Luckyday Foundation Renews Commitment to Student Success at Southern Miss
Tue, 06/09/2026 - 09:28am | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
Luckday Foundation board members with Luckyday scholars who graduated in May
For nearly 25 years, the Luckyday Scholars Program at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) has served as a model for student development, pairing financial support with an intentional experience that prepares students to lead lives of purpose. With a renewed commitment of $7.6 million, the Luckyday Foundation continues to expand opportunities for students who demonstrate both promise and a commitment to service.
Founded by the late Frank Rogers Day of Jackson, Miss., the Luckyday Foundation invests in high-achieving high school seniors across the state who exemplify leadership and a strong dedication to community engagement.
“At the heart of the program are our students who excel academically, serve meaningfully
and emerge as principled leaders,” said Dr. Larry Sparkman, executive director. “We
are deeply grateful for the enduring support of the Luckyday Foundation and its commitment
to investing in students. The Foundation’s generosity and influence are visible throughout
the Southern Miss campus and the broader Hattiesburg community.”
Since its initial investment in 2001, the program has supported 2,496 Luckyday Scholars
through a comprehensive framework of mentoring, leadership development and community
engagement that extends well beyond the classroom.
“We are very thankful for the Luckyday Foundation’s visionary investment, as it continues
to shape lives, strengthen communities and define what is possible through higher
education,” shared University President Dr. Joseph S. Paul. “Generations of Luckyday
Scholars have graduated from Southern Miss ready for life, prepared to lead and to
give back.”
By the numbers, the program’s student impact includes:
Relationship-driven support
More than 430 upper-level Luckyday Scholars have served as residential mentors, living
alongside first-year students and helping guide them through the critical transition
to college life. This peer mentorship model fosters both academic success and a strong
sense of belonging.
Leadership development
More than 1,200 scholars have voluntarily stepped into leadership roles beyond program
requirements, reflecting a culture that encourages initiative, service and growth.
Service as a defining pillar
Each Luckyday Scholar commits to at least 10 hours of service per semester with a
single community agency, creating sustained, meaningful partnerships across the Hattiesburg
area. This consistent engagement not only strengthens local organizations but also
deepens students’ understanding of community needs and their role in creating lasting
impact.
“The Luckyday Foundation’s mission is to create a community of scholars who aspire
to servant leadership by integrating the core values of scholarship, community, service
and leadership,” said Luckyday Board Chair Jamie Houston. “We are grateful for the
support of the University and the leadership of the highly qualified and dedicated
staff who administer the program.”
As the program moves forward with renewed support, its impact remains clear: students
are not only graduating — they are emerging as thoughtful leaders, engaged citizens
and catalysts for change in their communities.
To date, the Luckyday Foundation has provided significant financial and programmatic
support, making it the University’s most generous benefactor.
“The Luckyday Foundation’s sustained investment in our students allows the University
to provide a top-tier experience that equips students to embrace a spirit of servant
leadership,” said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. “The renewal
of this commitment is a powerful reminder of what long-term philanthropy can accomplish.”
About the Luckyday Foundation
The Luckyday Foundation assists Mississippi high school seniors by providing scholarships
to attend university in their home state and obtain a college degree. Since 2001,
Luckyday Scholars have received up to four years of scholarship funding as well as
enrichment programming focused on student success, leadership development and career
readiness. Luckyday has a presence at the three major state public universities. For more information
about the Luckyday Scholars Program at Southern Miss, visit the website.
About the USM Foundation
Founded in 1959, the USM Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to serving
the University community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support
for scholarships and other academic needs at Southern Miss. For more information on
supporting The University of Southern Mississippi, call the USM Foundation at 601.266.5210.