Contact: Sheri Pape
STARKVILLE, Miss.--The Mississippi State University Foundation is announcing the 21 inaugural members of its student service organization.
Established earlier this year, the MSU Foundation Ambassadors will perform liaison duties between the fundraising organization and current students, alumni and friends of the land-grant institution. Members also will assist with numerous hosting activities at campus events throughout each school year, among other responsibilities.
"The Ambassadors provide foundation board members, along with other alumni and friends, with a student perspective during meetings and events," explained Barbie Hampel, director of annual giving.
The MSU Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization that serves as the primary fundraising unit for the university. Founded in 1962, it is guided by a 45-member board of directors and the vice president of development and alumni. Over its half-century of service, the organization has raised more than $1 billion in private support and currently manages an endowment of $347 million.
"The Ambassadors will be a significant resource for the Foundation in the years to come," said John P. Rush, vice president for development and alumni and foundation CEO. "This organization will be a vital part of our fundraising and donor relations activities, and will help develop the students into campus and community leaders."
The inaugural members include (by hometown):
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--Sophomore Danielle Leaf, a communication major and daughter of Steven and Kimberly Leaf [35243].
BRANDON--Juniors Seth T. Knight, a biochemistry major and son of Tommy and Linda Knight; and Spencer N. Pipitone, a marketing major and son of Patrick and Kathy Pipitone.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa--Blaire N. Wilson, daughter of Theodore and Valerie Wilson and an MSU mathematics graduate now pursuing a master's degree in public policy and administration.
CLEVELAND--Senior Kierra D. Taylor, an educational psychology major and daughter of Jerry Taylor.
COLUMBUS--Senior Cameron D. Musgrove, a communication major and daughter of Ronald and Sherri Musgrove.
CORDOVA, Tenn.--Sophomore Kate Berryman, an interior design major and daughter of Mitch and Laura Berryman.
CUBA, Ala.--Senior Taylor L. Webb, an interior design major and daughter of Michael and Pamela Webb.
ELKMONT, Ala.--Junior Steven D. Tucker, a business information systems major and son of Marty and Patricia Tucker.
GERMANTOWN, Tenn.--Junior Jeremy D. Hart, a marketing major and son of Douglas and Karyl Hart.
HOOVER, Ala.--Maria Schoen, a counselor education graduate student and daughter of George and Dalen Orphanos.
MCDONOUGH, Ga.--Senior Jamee M. Etheridge, a communication and political science double-major and daughter of Jimmy and Beth Etheridge.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.--Junior Amari J. Jenkins, a kinesiology major and daughter of Joedae Jenkins and Willyn Jenkins [38133].
MERIDIAN--Junior Quardarius L. Dubose, chemical engineering major and son of Reginald Summage and Amanda Dubose.
NEELY--Junior Whitney A. James, an animal and dairy science major and daughter of Terry and Sheryl James.
SENATOBIA--Junior Kaitlyn I. Byrne, a communication and political science double-major and daughter of Donald and Renee Byrne.
SOUTHAVEN--Junior Ellen M. Davis, a political science and economics double-major and daughter of Michael and Susan Davis.
STARKVILLE--Seniors Trevor L. Edmondson, a business management major and son of Lisa Alvis; and Jessica A. Hearn, a marketing major and daughter of Robyn and Lisa Hearn.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.--Senior Chelsea A. Meyer, an animal and dairy science/pre-veterinary medicine major and daughter of William and Cheryl Meyer.
WEST POINT--Randall S. Weems, an insurance graduate pursuing an MBA and son of Belk and Stacy Weems.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see www.msstate.edu.