OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi Greek Council
has given $11,000 to the Friends of the Children’s
Hospital, the nonprofit organization created to benefit the
Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children at the University of
Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
The Greek Council includes presidents of the 32 Greek
organizations on the Oxford campus and leaders of the
Interfraternity, Panhellenic and National Panhellenic
councils. Its members decide the amount and beneficiaries
of the gifts.
In addition, the UM chapter of Delta Delta Delta sorority
has given $5,000 to the Children’s Cancer Clinic at the
Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.
“We are absolutely so excited about this,” said Suzan
Thames, chair of the board of Friends of the Children’s
Hospital. “So few people realize that the Blair E. Batson
Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in the
state of Mississippi, treating such diseases as cancer,
epilepsy, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and numerous
other childhood illnesses. These are wonderful and generous
gifts from the Greek students at the University of
Mississippi. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate
everything they have done for the children of our state.”
The funds given by the Tri Deltas were raised at the Delta
Delta Delta Pancakes for Kids event last fall. The event
yielded more than $16,000, which was divided between state
and national nonprofits.
“We wanted to do something to benefit our state,” said
Elizabeth McRight, president of the sorority and a
Greenville native. “This is the first time our sorority has
given to the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, but I
know it won’t be the last. This is something our girls are
really proud of.”
Thomas “Sparky” Reardon, dean of students, commended the
students for their generosity and desire to positively
represent the entire UM Greek community.
“These students are scholars and leaders who believe in
giving to others,” Reardon said. “Ole Miss Greeks provide
support and services for agencies, organizations and
individuals. These gifts to benefit the Blair E. Batson
Hospital for Children are especially meaningful since the
funds will be used to help the children of Mississippi.
This is an outstanding achievement and we, as a university,
appreciate and applaud their efforts and generosity.”
The UM Greek community donated more than $300,000 in 2007
to local, state and national causes.
For more information about the Greek Council, go to