Oktibbeha Countian assumes MSU Foundation leadership role
Contact: Amy Cagle
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Sidney A. “Ally” Walker is Mississippi State’s new associate director of annual giving.
In a new role that began earlier this month, the Starkville native is working to secure major annual giving commitments, assist with special campaigns and focus on specific university programs such as the Compass Scholarships.
Walker is a 2009 MSU communication/public relations graduate with a minor in marketing.
Focusing on business development, outside sales, and project management, she worked previously at Beech Street Capital in Bethesda, Maryland, and Skyline DFW Exhibits and Events in Grand Prairie, Texas.
“Ally brings knowledge and a lot of enthusiasm to this position, and I am confident she will be a strong asset to the Annual Giving team,” said Jana Berkery, director of annual giving for the MSU Foundation. “Her skillset and passion make her an excellent addition to our professional staff.”
As a fourth-generation MSU graduate, Walker said she is excited “to be working for the university I love."
“I’m looking forward to partnering with many dedicated alumni and friends to advance Mississippi State for its students, faculty and programs,” she added.
The MSU Annual Fund provides an avenue for donors to support any area of the 137-year-old land-grant institution. Gifts may be designated specifically for a college or school, academic department, scholarship fund or any other area.
The program also includes a telefunding center employing more than 50 students that make telephone solicitations of alumni and friends. In addition to solicitations, center staff members work to update MSU Alumni Association records during the contact process.
Mississippi State currently has more than 132,000 living alumni.
Offices for the MSU Foundation are located in the Hunter Henry Center. For more information on campus fundraising activities, visit www.msufoundation.com. Walker may be contacted at awalker@foundation.msstate.edu or 662-325-5977.
MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.