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Thank you for your generous support. While this project has ended you can still support this campaign by visiting https://umfoundation.com/ignite.
Each year, the student body elects two outstanding students as Mr. and Miss Ole Miss to represent the University of Mississippi. In addition to the recognition at halftime of the Homecoming game in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the two are charged with establishing a philanthropy.
In concert with each other and the core values of the university, Mr. and Miss Ole Miss 2021, Ian Pigg and Madison Gordon, are creating a scholarship fund for first-generation college students to make sure that everyone can have the resources to attend Ole Miss.
To succeed, Ian and Madison need your help! Your gifts will make a real, life-changing impact on first-generation college students and the state of Mississippi for years to come.
In 2019, students established the First-Generation Student Network to offer support and encouragement to their fellow first-generation college students at Ole Miss. In just two years, that network has grown to host a celebration week in October with speakers from across the university’s administration. The network boasts more than 80 members, including Mr. Ole Miss Ian Pigg.
This scholarship established by Mr. and Miss Ole Miss is the next step in making UM more welcoming to first-generation students.
“First-generation college students are dreamers — they aspire to new heights and overcome several unique obstacles on the path to higher education,” said First-Generation Student Network President Andy Flores. “That can be incredibly difficult, given limited financial and social resources. This scholarship is a wonderful way to empower first-generation college students, their ability to succeed in the face of obstacles, and the value they bring to our campus.”
Help Ian and Madison meet their goal of giving back and be a part of something larger than any one person. Consider giving to the First-Gen Fund today!
The First-Generation Students Network and Center for Student Success and First Year Experience's StudentsFIRST program held a weeklong celebration of first-generation students in November.
The Class of 2022 has had quite a ride at the University of Mississippi, full of ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. Ian and Madison know that the challenges faced by all students these past four years have hit first-generation students even harder than their peers. To commemorate their victory as they graduate in May, please give!
More than 80 percent of students at Ole Miss use some form of financial aid to help pay for their education expenses. For first-generation students, that number is even greater. Make sure all students who need financial assistance have access: make a gift today!
The University of Mississippi is the best in the state at welcoming freshmen and arming them with the tools they need to be successful in college. The Freshman Year Experience class, or EDHE 105, has been critical to the success of the First Year Experience program at Ole Miss. One section of the class is open exclusively to first-generation students to address their unique needs. Support their journey with a gift of $105!
Students pay an average of $400 per semester to buy their books for every class. Your gift can cover that cost for a first-generation student.
Meal plans for students average $1,500 per semester. We know that first-generation students are more likely to be food insecure and skip meals. Your gift to the First-Gen Fund will help a student afford a full meal plan for the semester.