Ole Miss Office of Development

09/04/2026

Award-winning from cover to cover!

Remarkable Impact, the University of Mississippi Foundation's Annual Report, earned Best of Category for Coating & Film Lamination in the 2026 Printing Industry Association of the South Graphic Awards. We’re proud to see this special publication recognized for excellence in print and creativity.

Wendell Weakley, president and CEO of the University of Mississippi Foundation; from left, Anna Langley, foundation vice president; Amy Howell, graphic designer; Tina Hahn, director of communications for the Office of Development; Bill Dabney, foundation manager of integrated marketing communications; Doug Hederman, president and CEO of Hederman Brothers printing company; and Ashley Martin, account manager with Hederman Brothers; gathered to celebrate the award.

Winners were announced at the 2026 PIAS Annual Convention in Destin, Florida.

09/02/2026

What an inspiring legacy!
Dr. Jon C. Ziarko, a lifelong educator and world traveler, has left a $660,000 estate gift to the University of Mississippi to create the Jon C. Ziarko Memorial Scholarship Endowment.

This fund will help future teachers pursue their dreams and continue the work he cared so deeply about. His generosity will touch countless lives—both in the classroom and beyond—for years to come.

A beautiful reminder of how one person’s passion for education can make a difference that lasts forever.

STORY: https://zurl.co/TBfgP

08/31/2026

Maxwell Pearson of Lexington, VA; Sam Storm of Madison, MS; and Andrew Brock of Greenwood, MS; have been named the 2026 recipients of the Kelly, Kelly and Wilbanks Memorial Scholarship, which was created to carry on the legacies of the late Sam Clayton Kelly, Walker Kelly and Mason Wilbanks. These Kappa Alpha members and Ole Miss freshmen lost their lives in a 2011 car accident. Pictured with the scholars are Jamison Wilbanks (brother of Mason Wilbanks), far left, and Sam and Kim Kelly (parents of Sam Clayton), far right.

08/28/2026

Thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners, the 25th Mississippi Miracles Radiothon raised $290,315 for Children's of Mississippi. The annual event helps ensure children and families across Mississippi have access to the specialized care they need close to home.

Read more: https://zurl.co/wb4og

08/26/2026

Dr. Bob Bennett's $250,000 gift to the University of Mississippi Medical Center will help enhance the Norman C. Nelson Student Union, creating greater opportunities for students to build community, foster collaboration, and maintain balance during their professional training.

STORY: https://zurl.co/eQX9M

08/24/2026

First day of Fall 2026!

08/21/2026

An investment in students is an investment in tomorrow.

Margaret and John Barker are giving back to Ole Miss through gifts that support the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy and the School of Journalism and New Media. Their generosity will help provide scholarships, mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities that empower students to learn, lead, and succeed.

Read more: https://zurl.co/s9H1i

University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media
Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy

08/20/2026

THANK YOU!

$284.6 MILLION!

A record-breaking year of private support for Ole Miss and our third consecutive record fundraising year.

Thank you to the 28,000 donors who continue to believe in the future of Ole Miss. Hotty Toddy!

Full Story: https://bit.ly/4cOZtfq

08/19/2026

A legacy of love. A future of hope.

In memory of his wife, Jean, Ron Yarbrough has made a $1 million gift to support the Cancer Center and Research Institute at UMMC. His generosity will help bring advanced cancer care and research closer to home for Mississippi families, making a difference for generations to come.

STORY: https://zurl.co/yqnzB

UMMC Cancer Center and Research Institute

08/17/2026

South Florida's newest Rebels are Oxford-bound! ❤️💙

Thank you to PSOA alumna Meredith Kallaher and her husband, Vince, for hosting a sendoff at American Social in Miami and helping welcome our incoming Ole Miss freshmen and their families. !