The West Point region became the first to reach its goal in the Patrons of Excellence membership drive for 1998-99 when university alumni and friends in Clay County topped the $50,000 mark in contributions for academics last December.

By mid-June, the region's total had climbed to $61,000, with 54 donors participating.

"We are delighted to see this kind of support for the Patrons of Excellence from the West Point area," said President Malcolm Portera, a West Point native.

"This is a small town and we have just over 700 alumni in this region, so it is a real tribute to the hard work of these volunteers and the generosity of these alumni and friends that they were able to reach and exceed their goal as early as they did."

Portera announced last fall plans to substantially increase the number of Patrons over a five-year period, with the additional support targeted for scholarships for academically talented students. Since that time, more than 500 new members have contributed more than $527,000 for annual academic scholarships through the 1998-99 Patrons of Excellence program.

Clay County Chancery Clerk Robbie Robinson chairs the Patrons effort in the West Point region.

Established in 1963, the Patrons of Excellence donor club provides special recognition to individuals pledging $1,000 a year to Mississippi State.