About the Ole Miss Women's Council
Dive into the history of the Ole Miss Women’s Council, its dedicated staff and founding leaders, and members whose vision and philanthropy continue to shape its mission.
History of the OMWC
In the Deep South, where tradition often places men in leadership roles, the University of Mississippi has recognized the growing financial influence and leadership power of women at the philanthropy table. In response to the fact that 64% of charitable gifts are made by women, the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy was established in 2000 to harness this momentum.
The council provides endowed scholarships while guiding students through a structured leadership and mentorship program. Members are selected for their leadership, passion, and diverse professional backgrounds, but they share one goal: enhancing students’ educational experiences and expanding their career opportunities.
Scholars receive $10,000 annually for four years and engage in weekly mentorship, professional networking, servant leadership master classes, and community-building events such as field trips and Red Plate Suppers.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy is:
- To increase participation in philanthropy as a way of enhancing continuing excellence at the University of Mississippi, and
- To sponsor innovative programs that attract and develop students through leadership, scholarship, and mentorship, and
- To encourage our scholars to become philanthropists for their communities and for the University of Mississippi while on their life’s journey as caring, ethical leaders.
The Rose Garden
On March 28, 2003, the mythical garden became real, as The Rose Garden outside of the Gertrude Castellow Ford Center for the Performing Arts was dedicated at the entrance to The University of Mississippi. On that day people of all ages stood in a circle and embraced the message of the OMWC. The vision of the OMWC is to expand and redefine the boundaries symbolized by the rose metaphor. In the adult teaching tale – the rose is the symbol – like growing roses, mentoring student leaders requires loving attention to bring them into full bloom and share their beauty in service to the world.
At the center of The Rose Garden, the council placed an exquisite sculpture, “The Mentor,” to depict their nurturing energy to those who enter the campus. Each rose bush planted represents a scholarship created to educate the next generation of student leaders, who are chosen to go out into the world and make it a more caring and ethical place. The students, like roses, can be difficult to raise and require a great deal of attention. They will need watering, fertilizer, and even pruning. But once cut away from the bush, the carefully tended rosebuds will transform their surroundings and bring beauty to those around them.
Women's Council Members
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