Dr. Nerma Moore, an academic affairs development officer for Delta State, wanted to show her appreciation toward those who did not wish to remain anonymous with a recent donor appreciation lunch for them at The Ranchero.
Some donors provided financial support to students in a specific county while others provided support to advance the academic growth of individuals campus-wide.
“Raising capital for our students and faculty has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my higher education career,” Moore said. “The first scholarship I received was from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in the amount of $250 and as a college student during that time - that was a lot of money. Those funds helped me pay for several books and I am forever grateful for that support. So, accepting this position was a no-brainer. From Coahoma County to Quitman County to Horn Lake and Olive Branch, people have been very receptive and extremely giving.”
Rick Munroe, vice president of university advancement and external relations, concurred. “I am very impressed with the support of Delta State University in the community of Clarksdale and surrounding areas,” he said. “We are excited to be partnering with our alumni and friends throughout Coahoma County and the surrounding areas by making higher education more affordable and accessible. We appreciate the time, talents and treasure from all of our supporters in this region.”
DSU graduates expressed similar sentiments. “Counselors play a big role in our society, which is why I chose to establish a scholarship fund for students enrolled in the counseling education program,” Wilhelmenia Newson said. “It warms my heart to see Dr. Nerma Moore working diligently to fundraise for students attending Delta State University and it is my hope that she continues the great work on behalf of all students and faculty members.”
Dr. Katina Leland, a 2000 elementary education graduate of Delta State was also glad to help.
“Establishing a scholarship in our grandparents’ names was always a goal for us because they didn’t have the educational opportunities that we were offered,” she said. “When Dr. Nerma Moore contacted us and informed us of the academic initiatives that she was fundraising for on behalf of students and faculty at Delta State University, we immediately wanted to be a part of it. So, to be able to honor our grandparents and simultaneously help students is a win, win situation. Dr. Nerma Moore customized our giving desires and preferences which made us trust the process and caused us to give easily.”
Those who would like to support students and/or faculty at Delta State may email Moore at nmoore@deltastate.edu.
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Front, from left, James Buckley, representative for the Union Grove M.B. Church in Clarksdale; Dr. Nerma Moore, academic affairs development officer, Delta State University; Freddie Davis, representative for Union Grove M.B. Church in Clarksdale; Wilhelmenia Newson of Clarksdale; and supervisor Johnny Newson of Clarksdale. Back row are Roland Wilkinson, owner of MS Ornamental Iron, Clarksdale; William Adams, Mississippi Ornamental Iron; Daniel Jordan, owner of Fleming Lumber Company in Cleveland; Jack Denton of Clarksdale; Donald Green of Clarksdale; and Rick Munroe, vice president of university advancement and external relations at Delta State University. Not pictured: Mr. and Mrs. Bowen Flowers of Clarksdale, Hank Burns of Clarksdale, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Thompson of Friars Point, Dr. Sultani of Clarksdale, Reggie Barnes Consulting, Inc., MS natives Mr. Tejuan and Katina Leland, Dr. Joseph and Manar Shleweet owners of The Smile Center in Olive Branch, Drew Brown and Alan Byrd of Delta Insurance Agency, Inc., in Clarksdale, Johnny Mullins of Clarksdale, Pat Davis, owner of Abe’s Bar-B-Que in Clarksdale, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Green, owners of The Ranchero in Clarksdale, and Scotty A. Meredith of Coahoma County.
