In 2010, the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy began an annual giving program called the Rose Society in which members contribute $1,000 a year or more to support the mentoring, leadership training and cultural-enrichment activities of the scholarship program. One hundred percent of the proceeds go toward student programming, including activities such as scholar trips, monthly group dinners and leadership training.
“Without the Rose Society, the scholars would not have the quality or quantity of programming that is given to them,” said Mary Ann Frugé, Women’s Council chair.
Rose Society members are presented the opportunity for involvement in mentorship-leadership programs and invited to all of the Women’s Council events as well as an annual signature event limited to Rose Society membership.
“The Rose Society was formed to give the council a means of communicating information about the Women’s Council – its mission, its impact, its needs,” Frugé said. “Sharing scholars’ stories of their experience of the Women’s Council is inspiring and motivates others to contribute to this program that is making a difference in the lives of the scholars.”
In the inaugural year, the society attracted 33 donors. The second year’s roster more than doubled to 74 members. Currently, there are more than 100 members.
“All persons can join and are welcomed,” Frugé said. “There are no restrictions on the number of members: the more members, the better programming for the scholars.”
The council urges anyone interested in the Rose Society to contact the University of Mississippi Foundation.
“We are extremely grateful to our endowment donors for their long-term investment to support the Women’s Council’s vision of shaping a more caring and ethical society,” said Sarah Hollis, UM associate director of development. “Likewise, we are humbled by the tremendous faith our Rose Society members have in the council’s leadership-mentorship programming by providing us with unrestricted use of their contributions.”
For more information on supporting The Ole Miss Women’s Council, please contact Sarah Hollis, Office of Development at (662) 915-1584 or shollis@olemiss.edu.