Couple pledges $50,000 for Faser Hall renovations

Dean David D. Allen (left) with Wendy and John McKinney

chool of Pharmacy alumni Wendy McKinney (BSPh 88) and John McKinney (BSPh 88) have pledged $50,000 to the school’s Faser Capital Campaign.

The $8 million campaign was launched earlier this year to attract funds to help renovate portions of Faser Hall, one of the school’s main buildings, to meet the needs of students for years to come. The building houses faculty offices, research laboratories and a skills lab for students.

“For years, Wendy and John McKinney have supported our school in a number of ways,” said David D. Allen, the school’s dean. “This gift is just another example of their dedication and commitment. I am exceedingly thankful for their willingness to help us achieve our goals for Faser’s renovation.”

The McKinneys, who reside in Moss Point and own retail pharmacies (Burnham Drugs) in seven Mississippi locations, are serving on a committee that is raising funds for the campaign.

“Wendy and John have been indispensable to the Faser Capital Campaign,” said Raina McClure, director of development for the pharmacy school. “They have contributed through not only monetary support but also advice and committee leadership.”

Donating to the campaign is a great way to exemplify giving back to the pharmacy school, Wendy McKinney said.

“[Those] of us who are fortunate enough to call ourselves pharmacists and alums of one of the top pharmacy schools in the country need to get behind this endeavor in any way that we can,” she said. “It is up to us to ensure that the next generation of students has an even greater opportunity for an extraordinary education.”

Renovations begin this fall and are expected to be completed by summer 2014.

To join the McKinneys in making a gift, mail a check with the Faser Capital Campaign noted in the memo line to the University of Mississippi Foundation, P.O. Box 249, University, MS 38677; visit http://www.pharmacy.olemiss.edu/alumni/fasercampaign.html; or contact McClure at rmcclure@olemiss.edu or 662-915-6967.