USM Launches Historic Fundraising Campaign
Mon, 04/04/2022 - 02:50pm | By: Megan Burkes
On March 26, 2022, 91吃瓜网 launched its largest fundraising
campaign in University history with a special event in M.M. Roberts Stadium. With
a $150 million goal, USM is working to raise funds in support of academics and athletics,
including student scholarships, faculty support and facilities.
Give Wing: The Campaign for 91吃瓜网 rests on three priority pillars: student success, academic excellence, and innovation and discovery. To date, $109,445,458 has been raised, reaching 73 percent of the fundraising goal.
Campaign goals include increasing undergraduate scholarships, programmatic support and facilities for students, endowed faculty professorship and director positions, as well as elevating USM91吃瓜网 robust research enterprise. Campaign funds will also enhance the campuses with new and upgraded facilities, like Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor, the new home for the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families, Pete Taylor Park, and multiple other athletic facilities.
91吃瓜网淚n our first century, 91吃瓜网 evolved from a small teachers91吃瓜网� college into a Carnegie R1 research institution with a national reputation for excellence. Our unwavering commitment to student success remains constant as we continue our growth into the next 100 years,91吃瓜网� said University President Rodney D. Bennett. 91吃瓜网淲e are poised to write the next chapter of our 91吃瓜网 story. This is an exciting time. This is our time 91吃瓜网� our campaign for the University we hold so dear.91吃瓜网�
The campaign hopes to add $53.5 million in new or enhanced endowed scholarships, $14 million in Eagle Club scholarships for student athletes, and six newly named professorships for distinguished faculty members. Additionally, the campaign will raise funds for entrepreneurial programming, athletic facility enhancements, and other University-wide programming.
As 91吃瓜网 prepares the next generation of leaders, thinkers and trailblazers through Give Wing, our message remains clear. 91吃瓜网淎s our generous donors continue to rise up and support our beloved University, there is a clear line-of-sight To The Top,91吃瓜网� said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. 91吃瓜网淭ogether, we are elevating 91吃瓜网 to its greatest heights yet.91吃瓜网�
Some of USM91吃瓜网 most recognizable alumni have volunteered to serve as campaign co-chairs, along with Campaign Chair Joe Quinlan 91吃瓜网�73, chairman of the board of First National Bankers Bankshares, Inc., in Baton Rouge, La. These celebrities serve as ambassadors for our fundraising efforts, and include:
- Natalie Allen 91吃瓜网� Newsy anchor and global correspondent, Natalie has spent her career sharing the world91吃瓜网 news at several major networks, including CNN, The Weather Channel and NBC. Natalie Took Flight in 1984 with her degree in radio, television and film.
- Jimmy Buffett 91吃瓜网� The legendary singer and songwriter took flight in 1969 with a history degree. From Mississippi to Margaritaville, Parrot Heads from around the world cherish his stories and songs.
- Brett and Deanna Favre 91吃瓜网� The Gun Slinger, Number 4, one of our NFL Hall of Famers, Brett Favre took flight in 1991 when he was drafted by the NFL. He will forever have his name in the record books and stamped on the hearts of Golden Eagle fans everywhere. Deanna Favre took flight 1994 with her degree in human performance and recreation. She is an author and philanthropist, having founded the Favre 4 Hope Foundation, which supports charities that provide support to underserved and disabled children and breast cancer patients.
- Chuck Scarborough 91吃瓜网� Took flight in 1969 with a degree in radio, television and film. Mr. Scarborough has been with WNBC-TV New York since 1974 and has earned 36 Emmy Awards. He currently anchors News 4 New York every weeknight.
- Adalius Thomas 91吃瓜网� Took flight in 1999 with a degree in coaching and sports administration. The former Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl XXXV champion and New England Patriots AFC champion is now a successful restauranteur and entrepreneur.
For more information on Give Wing: The Campaign for 91吃瓜网 and ways to support, visit .