OXFORD, Miss. – Rebecca and Robert Parker, of Atlanta, Ga., said that watching their daughter thrive at the University of Mississippi led them to make a gift to the Chancellor’s Trust.
The Chancellor’s Trust addresses the University’s greatest needs and requires a minimum gift of $25,000.
“I get text messages from her saying, ‘Thank you for sending me to Ole Miss; I’m so glad I’m here,’” said Rebecca Parker of their daughter Mackenzie, a junior journalism major. “It’s exciting to hear your child say that.”
Parker said that Mackenzie, who works as a disc jockey for UM’s student-run Rebel Radio, decided to enroll at Ole Miss after touring the campus and talking with other Atlanta area students who attended Ole Miss. She had toured six other campuses in the southeast before coming to Ole Miss.
“Many Atlantans are supporting Ole Miss,” Parker said. “And so many kids who are fabulous students are choosing Ole Miss. You see these kids succeeding. There’s something about Ole Miss that fires them up.”
Like others who’ve supported the Chancellor’s Trust, the Parkers feel UM Chancellor Robert Khayat is key to the success of Ole Miss students.
“Robert Khayat has led Ole Miss to a higher level,” Parker said. “We’re happy to be able to contribute to what Ole Miss is doing. And we’re delighted to participate in the University’s progress.”
Josh Whelan, UM associate director of development for parents, said that the Parkers and other families who’ve chosen to give back to Ole Miss are making a significant difference in the lives of students.
“It’s gratifying to see parents so involved in their child’s educational experience,” Whelan said. “We’re thankful to Rob and Rebecca on behalf of all Ole Miss students.”
“I would encourage other parents to find out what Ole Miss is doing,” Parker said. “I would have them look into how they are raising the bar for their kids. I think it will give them a lot of hope and encouragement for their children’s future.”
To make a gift to the Chancellor’s Trust, visit www.umfoundation.com/makeagift.
Staff report