University of Mississippi Sets Record for Private Donations
Oxford, Mississippi – The University of Mississippi has achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving a record-breaking $168.36 million in private donations during the 2024 fiscal year. This significant achievement was made possible by the contributions of 26,706 donors, who made a total of 61,668 gifts. This year’s fundraising total marks an increase of $13.26 million from the previous fiscal year, in which the university secured $155.1 million.
Funding Diverse Needs Across Campus
The generous donations will support a wide variety of initiatives across the University of Mississippi. The funds will enhance scholarships, facilitate improvements in individual schools, and contribute to vital investments in medical research. According to Charlotte Parks, the Vice Chancellor for Development, scholarships remain a top priority, as many donors are keen to help students afford their education at Ole Miss. She stated, “We always get funding for scholarships. One thing that people really like to do is help students be able to afford to come (to school here).”
Ole Miss Now & Ever Campaign
This wave of donations is also a part of the Ole Miss Now & Ever campaign, which was launched on November 12, 2021. The campaign aims to fund new departmental buildings, scholarships, and improvements for Ole Miss Athletics. A notable project under the initiative is a new facility for the Patterson School of Accountancy, which hopes to raise over $125 million for construction.
Success Stories from Students
John Brown, a junior majoring in accounting, expressed his enthusiasm about the fundraising efforts for his school. He indicated the challenge of raising such a significant amount and emphasized the positive direction this funding implies for the future of the accounting program. “One hundred and twenty-five million dollars is extremely difficult to raise,” Brown remarked. “We’re making steps in the right direction that can get us more funding quicker, which is super exciting for the future of the accounting school.”
Support for Engineering Programs
This year also saw notable contributions to the engineering departments. Barbara Beckmann, who was the first female graduate of the School of Engineering, donated $5 million to the Department of Chemical Engineering. She expressed gratitude for the education she received and hoped her donation would help future generations benefit similarly. “(I’m) giving back to Ole Miss for preparing me for a great career and a great life,” Beckmann noted.
Andrew Atchley, a sophomore studying biomedical engineering, emphasized that such large contributions offer greater opportunities for the engineering department. He voiced the common perception that Ole Miss is less recognized for its engineering courses compared to Mississippi State, which is typically seen as the engineering school. “It’s awesome to have more support,” Atchley said.
The Role of Donors in Growth
Christine Hellums, assistant to the dean of the School of Engineering, reinforced the impact of donations, stating that the program could not advance without the support from donors. “We can’t do it with just what we are provided through student fees or funding from the state, and we need extra to be able to do bigger things,” she explained.
Focus on the Arts and Medical Research
The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) also received substantial contributions for medical research, which is vital for improving health outcomes in Mississippi. Notably, gifts included $5 million from Dr. Suthin and Dr. Somprasong Songcharoen, $2.25 million from Melissa Shepherd and Dr. Genevieve Ali, and a $1.8 million estate gift from the late Brickell Williamson.
LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs at UMMC, expressed deep appreciation for the continued support, noting that the center has consistently received more than $30 million in private contributions over the past three years. “We greatly appreciate every donor who shares our vision for improving the health of Mississippians by investing in the work of our students, faculty and staff,” she stated.
The record-breaking donations reflect the growing commitment of alumni and community supporters to enhance educational opportunities and facilities at the University of Mississippi, ensuring a bright future for its students and faculty.
