Four years ago when the idea of involving women more directly with the University of Mississippi Foundation was first conceived, it was merely a dream that major corporations would ultimately play a part in the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy.
Recently the FedEx Corp. of Memphis established the Fedex Council Scholarship Endowment fund with a gift of $150,000, becoming one of the first corporations to participate in the innovative Women’s Council initiative.
“We believe the Women’s Council is a model for mentoring. The FedEx Council Scholarship Endowment is a wholesome and unique opportunity for FedEx to invest in the entire student,” says Rose Jackson Flenorl, manager of global community relations and philanthropy for FedEx and an Ole Miss graduate.
Part of the FedEx Corp. gift benefits the administration of the Women’s Council Leadership/Mentorship Program.
“I think it is wonderful that a company such as FedEx not only endows a scholarship for a very deserving student, but they also recognize the opportunities that come with the extracurricular activities offered by the Leadership/Mentorship Program,” says Molly Meisenheimer, director of the program for the Women’s Council.
The vision of the founding council members focused on a mentoring program that would nourish, assist and prepare young scholars. The council scholars now meet with mentors on a regular basis, and professionals in the students’ chosen fields are to assist them throughout their college careers.
“Council scholars are recipients of a vision that is not attainable through traditional scholarship programs,” says Meisenheimer. In addition to the mentoring program, Council scholars have opportunities to broaden their education through field trips like the one they are taking to New York this summer.
“This kind of scholarship program is truly very moving,” says Flenorl. “It is a national model and destined for success.”
An average of five to seven Women’s Council scholarships are awarded annually to students entering the freshmen class at Ole Miss. Scholarships are in the amount of $20,000 for a four-year tenure.
Individuals and organizations who wish to learn more about the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy can contact Ellen Rolfes or Molly Meisenheimer at the University of Mississippi Foundation at (662) 915-5944 or 800-340-9542 or e-mail umf@olemiss.edu
Chancellor Robert Khayat, from left, Rose Flenorl, Edith Kelly-Green
and Mike Glenn