Foundation President Mike Herrington of Olive Branch agrees. “Several years ago, the Board of Directors held a special meeting to set goals for the Foundation, and we decided on the primary goal of increasing the endowment to $4 million by the end of 2007. It is exciting to know that as of the end of 2006, our endowment is valued at $4.2 million, which, of course, means more scholarships to Northwest students.”

Canon predicts that in 2007, an estimated 300 scholarships will be awarded representing more than $200,000. Those funds have come from different sources, according to Dolores Wooten, manager of Alumni Affairs and Development Operations. “Fundraising events such as our golf tournaments, bridge tournaments and the intercollegiate rodeo all play a part in not only raising funds, but also increasing awareness of what we are trying to do to help students. We really do appreciate all of the businesses who sponsor these events and all those who participate.”

One Northwest supporter who can usually be found at any fundraising event is Dr. Robert Smith of Hernando. Dr. Smith serves as vice president of the Foundation Board of Directors and was the Alumni Association president for 10 years. “As an alumnus of Northwest, I know personally the benefits of attending this college. It is encouraging to see the support from alumni, from local citizens and from industry to provide educational opportunities for our friends and neighbors right here in northwest Mississippi.”

When Cribbs graduates from Northwest in May, she can’t wait to start her career in nursing. “As soon as I can after I start to work, I plan to establish an endowment myself here at Northwest.”