The Sue Hodge Council Scholarship 

University of Mississippi senior Scott Walker considered Sue Hodge a friend and mentor. As an academic counselor for the UM School of Business Administration, she not only guided the Ocean Springs native through the logistics of choosing the best classes and schedule but also took time to inquire about his personal life.

Walker didn't forget Hodge's many acts of kindness. When he heard about the Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy scholarship program, which includes mentoring for its scholars, he knew he had found a way to honor her for helping him grow.

He recently created the Sue Hodge Women's Council Scholarship for students in business. How is Walker, who won't graduate until December, able to afford such an endowment? The managerial finance major's $100,000 gift was deferred through an Ole Miss giving program. Students buy a life insurance policy with small monthly payments, and proceeds go to the university.

"Over Christmas, I talked with my parents, and they thought it was a wonderful idea," Walker said. "I don't know when I would have been able to give that much money to Ole Miss, but this (the student life insurance program) is an economical way to do it."

Walker is the second UM student to establish a council scholarship. Senior Susan Keith of Long Beach honored her grandmother with a deferred gift.

The scholarship program began last year with the formation of the Ole Miss Women's Council, a group of 25 women that promotes philanthropy and sponsors programs to develop leadership qualities in students. A supporting organization of The University of Mississippi Foundation, the council will award six students women and men scholarships of $5,000 each per year beginning in 2002.

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

Hodge actually came into Walker's life by design. He had heard of the academic counselor's kindness through older friends and university recruiters. Upon arriving on campus, he sought her out.

"I don't really think I was supposed to go to her, but she welcomed me anyway," Walker said. The pair formed a bond.

When Walker lost his bid for Associated Student Body (ASB) president in a runoff last year, Hodge was there for him.

"It was a really down time in my life, and she helped me through it," he said. When Walker realized he needed an additional semester to complete degree requirements, Hodge came through again.

"She made me realize it was only an extra football season," he said. "She is a close friend and is always supportive."

For Hodge, the friendship and respect are mutual.

"Scott is just a true gentleman and wise beyond his years," she said. "He's quiet, but he can get things done. He's a great asset to this university."

Hodge learned about the scholarship in a presentation by Chancellor Robert Khayat of a plaque embossed with her name. It will be placed by a rosebush in a planned garden adjoining the new Paris- Yates Chapel on campus. Each $100,000 gift to the women's council will be represented in the garden.

The scholarship in Hodge's name couldn't have come at a more opportune time. Her husband, the late Eldrid Hodge, was gravely ill when she learned of the gift. He died just a few days later.

"It was divine intervention" Hodge said. "God has his hand in everything that happens. My husband was so proud. After we learned of the scholarship, it was like he knew he didn't have to worry about me anymore I was going to be OK. He knew there would be people who care around me, and I could draw strength from good things happening. It gave him peace.

"For us, it was probably the greatest thing that ever happened non-family related," Hodge added. "It was important to all of us, and we all needed it."

For Hodge any scholarship is great news, however the women's council scholarship program represents more with its mentoring component. Hodge guides students, so she knows how valuable a kind word or good advice can be to a young person.

"Mentoring is not necessarily hand holding but guidance letting students know there are choices, and it's OK to make choices. All their decisions are not going to be right but are part of the growing process," Hodge said.

Since entering college, Walker has made many choices most that have been right on target. As a freshman, he was elected an ASB senator. He also has served on three ASB cabinets, and as ASB office manager and director of student services. Walker was voted a Campus Favorite and vice president of the senior class, and is a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and Order of Omega, a Greek honor society.

Upon graduating, Walker plans to work in Washington, D.C., then return to Oxford for law school. He, too, applauds the scholarship program's mentoring aspect.

"Things really change overnight from high school to college," he said. "Mentorship can really help you get through those times when you really have no idea what to do."

Walker said he will always remember the moment his mentor received news of the scholarship.

"I have never felt better about anything I have done in my life," he said. "It is the most self- rewarding feeling knowing you are helping someone."