of Directors, explains the company carries on Lampton’s culture of philanthropy still today.

“Mr. Lampton had a gift for recognizing a need and then finding a way to meet that need,” says Haddox, Ergon president and CEO. “Ergon continues his legacy today by meeting the needs of our customers and giving back to our communities. We are proud to support future professionals in the field and believe these

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“...there are many more doors that will be open to you because of the skills you 're learning. ” scholarships will assist them in reaching their career goals by relieving financial burdens.”

Cooley earned his bachelor’s degree in polymer science and now serves as president for Resinall Corp. As Ergon’s specialty chemicals company, Resinall manufactures thermoplastic resins for a wide range of industrial applications at its headquarters in Hattiesburg, as well as its facility in Severn, N.C. Cooley experienced the benefits of scholarship assistance when he transferred to Southern Miss from Jones College in Ellisville, Miss. Cooley advises current students in the program to “focus on the big picture view. You can think of it as learning a language that is going to allow you to speak

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and understand various technologies, not just the technology you are studying,” he explains. “It is also a problem-solving discipline that will aid you the rest of your life. Look at the specifics they teach you, but also look at it from a higher level and understand there are many more doors that will be open to you because of the skills you’re learning.”

Dr. Chris Winstead, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, describes how the gift will impact Golden Eagles. “Through its generous contribution, Ergon is ensuring generations of students have access to our internationally renowned program in polymer science and engineering. These scholarships will transform the career pathways of our students, and we have so much gratitude to Ergon for its commitment to their education.”

EAGLE

Relief

In the spring of 2020, concern for our Southern Miss family due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple severe-weather events, which devastated communities across the Pine Belt and throughout the Southeast, spurred the USM Foundation to provide a way to support those who were struggling financially.

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The combined contributions of more than 400 donors raised more than $40,000 for the Southern Miss Emergency Relief Fund and the Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges like never before, Southern Miss is no stranger to the devastation and destruction caused by severe weather. This collection of stories and statistics is a reminder of our protective and benevolent nature, as Golden Eagles are known to take care of our own when any are in need.

Through financial support provided by generous donors in the Southern Miss community, the 2020 Emergency Relief Grant Program through the USM Foundation awarded:

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weather-related relief

grants totaling

44

$10,034.10

COVID-19-related relief

grants totaling

$17,057.10

$14,172.87 to support the Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry

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Many of the University’s faculty and staff made generous donations to assist with the Eagle Relief efforts. One who is continually giving is Allyson Easterwood ‘91, vice president for finance and administration.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Allyson Easterwood Personal growth, integrity, civility and wellness are just a few of the values on which The University of Southern Mississippi builds its foundation.

These same standards are what drive Allyson Easterwood to give back to her University. Originally from Laurel, Miss., the decision to attend Southern Miss was an easy one.

As a student at USM, Allyson was an active member of Tri Delta Sorority and enjoyed attending campus activities and athletic events. After her sophomore year, Allyson took a four-year break to start her family and work at The Bank of Laurel. Upon returning to school, she focused on accounting courses while working part-time and raising her son as a single mother.

Allyson began her career at Southern Miss as the associate vice president of finance and controller.

In 2018, she ascended to the role of vice president of finance and administration. During her tenure, Allyson has worked to guide the University through multiple natural and economic disasters, while continuing to lead USM to fiscal soundness amid the trials and tribulations she’s seen over the past two decades.

challenges imposed by the shift in the higher education landscape over the last decade and constantly striving to do more with less are the biggest challenges of my job,” said Allyson. She credits the gumption she learned as a single parent, her USM education and an amazing team for driving her success.

Even through challenges, Allyson focuses on the many rewarding relationships and professional growth her career has given her. “University administration has always supported me and nudged me to step outside my comfort zone, constantly encouraging me to be a better employee, person and leader,” said Allyson. “For that reason and many others, I give back in hopes that I will make a positive impact on someone else’s life, just as USM has done for me."

Contributing, for Allyson, is about more than just giving money. Her philanthropic vision is all about allowing students opportunities they might not have without a college education. She hopes to inspire other alumni and USM employees to give what they can to better a student’s life and Southern Miss as a whole.

Allyson supports many areas of the University, including the Men’s Tennis team, Delta Delta Delta Endowment, as well as a fund she established, the Allyson Easterwood Accounting Scholarship Endowment. She is also a Life Member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association, an Eagle Club member and a member of the USM Foundation Honor Club.

As a lifelong supporter of USM, Allyson is a leader taking Southern Miss To The Top!

When it comes to finances at a public institution, budget cuts and change happen often and sometimes with little warning. “Overcoming

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PLANNED

Giving

A planned gift is a contribution that is arranged in the present and allocated at a future date. Commonly donated through a will or trust, planned gifts are most often realized once the donor has passed away. When it comes to making a long-term impact on Southern Miss, there are many giving options besides writing a check today.

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In 2020, a number of Golden Eagles

• Bequests

documented planned gifts through

• Life Insurance

the USM Foundation using several

• IRA/Retirement Accounts

different vehicles:

• Trusts

These legacy gifts will prove transformational to the students at Southern Miss in the years to come, as they will bolster scholarships and programmatic support.

Here are a few of those stories.

THE DUFF FAMILY FINDS PHILANTHROPY A SACRED RESPONSIBILITY Thomas and Jim Duff are particularly ardent supporters of higher education and proudly give to Mississippi universities. In 2020, they pledged collective gifts of $30 million in planned gifts to The University of Southern Mississippi, representing the largest bequests in the University’s history.

When realized, the funds will provide scholarships for deserving students. The family also supported Southern Miss with an outright gift of $145,000 for the USM Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families building initiative through the Duff Family Foundation. The Jim and Thomas Duff Athletic Center, located at the north end zone of Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium, bears their names in recognition for generous support to Southern Miss Athletics.

“We believe in supporting Mississippi universities because of the direct impact Mississippi graduates

have on the future of the state’s growth, economy and quality of life,” said Thomas Duff. “Every day we see the benefits and importance of workforce readiness. Our fine institutions of higher learning are teaching students the value of perseverance and hard work, not to mention the skills of creative and critical thinking and problem solving.”

The Duffs also contribute to other Mississippi universities. Last year, they made a significant contribution to the University of Mississippi by donating $26 million to the construction of a new, state-of-the-art science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) facility. The Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation is projected to be one of the nation’s leading student-centered learning environments for STEM education.

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“Some of our favorite family memories are of time spent at Southern Miss athletic events. Cheering for the Golden Eagles as a family are moments we will cherish forever.”

The family also donated state-of-the-art tractortrailers to the football programs of Southern Miss, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

Closely tied to Southern Miss, the Duffs are members of the Circle of Champions, which represent top-tier athletics donors who strive for excellence within the Southern Miss Athletics programs.

Thomas, Jim and his wife, Sherry, are members of the USM Foundation Honor Club – Gallery of Benefactors representing cumulative giving in support of USM of $1 million or greater.

The brothers were named the 2016 Entrepreneurs of the Year by the USM College of Business and Economic Development.

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Thomas Duff is a Life Member of the Southern Miss Alumni Association, as well as a member of the Business Advisory Council serving the College of Business and Economic Development.

He also serves as a member of the board of trustees for the Mississippi State Institutions of Higher Learning.

An honorary doctorate of business was bestowed on Jim Duff at the December 2016 Commencement ceremony.

“Some of our favorite family memories are of time spent at Southern Miss athletic events. Cheering for the Golden Eagles as a family are moments we will cherish forever,” said Jim Duff.

OUR UNEXPECTED BENEFACTOR

LAMAR POWELL Chief Warrant Officer (U.S. Army Retired) Lamar W. Powell was born on Jan. 4, 1918, in the Jerusalem Community outside of Liberty, Miss. One of seven children, Lamar was raised on the 80-acre family farm passed down through two generations.

As a child, Lamar worked on the farm five days a week, spent Saturday afternoons playing baseball, and never missed a church service on Sundays.

He attended high school in Gloster, Miss., and boarded with other students, as the walk from home was nearly 13 miles. Missing school in the harvest season to work the crops, Lamar also took on day labor on surrounding farms for 75 cents a day during the summers.

From an early age, he was eager to excel. He proved to be an exceptional student, who was disciplined in his studies and strived for success at home, on the farm and in school. Lamar attended Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College (now known as Alcorn State University) for one semester before the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

That event was the catalyst for his enlistment in the Civilian Conservation Corps and later the United States Army.

Lamar worked in logistics and served in multiple war arenas, including the Pacific Theater in WWII and Okinawa during the Korean War. It was there he earned his ranking as a warrant officer. “I went from six stripes on Friday to a warrant officer on the next Tuesday,” Lamar once said. Later, he joined an amphibious company in Japan while working with the Navy in the 1950s. During that time, he earned the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Throughout his military career, Lamar took correspondence business courses, which quickly sparked his interest to dabble in the stock market. This led to constant and consistent investments in the market over time, slowly accumulating into success. Lamar willingly shared with others his strategy for investing in stocks. He attributed success not to taking risky chances, but to patience and saving. Growing up in Mississippi during the Great Depression influenced a strict way of life for him when it came to a sensible way of spending and saving.

Lamar retired from the Army after a 23-year career of service to his country and continued to serve with distinction as an employee at the United States Department of State. Lamar desired to advance the education of Mississippi students with financial need. He was an avid believer in giving back, as well as advocating for higher education.

During a trip home to Mississippi for a family reunion, a relative told him the story of Oseola McCarty and her unprecedented gift to support students at Southern Miss. Lamar called the USM Foundation soon after returning home, and a few weeks later, a check arrived for $30,000. “He told me to use it for scholarships for students,” said former USM Foundation Development Director Mike Bonnette. “That was the beginning of an amazing friendship between Mr. Powell and USM.”

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“... get an education, strive for the top, save all you can save, and give back when you can.”

His hope was that with higher education, young and eager students would continue to make Mississippi and the United States a great and wonderful place.

Col. Ned Felder, a late-in-life friend and caregiver of Lamar, reminisced on the times they spent together.

“He was an exceptional man. Even in his nineties, he had a sharp memory and a spry mind,” said Felder. “He enjoyed investing in the stock market and was quite knowledgeable; however, I never knew him to spend any unnecessary money on himself.”

Mr. Powell passed away at the age of 97 on Dec. 30, 2015. In a remarkable gift of philanthropy, Southern Miss and South Carolina State University were made the remainder beneficiaries of his trust.

Cumulatively, USM has received $3.1 million from Mr. Powell, with the largest portion, $2.9 million, coming from his estate and trust. This distribution creates scholarship opportunities for students with financial need, as his desire was for students “to get an education, strive for the top, save all you can save, and give back when you can.”

The Lamar Powell Graduate War & Society

The Lamar W. Powell Scholarship

Scholarship is awarded each year to a

Endowment provides incoming freshmen a

graduate assistant or assistants in the History

four-year scholarship to include the JUMP

program who has served above and beyond

program, which is an early-start curriculum.

the call of duty assisting the endeavors of the

The first cohort of freshmen will begin in

Dale Center for the Study of War & Society.

the fall of 2021. As the program matures,

The award recipient is selected each year by

eventually Powell’s philanthropy will provide

the Faculty Fellows of the Dale Center.

scholarships for 80 students per year, and will also include unique opportunities for peer engagement, academic support and skill development.

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JANE OF ALL TRADES PATRICIA WALTERS Patricia Walters can tell you how the toilet paper in your home is cut, wrapped and boxed. She can tell you how the dye is made for denim jeans, towels and the military uniforms used for Operation Desert Storm. She can advise you on how to get a mortgage for a home — even after bankruptcy.

She can tell you a story about a French astronaut and the fears and elations of NASA engineers surrounding the first successful shuttle launch after the Challenger explosion.

Growing up an only child in Biloxi, Miss., Pat did not venture too far away to attend The University of Southern Mississippi in 1967. She enjoyed her time at Southern Miss and experienced campus life living in Mississippi Hall while pursuing a degree in elementary education. After graduating in 1971, Pat taught school for several years before her husband’s career took the couple all over the Southeast.

Due to the nature of her relocating every three to 18 months, Pat held various jobs throughout her career, including as a subcontractor for The Boeing Company, where she saw behind the scenes of the space program in the late 1980s. Later in life, Pat moved back home to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She began working for Huntington Ingalls Industries in 1999, eventually retiring after 16 years.

While many remain working in the same field climbing the corporate ladder, Pat started over and over again at minimum wage for most of her career.

“... you don't have to be a millionaire to do your part to help the next generation of students.”

Recently, Pat made a $312,000 planned gift to establish the Patricia Walters Scholarship Endowment, which will award a scholarship to a student from one of the six Mississippi coastal counties. Pat decided to start this scholarship to help students at Southern Miss so they can experience college life and focus on their education before entering into the professional world. “I never thought I could make a substantial enough gift to really help someone,” said Pat. “I could never write a huge check, but I’ve realized you don’t have to be a millionaire to do your part to help the next generation of students.”

Throughout her life and still today, Pat enjoys all aspects of bowling, serving as a director on the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) state board, and has served in several capacities in the local association, including past president. She also serves as president of the steering committee for her local senior citizens' center in Gautier, Miss.

Pat prides herself on always finding a job in every new city. “My career became secondary to my husband’s, which made the most sense at that time,” said Pat. “I worked all sorts of jobs, but I enjoyed meeting new people and learning so many different skills.”

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FACTS and FIGURES F i s c al Year 2 020

THE USM FOUNDATION PROVIDED OVER

$8 MILLION IN SUPPORT TO THE UNIVERSITY. ACADEMIC DIVISIONS FACULTY AND STAFF SUPPORT FINANCIAL AID LIBRARIES OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PLANT OTHER RESTRICTED PURPOSES UNRESTRICTED

LARGEST FUNDRAISING YEAR YET 30

$39 million contributed through the Foundation, including

$7.3 million in outright gifts

MORE THAN 2,100 SCHOLARSHIPS were awarded to Southern Miss students, totaling

$4.3 MILLION.

The USM Foundation administers a variety of scholarships for eligible students through the GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES (GO) SCHOLARSHIP and COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS APPLICATION SYSTEM. Students can easily search, review requirements, apply and accept awards for available scholarship opportunities.

The Honor Club celebrates the philanthropy of the University’s most generous benefactors.

2020 marks the 25th anniversary of Oseola McCarty’s $150,000 planned gift, which forever changed philanthropy at USM. The USM Foundation honors the generous spirit of Ms. McCarty through the McCarty Legacy, a society that recognizes the foresight of those who are helping secure the future of Southern Miss through planned giving.

This year we welcomed 6 NEW MEMBERS and celebrated $31.7 million in new planned gift commitments.

THERE ARE

1,849

MEMBERS.

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

2,635

MEMBERS.

Named in honor of President Emeritus Aubrey K. Lucas, the Aubrey K. Lucas Society recognizes alumni, parents and friends of Southern Miss who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the University through consecutive years of giving through the USM Foundation.

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T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H E R N M I S S I S S I P P I F O U N D AT I O N

CON SO L I DAT E D S TAT E M E NTS OF FINANC IAL POS IT ION June 30, 2020 and 2019

ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents

2020 $

2019

2,663,185 $

2,675,234

Accrued Earnings

110,245

109,697

Prepaid Assets and Other Receivables

298,154

448,576

6,970,246

8,871,876

118,205,601

117,093,651

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

2,711,628

2,651,456

Amounts Due from Externally Managed Trusts

9,969,592

7,944,900

233,501

286,111

141,162,152

140,081,501

Pledges Receivable, Net Investments

Property and Equipment, Net Total Assets LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS LIABILITIES Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

$

589,498

$

675,423

Gift Annuities Payable

103,222

236,281

Total Liabilities

692,720

911,704

12,553,396

11,751,897

With Donor Restrictions

127,916,036

127,417,900

Total Net Assets

140,469,432

139,169,797

NET ASSETS Without Donor Restrictions

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

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$

141,162,152

$

140,081,501

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H E R N M I S S I S S I P P I F O U N D AT I O N

CO N S O L I DAT E D S TAT E M E NT OF AC T IV ITIE S Year ended June 30, 2020

REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT

Without Donor Restrictions

8,817,295

2,283,296

(477,998)

1,805,298

Change in Value of Split Interest Agreements

-

2,115,817

2,115,817

Change in Value - Other

1,276

44,948

46,224

24,141

28,959

53,100

4,487,216

8,350,518

12,837,734

(5,000)

5,000

-

7,857,382

(7,857,382)

-

7,852,382

(7,852,382)

-

8,350,046

-

8,350,046

1,701,761

-

1,701,761

1,486,292

-

1,486,292

3,188,053

-

3,188,053

11,538,099

-

11,538,099

801,499

498,136

1,299,635

11,751,897

127,417,900

139,169,797

Net Investment Gain

Other Total Revenues, Gains and Other Support

2,178,503 $

Total

$6,638,792 $

Contributions

$

With Donor Restrictions

CHANGES IN RESTRICTIONS Change in Restriction by Donors Net Assets Released from Restrictions Total Changes in Restrictions EXPENSES Program Services: Contributions and Support for The University of Southern Mississippi Supporting Services: General and Administrative Fundraising Total Supporting Services Total Expenses CHANGE IN NET ASSETS Net Assets - Beginning of Year NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR

$

12,553,396 $

127,916,036 $

140,469,432 33

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H E R N M I S S I S S I P P I F O U N D AT I O N

CO N S O L I DAT E D S TAT E M E NT OF AC T IV ITIE S Year ended June 30, 2019

REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT

Without Donor Restrictions

Total

2,244,528 $

5,334,784 $

7,579,312

2,751,200

3,236,130

5,987,330

Change in Value of Split Interest Agreements

-

1,846,055

1,846,055

Change in Value - Other

1,876

65,167

67,043

72,323

30,713

103,036

5,069,927

10,512,849

15,582,776

(5,000)

5,000

-

Contributions

$

With Donor Restrictions

Net Investment Gain

Other Total Revenues, Gains and Other Support CHANGES IN RESTRICTIONS Change in Restriction by Donors Net Assets Released from Restrictions $

7,323,151 $

(7,323,151) $

-

7,318,151

(7,318,151)

-

7,855,923

-

7,855,923

General and Administrative

1,786,389

-

1,786,389

Fundraising

1,475,832

-

1,475,832

Total Supporting Services

3,262,221

-

3,262,221

Total Expenses

11,118,144

-

11,118,144

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS

1,269,934

3,194,698

4,464,632

Net Assets - Beginning of Year

10,481,963

124,223,202

134,705,165

Total Changes in Restrictions EXPENSES Program Services: Contributions and Support for The University of Southern Mississippi Supporting Services:

NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR 34

$

11,751,897 $

127,417,900 $

139,169,797

Chartered in 1959,

The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 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.

LOC AT IO N A N D OF F IC E H O U R S 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.

CONTAC T INFORM ATION The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation 118 College Drive #5210 Hattiesburg, MS 39406 601.266.5210 | foundation@usm.edu usmfoundation.com

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EOE / F/ M/ V E TS/ D IS ABILITY UC 8 2 5 5 6

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2020 Impact Report