MISSISSIPPI STATE Marks 140Th YEAR As Infinite Impact Continues 2 an Infinite Impact Continues 6 Paw Power 8 Leading the Way Features 10 Inspiring Success

MISSISSIPPI STATE marks 140th YEAR as Infinite Impact continues 2 An Infinite Impact continues 6 Paw power 8 Leading the way Features 10 Inspiring success

CONTENTS 13 Morris creates fellowships for MSU Adkerson School 14 Hail State Giving tops expectations 15 Rankin forestry association grows student scholarship 16 Exclusive mobile app ready for all Bulldogs 18 Foundation fills three key fundraising posts News 19 Parker memorialized with MSU agronomy scholarship

1 NOTES: Vice President for Development and Alumni 17 NOTES: Executive Director of Development 20 PROFILE: Mary Jo and Paul Karre Sections 21 BOARD: 2018 Officers and Members

EDITOR Amy Cagle

DESIGNER MISSISSIPPI STATE marks 140th YEAR Erin Norwood as Infinite Impact continues

WRITERS Amy Cagle, Keri Collins Lewis, Addie Mayfield, Jack McCarty, Abby Ready and John P. Rush

PHOTOGRAPHERS Megan Bean, Russ Houston, Tom Thompson and Beth Newman Wynn

EDITORIAL BOARD Cathy Lammons and John P. Rush

ON THE COVER Foundations is published two times per year by the Mississippi State MSU marks 140 years of University Foundation. Please send comments and questions to P.O. Box 6149, Bulldog pride and progress as Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 or phone 662.325.1006. it celebrates the anniversary of The Mississippi State University Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit organization its Feb. 28, 1878, founding as that assists the university in accomplishing its goals and mission by cultivating and soliciting private support and ensuring stewardship for all contributions benefitting a land-grant institution. Mississippi State University. Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination Cover photo in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, by Megan Bean sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law is prohibited. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Avenue, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, 662.325.5839. NOTES

Keep MSU at the forefront of giving

The tax reform of 2017 has had many in the nonprofit world spinning the last few months. While we are fully supportive of any effort to allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned wages, we remain watchful on what intended and unintended consequences of the new legislation may be for charities across the United States—and certainly here at MSU. Nationally, experts have predicted significant declines in charitable giving. Locally, we have been focusing on a few key components of the legislation: doubling of the standard deduction, new excise tax on endowments, and repeal of the 80/20 rule for athletics. Previously, over 30 percent of American households filed itemized deductions on their tax JOHN P. RUSH returns. With the doubling of the standard deduction, early predictions state Vice President for that as few as 5 to 10 percent of households may itemize going forward. At Development and Alumni MSU, over 16,500 donors made gifts in fiscal year 2017 of $10,000 or less. It is believed that many of these donors may have itemized in the past and may no longer have a need to do so. While these donors could be of any age, it is likely that most are younger alumni who are just now exploring their own charitable interests. Ideally, we would like to have a long relationship with these alumni, whereby they are providing support on an annual basis. The athletic changes have drawn the greatest debate. Previously, donors to athletics received an 80 percent deduction for gifts if, as a part of the gift, the donor received a right to purchase tickets for seating at an athletic event. The remaining 20 percent was treated as the value of the right and no deduction was allowed. Under current law, no deduction is given for the right to purchase tickets for seating. However, any gift that is truly philanthropic in nature, such as capital gifts to stadium renovations that do not provide this benefit, is now 100 percent deductible. What is not clear is how gifts that have traditionally received “points” and are above the seating minimum will be treated. The IRS may issue some guidance to clarify this issue. However, we are working with our colleagues across the SEC as well as the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education and other national groups to create a more concise guiding document for how these gifts can and should be handled moving forward. In the near term, we appreciate your patience. While these are interesting times for nonprofits and higher education, certain issues remain clear and vital to our core efforts. Mississippi lags behind nationally in the percentage of college graduates. And, Mississippi State University continues to be the choice institution in our state for enrolling Mississippians. Additionally, we have a higher enrollment of Pell-grant students than our SEC peers. As a result, we are providing opportunities for more native sons and daughters of the Magnolia State to reach their goals of a better life and future. Thank you for your continued support in helping us enable those students to reach their dreams!

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SPRING 2018 FOUNDATIONS

Bagley College engineers for the future

As one of only some 40 named engineering colleges in the nation, Mississippi State University’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering is forging its path through innovation, creativity and discovery. The college is home to eight high-performing academic departments, 10 well-respected certificate programs, and is ranked among the best engineering colleges in the nation.

As the demand for highly-prepared scientific studies, as well as serve the state’s engineers grows, the need to offer greater population by providing greater educational educational opportunities to compete in a global opportunities for citizens. The results of these marketplace brings attention to the Bagley programs will not only be measured by a College. At Mississippi State, the college’s goal stronger educational foundation for engineering is to provide the highest quality educational and students, but will also be seen in school districts research environment that supports, cultivates throughout the state. and fosters talented students and faculty to Beyond the state, region and nation, Infinite discover new knowledge and technology for the Impact is positioning the Bagley College and benefit of our society. Mississippi State to compete on an international Bright students and top-notch faculty stage and provide critical resources for its ascent are paving the way to the future by creating to the next level of success. new products and procedures to solve the For MSU graduates to compete and challenges of the 21st century. With cutting- perform in diverse cultures and environments, edge research and creativity, the Bagley College they must be equipped with the skills and will not only imagine what is to come, but knowledge needed for the global economy. provide the knowledge and technology to Infinite Impact will provide the energy and transform concepts into reality, ideas into momentum to propel the Bagley College’s efficiency, and inspiration into application, while students and faculty to the forefront of enhancing human health, energy production, international excellence and recognition and transportation systems, environmental issues and provide long-term benefits to the university’s more along the way. educational and research efforts. Infinite Impact: The Mississippi State Alumni and friends can support the Bagley University Campaign is transforming education College with gifts through Infinite Impact. Select for a new generation of engineers. By providing giving opportunities include the following areas. more scholarships and faculty support, academic and program enhancements, and better facilities Endowed Academic Units for research and creativity, Infinite Impact will A chief ambition of Infinite Impact is to allow the Bagley College to push toward the attract donors who are eager to follow the lead upper echelon of engineering education. of engineering alumnus James W. Bagley and Every day, the Bagley College also positively his wife, Jean, of Trophy Club, Texas. Their impacts lives with outreach and economic generous $25 million perpetual endowment development. The college works with many helped the college forge a pioneering path for industries to solve problems in our state, the future. region and nation. Its current research efforts Another engineering alumnus, the late include engineering for energy, human health Dave Swalm, endowed an academic unit within enhancement, information and decision systems, the college. The Dave C. Swalm School of material science and engineering, transportation Chemical Engineering has gained a tremendous and vehicular systems, and water and the reputation for excellence. Additional named environment. schools and departments with endowment-level By supporting outreach programs, alumni gifts will bring an incomparable level of prestige and friends will help the university engage and differentiate the Bagley College among teachers and students in engineering and those at peer institutions.

SPRING 2018 FOUNDATIONS Minimum endowment levels exist for and international leadership and distinction in schools, departments, centers and institutes. A their fields, and whose current efforts are focused gift of at least $5 million will endow a school on honing teaching skills and establishing a or department, while $2.5 million will endow a superior record of research or other scholarly university-wide center or institute. Additionally, activity. a college-based or unit-based center or institute Minimum levels for endowed faculty can be endowed with a $1 million gift. positions are $1.5 million for an endowed chair, $500,000 for a professorship, and $100,000 for Endowed Chairs and Professorships an endowed faculty fellowship. All of these carry Faculty members who engage in applied opportunities to link the names of contributors research and create activities that complement with these prime faculty positions. students’ learning experiences are invaluable assets to the university. With a growing student New and Renovated Facilities population, the Bagley College must attract As the Bagley College has grown, its need distinguished scientists and researchers by for additional facilities for learning and research offering salaries that are competitive with has increased. A major initiative of Infinite peer institutions. Mississippi State must also Impact is to build new facilities for engineering recognize accomplishments and support and science education. teaching and research endeavors in order to A new home for the Department of Civil retain expert faculty. and Environmental Engineering will be built ThroughInfinite Impact, the Bagley College with a cornerstone gift from Richard A. Rula, seeks to create additional professorships in a 1970 MSU civil engineering alumnus and every major academic area and appoint faculty president of Hemphill Construction Company. with the potential to receive national and The estimated 61,000-square-foot complex international distinction in their fields. Endowed will feature a high bay infrastructure research faculty positions also afford opportunities to laboratory, a student projects room and several invest added resources in a promising field or laboratories for student instruction. The state- discipline. of-the-art facility will also include classrooms Naming opportunities for chairs and to support the university’s nationally-ranked professorships are available throughout the distance education program. Dedicated research Bagley College. Further endowments will enable and teaching labs will support the department’s the Bagley College to strengthen its faculty base technical strengths in the areas of construction, with more chairs and professorships and provide environmental, geotechnical, materials, funds to supplement teaching and research structural, transportation, and water resources efforts in areas of need. engineering, as well as space to support the Endowed chair designation is linked to a chemistry instructional needs of the university. select faculty position filled by an outstanding scholar and teacher, as judged by rigorous, Scholarships and Graduate Fellowships nationally accepted standards. These high-caliber The Bagley College’s first responsibility is faculty are catalysts for research and difference- to provide an outstanding education to students makers in the laboratories and classrooms of the from every segment of the world’s population. university, helping Mississippi State attract other Infinite Impact seeks to offset financial challenges resources for its mission. Named professorships by providing additional scholarship support to typically are held by faculty members whose recruit and retain the finest young people who accomplishments indicate potential for national choose to attend Mississippi State. Annual and endowed scholarships can assist students who do Infinite Impact total not otherwise have the means to pay for college, as well as reward high academic achievers. reaches $814 million Likewise, graduate fellowships can help the college attract the best graduate students nationally The Infinite Impact campaign is in all fields of study. Since many students incur the strengthening the work of Mississippi burden of student loans during their undergraduate State University and allowing it to pursue years, they are in need of fellowships as a means of status as one of the best all-around supporting themselves with competitive stipends in public universities in the nation. As March order to pursue a graduate education. It is primarily approached, $814 million was tallied for graduate students who are delving into research the campaign from generous supporters. areas that will have a meaningful influence on our To date, 59,484 contributors have made world. commitments for Infinite Impact, with In the Bagley College, endowed scholarships 25,996 of those being new donors to the begin with gifts of $25,000. Graduate fellowships start at $250,000, while post-doctoral fellowships university. begin with $300,000 gifts. Over the past few years, Infinite Impact’s success has been evident in An infinite impact begins now. the significant growth in university Infinite Impact supporters can join this exciting scholarships, faculty-development journey as the Bagley College name becomes opportunities and endowed positions. synonymous with engineering education and Primary goals of Infinite Impact research at its best. An infusion of support of this continue to revolve around focus areas magnitude will allow Mississippi State to not only in Mississippi State’s colleges, schools, provide a top-flight engineering education, but also and through important initiatives that offer resources for research and discovery that lead enable the university to positively impact to innovative solutions for critical global issues. humanity worldwide. Alumni and friends can learn more about Thus far in the campaign, $196.5 Bagley College priorities by contacting Bennett Evans, the college’s director of development, at million has been raised for scholarships, [email protected] or 662.325.0386. resulting in 574 new endowed More on the Bagley College and its strategic goals scholarships and numerous annual is available at bagley.msstate.edu. awards to assist students in many areas of study. Because of this support, MSU now has 1,612 endowed scholarships. Also, 41 new endowed faculty chairs and professorships have been created with over $66 million, bringing the university's endowed positions total to 91. Additionally, $93 million has been raised for facilities, with $458.5 million designated for program and annual support. Campaign success also is evident in the growth of MSU's overall endowment. Donors may designate gifts for the college, school, program or priority of their choosing. All gifts to Mississippi State are commitments for Infinite Impact. Visit our campaign site at www.infiniteimpactmsu.com for the latest campaign news. Family's dedication to rescue dogs inspires student scholarships PAW POWER

Hannah Skurzewski was in Veterinary Medicine, and they put me through Belize for a spring break study to fundraiser Jimmy Kight,” Terry recalled. “We abroad experience when she told talked about dogs and football for nearly an H her parents she wasn’t interested hour. I told him I wanted to create an endowed in returning home to Wisconsin scholarship with an emphasis on dogs, was that for her sophomore year. She had been accepted possible? He said it was and drafted a proposal, by Mississippi State-a university she had never which the TAP board approved.” seen, but came highly recommended by a family The TAP Foundation’s inaugural CVM friend. After a campus tour with her mom, Terry scholarship supports first-year veterinary Skurzewski, Hannah joined the Bulldog family students with an interest in canine medicine as a psychology major, and the entire Skurzewski who demonstrate financial need. Encouraged family enthusiastically embraced Southeastern by that initial gift’s success, Terry worked with Conference sports. Kight and the TAP Foundation board again to Terry serves as a board member with the create a scholarship for students in the veterinary Thomas A. Plein (TAP) Foundation, which medical technology program led by Dr. Allison was started by her late uncle in 1987. The TAP Gardner, assistant clinical professor and director Foundation supports educational institutions of the CVM Clinical Sciences Department. by providing financial assistance to individuals “I met Dr. Allison Gardner, who runs who have demonstrated financial need and have the vet tech program, and she is awesome, so excellent academic achievement. passionate,” Terry said. “She sold me on the As an owner of three rescue dogs, Terry had program. I know from my own experience with ideas to help students with her same passion for my dogs that vet techs are amazing. They are like canine companions through support of the TAP the nurses of the animal world.” Foundation. In this quest, she began to think Terry believes the TAP Foundation of MSU. scholarships serve a dual purpose for CVM. “Hannah had a friend in vet school at “In the long term, many animals will get MSU, so one day I just called the College of great care through the students who graduate

FOUNDATIONS SPRING 2018 Above: Assistant professor Allison Gardner instructs students on canine restraint. Right: Anna Walker, Plein Scholar, of Tampa, Florida, works with a pit bull at the Wise Center, home of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Vet tech program and work with them,” Terry explained. “In gains momentum the short term, because the foundation Educating veterinary technologists criteria is based on need, I hope to see alongside veterinary students benefits young people who wouldn’t otherwise have a all involved. At Mississippi State, that chance at this type of career get to pursue an premise is growing in popularity at the education.” College of Veterinary Medicine. Furthermore, Terry thinks her uncle, The four-year Bachelor of Science Thomas Plein, would be happy with the MSU degree in veterinary medical technology scholarships since the TAP Foundation is has been gaining momentum since rooted in his values and beliefs as its founder. its inception in 2010. The veterinary “Education was very important to him, technology program is one of only three nationally associated with a veterinary and he was also an animal lover,” she said. college. Terry's daughter graduated from MSU CVM established the program in May 2018 with a degree in accountancy to address the national shortage of from the Richard C. Adkerson School of veterinary technologists and to provide Accountancy in the College of Business. the highest standard of health care to Hannah has already enjoyed an internship animals and the public. Graduates from at FedEx and two internships with Georgia the program have already found careers Pacific. As a result of her success, Hannah in the dynamic animal health field. accepted a job with Georgia Pacific and “Students are now choosing MSU starts work in July. In her free time, Hannah for the program from Illinois, Michigan, has volunteered with local dog rescue Texas and Puerto Rico, just to name a few organizations. She also worked with Terry states, along with Mississippi,” said Kent Hoblet, college dean. “The program has a on the scholarship proposal for the vet tech 100 percent placement rate.” program, and she anticipates being on the Learn about creating scholarships TAP Foundation board someday. by contacting Jimmy Kight, the college's “It’s truly a family at MSU,” Hannah development director, at 662.325.5893 or said. “People always ask, ‘What do you need? [email protected]. I can help!’ I am happy to be part of that giving community.”

SPRING 2018 FOUNDATIONS Leading the way: Foundation appoints officers, incoming members DUNCAN

LIGHTSEY NUSZ PRYOR

As Infinite Impact: The Mississippi State University Campaign crosses the $814 million mark, the largest fundraising endeavor in school history continues to be driven toward a $1 billion goal by the MSU Foundation and its volunteer board of directors.

Again in 2018, the MSU managing director of Accenture. Foundation is being led by Earnest W. Fellow alumnus Taylor is chairman and “Earnie” Deavenport Jr. of Greenville, CEO of The Taylor Group Inc. and South Carolina, who is entering his president of Taylor Machine Works third term as board chair. He is joined Inc. He earned a general business by returning 2017 officers D. Hines administration degree in 1977. Brannan Jr. of Atlanta, Georgia, vice Other leadership includes John Deavenport chair, and William A. “Lex” Taylor P. Rush, MSU vice president for III of Louisville, treasurer. The three development and alumni, who serves alumni began new one-year terms as board president and CEO; David January 1. Easley, executive director of finance, Mississippi native Deavenport who is chief financial officer; and earned an MSU chemical engineering Jack McCarty, executive director of degree in 1960 and received a 2011 development, who serves as secretary. Brannan honorary Doctor of Science in the All three are MSU graduates. fields of business and engineering The Mississippi State University from the university. He is the retired Foundation welcomes three new chairman and CEO of Kingsport, members for its 47-seat board of Tennessee-based Eastman Chemical directors. Beginning inaugural three- Company. year terms are Timothy S. “Tim” A 1970 industrial engineering Duncan of Houston, Texas, Paul graduate who earned an MBA the J. Karre of Pawleys Island, South Taylor following year, Brannan is a retired Carolina, and Joffrey R. “Jay” Pryor of

FOUNDATIONS SPRING 2018 FRANKLIN HALL HOLLIMAN KARRE

REEVES ROBERTS STEVENS WILSON

Houston, Texas. from MSU in 1961 and 1963, respectively. A 1995 petroleum engineering graduate, Roberts is a retired associate professor of Duncan is president and CEO of Talos business of Indiana University East. A 1963 Energy LLC. Karre, who earned his BBA in bachelor’s of zoology and 1964 master’s of management from MSU in 1974, is the retired zoology graduate, she resides in Louisville, senior vice president of human resources and Kentucky. communications of International Paper. And, Stevens serves as Management Principal Pryor, a 1979 petroleum engineering graduate, Government Relations for Deloitte LLP. A is vice president for business development of 1983 political science graduate, she resides in Chevron Corporation. Alexandria, Virginia. Seven alumni who have previously served Gulfport resident Wilson is the chairman, are returning to the board in new three-year terms. president and CEO of Mississippi Power They are Hassell H. Franklin, David B. Hall, Company. He earned an electrical engineering Wilbert G. “Mickey” Holliman Jr., Malcolm degree from MSU in 1987. B. Lightsey Sr., M. Diane Roberts, Cynthia M. Also joining the board, by virtue of “Cindy” Stevens, and Anthony L. Wilson. position, are Bradley M. “Brad” Reeves of Franklin is chairman and CEO of Franklin Ridgeland, the university’s national alumni Corporation. A 1959 management graduate, he president, and Thomas B. “Tommy” Nusz of resides in the Mississippi town of Houston. Houston, Texas, in his first year as president of Hall is CEO and president of Hall the MSU Bulldog Club. Reeves, who graduated Timberlands. A 1999 bachelor’s of forestry and from MSU in 2002 with a BBA in management 2002 MBA graduate, he resides in Meridian. of construction and land development, is a Belden resident Holliman is the retired partner at the law firm of Randall, Segrest, chairman and CEO of Furniture Brands Weeks, Reeves and Sones PLLC. Nusz, a 1982 International. He earned an industrial MSU petroleum engineering graduate, is management degree from MSU in 1960 and was CEO and chairman of Houston-based Oasis awarded an honorary doctor of science in 2017. Petroleum, which he co-founded. Ridgeland resident Lightsey is the retired Chartered in 1962, the MSU Foundation president and CEO of SunTech Inc. He earned administers most of the campus-based bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics fundraising activities and endowment funds.

SPRING 2018 FOUNDATIONS Inspiring success: Boozers’ gift creates endowment for teaching scholarship

A desire to impact education lies at the heart of giving for Drayton and Beverly Boozer. The Albuquerque, New Mexico couple have generously supported Mississippi State University for nearly four decades with gifts for the colleges of education and engineering.

FOUNDATIONS SPRING 2018 The Boozers are among the Beverly’s path and embraced teaching as a university’s most dedicated vocation. alumni, loyally giving year in In her home state of Mississippi, Beverly T and year out. Originally from began her teaching career as a sixth-grade the small Mississippi town of teacher in Ackerman. From there she taught Pulaski in Scott County, they grew up together, lower elementary in Huntsville, Alabama, before fell in love, and attended Mississippi State. In returning to Mississippi and teaching for two 2017, the couple joyously marked their 50th years in Clinton. She and Drayton relocated to wedding anniversary. New Mexico in 1975. Another milestone will pass this May — 50 Drayton received a Bachelor of Science, years since Beverly graduated from Mississippi Master of Science, and Ph.D. in electrical State with her Bachelor of Science degree in engineering in 1966, 1968, and 1970, elementary education before embarking on respectively from the MSU James Worth Bagley a rewarding teaching career. In celebration, a College of Engineering. He is a retired manager scholarship now honors Beverly’s lifetime of at Sandia National Laboratories, one of two steadfast devotion to education. National Nuclear Security Administration “My wife is a special lady, and I am research and development laboratories, in New very proud of her accomplishments and her Mexico. determination to assist each child in a way It was in New Mexico that Beverly spread that breaks through barriers, enabling them her wings, first as a teacher of gifted students, to develop a better quality of life through and then in the mainstream classroom. All education,” said Drayton. “Beverly realizes of this experience reflects her passion as she firsthand the need for great teachers and the mentors exceptional students. importance in assisting dedicated students with Beverly is proud of her long history as an their college tuition. The scholarship is now part educator and of her family’s deep roots in the of her legacy.” vocation. For 27 years, Beverly positively touched “Generations of the Beatty and Johnson many lives as a teacher, with most of her families have proudly taught school. My experience spent in the same school, teaching grandmother was a teacher and some of her mostly third grade. Multiple sclerosis eventually siblings were teachers,” Beverly said. “Teachers led to Beverly’s retirement from the Albuquerque share a special bond with students, and it is that Public School system, but her immeasurable bond that manifests itself in students who push impact as a teacher continues. through their comfort zones.” “Although I am no longer employed with Future recipients of the Beverly Beatty a school system, I can still help students fulfill Boozer Endowed Scholarship at Mississippi their dreams of a college education,” said State will be Mississippi residents with Beverly. “Hopefully, recipients of my scholarship preference given to students from Scott County will apply themselves and retain the award for with a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale. four consecutive years as they work toward a Scholarship applicants must be of outstanding bachelor’s degree in education.” moral character and demonstrate financial need. For almost three decades, Beverly’s labor “My family is tied to Scott County, and it of love was apparent as she guided bright and is where Drayton and I grew up. By connecting inquisitive minds in the classroom. Her former the scholarship with that county, I hope to pupils became doctors and dentists, worked in ensure a long line of teachers will always come automobile companies and engineering firms, from that great community,” said Beverly. and held high-tech positions. Still others have This fall, the inaugural two recipients of been vital to their local communities as city the Beverly Beatty Boozer Endowed Scholarship officials. And, of course, some have followed will begin their educations at Mississippi State.

SPRING 2018 FOUNDATIONS Below: Some of the pupils Beverly tutors in her home include (l-r) Caleb, Thaddeus and Anna, pictured with her before excitedly departing for the national Science Olympiad competition.

Beverly looks forward to their selection, and the opportunity to develop a special bond with them through a shared passion for teaching. “I sincerely hope the recipients of my I sincerely hope the scholarship make it a priority to remain in Mississippi and attract children to their classrooms recipients of my and impact the home state we share,” said Beverly. The scholarship will impact the university’s scholarship remain College of Education immediately and in the years in Mississippi and to come as income from the endowment generates scholarship awards in perpetuity. impact the home “The Boozers are placing their names among dedicated contributors who believe education state we share. positively changes the world,” said Richard Blackbourn, dean of the College of Education. Beverly Boozer “Investing in the College of Education at Mississippi State University by creating scholarships will make an infinite impact on generations of students who will become educators, administrators, and leaders everywhere.”

FOUNDATIONS SPRING 2018 NEWS 13 FOUNDATIONS SPRING 2018 Larry Bell and Susan Bell Morris At the heart of the father-daughter bond At the heart of the father-daughter specific lessons from “I still remember Larry Bell was well known as a member to know “I think my Dad would be proud my mom, Mary, were strong advocates for strong were my mom, Mary, education,” of Atlanta, said Morris, Georgia. for affection for Bell a great and Morris was Morris earned an Mississippi State, where in 1984, and her father accounting degree earlier general business earned a 1965 some of the same They even shared degree. albeit 20 years apart. professors, including Bill Simmons, a certain professors, and Larry Hagler, and local CPA, model role who had worked in public accounting and learned, to my business law lessons shared Flavous Hutchinson, who had also professor, taught my Dad,” said Morris. “I’ve applied my career.” these lessons throughout of the East Mississippi Community College and for his 54 years of service with the board Mississippi High School Activities Association. sports. He passionately coached and officiated education that his memory lives on through and helping students succeed,” said Morris. in the lives “He made a positive difference my son and his 15 other of his six children, (half of whom attended grandchildren MSU), and I think he’d like the idea that the fellowship in his name focuses on faculty who can influence the lives of many young people.” Two faculty fellowships created by Morris, faculty fellowships created Two “Faculty fellowships like the ones I As an Adkerson School of Accountancy “My dad led by example and was an will further LLP, a partner for Ernst & Young C. the College of Business and its Richard The Susan Adkerson Accountancy. School of Bell Faculty Morris Endowed Fellowship will support a deserving and talented faculty member who is female or diverse in terms of the Larry W. Additionally, race or ethnicity. Bell Faculty Memorial Endowed Fellowship, late father, which honors the of Susan’s legacy will support faculty focused on accounting systems, tools and analytics. established key components of the become said life of that I see in a university,” circle Morris. “My hope is that the Adkerson School will focus the fellowships on key needs that our school and best support help differentiate impact.” our students and curriculum with broad Morris learned of Advisory Council member, the need for faculty fellowships and believed it was a fitting and lasting tribute to her Larry Bell enjoyed an over 32-year father. and civil defense as building director career for the City of Starkville. He also was director of the Mississippi co-founder and secretary Association and president Building Officials of the Southern Building Codes Congress He died in 2017. International board. model in my life, and he and important role In appreciation for all her MSU accounting In appreciation achieve, Susan Bell has enabled her to degree available leading-edgeMorris seeks to make future accounting technology and ensure taught in a diverse learning students are to further her profession. environment for MSU Adkerson School Adkerson for MSU Morris creates fellowships creates Morris 14 NEWS FOUNDATIONS tops expectations Hail Stategiving opportunity to show their heartfelt pridein heartfelt opportunity toshowtheir anexceptional faithful Bulldog Days givesthe “HailStateGiving MSUFoundation. for the said Georgia Carter, director ofannualgiving our goalofdesired year,” donorsagain this ongoingInfiniteImpactcampaign. part ofthe gift. Asaresult, over$710,000ingiftsbecame aspecialbirthday beloveduniversitywith the 1,032 donorsfrom 31different stateshonored event, friends in1,878minutes.Overthe alumni, parents, faculty, staff, studentsand fromevent goalwastoraise1,000donations MSU’s official birthday. 140th and for2018revolved around observanceof contributions, online university primarilywith philanthropy eventheldeveryspring. forward toHailStateGiving Days,the State Universityfamilyhaslooked the Mississippi pastfiveyears, For the “We are excitedandgratefultoexceed Since MSUwasfoundedin1878,the the supporting The eventhighlights SPRING 2018 of the MSU Foundation Ambassadorsstudent MSUFoundation of the Additionally,of-state participants. members successbyreachingaided inthe in-andout- 503,082impressionswith made. reachingtimes, accounts over171,885twitter #CelebrateHailState wastweetedover200 were recorded. hashtag the Inaddition, www.hailstategiving.com, 6,103pageviews volunteers. Through website the tonumerous thanks audience online community. Theevent reached alarge Bulldog ofthe collaboration the with throughsocial media #CelebrateHailState areas across campus.” departments, programs, andmany other schools, academiccolleges, supporting MSU Foundation Ambassadors celebrate with Bully. Ambassadorscelebratewith MSU Foundation Efforts from MSUalumnichaptersalso Hail StateGivingDayswaspowered by efforts. students inphilanthropy toengagefellow diligently organization worked highlighted the occasion. the highlighted Bully with a photobooth Giveaways, partyfavorsand presented byRenasantBank. and MSU AlumniAssociation party wasorganized bythe donated byAramark.The cake birthday 140th cuts the MSU President MarkE.Keenum NEWS 15 FOUNDATIONS SPRING 2018 “We hope to eventually provide multiple to eventually hope provide “We works with the Mississippi Forestry RCFA workshops and field “Several forestry encouraged to are Friends of forestry addition to many individual timberland and to manage desire owners with a strong lands for timber growth their forest improve and wildlife habitat. the students through scholarships for forestry endowment. Any additional support from will make individuals, corporations, or groups a huge impact,” said Purvis. Association and others to sponsor Teachers for teachers to visit Conservation Workshops timber other sites and experience forest- also activities. The organization related Farmers of financially helps the local Future judging teams. America and 4-H forestry days have been conducted on my timberland up in the said Purvis. “I grew property,” woods with my dad and much of my business dealt with timberland. Even with that career and knowledge, I use much background when I plant, harvest a consulting forester that and it reflects and manage my property, care.” precision other associations to contribute and inspire generations of impact the education of future giving to Mississippi State. through foresters Online contributions for the Rankin County Association Endowed Scholarship Forestry can be made at www.msufoundation.com. The RCFA has established $25,000 a The RCFA “The named scholarship is a way to Purvis continued, “When young people has over 200 members. The RCFA scholarship endowment for forestry students scholarship endowment for forestry College of Forest in Mississippi State’s of the Rankin recipients Future Resources. Association Endowed County Forestry Scholarship must be junior or senior-level students with an overall 2.5 grade-point average and minimum 3.0 in their major of among other criteria. In selection, study, will be given to a student resident preference of Rankin County or one with a Rankin County connection. the education and knowledge base promote Purvis, said Jessie essential for forestry,” an MSU and and treasurer secretary RCFA agricultural economics alumnus. “Investing professionals forestry in education of future more is good business and will provide to help timberland owners in professionals managing their property.” Mississippi attend and graduate from State with its wide curriculum, the forestry gains valuable people—some profession while others become consulting foresters, industry or work in the business and related wildlife areas.” membership encompasses association’s and several several consulting foresters employed with foresters registered companies and government agencies, in

The forestry profession is rapidly growing in is rapidly growing profession The forestry Mississippi, and the Forestry Rankin County seeks to help the state’s Association (RCFA) college graduates university produce largest assets to the profession. who will be great grows student scholarship student grows Rankin forestry association association forestry Rankin 16 NEWS FOUNDATIONS ready forallBulldogs Exclusive mobileapp “MSU BucketList,”whichcan bedonevia the like help studentstocompletetraditions order orclassyear. appwill Thisinteractive besearchable will activities byalphabetical student experienceatMSU.Traditions and benefits formembers. The card feature will store will aQRcodethat membership card alumni andstudents. forall andRingDays. events, SeniorCelebration at eventssuchastailgates,reunions, chapter providebased servicewill amobile check-in area. the within information Thislocation- to receive MSU messages,alertsandother geographic area user enablethe will that virtual fence(Geofence)around aspecific university. the with create Theappwill a encourageparticipation will to alumnithat students. become availabletocurrently-enrolled MSU Additionally, appwill insummer2018,the friends. alumniandcountless 140,000 living university’sapp availabletothe nearly global movementbyoffering a smartphone jointhis will MSUAlumniAssociation the world,andinspring2018, users inthe MSU AlumniAssociation. through newmobileappoffered the bythe can connecttoMississippiStateUniversity way-reaching rightwhere them are! they studentsandalumniinameaningful Bulldog islaunchingamobileapptoengage Association The MississippiStateUniversityAlumni The app is also designed to enhance the The appisalsodesignedtoenhancethe The MSUappfeatures avirtual notifications deliver The MSUappwill There are smartphone over2billion True Maroon everywhere Bulldogs SPRING 2018 website atwww.alumni.msstate.edu. MSUAlumni Association mobile app,visitthe to today.” relevant andkeepingeverything institution the graduateswith islinking association “It’sAssociation. great justanother wayour directorexecutive MSUAlumni ofthe saidJeffpopularity overtime,” Davis, performers whoare alsoactive. top with userstorankthemselves allows that Additionally, there isaleaderboard feature socially, MSUexperience. whichbuildsonthe canbeshared activities ofthese Completion pictures, QRcode. videoorscanning the For more new aboutthe information 4. 3. 2. Appstore.1. Gotothe appiseasy. the Downloading Here’s how: “We grow appwill the anticipate in and connect with Bulldogs everywhere! Bulldogs and connectwith laststepistoauthenticate the yourself, “your name.”Onceyouhavefound pagewhereanother on youcanclick takeyouto in yourname.Thiswill “Let’sOn the findyou”screen, type yourself. authenticate simple prompts tofindand three appandfollow Download the Alumni Association. Search forMississippiState NOTES

Plan now and impact your future

At the MSU Foundation, our days are spent assisting alumni and friends of Mississippi State University with many interesting gift scenarios. We handle major gifts, multi-year pledges, gifts of real estate and timber, donor-advised funds, and other creative gifts for them. A significant portion of our yearly work comes in the form of estate gifts. Wes Gordon and Susan Everett do an exceptional job in our Office of Planned Giving as they work with donors to ensure their philanthropic wishes are realized. Many of these estate gifts are deferred in nature, meaning they mature at a later date. The current impact, however, of these types of gifts has been incredible. During the life of the Infinite Impact campaign, 71 gifts have JACK MCCARTY matured for a total of $41 million realized. And, much of these proceeds Executive Director are growing the university’s perpetual endowment. of Development For instance, the College of Veterinary Medicine’s endowment lept from $9.1 million to $16.2 million as a result of just one planned gift that matured. An additional planned gift increased the endowment to an even higher level of $20.9 million. As a result, almost $900,000 in new scholarship monies will be available each year for students in the College of Veterinary Medicine. As this endowment grows through investments, that number will continue to increase even without additional gifts. This is a monumental impact that will benefit talented and dedicated students. In the next several years, we project $125 million will be added to various areas of Mississippi State because of planned gifts. You can easily see these gifts have a very dramatic current and future effect on our university. Questions that I would ask our alumni and friends are simple: Have you included MSU in your estate plan? If so, have you thought about your legacy and how you would like your gift to be used? Have you worked with our staff on a gift agreement and used the appropriate language in your plans? Our dedicated development personnel work with experts in the estate planning field, such as Scott Lumpkin, retired University of Denver vice president. The MSU Foundation also has an excellent guide known as “Planning Your Legacy” that we happily share. Additionally, a carefully crafted website covers this subject at www.msugiftplanning.org. As you consider your options, a great book places estate gifts in perspective. “Give to Live: How Giving Can Change Your Life” by Dr. Douglas Lawson is definitely worth a read. These are all places where you can learn at your own pace before visiting with us about your estate plans or your desire for planning. Estate gifts are critical. They are also long lasting, meaningful, and obviously impactful. They matter today and tomorrow. We welcome the opportunity to solidify our partnership with you as you plan for your future and help us move toward the $1 billion mark of our current Infinite Impact campaign.

SPRING 2018 FOUNDATIONS 18 NEWS FOUNDATIONS key fundraisingposts Foundation fillsthree veteran staff membersin newroles. hasplacedthree MSUFoundation the forMississippiStateUniversity,priorities In aneffort fundraising tofurther psychology from StateUniversity. Delta graduates andfriends. and updatedatabaserecords forMSU student employeesworktobuild partnerships Center.Calling center, the Within some20 efforts university’s andoverseeingthe Bulldog throughacademic colleges direct marketing andits institution securing annualgiftsforthe basis. continuing focus ongiftsmadetoanyMSUarea ona directshe will fundraisingefforts typically that inFebruary. position assumed the role, Inthe giving isGeorgia Carter, who aCantonnative University ofAlabamaatBirmingham. MississippiUniversityforWomenwith and has previous experience highereducation fundraisingorganization.athletic Shealso Club Bulldog of annualgivingforthe at heralmamaterin2011ascoordinator Shebeganworking a minorinmarketing. adegreewith and insportscommunication units. seek majorgiftsforboth college’s director pair ofdevelopment,asthe alumnuswhoisthe fundraiser andfellow January. She joinsZackHarrington,aveteran SchoolofAccountancyin C. Adkerson ofBusinessanditsRichard College the assistant director ofdevelopmentfor Carter holdsaBachelorofArts in beresponsibleCarter alsowill for BerkeryasdirectorSucceeding ofannual Berkery graduatedfrom MSUin 2005 JanaBerkerybecame native Starkville SPRING 2018 Giving is online atwww.msufoundation.com.Giving isonline university’s tothe personnel andalink Guideto AdvisoryCommittee. Superintendent's Mississippi andthe Advisory Committee Gov.then-Mississippi HaleyBarbour'sTeacher servicewith including leadership activities Elementary.Sudduth of Shehasalonglist as akindergarten teacheratStarkville's West Point,before hercareer concluding taughtatWestthen SideElementary in her career atLowerElementaryinQuitman, teacherfor25years.Shebegan public-school classroom. wasa Cunetto AColumbusnative, career anaccomplished following inthe fundraisingteam MSUFoundation joined the resident,and Starkville initially Cunetto role inthat continue simultaneously. directorEducation ofdevelopmentandwill of College hasservedasthe 2012, Cunetto inFebruary. nation, inthe libraries Since MSULibrary,for the oneofsixpresidential responsibilities majorgiftfundraising with in Trish Shewelcomedadditional Cunetto. Profitt’s andMcRae’s. departmentstoreswith Parisian, including rolesexperience includedvariousmarketing Herprevious BirminghamPrinting. sales with and Birmingham, Alabama,andinmarketing resource Luckie&Companyin managerwith Before comingtoMSU,she servedasa A complete list of MSU Foundation ofMSUFoundation A completelist graduate A 1986elementaryeducation The MSULibraryhasanewfundraiser Carter Cunetto Berkery

NEWS 19 Parker FOUNDATIONS SPRING 2018 Parker’s longtime friend and MSU Parker’s years. 40 over for Scott with friends was “I a love of golf Farris and Parker shared attended at least one football game “We Farris continued, “Scott would be so The Scott E. Parker Memorial Scholarship his name is now further connected to MSU, especially of work.” in his field Farris, was also instrumental classmate, T.D. in the establishment of the endowment. For the has been the past 14 years, Farris golf committeeof the chairman Birmingham, He and Parker Alabama MSU Alumni Chapter. 1977 to 1981. attended MSU together from in 1977 in Garner Hall met on campus We assistants,” said served as resident we where and Farris, a 1981 computer science graduate employed Birmingham, Alabama resident department of in the life insurance software DXC. and Bulldog football. at a game, together yearly and if we weren’t on the phone talking about Scott and I were the game,” Farris said, “One of my favorite is the 2014 Auburn game memories we shared when MSU claimed the number one spot.” excited about the establishment of this scholarship. Everybody loved him, and this is just another way for us to honor his passion for MSU.” open at Mississippi State University remains for additional contributions. Gifts may be made online at www.msufoundation.com. Parker was a 1981 graduate of MSU Parker was known as one of the top golf At Mississippi State, the scholarship will “Scott was one of those individuals Scott is Hyde, continued, “I am sure Scott Parker took great pride in representing pride in representing Scott Parker took great pride in his and great Mississippi State University vocation.of the Friends and family late Parker are withhonoring his legacy the establishment of the Scott Scholarship. E. Parker Memorial Endowed with a degree in agronomy and turf grass and turf grass in agronomy with a degree management who died in 2017. He was married to his wife, Lisa, for 30 years, and Eloree their daughter, together they parented Grace Parker. and he was course superintendents in Texas, the golf course superintendent for Comanche in Kerrville for 18 years. In appreciation Trace for his devoted service, Comanche Trace hosted a memorial golf tournament. Proceeds the event combined with other from family and friends make contributions from the possible. scholarship endowment students in benefit junior and senior-level and Life Sciences the College of Agriculture who meet established criteria. The inaugural $1,000 for Parker scholar at MSU will receive the fall 2018 semester. you yearn to employ and everyone wanted by participating in to show their respect of Hyde, president said Trevor the effort,” “I think this is a testament Comanche Trace. not only to Scott but to the business itself. with the Golf I hope this sets a new trend Course Superintendents Association to give the turf grass agronomists, back to future and superintendents.” management program, smiling and ringing his cowbell knowing

MSU agronomy scholarship scholarship agronomy MSU Parker memorialized with memorialized Parker 20 PROFILE FOUNDATIONS HOMETOWN: DONORS: Paul heldvariousseniorhuman resources Upon hisreturn United States in1993, tothe Director ofHumanResources ofIPEurope. corporate roles. In1989,Paulwasnamed in variousbusinesshumanresources and Specialist. Relations Paper(IP)asanIndustrial joined International he University in1974.Aftergraduation, in managementfrom MississippiState earned aBachelorofBusinessAdministration couple’s children. tothe several years,MaryJodevotedhertime career asaschoolteacher. Afterteachingfor University in1974before beginningher degreean education from CoastalCarolina fromoriginally Georgetown. Sheearned Carolina.Pawleys Island,South andKate,residedaughters, Erin,Julia in married for34years.Theyhavethree Paul spent 40 years with the company the Paul spent40yearswith ofNatchez,Paul A Mississippinative Carolina, ofSouth Mary Joisanative Mary JoandPaulKarre havebeen SPRING 2018 Mary JoandPaul Karre Pawleys Island,S.C. member in the College ofBusiness. College member inthe Professorship faculty forahigh-caliber PaulandMaryJoKarre the also established names.Theyhave fundcarrytheir Faculty andaNotableScholars fellowship faculty anendowed ofBusiness.Both College the Yearthe for hismanyachievements. ofBusinessAlumnus 2018College as the year history. Mostrecently, Paulwashonored college’s graduatesinthe distinguished 100- and in2015,hewasselectedasoneof100 college’swas namedthe AlumniFellow, Board. MSUFoundation the In2012,Paul advisoryboardBusiness executive and In appreciation, of College heservesthe open doorsandinfluencinghiscareer. hisretirementwould holduntil in2015. Resources arole andCommunications, he President,2009 electedSeniorVice Human PresidentVice ofHumanResources, andin By2000,PaulwasappointedIP’spositions. Loyalty. Pride. Passion. Paul andMaryJogenerously support Paul credits MississippiStateforhelping BOARD 21 FOUNDATIONS SPRING 2018 James K. Dossett | Legal Counsel, Jackson, Miss. MEMBERS Inc., Phoenix, Ariz. CEO of Freeport-McMoRan and C. Adkerson | Vice Chairman, President Richard Holly Springs, Miss. Mid-South Audit Practice, ArthurAndersen & Co. (retired), “Bob” Bowen | Partner-in-Charge, Robert P. of C.C. Clark Inc., Starkville, Miss. Albert C. Clark | President Texas Co., Fort Worth, Americas of ExxonMobil Production Randy J. Cleveland | Vice President, of Dowdle Enterprises, Columbus, Miss. John N. “Nutie” Dowdle | Chairman of the Board and CEO of Structural Steel Services Inc., Meridian, Miss. | President Dulaney Tommy LLC, Houston, Texas Energy and CEO of Talos Timothy S. “Tim” Duncan | President Hassell H. Franklin | Chairman and CEO of Franklin Corp., Houston, Miss. Atlanta, Ga. Associates Inc. (retired), | Principal of Garrett Linda M. Garrett Miss. Sturgis, Timber of Sturgis Co. (retired), S. Bryce Griffis | President Tenn. of Raymond James & Associates, Memphis, Jan L. Gwin | Managing Director of Hall Timberlands,David B. Hall | CEO and President Meridian, Miss. Miss. | Chairman of Phoenix Development Co. LLC, Ridgeland, Hixon Sr. Thomas G. “Tom” Belden, Miss. Brands International (retired), | Chairman and CEO of Furniture Wilbert G. “Mickey” Holliman Jr. of HVJ Associates Inc., Houston, Texas Johnson | President “Herb” Herbert V. Miss. Companies, Ridgeland, | Real Estate Developer of Mark S. Jordan Mark S. Jordan Pawleys Island, S.C. and Communications, International Paper (retired), Human Resources | Senior Vice President, Paul J. Karre Ridgeland, Miss. Inc. (retired), and CEO of SunTech | President Malcolm B. Lightsey Sr. Starkville, Miss. | Chairman and CEO of Cadence Bank (retired), Jr. Mallory Lewis F. Miss. Martin | Chairman of The Peoples Bank, Ripley, Bobby P. LLC, Houston, Texas Mike M. McDaniel | CEO of M3 Resources Brandon, Miss. Casualty Insurance (retired), and CEO, Southern Farm Bureau | Executive Vice President Roderick A. “Rod” Moore Inc., Houston, Texas | Chairman and CEO of Oasis Petroleum Nusz | Bulldog Club President Thomas B. “Tommy” Bolton, Miss. of Sunbelt Wholesale Supply (retired), Parker | Secretary Linda F. Texas Corp., Houston, for Business Development of Chevron R. “Jay” Pryor | Vice President Joffrey | Chairman and CEO of Puckett Machinery Co., Flowood, Miss. H. Puckett Sr. Richard Companies, Little Rock, Ark. and Co-chairman of Taylor and CEO of Baldor Electric Co. (retired) R.L. Qualls | President Rader | CEO of Columbus Recycling Corp., Columbus, Miss. C. “Gregg” Gregory Ridgeland, Miss. Reeves & Sones PLLC, Weeks, | Partner for Randall, Segrest, Bradley M. “Brad” Reeves | Alumni Association President Kosciusko, Miss. and CEO of The Attala Co. (retired), | President Ritter Jr. “Tex” Charles W. Louisville, Ky. of Business of Indiana University East (retired), M. Diane Roberts | Associate Professor Suwanee, Ga. of ExxonMobil (retired), James J. “Jim” Rouse | Vice President Miss. of Hemphill Construction Co., Florence, A. Rula | President Richard Miss. Cleveland, and CEO of Jimmy Sanders Inc. (retired), “Mike” Sanders | President Michael W. | Owner and veterinarian of Animal Ark Animal Hospital, Franklin, Tenn. Paula A. Schuerer of the Leo Seal Family Foundation, Bay Saint Louis, Miss. Seal III | President Leo W. Houston, Texas Inc. (retired), Bobby S. Shackouls | Chairman and CEO of Burlington Resources Alexandria, Va. Cynthia M. “Cindy” Stevens | Management Principal Government Relations of Deloitte LLP, Ala. Clear, Point for EvercoreISI, Research | Head of Energy “Doug” Terreson Douglas T. and CEO of Mississippi Power Co., Gulfport, Miss. Anthony L. Wilson | Chairman, President Ag, Starkville, Miss. Bryan S. Wilson | Managing Partner of Tacoma OFFICERS S.C. Greenville, Co. (retired), CEO of Eastman Chemical | Chairman and “Earnie” Jr. Deavenport Chair - Earnest W. Atlanta, Ga. (retired), Accenture of | Managing Director Vice Hines Brannan Jr. Chair - D. Louisville, Miss. Machine Works, of Taylor | President Inc. Group William A. - | “Lex” III Taylor Chairman and CEO of The Taylor Treasurer and Alumni, Mississippi State University for Development Rush | Vice President and CEO - John P. President of Development, Mississippi State University - Jack R. McCarty | Executive Director Secretary of Finance, Mississippi State University - David D. Easley | ExecutiveChief Financial Officer Director 2018 of Directors Board Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Jackson, MS Permit No. 134

Post Office Box 6149 One Hunter Henry Boulevard Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149 www.msufoundation.com

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Spice up your kitchen - Bulldog style!

Bring Mississippi avor into your kitchen with the special Mississippi State University limited edition of A Mississippi Palate – the coee-table cookbook with 105 Mississippi heritage recipes by acclaimed chef Robert St. John and 66 beautiful watercolors by Wyatt Waters, with his home state as the subject.

This special edition features exclusive back cover art of one of the Bully statues in The Junction with Davis Wade Stadium in the background. Each book is autographed by both chef and artist and accompanied by a signed and numbered print of the Bully statue.

Collectively, the chef and artist are commentators and chroniclers of Mississippi culture – one using a cast iron skillet, the other using a #42 da Vinci brush – both armed with a deep love for the beautiful state of Mississippi. MSU is an AA/EEO university.

Order yours today at msufoundation.com/cookbook or call 662-325-7000.