Contact: Amy Cagle
Fundraising for Mississippi State's most recent capital campaign has surged past the $400 million mark, hitting $408.6 million at the close of March as it gains momentum toward a minimum $600 million goal. The milestone comes just six months after the launch of "Infinite Impact: The Mississippi State University Campaign."
The largest fundraising effort in the land-grant institution's 136-year history began with a leadership gift phase on July 1, 2010, and was publicly announced in October 2013 with nearly $345 million in commitments already in hand. Since then, more than $63 million in gifts and pledges has been added.
"We cannot thank our faithful alumni and friends enough for their support of this capital campaign. Their gifts will indeed have an 'infinite impact' on our campus and our world for years to come. By giving, they are sending a powerful message that MSU is a leading institution capable of evoking positive change on a global scale through our academic, research and service endeavors," said MSU President Mark E. Keenum.
He continued, "While over $408 million of our goal has been met, our larger purpose is to create a better, more responsive and more engaged university. Even that goal is ever-expanding as Mississippi State strives to become among the nation's most respected universities."
Thus far in the campaign, $106.5 million has been raised for scholarships, resulting in 269 new endowed scholarships and numerous annual awards. Also, 22 new endowed faculty chairs and professorships have been created with $45.8 million, bringing the university's endowed positions total to 72.
Additionally, $42.9 million has been raised for facilities, with $213.4 million designated for program and annual support. Campaign success also is evident in the growth of MSU's endowment, which exceeds $400 million.
The campaign continues to seek gifts, particularly for the university's eight academic colleges, the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, MSU-Meridian, the university's libraries and athletics. Gifts through the campaign may support scholarships, chairs and professorships, facilities and programs.
"We hope that our alumni and friends will continue to support us as we work to fulfill many of the still unmet needs of our university," said John P. Rush, vice president for development and alumni, who also serves as MSU Foundation CEO. "Each gift is truly an investment in the future of mankind by way of our university."
Any contribution to MSU from now through 2018, regardless of the designation, is a commitment to "Infinite Impact: The Mississippi State University Campaign." All gifts to the Bulldog Club and other athletic programs also will count toward the overall goal.
For more on the campaign and fundraising, visit www.infiniteimpactmsu.com. For specific giving opportunities, contact Rush at john.rush@msstate.edu or telephone 662-325-7000.