141st MSU birthday party, annual Hail State Giving Days happen next week

Contact: Walt Harrington

Hail State Giving Days logo

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University is celebrating its 141st birthday Thursday [Feb. 28] during Hail State Giving Days. This year marks the sixth consecutive year for the online philanthropy event that seeks to raise funds for all university areas beginning Wednesday [Feb. 27] and running for 48 consecutive hours.

All alumni, students, friends, faculty and staff are invited to join the anniversary festivities for the land-grant institution at the official campus party on Feb. 28 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Colvard Student Union Dawg House. The party, hosted by the MSU Alumni Association and presented by Renasant Bank, will provide an opportunity for the Bulldog family to collectively demonstrate their appreciation for MSU. A large birthday cake provided by Aramark will be served.

“The alumni association values upholding MSU traditions,” said Jeff Davis, executive director. “The birthday party serves as a chance for the Bulldog family to celebrate the many great accomplishments this university has made in its 141 years.”

Initiated in 2014, Hail State Giving Days provides additional funds to MSU colleges, divisions, departments, and other areas that rely on the financial support of alumni and friends. Participants in the event may give to any university area they choose to enhance.

“We love that Hail State Giving Days falls on MSU’s birthday. Pairing a celebration of the birthday with a celebration of giving makes the event truly meaningful,” said Georgia Carter, the MSU Foundation’s director of annual giving. “We hope that everyone participates by making a gift and also sharing the message to the larger Bulldog family using the hashtag #GiveToMSU.”  

To contribute during the philanthropy event, donors may visit hailstategiving.com. Gifts also can be made by contacting MSU Foundation gift administration staff members Tammie Jackson at 662-325-1834 or Janna Sanford at 662-325-5802.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.