A $250,000 gift from Denny and Faye King to the University of Mississippi will upgrade facilities for student-athletes.
A longtime donor to the university, King said he feels “an obligation and desire to share [his] good fortune with Ole Miss.”
King, a graduate of the School of Business Administration, lives in Madison, Mississippi, and is the president of Hesselbein Tire Co. of Jackson.
Long before he was a student, King had an affinity for the university’s sports programs.
“I remember watching Ole Miss football as a 10-year-old and always wanting to go there,” King recalled. “I got my wish and then some.”
Along with his wife, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history from UM in 1964, King’s family has followed in his footsteps in pursuing degrees at Ole Miss. His two sons, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren have all passed through the university’s halls.
“For three generations, Ole Miss has provided a lifetime of memories and education for my family and me,” King said. “It’s my desire that all my gifts, whether academic or athletic, will be used to help support and further educational opportunities for deserving students and athletes alike.”
King said that, in addition to his recent gift, he plans to contribute further to the scholarship fund that he and his wife founded: The Denny and Faye King Scholarship Endowment within the School of Business Administration.
Jordie Kindervater, assistant athletics director for development and major gifts, said the Kings “continue to establish themselves as true leaders among our deeply loyal base of university-wide major donors.
“Their continued commitment to elevate the experience and competitive success for our student-athletes and coaches will help accelerate our growth and set a new standard of excellence that their investment will deliver.”
Fowler Staines, CEO of the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation, expressed gratitude for the Kings’ devotion to its programs.
“For so many years, they have been dedicated to contributing toward the success of Ole Miss, and we are thankful for what they have provided and continue to provide,” she said.
Having gained so many memories at Ole Miss, the Kings hope their gift will help future UM students have a similar experience.
“Ole Miss holds a special place in my heart,” King said. “And I hope my continued support will provide the opportunity to create more multigeneration Rebel families.”
For information on supporting Ole Miss Athletics, visit givetoathletics.com or contact Jordie Kindervater at jckinder@olemiss.edu or 662-915-1143.
By Andy Belt/UM Foundation