The Ogletree House Campaign

2005 - 2007

Major Donors to the Campaign  •  Campaign News

What is the Ogletree House Campaign?

What are the Plans for the Ogletree House?

What is My Role in the Campaign?

Who is Powell Ogletree?

What are My Participation Options?

The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association is an organization on the move. Virtually since the Association was started in 1917, we have been in a growth mode. Under the leadership of its first Executive Secretary / Director, Powell Ogletree, and followed by Ron Phillips and now Bob Pierce, the Southern Miss Alumni Association is one of which the entire University and all of its alumni can be proud.

The Alumni Association has played a key role in many landmark decisions and projects involving the University. The change from Mississippi Southern College to The University of Southern Mississippi in 1962, the change of mascots from the Southerners to Golden Eagles in 1972, the fund raising and construction of the President’s Home on Jamestown Road, the passing of SCR 522 in 2003 to change the geographic makeup of the College Board, and annual appropriations from the legislature for general support and buildings have all been influenced by the Alumni Association.

This forward progress continues today. Membership in the Association remains competitive with some of the top alumni associations in the country. The Association quarterly magazine, The Talon, has been recognized as the best alumni association publication in the state by the Collegiate Public Relations Association of Mississippi. The traditions of the University have been documented by the Association and are now not only being promoted to alumni but are also being taught to the current students through The Drawl, the “Legacy of Southern Miss” lecture series, the Founders’ Day celebration, and the painting of the Eagle Walk each year.

Other accomplishments include the initiation of the Legacy Scholars program designed to reward the top Southern Miss legacies who choose to attend their parents’ Alma Mater. The design and subsequent unveiling of the Official Ring in 2003 has been significant for the University. Last year, six billboards featuring some of our most successful alumni went up around south Mississippi. And, the Association now has a comprehensive, five-year strategic overview that is guiding the policy and decision making for the betterment of the organization.

The bragging could continue, but hopefully, this gives a picture of the organization and what it wants to become.

However, there is one aspect of the Association that has not received the attention it deserves. The Ogletree House, once the President’s Home, is to the point where it must receive significant structural and restorative work.

The Campaign for the Restoration and Expansion of the Ogletree House is going to allow the facility to be returned to its original glory as it becomes truly functional for the needs of the Association. This campaign is an opportunity  to once again make Southern Miss history…and we want you to be a part of it!

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