University of Mississippi’s Now & Ever Campaign Surpasses Historic $1.5B Goal

In an outstanding display of generosity, the University of Mississippi has announced that its Now & Ever fundraising campaign smashed through its historic $1.5 billion target a year early, setting a new state record. The monumental achievement was celebrated on July 1, 2024, with Chancellor Glenn Boyce expressing heartfelt appreciation to all supporters as the campaign continues to strive for impact through 2025.

Unprecedented Show of Support

The Now & Ever campaign, which launched on November 12, 2021, has garnered active participation from almost 80,000 donors who have collectively made over 471,000 contributions. The money was earmarked for various causes, with $720 million committed to academics on the Oxford campus, $300 million to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and a whopping $480 million to Ole Miss Athletics. This level of support reflects the unwavering commitment of the University’s wider family to its continuous advancement.

Real Impact of Generosity

The funds raised have resulted in tangible improvements across the University. The campaign has enabled the establishment of 374 new scholarship endowments and 57 faculty support endowments, critical elements in attracting and retaining top educators and researchers. Major initiatives already underway include the planning and commencement of a new home for the Patterson School of Accountancy. This state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot building is set to cost in excess of $125 million, with over half of the required private giving goal already secured. The university is laser-focused on empowering academic excellence, fueling research and innovation, creating economic opportunities, and enhancing facilities to spawn champions in every field.

Continuing Opportunities and Initiatives

Despite reaching its ambitious goal early, the Now & Ever campaign is not slowing down. According to Chancellor Boyce, there remain myriad opportunities to transform lives and help the university soar to new heights. Priority initiatives include supporting groundbreaking research impacting the health and well-being of people worldwide and providing economic growth and opportunities. Additionally, plans are in the works to enhance arts on the campus by creating a world-class Institute for the Arts, a recording studio, a scene shop, and a rehearsal hall to nurture future performing artists. The campaign also seeks to support scholarships and grad student stipends, enabling students to launch into their careers without the burden of debt and to improve campus facilities like the under-development Triplett Alumni Center.

Fundraising Co-Chairs Reflect on Success

The co-chairs of the Now & Ever campaign, Maj. Gen. Leon Collins (ret.) (BBA 82), Debra F. Collins, Sean Tuohy (BBA 85), and Leigh Anne Tuohy (BS 82), acknowledged the amazing success, but urge continued efforts. Leon Collins said, “Reaching the goal a year early is nothing short of phenomenal. But now is not the time to slow our progress. As we continue this effort into 2025, I encourage those not part of it yet to join us in propelling Ole Miss forward. Now is the time to make a commitment and demonstrate what the university means to us.” Leigh Anne Tuohy added that the campaign still has so much to offer in securing the future of Ole Miss.

An Eye on the Future

The unprecedented success of the Now & Ever campaign serves as a testament to the enthusiasm of the University of Mississippi alumni and friends. The contributions made thus far will set the stage for Ole Miss’s continuous development as they navigate an ever-changing academic landscape and the ongoing challenges and opportunities it presents. With the campaign running through June 30, 2025, supporters have multiple opportunities to join this transformative journey. With the sustained momentum, the sky is the limit for what the University of Mississippi can achieve.