MSU College of Arts and Sciences honors, acknowledges alumni support
Because of you, our generous alumni and friends, Mississippi State’s College of Arts and Sciences this year is able to provide approximately $450,000 in financial assistance to nearly 180 students through private scholarships established by our alumni, friends and supporters of A&S. Because of the limitless loyalty of our supporters, we are actively in the process of awarding even more for the upcoming Fall 2023—Spring 2024 academic year.
After a two-year, COVID-related hiatus, the College of Arts and Sciences Scholarship Ceremony was reinstated this fall to recognize scholarship recipients and honor the alumni who are funding their academic journeys.
“It was such a special afternoon celebrating the students who worked so hard to earn financial support as they navigate their academic journey at MSU,” said Sara J. Frederic, director of development for the College of Arts and Sciences.
“It is always an extra special day to get to celebrate our students, but most importantly to have the opportunity to connect the student with the loyal supporters who so generously lowered the student’s financial burden so they could focus on their career aspirations and have the ultimate experience within their major of choice,” Frederic said. “It is a true testament of the devotion and compassion of our alumni and friends who support students without even knowing them, establishing scholarship support with the pure intentions of making a student’s journey a little easier.”
Frederic said the scholarship ceremony emphasizes that students who attend MSU leave the university more knowledgeable and confident.
“The joy and laughter that filled that room still resonates when I reflect on that very special day,” Frederic said.
The College of Arts and Sciences also hosted another fall ceremony to honor college alumni—the Smith Family Courtyard recognition—an effort spearheaded by MSU alumna Llana Smith who passed away last summer.
“Llana always doted on her Smith Family heritage, especially how proud she was of her closest cousin, Lt. Col. Richard ‘Gene’ Smith,” Frederic said, noting Llana’s campus visits with her husband Dr. John Rada always included a trip to Gene’s Freedom Tree, previously planted on the MSU Drill Field.
Conversations began in 2018 with Llana and John about how to honor her father—A.B. Smith, also an MSU alumni—as well as the vast majority of the Smith family. Llana and John’s goal was to plan something in conjunction with Gene’s Freedom Tree, planted in honor of Gene Smith’s heroism, patriotism and love for family, Frederic said.
“Sadly, Llana passed away in May of 2022 and was not present at the dedication in October of 2022 with the other members of the Smith Family,” Frederic said. “But, Llana’s favorite flowers—sunflowers—surrounded the area in remembrance of her beautiful vision. The Courtyard she collaborated with her family with on establishing, her perfect dream, came to fruition on that crisp October afternoon.” The recognition ceremony included many members of the Smith family, along with friends, neighbors and MSU officials.
Through the generosity of alumni, Frederic said the College of Arts and Sciences is able to offer “the finest education, engaging this generation as they are trained in areas that will benefit us all in the future.”
“Your continued support provides valuable resources, allowing our students and faculty to thrive through all stages of their academic journeys all while carrying on strong legacies of those like Llana Smith,” Frederic said.