Updates from the Office of Development
By: Harold Brewer
Harold Brewer
Gifts Officer
The University of Mississippi Medical Center's Office of Development supports the UMMC School of Nursing through various funding opportunities. In each issue, we invite you to learn more about alumni gifts, spotlight on a growing scholarship fund, ways to support the school and how to stay connected with the Office of Development. If I can ever help you and/or tell you of an area of needed support, please connect with me at the contact information below.
Building fund naming opportunities
A special thank you to two more donors who have made their pledges for our new School of Nursing building. Jenny Moffitt has pledged $100,000 towards the instructional innovation lab that will be housed in the historical University Rehabilitation Center building. Dr. Kellie Agueze has also made her pledge totaling $500,000 for the auditorium in the building. The School of Nursing also wishes to extend its greatest appreciation for all of the generous donations received so far for our new building!
Listed below, in no particular order, are just some naming opportunities still available. Commitments may be paid over multiple years, and the start date is flexible. If you want to speak more about how and where you can leave your legacy in the new building, contact our Gifts Officer, Harold Brewer. Donations can also be made at umc.edu/givenow.
Naming Opportunities Available| Courtyard: $1,000,000 | Simulation room: $100,000 |
| Student lounge: $250,000 | Tutoring/counseling room: $50,000 |
| Debriefing room: $50,000 | Dean’s suite: $350,000 |
| Mindfulness center: $250,000 | Faculty and staff lounge: $250,000 |
| Faculty resource room: $50,000 | Research suite: $150,000 |
Supporter spotlight on the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi
The Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM), named in honor of the first African American nurse to be employed by the Mississippi State Department of Health Eliza Farish Pillars, serves as the oldest recorded minority nurses’ organization. Its membership is comprised of a diverse group of registered nurses and encompasses a rich array of skills, expertise, educational preparation, specialties and areas of practice. This organization participates in numerous events that promote health and wellness to the community and its members.
This organization is dedicated to excellence in health care and strongly supports education. The organization provides educational and networking opportunities for nurses and participants with an Annual February Update and State Convention. A broad spectrum of educational resources promotes other educational opportunities. The 2024 annual convention will be held in Biloxi from May 2-5 at the Golden Nugget. This year’s theme is “Generating Solutions for the Challenges in Nursing.”
Mission—The EPRNM is committed to promoting distinguished community leadership and partnering with other organizations to provide health care education and other community services. The EPRNM mentors student nurses, awards nursing scholarships and supports the continuing education needs of its members and recognizes their professional achievements.
Vision—Our vision is to be the premier professional organization for African Americans or diverse nurses in Mississippi. Exceptional leadership in the community, health, education and services characterizes our vision and legislative issues related to health care and nursing practice.
Philosophy—The members of the EPRNM believe that man is a one time on earth unique human being. It is our belief that people, because of their uniqueness, should be treated as individuals with dignity, worth, and respect. We, as the Eliza Pillars nurses, are responsible, caring and compassionate toward humanity, especially those individuals who require nursing skills.
The members of the EPRNM are encouraged to:
- Share knowledge and nursing innovations that will enhance nursing skills, thereby enabling members to serve at their highest competent level.
- Work for improvement of health standards and the availability of health care services.
- Participate actively in the betterment of the nursing profession along with the advancement of education and health care.
The objectives of the EPRNM shall be to:
- Recruit, counsel and assist minorities interested in nursing and to ensure a continued procession into the nursing field.
- Influence the development of relevant approaches to nursing education.
- Collaborate with other health care organizations to compile archives relevant to historical, current and future activities of minority nurses.
- Make charitable contributions to assist in community health care screening and health fairs.
Association Districts
- District I - Tupelo, MS - Organized 1989
- District II - Greenville, MS - Organized 1988
- District III - Columbus, MS - Organized 1987; Inactive
- District IV - Jackson, MS - Organized 1945
- District V - Meridian, MS - Organized 1985
- District VI - Natchez, MS - Organized 1985
- District VII - Biloxi, MS - Organized 1988; Inactive
(Hattiesburg, MS: Organized 1992; 2013; Inactive)
Ways to support the SON
New building support
- The new SON building cost is partially covered by $55 million in Coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds authorized by the federal American Recovery Plan Act (APRA) and appropriated by the Mississippi Legislature in 2022. UMMC is responsible for raising an additional $10 to $15 million for the building and ongoing programmatic needs. Naming opportunities are available and begin at $10,000.
Programmatic Support
- Nurse Managed Clinic Support: Funding to support capital, personnel and programmatic needs
- Nursing Student Support: With a growing number of first-generation college students, there is an increased need for student support funds to help students from educationally disadvantaged, underrepresented populations. This includes scholarships but also helping with those social determinants of health needs. Currently, there are no funds available to students who need food for money to pay utility bills.
Endowment
- Nursing Student Endowed Funds: Endowed funds provide ongoing support for the school and benefit generations of nursing students. The principal amount is invested, and the interest earned through the principal donation is used to fund ongoing school needs, ensuring the future of the endowment and students.
Scholarship
- Nursing Student Scholarships: Scholarships are important forms of student aid as they navigate their nursing education. With over 800 currently enrolled nursing students, scholarships allow us to meet a critical need in our recruitment and retention efforts. An affordable education is important to solving Mississippi's nursing shortage. Deserving students can receive a quality education with your philanthropic support.
Legacy Gifts
- Through gift planning, you can provide long-lasting support for UMMC SON while enjoying financial benefits for yourself. Below are some ways to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation of nursing leaders.
- Bequests
- IRA Charitable Rollover
- Beneficiary Designation Gifts
- Charitable Gift Annuity
How to connect
Harold Brewer
Gifts Officer
Institutional Advancement, Office of Development
University of Mississippi Medical Center
2500 North State Street
Jackson, MS 39216
Office: 601-815-3738
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