In addition to thanking donors for a record $133.2 million in gifts during fiscal year 2015, the reception was a time for reliving memories of the 50-year-old Tad Pad. The Pavilion at Ole Miss will open in early 2016 and take the place of the coliseum. After the reception, a student-led program featured students from the Department of Modern Languages, various spirit groups, Pride of the South Band, UM Gospel Choir, and special guest artists.
UM donor reception offers unique experience, surprises in Tad Pad
Donors who have provided private support to the University of Mississippi, University of Medical Center and Ole Miss Athletics were celebrated at an Oct. 23 reception in the C.M. "Tad" Smith Coliseum. Among hundreds of attendees were (top row, from left) Raymond Brown, Warner Alford and Archie Manning; Gayle Wicker and U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker with Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs/Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. LouAnn Woodward and Jon Woodward; (second row, from left) Cindy Stocks, Gayle Papa, Interim Chancellor Morris Stocks, and Tom Papa; Ole Miss Athletics Foundation development assistant Deterrian Shackelford and Bob Kirk.