Riley Foundation $4.5 Million gift to help MSU expand in Meridian

The Riley Foundation has committed $4.5 million to MSU to expand its presence in downtown Meridian. The gift includes the donation of the Newberry Building, a historical landmark adjacent to the MSU Riley Center, and scholarships for MSU-Meridian.

Mark E. Keenum, president of Mississippi State, made the announcement Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the MSU Riley Center. Representatives from the Riley Foundation, as well as local, state and federal officials, were on hand in the Center's historic theater.

"This commitment will enhance educational opportunities in Meridian, Lauderdale County and across east Mississippi," said Keenum. "Mississippi State is honored to partner with the Riley Foundation in this initiative to benefit the entire region."

The renovation of the Newberry Building, which is being coordinated by the university, will cost around $4 million. The 20,175 square-foot facility will include classroom space and offices to house the MSU-Meridian Division of Business. An additional $1.1 million will be needed to furnish and equip the Newberry Building.

"The expanded space will be a valuable asset to our campus and community," said Jack Tucci, newly appointed dean and executive director of MSU-Meridian. "The Newberry Building will serve as a catalyst for growth as we seek to increase course offerings and credentials available at MSU-Meridian."

MSU-Meridian currently enrolls non-residential students who typically are working adults or community college transfers. The additional classrooms and offices will allow room for 250 to 500 additional students and 15 to 20 faculty and administrators to meet the needs of those students.

"The Riley Foundation is an integral part of the growth and revitalization of downtown Meridian," said Keenum. "This gift will help open avenues for partnerships with local companies and MSU-Meridian. It will also create a research center focused on business and entrepreneurship and offer an outstanding venue for regional conferences and meetings."

In addition to the renovation of the Newberry Building, the $4.5 million commitment includes a challenge grant for scholarships to MSU-Meridian. The Riley Foundation will match dollar-for-dollar funds raised for scholarships, up to a total of $300,000.

"The Riley Foundation is dedicated to providing affordable, educational opportunities for students in east Mississippi," said John Rush, vice president for development and alumni and CEO of the MSU Foundation. "This grant will award tuition support for area students who will benefit from an MSU education."

Priority for the scholarships will go to students from Lauderdale County, or those transferring from Meridian Community College, East Central Community College, East Mississippi Community College, and Jones County Junior College.

"By increasing the number of scholarship dollars awarded, we will be able to attract and retain top Mississippi students," said Keenum. "Our hope is for them to enter the local workforce upon graduation and thus impact the economic development of our state."

The MSU Foundation will seek private scholarship support for the Riley Foundation to match. Keenum has placed an emphasis on increasing the amount of scholarship money offered by Mississippi State, and the Riley grant would make it possible for many students to receive tuition to MSU-Meridian.

The Riley Foundation was formed in 1998 with proceeds from the sale of Riley Memorial Hospital, which was founded in Meridian in 1930 by Dr. Franklin Gail Riley. Based in Meridian, the Riley Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for the people of Meridian and Lauderdale County. Dr. William G. Riley, son of the late Dr. Franklin G. Riley, currently serves as chairman for the foundation's board of directors.

Attn. News/Assignment editors: For more information, telephone Sheri Pape of the MSU Foundation at 662-325-7820.

For more information about Mississippi State University go to www.msstate.edu