USMs National Sports Security Center Receives Endowment
Fri, 03/23/2018 - 10:21am | By: Alison Crumpton
The University of Southern Mississippi's National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) has received a financial gift from the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic Foundation (MGRC Foundation), establishing an endowment on behalf of the MGRC Foundation and the Rapiscan Systems Classic.
The MGRC Foundation operates with a stated mission to promote tourism on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This is the ninth year that the MGRC Board has held the Rapiscan Systems Classic, a PGA TOUR Champions event, and the first with new title sponsor Rapiscan Systems.
The endowment presentation took place during the opening and welcome of NCS4's workshop: Planning Safe and Secure Large Outdoor Sport and Entertainment Events, held at the Hard Rock Casino. In conjunction with the Rapiscan Systems Classic, this workshop focused on best practices pertaining to safety and security planning for outdoor sports and entertainment special events.
“This generous gift is vital to the future of the National Center as it will provide a permanent, self-sustaining source of funding, which creates stability, flexibility and opportunities for generations to come,” said Dr. Lou Marciani, director of NCS4. “We thank the MGRC Foundation for their generous support to The University of Southern Mississippi.”
The tournament's new title sponsor, Rapiscan Systems, is committed to excellence in the field of security, and that meshes well with the NCS4's mission to support the advancement of spectator sports safety and security.
The endowment allows for a rich variety of activities such as scholarships for talented students, support for research, high-quality programming and enhancement of NCS4's National Sports Security Laboratory, which offers solution providers an independent, impartial testing environment to validate their products and services for sports and special events.
“The tournament foundation is excited to provide this gift to The University of Southern Mississippi to establish an endowment. It is a worthy investment in advancing the security industry in our great state; and to also support the mission of our security provider sponsor to the benefit of events worldwide,” said Jonathan Jones, president of the MGRC Foundation.
For more information about supporting endowments through The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation, visit https://www.usmfoundation.com or call 601-266-5210.
About NCS4
The National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), at The University of Southern Mississippi, supports the advancement of sport safety and security through training, professional development, academic programs and research. NCS4 collaborates with professional leagues, open access events, intercollegiate and interscholastic athletics, along with professional associations, private sector firms, and government agencies. It is a critical resource for sport venue managers, event managers, first responders, and other key stakeholders.