Mississippi State University Class of 2010 'pays forward'

Mississippi State, Miss. — The veterinary Class of 2010 pledged $10,000 in a unique way to a Mississippi State University fund supporting the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

Established in 2002 through the MSU Foundation, the Pegasus Partners Endowment Fund supports CVM activities upholding the prestige, stability and mission of the college. The endowment goal is $2.5 million.

Wanting to set a precedent for "giving as a class of students," the 72-member class aims to raise $2,500 a year for the fund, fulfilling their pledge by 2010. They will donate $500 of class dues each year and seek contributions from family members, friends, educational groups, animal enthusiasts and veterinary clinics.

No entering class has ever proposed such an ambitious offering, says CVM Associate Dean Dr. Robert Cooper.

"Our class is serious about our education and about those students who follow behind us," says Keith Youngblood, president of the Class of 2010. "The contributions made by people who preceded us have made it possible for us to have a better opportunity for an education. We want to honor what they did for us."