List of 12 items.

• Why is the BVBF campaign being launched now?

  In 2020 MUS completed a new strategic plan, Legacy Forward, that focused on the possibilities for the future of MUS. The Bold Vision Bright Future campaign is part of the strategic plan’s mandate to grow the endowment and enhance the MUS campus facilities, ensuring they reflect the school’s high standards of academic excellence. This campaign aims to secure the school’s financial future and provide a physical environment that supports and strengthens our commitment to academic rigor and student success.

• What are the goals of the Bold Vision Bright Future campaign?

  The campaign focuses on two priorities:
  
  

  Building a Bright Future by creating new spaces and renovating existing buildings to ensure that our facilities match the excellence of our academic, arts, and athletic programs. New spaces include a Library and Technology Center; Lower School; Science Center; Visual Art, Music, and Performing Arts Center; Indoor Turf Field and Fitness Center; and a Baseball Fieldhouse.
  
  

  Sustaining the Mission by growing the endowment, thus strengthening our long-term financial foundation. This will provide the flexibility to maintain excellence and enhance programs, curricula, and campus resources, while keeping MUS affordable and competitive in the Mid-South. A larger endowment will help recruit and retain exceptional faculty, increase need-based financial aid, and support our continued growth.

• Who is leading the BVBF campaign?

  Courtney and Fred Schaeffer ’88 are serving as BVBF campaign chairs. Jim Burnett ’83 is the chair of the Leadership Gifts Committee, and Trow Gillespie ’65 and Bill Dunavant ’78 are co-chairs for the Pacesetter Gifts Committee. In addition, alumni parents Mike and Martha Hess are serving as chairs of the Major Gifts Committee. These dedicated volunteer leaders are working closely with Headmaster Pete Sanders, Assistant Head for Advancement Perry Dement, the Advancement Office, and expansive sub-committees to orchestrate the campaign.

• How was the financial goal determined?

  In November 2021 MUS hired Carter, a global philanthropic consulting firm, to conduct a feasibility study and provide counsel during the BVBF capital campaign. The Carter Group completed an internal assessment of advancement strengths and areas for growth; a planning study including interviews, a focus group, and web survey; and a screening of the estimated philanthropic interest of MUS alumni, parents, and friends. The Carter Group’s findings indicated that MUS had the potential for a successful capital campaign. The Board of Trustees carefully considered Carter’s recommendations and helped meet initial important milestones, including early financial commitments from every Board member, totaling $33.6 million. 

  
  The $200 million goal is a combination of the cost of construction for buildings and an enhanced endowment. 

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• Will the school borrow money?

  The Board of Trustees and school leaders are focused on securing enough philanthropic support to minimize the need for borrowing funds to finance construction. Based on a recent feasibility study and strong early backing, we are confident that the MUS community will prioritize this campaign, allowing us to complete all projects outlined in the Campus Master Plan.

   

  However, if sufficient support is not raised in time, the Trustees may need to consider borrowing funds to move forward with construction. The Board also has plans to phase construction to be as fiscally prudent as possible.

   

  This is why we are calling on everyone in the MUS community to come together during this pivotal moment in the school’s history. Your support will help shape the future of MUS and ensure that we leave a lasting impact for generations to come.

• When is construction expected to start and how long will it last?

  The Board of Trustees voted at their August 2024 meeting to begin construction when the campaign total hits the benchmark of $120 million. Construction is anticipated to begin by spring 2025 and is expected to continue through three phases into fall 2027.

   

• What are the construction phases?

  Phase I will include the demolition of the library and construction of the arts and science building. A Park Avenue entrance and guard house are also part of Phase I.

   

  Phase II, which will begin upon the completion of Phase I, consists of the construction of the Lower School and the library and technology center.

   

  Phase III includes the indoor turf field and fitness center, baseball field house, as well as improvements   to Humphreys Hall and the Sue H. Hyde Sports and Physical Education Center. Construction will begin upon completion of Phase II, although there is potential to begin when the campaign goal is met.

• May campaign pledges be paid over time?

  Yes. Campaign gifts may be paid over five-plus tax years.

• May I allocate my pledge to specific campaign priorities?

  While you can allocate your campaign contribution toward the endowment or new facilities, an unrestricted gift will allow for the phases of construction to occur more quickly. 

• Are there opportunities for donors to name spaces or programs with a gift?

  Yes. Click HERE to see current naming opportunities. 

• May I make an estate pledge?

  Yes. MUS may be included in your estate planning. Click HERE for information on a variety of ways to consider donating through an estate.

• Whom do I contact to discuss a campaign gift?

  Please contact Assistant Head for Advancement Perry Dement at (901) 260-1353 or Perry.Dement@musowls.org.