OXFORD, Miss. – In order to provide long-term support for a program close to her heart, University of Mississippi alumna Lisa Chow is directing a portion of her retirement fund to the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy.
The Women’s Council is an innovative program at UM that provides scholarships and counsel for students who are destined to be leaders. The three pillars of the group focus on leadership, mentorship and scholarship.
Chow, a 1994 accountancy graduate who is the treasurer and controller of the University of Mississippi Foundation, has belonged to the Women’s Council for four years.
“The Women’s Council is about nurturing students to become better citizens and leaders,” Chow said. “Students are selected based on what they will be able to do beyond graduation.”
Chow said in addition to working with a talented group of students, she was also moved to make a gift because of the tremendous respect she feels for the other Council members.
“I’m so honored to be part of a group of outstanding, brilliant women,” Chow said. They are inspiring. I’ve learned so much from them. Their experience and perspectives teach me every day.”
In addition, Chow, a Clarksdale native, said that her family has a long history of supporting the university.
“Ole Miss is a big part of my family,” she said. “My mom came here, as well as many of my uncles and cousins. We all love Ole Miss and feel strongly about giving back to it.”
Mary Sharp Rayner, chair of the Women’s Council said it is members like Chow who help the organization thrive.
“Lisa’s knowledge and financial expertise is most valuable to the Council,” she said. “She is the kind of person who exudes confidence and is a joy to know.”
For more information on making a gift to the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy, visit www.umf.olemiss.edu/makeagift.
Sonia Thompson