Released October 13, 2004

SOUTHERN MISS' $100M COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN RESULT

HATTIESBURG-The University of Southern Mississippi President Dr. Shelby F. Thames, along with the presidents of the three university foundations and the Alumni Association, will jointly announce the results of the $100 Million Campaign for Southern Miss on Homecoming Day.

The announcement will take place at 3 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Honor House, located at the corner Smalling and Felder streets on the Hattiesburg campus. Southern Miss launched its first-ever comprehensive campaign in July 1997, with a goal of securing $100 million by June 30, 2004. Funds raised during the campaign will allow expansion of the research output, nurture economic development partnerships and support certification/accreditation for every program available at Southern Miss.

The six campaign priorities-merit scholarships, faculty and staff development, Gulf Park campus expansion, libraries and technology, athletics and other gifts, including the Founders' Society membership-were developed with input from faculty and staff, administration, development and athletic personnel, alumni and friends of the university who focused on specific concerns that influence the university's level of excellence.

Reported campaign gifts include cash, pledges, planned gifts and in-kind donations. The USM Foundation, Research Foundation and Athletic Foundation are nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporations that serve as fiduciaries of all private funds donated to Southern Miss.

For more information about the campaign, call the USM Foundation at (601) 266-5602.