Familiar Faces Pay It Forward to Next Generation of Student-Athletes

Ole Miss Athletics Foundation strategies result in banner year of support from former players

OXFORD, Miss. – The Ole Miss Athletics Foundation reports a significant increase in recent financial support received from former University of Mississippi student-athletes. Most contributions from the former Rebel players are directed to the Vaught Society, an umbrella organization that includes major gifts to Ole Miss athletics and gifts in kind. Also included are giftsRead the story …

Alumnus Supports Life Impact of Sports

Jessups make major gift to Ole Miss athletics campaign

OXFORD, Miss. – Ross Jessup, a 1985 graduate of the University of Mississippi, and his wife, Lisa, have made a major gift to Champions. Now., the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation‘s campaign to improve facilities for student-athletes. The Jessups live in Austin, Texas, where they have raised four sons, all of whom played various team andRead the story …

Women’s Council Honors Smith as Emerging Young Philanthropist

Former Ole Miss women's basketball player, business leader celebrated for service

OXFORD, Miss. – After sharing her exceptional athletic skills with her University of Mississippi women’s basketball teammates back in the 2000s, Tywanna (Inmon) Smith devotes much of her time and talents to improving the lives of new generations of student-athletes. Whether Smith is providing financial support to young female athletes with her scholarship program orRead the story …

Welcome Home: UM Reunites Military Family for Unforgettable Weekend

Father, family reunited at Ole Miss football game as a part of Ole Miss Wish

OXFORD, Miss. – Four young boys ran into their father’s arms Saturday (Nov. 4) in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, kneeling and crying as they met him on the field. For a moment, it didn’t matter that 65,680 people were focused on the reunion in the roaring stadium. It didn’t matter that the four boys had just ledRead the story …

Alumnus Helps Improve Facilities for Ole Miss Student-Athletes

Dustin Todd cites myriad of experiences, importance of athletics for regional economy as motivators

OXFORD, Miss. – A young University of Mississippi graduate’s desire to give back to his alma mater was borne from a myriad of experiences, including memorable football games he attended, involvement in campus politics and family ties to Ole Miss. Dustin Todd, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and history in 2007, hasRead the story …

Payne Esports Facility Dedicated

Ceremony honors family who provided major support

OXFORD, Miss. – A Hattiesburg family was honored Thursday (Nov. 2) with the dedication of the Payne Family Esports Facility at the University of Mississippi, celebrating a Division I program that serves as a strong student recruitment tool. Jennifer and Abb Payne and their children Ford and Arden were the focus of a tribute fromRead the story …

Martins Remain Rebels at Heart After Career Journey

Couple donates to scholarship fund and athletics

OXFORD, Miss. – Even after spending decades away from Oxford and the University of Mississippi, Don and Cathy Martin always felt that the town and school were home. The couple recently honored the long-term love they’ve had for the university with donations to a scholarship fund and the Vaught Society, a fundraising program of theRead the story …

Yearlong Initiative to Promote, Study Wellness on Campus

Effort to help students, faculty, staff understand importance of social, mental and physical well-being

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi is launching a new project to raise awareness of wellness services and assess the campus environment surrounding physical, mental and social health. The yearlong Chancellor’s GROVE Well-Being Initiative aims to help students, faculty and staff understand the importance of wellness and the challenges faced by individuals going throughRead the story …

Meet the Man Behind ‘First Down, Ole Miss’

Alumnus Glen Waddle still enjoys announcing games after 25 years

OXFORD, Miss. – Glen Waddle (BPA 77, JD 80), public address announcer for Ole Miss football for more than a quarter-century, has no plans to quit anytime soon. “If they don’t want me anymore, that’s a different thing,” the University of Mississippi alumnus said. “But as long as I’m ambulatory, I want to keep workingRead the story …

Former UM Wide Receiver Continues Legacy of Giving

Realtree founder invests in next generation of Ole Miss Rebels

OXFORD, Miss. – Bill Jordan’s most recent gift to the University of Mississippi‘s athletics programs represents his desire to see current and future student-athletes succeed. “Even here at our office, I do everything for the next generation,” said Jordan, creator and CEO of Realtree, a major maker of camouflage hunting gear. “We’ve been very fortunateRead the story …