Contact: Amy Cagle
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A $150,000 gift by social fraternity and sorority organizations at Mississippi State is creating the Edwin M. Keith Jr. Greek Excellence Endowment at the university.
The recent contribution to the MSU Foundation honors the associate dean of students and adjunct professor who retires June 30 after 25 years of service to his alma mater.
The 136 year-old land-grant institution is home to 31 fraternity and sorority chapters. In addition to balancing academics and leadership activities, MSU's Greek-letter social organizations are involved in numerous service and philanthropic efforts.
"The gift salutes Dr. Keith for his work on behalf of Greek life at Mississippi State," said Jackie Mullen. "The contribution will help ensure future growth of our Greek activities and create opportunities for future students."
Mullen directs the Center for Student Activities, of which the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life is a part.
Keith, an MSU alumnus and South Mississippi native, began his campus career as a student counselor in the Division of Student Affairs. He went on to serve as director of student life and the Colvard Student Union before being promoted to his current position.
He holds two MSU degrees, including a bachelor's in educational psychology and a master's in counselor education. He also is a doctoral graduate of University of Florida.
"My fraternity experience began as an undergraduate at Mississippi State almost 50 years ago and has given me lifelong friendships," Keith said. "I'm honored the Greeks would create an endowment in my name that will help enable others to enjoy similarly positive, memorable relationships and experiences."
The gift is part of "Infinite Impact: The Mississippi State University Campaign" that was launched in 2010 to further the institution's strategic goals. To date, the campaign has raised nearly $418 million.
"I think it's a great thing current students are giving back to MSU and already are gaining an understanding of philanthropy and the importance of the MSU Foundation," said Mullen. "I was thrilled the Greeks as a whole stepped forward to support 'Infinite Impact'."
Additional gifts in support of the Division of Student Affairs, including Greek life, may be made by contacting Wes Gordon, the unit's director of development, at wgordon@foundation.msstate.edu or 662-325-9129.
For more information on "Infinite Impact," visit www.infiniteimpactmsu.com.
Complete details about MSU may be found at www.msstate.edu.