Providing the margin of excellence

Emergency fund continues former dean's commitment to students

Dean of Students Emeritus Harold B. Hall

Most students will tell you that he judged with a forgiving hand, often giving them a second chance to prove themselves and continue their college careers.

Hall also took his job a step further by finding assistance for students who were facing emergency financial situations.

Because of his work with students, the Harold B. Hall Emergency Fund for Needy Students was established at Mississippi State several years ago by one of Hall's students who, after graduating and becoming successful, donated money to start the fund.

"It gives the dean of students, who has contact with all 14,000 students, some discretionary money to help students in an emergency," said current dean Mike White.

White said the fund is used for such things as purchasing a plane ticket for a student to attend the funeral of a parent, buying books for a student whose financial aid isn't immediately available at the beginning of a semester, or setting up a dining services account for a student who literally can't afford to eat at certain times of the year.

"But, over the years, the fund has been depleted and we need to get it cranked back up," explains White. "Dean Hall touched the lives of many people and we hope some of them will honor his contributions by giving something back to this fund."

To make a contribution to the Harold B. Hall Emergency Fund for Needy Students, contact the university's Office of Development, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762-6149. Phone: 662-325-3410.