The Sarah Meisenheimer Council Scholarship 

2001 recipient — Carlie Kollath

Sarah Meisenheimer was known throughout her short life for a lot of excellent qualities. But if you ask friends and family what tops the list, they answer without hesitation: Meisenheimer always lent a hand to anyone in need and had a long-standing love affair with The University of Mississippi.

Now, through the generosity of her parents, Carl and Sally Meisenheimer of Niceville, Fla., other family members and friends, her two greatest passions have come together with the creation of the Sarah Meisenheimer Women's Council Scholarship Endowment Fund.

"While Sarah never attended The University of Mississippi, both of her brothers did so," said her brother, Ed Meisenheimer of Germantown, Tenn. "Sarah spent a lot of time coming to football games and sports camps at Ole Miss. She had a deep love for the university. My family felt very strongly as they moved forward that they wanted to remember Sarah in a way that would live forever and also help other people accomplish their goals in life."

Ed's wife, Molly, who also is an Ole Miss graduate, said the family was struggling to find a reason for Meisenheimer's death in 1999 at the age of 32, and to find a positive way to memorialize her. The women's council scholarship endowment fit their needs.

"The family got together and realized that the one thing we had in common was our love of Ole Miss and how much we talked about it with Sarah," she said. "This scholarship just seemed to be the most appropriate way to honor her. Other people having a chance for an education, a future and attending the university is something that would have made Sarah very, very happy."

The Meisenheimer's gift of $50,000, plus an additional $50,000 pledged by her brothers, Ed and Mark, sister, Carin Pannelli, and friends inaugurates a new, innovative scholarship program being offered by the university the Ole Miss Women's Council for Philanthropy Scholarship Endowment Fund. The vouncil plans to select six high school seniors to benefit from the scholarships men and women, who have exhibited leadership and community service qualities. Beginning fall 2001, each council scholar receives $5,000 annually to attend Ole Miss.

What makes this program unique is it is much more than just funding the students' education at the university. The scholars are expected to participate in leadership, scholarship, mentorship and stewardship programs throughout their college careers.

Ellen Rolfes, council member and a university advancement associate, said the Meisenheimer's endowment already has inspired others to follow their lead. "A gift from the heart, such as the Meisenheimers, multiplies in countless ways to impact our university," she said. "With this model, others have already begun to step forward to support the Ole Miss Women's Council Scholarship Endowment Program."

Molly Meisenheimer, who also is a council member, believes the endowment will enable young people to have as full a life as Sarah did.

"This scholarship is something very important," she said. "I feel that each person who receives it will have personalized attention. These students who are going to be the future leaders of not only this university but also perhaps our country will come back to teach, guide and mentor other young people."