Gift Aims to Put Freshmen on FASTrack to Success

The $75,000 gift from the R. Newell and Bettie Y. Graham Foundation is intended to support the mentoring aspect of the program. The FASTrack program offers freshmen several services, such as linked classes and leadership opportunities, and it also offers one-on-one mentorships.

"When this program was brought to my late husband and me several years ago, it resonated with me and what I believe is important," said Bettie Graham, of Rives, Tennessee. "Because several members of our family have visual perception form of dyslexia, I understand the educational problems a person can face.

"I also understand that people with dyslexia can be and in fact most often are highly intelligent but struggle with traditional learning formats. The problem is not always a student's intellect or work ethic or their desire for higher education; it's their background or sometimes lack of encouragement from their family."

While helping students with disabilities is one goal of FASTrack, the program's primary focus is students who may be the first in their family to attend college or students who simply need guidance from a mentor. Ole Miss has built effective programs to help students succeed and earn degrees.

The donor's gift is the latest in a history of support for the university from the Graham family. Several generations of the family attended UM, and Bettie Graham wants to continue to give back to Ole Miss.

"Helping a program that helps students succeed and graduate is what I consider the best way to give back to the university and its students," she said.

Delia Childers, senior director of development, lauded Graham's passion to help students succeed.

"We are incredibly grateful for Bettie's continuous support of FASTrack," Childers said. "Bettie obviously has a heart for supporting students in their educational journeys."

Graham goal for the support is simple.

"I just love seeing the fact that those students are helped," she said.

For more information on supporting the FASTrack program, contact Delia Childers at dgchilde@olemiss.edu or 662-915-3086.

Top: UM peer leaders guide FASTrack students through common challenges, helping them become familiar with the university's academic resources, campus life and student services. Submitted photo