Alumnus Magazine | Summer 2020

INFINITE IMPACT
$1.07
BILLION
TOTAL RAISED
Campaign achieves historic success
By Amy Cagle
A decade has passed since Mississippi State University
boldly launched an unprecedented comprehensive
campaign that would become the most ambitious in the
institution’s 142-year journey. Now, MSU is making history
with the Infinite Impact Campaign as it concludes with
more than $1.07 billion in private support, including
$285.2 million raised in planned gifts, distinguishing the
university as the first institution in Mississippi to realize this
monumental landmark of philanthropic support.
Infinite Impact began in July 2010 with a $600 million
goal sought by the calendar end 2018. In an outpouring
of support, MSU exceeded its initial goal three years ahead
of schedule as nearly 52,000 benefactors, of which 20,500
were first-time contributors, made commitments. Because
of this overwhelming support, in April 2016, the MSU
Foundation board of directors and MSU President
Mark E. Keenum formally extended the campaign’s goal
to $1 billion, the largest goal ever set forth by the university.
As leadership forged ahead with Infinite Impact,
spreading the message through alumni, friends, parents,
faculty and students, there was a shared desire to build
on the institution’s achievements and positively impact
every aspect of university life. In particular, the campaign
name Infinite Impact reflected the strength of MSU’s
eight academic colleges and their collective number,
which turned horizontally, gave symbolic meaning for
the university’s quest—infinity. It is through its academic
colleges that MSU accomplishes its mission with its core
people—dedicated and talented students and creative and
esteemed faculty.
Over its course, Infinite Impact revolved around five
central themes—success, discovery, outreach, globalization
and experience. And MSU made great strides with
these overarching concepts as it pursued gifts for areas
universitywide, including the academic colleges, the Judy
and Bobby Shackouls Honors College, MSU Libraries,
MSU-Meridian, and athletics.
The success of this historical campaign could not
have been possible without the philanthropic support
of 72,747 dedicated alumni, friends, corporations and
other organizations. It is evident through these gifts that
Mississippi State is a valuable asset to the state of Mississippi
and the nation. Mississippi State is an exceptional place
where students gain a unique combination of academics and
outstanding professional preparation and where high-caliber
faculty place top priority on teaching students. And an
institution that places an active, integral role in the quality
and economic growth of its home state and nation.
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