Scholarship support enables USM students to focus on their coursework and graduate on time, prepared for success in their field. Kris Evans from Mendenhall, Miss., is a prime example.
With the help of the Robert J. Giordano Scholarship fund through the USM Foundation, Kris graduated in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). Her scholarship allowed her the financial freedom to complete an 11-week internship in the Financial Management Scholars Program with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) while earning her degree. This opportunity provided Kris with hands-on experience evaluating bank operations, business planning, risk management strategies and consumer protection practices.
"Balancing school, work, internships, volunteering and time with my family made my college schedule hectic. Receiving a scholarship decreased my financial stress and allowed me to focus on accomplishing my goals," Kris said. "The support of this scholarship also allowed me to purchase a laptop for completing my schoolwork, which was crucial to my success. Mr. Giordano's generosity helped me gain the flexibility to do school projects anytime and anyplace."
Kris plans to return to the FDIC as a financial institution specialist. After completing this program, she will sit for the exam to become a commissioned bank examiner.
"If I could say anything to Mr. Giordano, it would be, 'thank you for providing such a thoughtful gift! Being selected as a USM Foundation scholarship recipient made a world of difference in my ability to graduate on time, real-world ready. Your donation is very much appreciated, and I am ever grateful.'"
This scholarship was made possible through the proceeds of Joey Giordano's life insurance policy and awards a student in the College of Business and Economic Development with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
You Can Help
If you would like to explore different giving options, such as naming Southern Miss as a beneficiary of an insurance policy, please contact Daniel Barton at daniel.barton@usm.edu or 601.266.6428.