Mississippi State University announced Wednesday its capital fundraising campaign, Infinite Impact, has raised approximately $503.1 million and is closing in on its $600 million goal.
The university quietly secured almost $345 million since 2010 when it publicly announced the fundraiser two years ago. The funds will be used to secure long-range planning efforts for the school’s eight academic colleges, the Judy and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, library, athletics department and MSU’s Meridian campus.
All outright gifts, pledges and deferred gifts through 2018, including those to the Bulldog Club, will be considered contributions to the fundraiser.
“The continued success of Infinite Impact shows the confidence that alumni and friends are placing in Mississippi State and its ability to excel as a premier institution of higher learning,” said MSU President Mark Keenum in a release. “MSU continues to play a critical role in moving our state forward and in forging a path of national and global impacts in education and research.”
Almost 50,000 individual contributors have participated in the Infinite Impact fundraiser, the release states. Since its inception, the campaign has created 325 new endowed scholarships and 24 endowed faculty positions.
“Infinite Impact is already by far the most successful campaign in our institution’s history,” said John Rush, MSU Foundation CEO and vice president for development and alumni. “Three years remain in our initial time frame, however we anticipate surpassing the $600 million mark ahead of schedule because of record years of support from generous contributors.”
Two previous fundraising campaigns — one from 1992-1997 and another from 2001-2008 — raised more than $600 million combined.
Vet school holds ACMACE accreditation
MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, one of 26 U.S. veterinary schools, was recently reaccredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education, the university also announced Wednesday.
Reaccreditation is granted for up to seven years, a release states, and the council used 11 standards to evaluate the program, including curriculum, clinical resources, finances, facilities, faculty members and research programs.
Commitment and success in carrying out its mission is also weighed during assessment.
“We are certainly pleased that the COE has reaffirmed our accreditation. (Approval) is recognized internationally for reaching the highest standards,” said MSU-CVM Dean Kent Hoblet in a release. “It’s a long, intense process, but it really gives us a chance to evaluate our educational programs, outreach and research. We have a lot to be proud of here, and we are thankful that the COE decision affirms our belief that we have a cadre of talented faculty, staff and students.”
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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