Southaven Mayor Greg Davis (left) presents a $100,000 check on behalf of the city to Dr. Gloria Kellum, vice chancellor for University Relations at the University of Mississippi, and Dr. Gary Lee Spears, president of Northwest Mississippi Community College, during the official announcement of the contribution July 28 at the DeSoto Center. The gift is earmarked for the 2+2 Scholarship Initiative, a five-year effort to raise $1 million in scholarship funds for students attending either Northwest or The University at the DeSoto Center. Students receiving scholarships from the city's endowment must be residents of Southaven.
By Julie R. Bauer
NWCC Public Relations Department
Officials from Northwest Mississippi Community College and The University of Mississippi announced a significant contribution to the 2+2 Scholarship Initiative at DeSoto Center July 28 when Southaven Mayor Greg Davis presented a check for $100,000 to college officials at the center. On hand to accept the gift were Dr. Gary Lee Spears, Northwest president and Dr. Gloria Kellum, University of Mississippi vice chancellor for University Relations.
Northwest Director of Development Sybil Canon began the presentation with a brief history of DeSoto Center and the beginnings of the 2+2 Scholarship Initiative. "As many of you know, where we are standing today at DeSoto Center was once a field," she said. "Thanks to the generosity and vision of the W.E. Ross family, we have a 'field of dreams' in this facility. Two years ago Dr. Kellum and Dr. Bonnie Buntin (University of Mississippi-DeSoto dean) and I sat down and discussed that we had, at DeSoto Center, the best faculty, the best students...the only obstacle was the lack of scholarships. So for the past two years we have been about the business of raising funds for the 2+2 Scholarship Initiative."
Kellum and Foundation representatives of the two colleges visited with Davis several months ago to ask for the city's support. Kellum explained, "It was obvious from the visit that the mayor and Board of Aldermen have a deep appreciation for the 2 + 2 program, and the subsequent gift is a clear indication of the extent of their support." In her comments during the check presentation, she said , "We have done some research, and this is truly a historic happening. Never has a gift of more than $1,000 been received from a city. So to you Mr. Mayor, I say, Wow, what a great day!"
Spears expressed thanks for the contribution on behalf of Northwest and pointed out the gift's benefits to the center, the city, as well as the county. "We are so grateful for this gift that will help students who attend DeSoto Center. We hope they will get their education right here in DeSoto County, and then stay to work here at places like Northwest and The University of Mississippi."
The city's contribution puts the 2+2 Scholarship Initiative, which begun in 2004, well on its way to raising $1 million for scholarships for students attending DeSoto Center from both institutions. "This gift is a reflection of the commitment that the City of Southaven has for education for its citizens," said Canon.
"When I went to the city and Board of Aldermen to request funds for this contribution it was an easy sell," said Davis. "The entire Board believes in education and the benefits that we will eventually see from this contribution. We hope students will attend Northwest and The University of Mississippi at DeSoto Center and then stay in this area to work."
Davis realizes the important role of education to the economic development of his city. Speaking to a group of business and industry representatives at Northwest earlier in the year, Davis applauded the vision of Northwest in establishing a campus in DeSoto County which he describes as vital to recruiting efforts in attracting business and industry to the area.
"We like to say that DeSoto Center is in our own backyard, but its service area reaches farther than anyone realizes," he said.
When the campaign reaches its goal, scholarships will be available to help students find higher education opportunities in DeSoto County.