The announcement of the new goal of The Campaign for Mississippi State came during halftime ceremonies at the Arkansas State football game. Linda Karen Smith, professor of music education, sang "Keep the Flame Burning," the campaign's theme song.

Campaign for Mississippi State tops goal, raises sights to $110 million

Campaign leaders announced Oct. 1 that gifts, pledges, and deferred gift commitments to the university's first comprehensive fund-raising drive have reached $82 million. The campaign officially began on July 1, 1992, with a goal of $78 million, and will continue as scheduled through mid 1997.

"Thanks to the generosity of many friends of Mississippi State and the hard work of very dedicated volunteers, we have achieved a level of early success that few would have thought possible when we began just over two years ago," said James K. Ashford, national general chairman of the campaign.

Of the $82 million total, more than $24.3 million, or about 30 percent, is in the form of outright gifts. Another $24.3 million is in pledges payable over a five-year period from the date of the commitment. And about $33.3 million, or just over 40 percent, is in deferred gifts that will be realized at some time in the future. No government grants or contracts are included.

"Already, we have raised more in private support than any such effort in the history of higher education in Mississippi," Ashford said. "But we have the potential to do much more."

The campaign already is helping the university to expand scholarship and financial aid offerings, with more than $18 million of the total commitments targeted for that purpose. A variety of educational programs are being enhanced, with more than $31 million of total commitments designated by the donors for such needs.

Brick and mortar projects are among the most visible products of the campaign, with about $17 million committed for that purpose. Among the building projects receiving major boosts from campaign contributions:

• The Joe Frank Sanderson Center, a $19 million indoor recreation facility, is in the planning stages. A substantial portion of the cost will be covered by a gift from alumnus Joe Frank Sanderson Sr. of Laurel, retired chairman of Sanderson Farms.
• The cafeteria, now Perry Hall, will be renovated and preserved with the aid of a gift from Mrs. Jane Perry of Mobile, Ala., in honor of her late husband, former alumni association president George D. Perry.
• A new chemical engineering building will be constructed near the central campus with the aid of a $7 million commitment from alumnus Dave C. Swalm of Houston, Texas, chairman of Texas Olefins Co.