Help students make it through when family crises occur

This fund was established as a safety net for students who may experience an unexpected tragedy or life event. It provides resources for students undergoing a family emergency so their studies can continue.

Have you ever received "the call" from a loved one and wondered how you and your family would get through it? In that moment, many things seem to flash before your eyes; your perspective on the day totally changes.

What would you do if you got "the call" while in college? Well, for the Holman sisters, this call came and their experience inspired a call to action. Four of the five sisters were attending Ole Miss when their father Christopher C. Holman was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. Through university funds available at the time, they were able to continue their schoolwork while caring for their family when they needed family the most.

Together, in memory of their father, the sisters created this fund to ensure this kind of support can continue to be offered to Ole Miss students, who may experience hard times due to things like natural disaster, death of loved ones or unexpected illness. Please make a gift to sustain this fund and help students make it through the tough times, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic.

No matter how big or small, your gift can provide for students when plans get upended. You can help them get their next meal, their next textbook, or their plane ticket home when family needs them the most.

Will you make a gift now? You'll be helping members of our Ole Miss family get through it.

More details:

How did the Christopher Holman Fund start?

Christopher C. Holman was diagnosed with late-stage cancer while his daughters were still attending University of Mississippi. Four of his daughters relied on the Ole Miss Family and were able to continue their schoolwork while caring for their father. The five daughters created the memorial fund to ensure such support can be offered to other Ole Miss students who may experience hard times while in school.

Who was Christopher C. Holman?

After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1979 on a Navy ROTC scholarship, Holman, a Washington, D.C. area native, was commissioned and served in the U.S. Navy until 1982, then returned to Falls Church to join the family business.

What did the Holman sisters have to say about the impact of the fund?

“Family meant everything to our dad; he was a devoted parent. During the difficult time before his passing, we were fortunate enough to have a strong support system which included the University of Mississippi.” - Evalyn Holman

“During our time at Ole Miss we grew many wonderful relationships with faculty members who supported us while we were balancing school and caring for our dad.” - Virginia Holman 

“It can be very difficult to manage schoolwork, jobs and a normal routine when your personal life is majorly disrupted by an emergency; with this endowment gift we hope we can help alleviate some form of the stressors to students who may find themselves needing it the most.” - Meredith Holman 

“Ole Miss was always referred to as such a happy place, truly an extension of home, so when it came to deciding where to spend your years after high school, it was an easy decision.” - Emma Holman

When would students request aid from this fund?

The fund offers immediate one-time financial assistance to current Ole Miss students who are facing hardships. Catastrophic weather events, a death in the family, or an unexpected illness are all examples of unforeseen disaster and hardships students can face. In the wake of COVID-19, an increasing number of students request support from this fund. Students need your support during such hard times.

We encourage you to share our page and this great cause. Every gift and share is greatly appreciated as we seek to support students during these challenging times. 

Thank you for your time and support!