Homecoming 1996 dawned clear and cold.  Speculation was high as thousands of alumni began to make their way toward their alma mater.  Since receiving the homecoming schedule, many had wondered what the "special announcement" would be? That evening, as halftime drew to a close, suspense mounted - the Mississippi College marching band played the alma mater, blue and gold balloons were released, banners were unfurled, and a hot air balloon sporting the Mississippi College logo drifted in the night sky.  Bemie Ebbers ('67), chairperson of A NEW DAWN, took the microphone and announced, to the nearly 5,000 assembled, "Today, we begin a new phase in Mississippi College history.  I am pleased to officially kick off a capital campaign designed to take Mississippi College into the 21st century. The goal - $80 million!"

Mississippi College President Howell Todd saved the best and most inspiring news for last.  "It gives me great pleasure to announce that an anonymous donor has made a challenge gift of $25 million.  To receive this gift, the University must match it with $25 million raised during the course of the campaign," said Todd.  "I am confident of a successful outcome." Since that announcement, the University has raised an additional $19.1 million toward the $80 million goal.  Add this to the $25 million gift, and we are well on our way.

Why $80 million? The decision as to the size and scope of the capital campaign involved detailed, meticulous information gathering.  The University retained the consulting firm of Jerold Panas, Linzy and Partners, an intemationally-known firm in the areas of capital campaigns and major gifts acquisition.  An extensive feasibility study was conducted before the three-to-five-year goal of $80 million was determined.  Nearly 100 members of the business, alumni, and campus communities throughout the region were interviewed to determine both their assessment of the University's potential success and the level of their personal commitment.  Each was asked to make an assessment of the commitment required to take Mississippi College to the next level, to ensure its future strength and competitive edge.  "The largest amount possible needed to be projected.  This type of campaign is done once in a decade," said Rick Bragga, Panas associate and senior campaign director.  Bragga, who is responsible for assisting in the planning and implementation of the campaign, will be in Clinton for the next two years.