OXFORD, Miss. – Karen Moore connects people with
opportunities, said Bruce Moore, who is honoring
his wife by making certain more opportunities are
available for young people.
Bruce Moore of Nashville has created the Karen Bell
Moore Scholarship at the University of Mississippi
under the guidance of the Ole Miss Women’s Council
with a $100,000 gift.
“Karen is always reaching out and doing things for
other people,” said Bruce Moore, president of the
Hospital Corporation of America Outpatient Services
Group. “When a person continually puts others first
without any expectation of anything in return,
there is a definite ripple effect. Karen makes life
better for many; she cares about people on a very
individual basis.”
A framed certificate about the scholarship was
wrapped as a surprise birthday gift for the
honoree.
“Bruce won’t ever be able to give me a gift that
will be greater than this scholarship,” Karen Moore
said. “I was so excited and so humbled. Bruce and I
feel passionate about the university and about the
work of Chancellor Robert Khayat. This scholarship
will support both.”
Scholarship recipients are to be selected from
middle Tennessee residents who plan to attend UM.
Karen Moore serves on the Ole Miss Women’s Council,
which provides mentoring and leadership training to
help scholarship recipients succeed. Some council
scholars recently traveled to Nashville for a
weekend of music industry-related experiences, and
Moore helped plan the activities.
“I love the women on this council and the purpose
of their work,” said Karen Moore. “It is so
inspiring to see the way they encourage students.
This is what I’m all about: I love to mentor and to
see young people thrive.”
Khayat said he applauds the Moores for their
commitment to the university and its students.
“Karen and Bruce Moore are extraordinary members of
the Ole Miss family,” Khayat said. “We are grateful
for their contributions to the university, which
include their service in several areas and this
tremendous new scholarship honoring Karen. I have
enjoyed meaningful conversations with them about
strengthening our beloved university, and their
thoughtful gift is an example of their vision and
devotion.”
Jan Farrington of Jackson, who chairs the Women’s
Council, said the new scholarship is a reflection
on the couple’s belief in making opportunities
available to others.
“It has been such a pleasure to work with Karen
Moore on the Ole Miss Women’s Council,” Farrington
said. “She and Bruce epitomize our young,
energetic, successful alumni who are making it a
priority to give back to Ole Miss. They have
certainly set a wonderful example in giving – not
only of their resources but also of their time and
talent. The recent OMWC scholarship given by Bruce
in honor of Karen is just one of the ways that they
are providing important opportunities for our
students.”
The Moores, who have supported an array of UM
schools and programs with gifts through the years,
also serve as the Nashville co-chairs of the
university’s Momentum campaign. The initiative has
as its goal attracting $200 million in private
support for academics and athletics, and more than
$160 million already has been given.
“On one occasion, I told Chancellor Khayat I
thought there was a huge population in middle
Tennessee that would be willing to lend support,”
Karen Moore said. “I was happy when he later asked
Bruce and me to work on the campaign. I’ve learned
that Ole Miss is all about family. When you
graduate, you become a part of a network. There is
an immediate bond between Ole Miss graduates of all
ages; we love to help each other and the
university.”
Bruce Moore, who is a UM Foundation board member,
agrees. “You never forget where you came from. Ole
Miss embodies a sense of loyalty and a sense of
community.”
Karen Moore also devotes her time to strengthening
her Nashville community through numerous
organizations, including the Meals on Wheels
program of the Martha O’Bryan Center and the Cystic
Fibrosis Foundation. She is co-chairing the 2008
gala to attract funds for the Frist Visual Arts
Center, which provides high-quality art
exhibitions, educational programs and community
outreach activities. The Moores are active in the
First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, and she
teaches a weekly Bible study for high school
girls.
Bruce Moore, whose hometown is Laurel, and Karen
Bell Moore, a native of Nashville, knew each other
throughout their college years and started dating
during their senior year. Another reason behind the
scholarship goes back to their families: Bruce’s
sister and Karen’s twin sister and four brothers
all earned UM degrees, and now the couple’s oldest
son is attending UM.
“As anyone can tell, UM is a family tradition,” Bruce Moore
said.
The Moores are the parents of Tyler, 20, Margaret
Anne, 17, and Mitchell, 14.
For more information on giving to Ole Miss, go to