Cross Leaves $2.9 Million to Math Department

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Wright W. “Bill” Cross, the University of Southern Mississippi alumni and benefactor who established the university’s first endowed chair and funded one of the first scholarship programs in the department of mathematics, died July 26, 2007 at his home in Baker, La., leaving behind a gift of approximately $2.9 million to the university’s department of mathematics.

The Wright W. and Annie Rea Cross Chair in Mathematics and Endowment for Undergraduate Research was established through a charitable remainder trust in 1997. Mr. Cross also established the Wright W. Cross Endowment in 1994, which provides scholarships for students in mathematics annually. To date, approximately 45 students have received a Cross scholarship.

Mr. Cross received a bachelor of science in mathematics from Southern Miss (then Mississippi Southern College) in 1951. A non-traditional student, he earned his college degree 17 years after graduating from Laurel High School. While at the university, he caught the entrepreneurial spirit, working in several other businesses before eventually forming and managing three successful companies: Corrosion Test Supplies, Corrosion Materials, and Wright Engineering, Inc. In 1997, he was inducted in the Southern Miss Alumni Hall of Fame. In 2001, Mr. Cross was recognized as a charter member of the university’s Gallery of Benefactors. His wife, Annie Rea Allen Cross, now deceased, also attended Southern Miss.

“The Wright W. and Annie Rea Cross Endowed Chair in Mathematics and Endowment for Undergraduate Research represents an unparalleled opportunity for the department of mathematics to foster the growth of excellence in undergraduate mathematics,” said Dr. C. S. Chen, chair of the Department of Mathematics. “It is important to recognize the enormous impact that his contributions have on the future academic programs in the math department at Southern Miss. It can and does make a difference in helping students be able to realize their hopes and dreams.”

“Mr. Cross achieved his goal of making a difference in the lives of others,” said Dr. Wallace Pye, who served as chair of the math department from 1990 – 2005. “As long as there is a math department at Southern Miss and students who will study math, his gift will truly make a difference.”

Just as important, according to Dr. Pye, is the philanthropic example Mr. Cross set for others. “Mr. Cross’ gift was the best thing that could happen for us,” said Dr. Pye. “Prior to his gift, we had very little to offer students in the way of scholarships. Now others are following his lead.”