When the January ice storm swept across north Mississippi, the University of Mississippi campus fell into an uneasy quiet. Trees snapped under the weight of heavy ice. Power lines froze. Buildings went dark.
Students — many far from home or unable to leave the region — braced against a storm that upended daily life for weeks. Yet amid the uncertainty, one thing became unmistakably clear: The Ole Miss family would not let its students weather the crisis alone.
Within days, donors from across the nation — alumni, faculty and staff members, parents, friends and supporters — contributed more than 1,990 gifts totaling nearly $530,000 to the Rebel Relief Disaster Fund.
“Winter storm ‘Fern’ brought significant and unexpected challenges to our campus, our people and our students,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “In response, our university community stepped up and did what they always do: gave selflessly with intention and heart.
“I am sincerely grateful to our team who organized the Rebel Relief Disaster Fund effort and to everyone in our Ole Miss family who donated. Their gifts provided immediate relief to hundreds of students facing emergency needs.”
A ‘Huge Weight’ Lifted
The funds have been indispensable, said senior Jack Jones, of Murray, Kentucky, Associated Student Body president and a public policy leadership major.
“Many of my peers are facing lost wages, damaged cars and homes and unexpected travel costs,” Jones said. “This fund exemplifies what makes the University of Mississippi such a special place: Our people always show up for one another.”
The generosity students are experiencing will remain with them long after the storm damage fades, said senior Walker Jacklin, of Madison, Alabama, ASB vice president and a public policy leadership major.
“While the damage from the storm may be felt today, the generosity shown through these financial gifts will have a lasting impact on students that will never be forgotten,” Jacklin said.
One student, who asked to remain anonymous, described the relief simply:
“It is truly appreciated more than I can express. During a time that has been unexpectedly difficult, this support has been such a blessing and has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders.”
A Rapid Response
Rebel Relief was coordinated by student leaders; Shawnboda Mead, UM vice chancellor for student affairs; and staff members across multiple departments.
“Students were facing extended power outages, water disruptions, lost wages and unexpected expenses all at once,” Mead said. “We knew we had to move quickly to provide meaningful financial assistance.”
Even as UMatter — which coordinates support efforts to assist students facing challenges — and staff from the Office of Financial Aid processed requests at record speed, many team members were dealing with their own storm‑related challenges.
“I’m incredibly proud of our teams,” Mead said. “They built an efficient process and reviewed applications as quickly as possible, all while navigating limited power, water and Wi‑Fi themselves.
“That spirit of care and commitment truly reflects who we are as a university community.”
Among the supporters who responded were Tracy and Brian Lang, of Breezy Point, New York, whose daughter, Carly, is an Ole Miss student.
“Our home burned to the ground during ‘Superstorm Sandy,’” Brian Lang said. “We were displaced for three years. The love and support we received was overwhelming. I’m honored to pay it forward.”
Serving Students While Weathering the Crisis
As UMatter and Financial Aid reviewed requests, the scope of need quickly became clear, case manager Mandi Bloodworth said.
“Students wrote back with such kindness and appreciation for the donors,” she said. “They shared what a difference the funds would make for them.”
For those coordinating aid, the storm was not just a campus event — it was a personal ordeal. Yet work never stopped.
Laura Diven-Brown, the university’s director of financial aid, said the experience was both moving and unforgettable.
“Many of the students were worried and struggling, needing basics like food, housing, transportation and medicine,” she said. “They didn’t think immediate financial help was even possible, especially during the school closure. These funds were a godsend.”
Colleagues drove to areas with better connectivity to keep processing requests, and the bursar’s office ensured funds were delivered directly, regardless of account balances or holds.
A Fund for Today — and for the Future
The immediate crisis has passed but needs remain. Rebel Relief exists for moments exactly like this — not only for natural disasters, but for any emergency when students suddenly lack essentials such as food, housing or transportation.
“More than a storm response, Rebel Relief has become a testament to the enduring generosity of the Ole Miss community,” said Maura Langhart, senior director of annual giving. “It’s a reminder that when challenges arise, the university stands together.”
Students can still apply for emergency assistance through the Rebel Relief Disaster Fund request form using their go.olemiss.edu email address. The application process will close Wednesday (Feb. 18), but will reopen if additional funds become available.
To support the Rebel Relief Disaster Fund, contact the Office of Development at 662‑915‑1563 or give@olemiss.edu.
By Michael Newsom / UM Development