Internet contributions mean dividends

Mississippi State's recent move to accept contributions over the Internet already is paying dividends, including a single $10,000 electronic donation to the university's annual giving program.

In April, Mississippi State became one of the first institutions in the country to implement a secure server on its World Wide Web site. Alumni and friends now can make contributions in complete confidentiality over the international computer network.

To date, some 17 gifts totaling nearly $15,000 have been received.

"It's really been a pleasant surprise considering we have made no formal solicitation for this effort," said J. Mark Hutchins, annual giving program director.

Hutchins said the electronic connection allows supporters to use a credit card to make a gift. Persons visiting the web site easily can complete a form indicating the contribution's amount and designation, as well as credit card identification information.

The server then conducts an encrypted transaction, with no chance of an intermediary obtaining any credit card information, Hutchins said. The alumni association office acknowledges the gift when it is received and the transaction is indicated on the donor's credit card billing statement.

The web site server is accessed at <http://msuinfo.ur.msstate.edu/alumni/>. Users then can click on "Annual Fund."