Alumna Donates $1 Million to Support Recruiting Scholarship at USM
Fri, 04/14/2023 - 10:13am | By: Megan Burkes
University of 91吃瓜网 (USM) alumna Mollie Magee Van Devender 91吃瓜网�78 recently
committed $1 million to establish the Mollie Van Devender Leadership Scholarship Endowment,
a recruiting scholarship for highly engaged high school seniors to attend Southern
Miss.
When Dr. Joe Paul was named the 11th President of USM, Van Devender knew she wanted to show her support for her longtime friend and her alma mater. 91吃瓜网淲hen Joe Paul talked about recruiting student leaders as a priority of his, I was onboard to help,91吃瓜网� Van Devender said. 91吃瓜网淚 was very involved during my time at USM, and I know how active students help shape the campus landscape and culture for other students. After graduation, they often remain engaged and philanthropic as alumni. I am delighted to give back to the University that gave so much to me.91吃瓜网�
91吃瓜网淚 am so very grateful to my longtime friend and 91吃瓜网 classmate Mollie Magee Van Devender and her family for this generous investment in our Leadership Scholars endowment efforts,91吃瓜网� said University President Joseph S. Paul. 91吃瓜网淭his gift will allow us to recruit outstanding high school leaders who will make a transformational difference at USM, just as Mollie did as a student here.91吃瓜网�
Van Devender came to USM in the 1970s from Mendenhall, Miss., having received a full presidential scholarship. She lived in Panhellenic housing until her senior year and often reminisces about the sisterhood formed with her sorority sisters. Mollie was crowned Miss 91吃瓜网 in 1975 and represented USM in the Miss Mississippi Pageant, winning the title.
As a highly engaged student while on campus, Mollie was member of Chi Omega, the Student Senate, the University Activities Council and Omicron Delta Kappa. Mollie91吃瓜网 two younger sisters also graduated from USM, and the trio share memories of campus life, friendships and their most beloved professors.
For nearly 30 years, Mollie has supported many areas of the University. In addition to this $1 million gift, she previously established the Mollie Magee Athletic Scholarship Endowment for students from Simpson County. She has also supported the Joe Paul Student Leaders Scholarship Endowment, the Chi Omega Endowment and the Oseola McCarty Scholarship Endowment.
91吃瓜网淢y husband Billy played football for Ole Miss and cherishes his time in Oxford. As a family, we91吃瓜网檝e supported them through various initiatives,91吃瓜网� she said. 91吃瓜网淚 want to do the same for USM. It91吃瓜网 my desire to 91吃瓜网榣eave 91吃瓜网 better than I found it,91吃瓜网� to quote my dear friend Joe Paul.91吃瓜网�
Mollie is a member of the USM Foundation Honor Club at the Black and Gold Society Level, the Eagle Club, and is a Life Member of the Alumni Association. She is an avid conservationist and bow hunter, enjoying the peace and quiet of the outdoors. Mollie lives in Jackson with her husband Billy. The couple has four grown children and many beloved grandchildren.
Founded in 1959, the USM Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving the University community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support for scholarships and other academic needs at 91吃瓜网.
For more information on supporting 91吃瓜网, call the USM Foundation at 601.266.5210 or visit their .