The Dorothy Graham Brown Council Scholarship 

Susan Keith, a University of Mississippi managerial finance graduate from Long Beach, wanted to give her grandmother something special for Christmas. She knows the holidays for Dorothy Graham Brown from Pass Christian are rough, since Keith's grandfather died on Christmas Eve several years ago.

So instead of the usual outfit or even household appliance, Keith came up with a gift that truly touched her grandmother's heart. On Christmas Eve, Brown learned that her granddaughter endowed an Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy Scholarship in her honor.

With the deferred gift by Keith, Brown's name is forever associated with the university from which Keith recently graduated. In addition, a plaque embossed with Brown's name is to be placed alongside a rosebush planted in a garden adjoining the new university chapel on the Oxford campus.

"My grandmother is the most giving person I have known in my entire life," Keith said. "That's why I think it is appropriate to name an endowment after her. She has shown me the importance and rewards of giving, especially in something for which you truly believe.

"The holidays, especially the last several years, have been a special time for my family a celebration of his (Robert Ewing Brown) life and our lives together," Keith added. " I was excited to have the opportunity to give her something she will not only enjoy, but also something special that can be named after her."

The council, a group of 25 women with Ole Miss connections, promotes philanthropy and sponsors programs to develop outstanding leadership qualities in students. A supporting organization of The University of Mississippi Foundation, the council will award six students men and women scholarships of $5,000 each per year beginning fall 2001.

Each council scholar then is assigned a mentor from the Ole Miss community to guide the student in developing a career path and networking with alumni and other professionals. Each recipient also participates in seminars developed through the university's Lott Leadership Institute, meets monthly for small-group discussions and, upon graduation, is expected to pledge for the next five years a modest amount of financial support to the women's council endowment to reseed the program.

After reading about the council en route to a university-sponsored leadership program in Washington, D.C., this summer, Keith knew it was a group she would like to support. However, the required amount to endow a council scholarship is $100,000 way out of the league of someone who did not begin her first "real" job until a few short years ago, the 24-year-old believed.

However, fate played a hand. While on the same trip, Keith met Ellen Rolfes, founding council member and university advancement associate. Rolfes explained there are a number of ways to give to the council and even several options for someone who cannot endow a full scholarship at this time.

"I told Ellen that when I make my first million dollars, I would endow a scholarship," Keith said. "She turned around to me and asked, 'Why don't you do it now?' I thought she was pretty crazy."

Crazy, indeed. Rolfes explained that Keith could invest in a life-insurance policy with a minimum payment each month. After Keith's death, the proceeds will go to the university.

"I think it is amazing the deferred payment plan is available," Keith said. "Almost any student can afford the insurance premium because of his or her age."

What also is "amazing" is that Keith ended up at Ole Miss at all. She always believed she was destined for a small, liberal arts college. But once again, fate played a hand. Keith was awarded a Hearin- Hess Scholarship one of the nation's top business awards by the UM School of Business Administration, as well as a host of other scholarships and financial assistance to attend school on the Oxford campus.

"This (UM) is the best place I could have chosen, and the last place I thought I would have ended up," Keith said. "But I couldn't turn down the scholarships. I basically was paid to go to school. I can't think of another place where the education, atmosphere and opportunities are incredible but still affordable."

The selection of Keith as a scholar has been rewarding to the university, as well. Keith was a member of the McDonnell-Barksdale Honors College and the Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key and Mortar Board honor societies. She also was a Litton Industries Scholar and received the Corre Anding Stegall Leadership Award.

Keith's campus activities included being elected Associated Student Body treasurer, as well as being a member of the Presidential Cabinet, Elections Commission, Exchange Club, Kappa Delta sorority (where she served as treasurer) and the Trent Lott Leadership Institute.

"Every time I saw Susan Keith involved in a project, I know it is worthwhile and will be a success," said Chancellor Robert Khayat. "She has made significant contributions to life at Ole Miss, and I know she is destined for leadership."

Rolfes said the emergence of young philanthropists, such as Keith, has a positive impact the future of UM in infinite ways.

"Susan Keith is a leader in this movement," she said. "The Ole Miss Women's Council is grateful to receive the first student endowment from such an extraordinary role model of new alums."

As a "new alum," Keith moved to Washington, D.C., to accept a job with a top accounting firm. No matter how far she is from her native Mississippi and alma mater, though, she still wants to continue to support the council and its scholars.

"It is important in life to feel like you are making a difference," she said. "I really feel the students who will be council scholars are going to be blessed. Their journey at the university will be so much more rewarding and fulfilling than students who have come before them."