Opportunities for Giving

Laureate Circle

Whether you are an alumnus, a parent, a community member, or a community organization, we invite you to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the Southern Miss Honors College by joining the Laureate Circle.

Inspired by Honors Colloquium and our focus on sitting in a circle while building knowledge together, the Laureate Circle recognizes donors who give $1,000 or more to any of our funds as we prepare to celebrate fifty years of academic rigor, interdisciplinary inquiry, and academic community.

Dr. Wallace G. Kay Distinguished Honors Professorship

This endowed professorship honoring the first dean of the Honors College, Dr. Wallace G. Kay, will support a faculty member whose teaching, research, and service reflect the values Dr. Kay championed—innovation, student-centeredness and bold interdisciplinary inquiry. Endowed faculty positions ensure students learn from leaders in their fields, foster innovation in the classroom and beyond, and create a legacy that shapes generations.

Honors College Scholarships, Awards, and Other Student Support

Giving to or establishing Honors College Scholarship funds ensures we can meet the needs of our students, as well as reward students who show significant promise.

• Make an annual gift at any level to an existing fund. Consider committing to five years in a row.
• Contribute to establish the Honors College Gold Anniversary Student Support fund, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Southern Miss Honors College in 2026. If $25,000 is raised an endowment will be created.
• Establish a named scholarship endowment ($25,000 or more) for deserving Honors Scholars to provide financial support for tuition, research, and/or study-abroad experiences.

Honors College Development Fund

Giving to the Honors College Development Fund provides funding to respond quickly to students in need and to take advantage of unanticipated learning opportunities.

• Make an annual gift at any level. Consider committing to five years in a row.
• Sponsor professional development opportunities for students for $2,000 or more.
• Contribute to our ability to meet the needs of students and faculty affiliated with the Honors College.

Honors Student Research and Creative Activity

Giving to funds that ensure students have the opportunity to conduct and present meaningful research and creative activities in their respective fields enables the Honors College to fulfill one of our most significant priorities.

• Make an annual gift at any level. Consider committing to five years in a row.
• Contribute to the Cannon-Heinhorst Undergraduate Research Endowment. 
• Sponsor an Honors Scholar’s research activities for $1,500 or a scholar’s presentation travel expenses to an academic conference, workshop, or creative performance for $2,000.