UMMC Office of Development

08/25/2026

Teamwork Starts Here! 💙

Employee Giving Week is underway, and we’d love to see you at one of our Employee Giving tables! Together, we can make an even bigger impact. Every gift—no matter the size—helps support the incredible work happening across UMMC and makes a difference for our patients, students, faculty and staff.

📅 Here’s where you can find us for the rest of the week:

Tuesday, Aug. 25
📍 2nd Floor South Elevators/Wing, University Hospital
Near entrance to Methodist Rehab Building
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 26
📍 Children’s of Mississippi, Sanderson Tower Community Room
⏰ 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

📍 Colony Park North (Ridgeland), Small Seminar Room 1
⏰ 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

📍 Colony Park South (Ridgeland)
⏰ 1–2:30 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 27
📍 UMMC North Wing (Original School of Medicine Entrance)
⏰ 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

📍 Learning Resources Center, 2nd Floor Lobby
⏰ 2–5 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 28
📍 Norman C. Nelson Student Union — Tent Outside
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Stop by, say hello and learn how your gift can help make a difference. We hope to see you there! 💙

Visit https://umc.edu/Development/Where/Employee-Giving.html to learn more!

08/25/2026

Jane’s platform is Literacy Without Limits, and during her visit, she spent time with our patients and shared the joy of reading by handing out books. 📚❤️

Next weekend, Jane will head out to compete for the title of Miss America! 👑 We’re especially proud of her connection to Children’s of Mississippi as a four-year member of RebelTHON. Most recently, she served as the organization’s Graduate Assistant, helping lead RebelTHON to surpass the $300,000 fundraising mark for the first time in its history.

We’re cheering you on, Jane! Best of luck as you take the stage! 💙

08/24/2026

A record-breaking year for UMMC! 🎉

Donors contributed $93.2 million in fiscal year 2025-26 to advance patient care, education and research across Mississippi. From the historic It’s About Time: The Campaign for the Cancer Center and Research Institute to transformational gifts supporting Children’s of Mississippi and nursing education, every gift is helping move UMMC’s mission forward.

We’re grateful to every donor, patient, alum, employee and community partner who believes in a healthier Mississippi. 💙

08/22/2026

🎶💚 Country music singer-songwriter Shane Profitt brought a little extra joy to Children’s of Mississippi when he stopped by to visit with patients and share some of his music. 🎤✨

While touring with Luke Bryan, Shane took time to sing a few songs, brighten the halls, and spend time with the children and families. 🥰🎵

His visit was a wonderful reminder that sometimes a little music, a kind smile, and a few moments of connection can make a big difference during a child’s hospital stay. 💚🌟

We’re grateful to Shane for sharing his time and talent with our patients! 🎶🫶

08/21/2026

A personal journey through cancer inspired Jackson attorney Ron Yarbrough to make a lasting investment in the future of cancer care in Mississippi. His $1 million gift to UMMC's Cancer Center and Research Institute honors the memory of his wife, Jean, while helping more patients access advanced treatment closer to home.

A personal journey through cancer inspired Jackson attorney Ron Yarbrough to make a lasting investment in the future of cancer care in Mississippi. His $1 million gift to UMMC's Cancer Center and Research Institute honors the memory of his wife, Jean, while helping more patients access advanced treatment closer to home.

Read the full story: https://www.umfoundation.com/2026/08/07/a-legacy-of-hope/

08/21/2026

Love’s Travel Stops Balloon Campaign starts today! 🎈

Customers can support Children’s of Mississippi by purchasing balloon icons to display throughout the store or making a donation through round-up at checkout. Find participating Mississippi Love’s locations in Canton, Flowood, Hattiesburg, Lake, Magee, Sandersville, Toomsuba, McComb and Vicksburg. Every $1, $5 or $20 donation helps make a difference for Mississippi children and families! ❤️

08/21/2026

Congratulations to Gordon Gartrell on his appointment as the new Director of Nursing Services for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Children’s Emergency Department (CED), and Children’s Transport at Children’s of Mississippi!

Alumni Spotlight: UMMC School of Nursing alumnus Gordon Gartrell (BSN’14, MSN’20)

Please join us in congratulating Gordon Gartrell on his appointment as the new Director of Nursing Services for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Children’s Emergency Department (CED), and Children’s Transport at Children’s of Mississippi!

Gordon has served as Nurse Manager of the PICU, where he has demonstrated a strong commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, operational performance and developing high-performing teams. His leadership has helped advance quality outcomes, workforce engagement and collaboration across disciplines.

In his new role, Gordon will provide strategic and operational leadership across three critical areas serving some of Mississippi’s sickest children. His focus on accountability, teamwork, continuous learning and compassionate, patient- and family-centered care will continue to make a meaningful difference for children and families.

Congratulations, Gordon! We are proud to celebrate your continued leadership and the impact you are making at Children’s of Mississippi. 💙

08/20/2026

Nominations for Alumni Awards are Open! Do you know a deserving alum? All UMMC Alumni are Eligible for Nomination! Anyone Can Submit a Nomination!
Click on link below to make your nomination!
https://umc.edu/.../Alumni-of-the-Year-Nominations.html

08/18/2026

🎉🙌

08/17/2026

UMMC Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Beau Lowery

During his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech, New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees made sure to recognize someone who played an important role in his NFL career, UMMC graduate Dr. Beau Lowery.

Brees thanked Lowery, his longtime physical therapist of nearly a decade, for being part of his journey with the Saints. Today, Lowery serves as Vice President of Player Health & Performance for the Denver Broncos, bringing with him a career shaped in part by his education and experiences at UMMC’s School of Health Related Professions.

A two-time UMMC graduate, Lowery earned his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy in 1998 and his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2014. During his time with the Saints, he also helped launch SHRP’s sports physical therapy residency program.

“Not only did I receive an outstanding education at UMMC, but some of the SHRP faculty became mentors,” Lowery said. “That experience put me on my professional path, so I was happy to play a role in the development of a formal residency program in the school.”

From the classroom to the NFL sidelines, Dr. Lowery’s UMMC story is one of education, mentorship and impact and we’re proud to see his work recognized on one of football’s biggest stages. 🏈

Learn more about UMMC’s School of Health Related Professions: www.umc.edu/shrp