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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Athletics Donation To Establish Leadership Scholarships
7/14/2005 | Football
July 14, 2005
OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss Rebels' 2004 Cotton Bowl victory got a little sweeter this week as revenue from the bowl game was presented to establish new leadership scholarships.
University of Mississippi Athletics Director Pete Boone announced the $20,000 contribution Wednesday morning in the Lyceum. He hopes future bowl wins will provide funds for additional gifts.
"We are committed to helping develop strong leaders here at Ole Miss," Boone said. "I hope this gift is just the beginning."
The Cotton Bowl win over Oklahoma State generated more than $1 million in additional income for the athletics department. The $20,000 donation, a portion of the proceeds, was given to the Division of Student Life as seed money to establish new leadership scholarships. UM Vice Chancellor for Student Life Thomas Wallace said the scholarships will help recruit deserving students.
"We're happy about the collective spirit between athletics and the Division of Student Life," Wallace said. "This money was donated without any request, so we're thrilled."
In the past, the athletics department has bestowed money to various departments on campus, including the J.D. Williams Library. Boone said this share is for the students.
"Not all students can compete on the playing field," said Rebecca Bertrand, Associated Student Body president. "I'm thankful for the willingness of the athletics department to reach out to the entire student body."
Details about the scholarships, including qualifications and amounts, remain under consideration, but Wallace said the leadership scholarships will be awarded to entering freshmen.
