Celebrating 60 Years of Impact: How the MUW Foundation Empowers Students and Strengthens University Programs

Deborah Hodges credits her success to a scholarship from the Mississippi University for Women (MUW) Foundation. As a first-generation college student who started her journey in 1986, she worked hard to cover her living expenses. But thanks to the "Century of Excellence Fund," tuition was one worry she didn’t have. “It was a life-changing gift for me,” she shared.

Now, Deborah is a partner at an accounting firm in Mobile, Alabama, and an active member of the MUW Foundation, where she is set to become chairman. The foundation is celebrating its 60th anniversary of helping students achieve their dreams.

Nora Miller, the president of MUW, expressed gratitude for the foundation’s legacy. “Through six decades, the MUW Foundation has profoundly impacted our students and faculty,” she said. The foundation began in 1965 with two modest gifts of $1,000. Today, it boasts an endowment exceeding $69 million, a testament to its growth and the support it has garnered.

Jenny Katool, the chair of the MUW Foundation Board, highlights the importance of these contributions. “The foundation empowers students to achieve their fullest potential,” she noted. This is evidenced by initiatives like the “Dollars for a Strong Tomorrow” campaign, which, in the late 1980s, raised over $850,000 to keep programs alive during a challenging time.

In recent years, campaigns have exceeded their fundraising goals, resulting in new scholarships and improved facilities. For instance, the “Be the Light Campaign,” which aimed for $15 million over five years, not only met but surpassed its goals and was eventually raised to $25 million.

Ruth Jones, a board member since the early 2000s, wanted to give back to the university that shaped her life. She enjoys connecting with current students, often hearing their aspirations. “You see this continuation of the Long Blue Line,” Ruth remarked, reflecting on the legacy of support that has transcended generations.

Deborah feels the same. “I love interacting with students and hearing about their journeys,” she said. She attributed the foundation’s endowment growth to responsible management and the hard work of its leaders.

As they celebrate 60 years, both Deborah and Ruth feel a deep honor in serving the MUW community. “It’s a privilege to support future generations,” Ruth stated. For Deborah, it’s a full-circle moment that continues to inspire her.

For more on the MUW Foundation, visit MUW Foundation.

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