My involvement with Mississippi College goes back to 1928, when the first of my brothers and cousins began attending here.  My uncle was president of the Board of Trustees and my first cousin was his replacement.  As the years have passed, members of my family have continued to make MC their educational home.  It has been a constant in my life.

In the same way, the opportunity to give has always seemed to find me in one way or another.  Our family made the Hederman Science Building and the Hederman-Gunter Residence Hall possible.  My two brothers, two cousins and I made substantial contributions to both of those buildings in honor of our parents, Mr. & Mrs. R M. Hederman, Sr. and Mr. & Mrs. T. M. Hederman, Sr.  I can't think of a better way to help MC students and honor two great sets of parents in the process.

For me personally, giving to MC is an opportunity to assist future generations.  Knowing you are helping students receive the best Christian education available is what makes it all worthwhile.

When I heard our goal was $80 million for the NEW DAWN campaign, I was very excited.  But, when I heard we had already received a $25 million matching gift, I was shocked.  The campaign had not officially begun, yet what a tremendous response.  It makes you realize the immense potential of this great university.  This campaign will change MC forever!  There is no doubt in my mind that we can raise $80 million.

Why should you give?  Why do any of us give money to our church, our school and other worthwhile causes?  I can take very little credit for my desire to give.  The beginning of that desire goes back to my Grandmother Hederman.  She and my grandfather were people of very modest means.  My grandfather was a carpenter.  When my parents were young, Grandfather Hedermnan was killed when he fell off the steeple of the Baptist Church in Hillsboro, Mississippi.

After the funeral Grandmother had a meeting with my father, uncle and two aunts.  She shared with them her belief that God would watch over them.  Shetold them there was very little money, but from that moment on they were going to "save a little, give a little and spend a little" regardless of their income.  To my knowledge they all practiced this philosophy until the day they died.

Many of you have similar giving traditions set by your own parents.  Back in the late 50's or early 60's, I served on the Mississippi Baptist Foundation Board with Aven Whittington's father. Congressman Whittington, or "Mr. Will" as we called him, was perhaps one of the most inspirational people I have ever known.  Proof of the Whittington philosophy of giving is present on the Mississippi College campus today, known as Whittington Hall. Other testaments to those that have been instrumental in giving include the Leland Speed library and B.C. Rogers Student Center.

However, I don't just give because of the example my parents set.  I also give because of the wonderful rewards and bei it can produce.  In our church, five out of the last six chain-nen of the deacons have either graduated from or attended Mississippi College. Many of you have a similar situation in your church. I am proud that our efforts will furnish our communities with denominational leadership and pastors, Christian doctors, lawyers, accountants, scientists, nurses and business leaders.

Why do I plan to give to the Mississippi College capital campaign?  So I can participate in building and transfonriing this great institution of higher leaming, one which I believe can become the Christian university of the South.

H. Henry Hederman, Sr., received his bachelor of science degree from Mississippi College in 1942.  He is chairman of the board of Hederman Brothers Printers in Ridgeland, Miss.  Hederman serves as a Mississippi College trustee and as honorary campaign chairperson of the Mississippi College capital campaign.