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Awards

The Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy presents two annual awards honoring leadership, service, and meaningful impact.

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Awards Given by the Ole Miss Women's Council

The Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy proudly presents two annual awards that recognize individuals who exemplify leadership, service, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. These honors celebrate those who reflect the Council’s core values and inspire others through their dedication to philanthropy, mentorship, and community engagement. By highlighting these outstanding contributions each year, the Council continues to reinforce its mission of developing ethical, service-minded leaders.

a man receiving an award at a podium

Awards

The Women’s Council presents two annual honors: the Legacy Award and the EYP Award.

In 2000, with the support and approval of the University of Mississippi leadership, 24 diverse women formed the Ole Miss Women’s Council for Philanthropy. Their goal was to encourage women to become philanthropists and to tap into the new emerging paradigm of women taking greater control of their finances. The goal was also to create a program that would provide endowed scholarships for deserving young women and men. The Council quickly added mentoring and leadership components to the program in order to assure the development and success of each scholar.

Over the past 26 years, more than 200 students have benefitted from the OMWC scholarship, mentoring, and leadership programs, once described as one of the most creative and timely scholarship programs in the nation. The Council Scholars receive guidance and support from OMWC members; staff, career, and life mentors; and outside supporters. The many programs and the opportunities for national and international travel have strengthened confidence, expanded horizons, and broadened the educational and life experiences of each student. In addition to graduating and pursuing meaningful careers, these scholars become servant leaders who understand the importance of giving back and creating a more ethical society.

In 2010, the OMWC created the Legacy Award to recognize individuals who epitomize the Council’s goals of philanthropy, scholarship, leadership, and mentorship. In honoring the recipients, we thank them for their many and varied contributions that have made a positive difference in the University of Mississippi, our state, and our nation. We hold these honorees up as role models for our scholars. They give inspiration and encouragement to these young people and help the Council in impacting generations to come.

The Emerging Philanthropist Award was founded to illustrate to Ole Miss Women’s Council scholars and others examples of philanthropic efforts accomplished by a person early in his or her life or career. It complements the OMWC’s Legacy Award, which honors individuals with lifetime resumes of philanthropy and accomplishments.

“The Emerging Philanthropist Award gives us the opportunity to spotlight someone who, by their philanthropic spirit, is modeling what it means to give back to our community, alma mater and the next generation of leaders — someone well on his or her way to building a legacy that matters,” said Mary Haskell, a former chair of the OMWC.

Emerging Philanthropist Award News