Chuck and Rita Scianna make $1 million investment in College of Business and Economic Development Initiative

Tue, 01/10/2023 – 8:29 AM | | Author: Van Arnold

The College of Business and Economic Development (CBED) at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) received a $1 million investment from Chuck and Rita Scianna. Sciannas is a longtime college champion.

They have generously supported university-specific initiatives on several notable occasions, including investing $6 million during the Building Better Business campaign to fund the university’s new home on the Hattiesburg campus. rice field. Completed in 2015, the facility is aptly named Scianna Hall.

Approximately one-third of the funding will establish the Scianna Business Leadership Program, providing promising business students with a learning experience to develop leadership and professional skills. Students selected for the program also receive scholarships to help with tuition and fees.

Outside the classroom, the program offers a variety of complementary experiences, including one-on-one mentoring and coaching, interaction with business professionals, and off-site travel. The experiential learning component of the program enhances your college experience and positively impacts your preparation for the real world after graduation. The program will begin with a cohort of students in Fall 2024.

Another part supports the Scianna Student Managed Investment Fund, a live portfolio management program that develops financial analysis skills through rigorous stock research. Other initiatives include:

• Workshops and contests related to investment management
• Distinguished guest lecturers from the financial industry
• Travel to big city financial hubs

The rest of the investment has created lasting support for the College of Business and Economic Development. The Scianna CBED Excellence Endowment supports students, faculty and staff within the College to advance research and enhance the student experience.

A native of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Chuck received his BA in Southern Miss in 1975. He is the owner and president of Sim-Tex, LP in Waller, Texas, an API certified oil he is one of the country’s leading suppliers of his tubes. product. Dr. Brett Becton, Dean of the University of Business and Economic Development, said: “We are grateful for their continued support, generosity and friendship. Their support will have a profound impact on the University for years to come.”