Emeritus professors V. James Rhodes and wife Verna Adwell Rhodes are a true Mizzou couple. While both retired in 1995 — he from agricultural economics and she from nursing — they continue their involvement with the University and, collectively, have amassed more than 70 years of service.

Over the years, the Rhodes had many opportunities to go elsewhere, but “we were happy here,” says Verna Rhodes, associate professor emeritus of nursing. “We were pleased with the academic environment and visualized the potential progress within the University.”

The educational and scholastic atmosphere in both the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and the Sinclair School of Nursing have been enriched greatly through the Rhodes’ financial support. Most recently, they set up their third endowment in nursing. This one is designed to help meet the future needs of nursing educators.

“There is a definite shortage of nurses and particularly of faculty,” she says. “Unless you have qualified faculty, you are not going to get qualified nurses. We thought there should be some funds to encourage individuals to go into nursing education on a PhD level with plans to go into a faculty position, preferably in oncology nursing.”

The increase in the international movement among faculty and students during the past 25 years was the impetus for two endowments, she says. One is a travel fund for nursing students in any stage of their education to explore international studies and research, and one is a research endowment to allow tenured faculty in nursing to expand research activities among international populations, generally in the area of health restoration. The ability to work together is paramount to any research project, she says.

“So much can be done through technology and especially with e-mail, but we need to have ways to connect personally before we can do much in the area of research.”

These endowments are not new giving patterns for the Rhodes. They have always contributed annually to various programs. “This is a desire to help our University and the people of the world,” she says. “As we contribute to the lives of students and faculty, their contributions extend beyond the boundaries of a particular country. “

Verna Rhodes offers up a simple reason for their constant investment in Mizzou’s future: We give to continue a pattern of excellence in teaching and opportunity for students,” she says. “Scholarships are extremely important, especially at a time when the student population and education costs are rising.”

In past years, the University’s share of the state’s funds has dwindled. Today, state appropriations provide only one-fifth of Mizzou’s total budget, and student fees contribute about 15 percent. Private gifts provide additional resources to help MU continue its tradition of excellence in teaching, research and service.

Hundreds of faculty, staff and retirees like the Rhodes are supporting MU’s scholarships, facilities and other programs through It’s My Mizzou: The Campus Campaign. This campus drive is part of the University’s overall historic $600 million comprehensive campaign, For All We Call Mizzou, and is focused more on participation than the amount of a donation.

All gifts to the campaign, regardless of size, have an impact and help the University achieve its long-term goal of creating a culture of giving on campus.

“We are encouraging faculty and staff to identify the programs or areas that are important to them and support them with a contribution, no matter how large or small,” says Terri Gray, director of development for the campus campaign.

She says donors may choose what to support, how much to contribute and how to make their gifts, whether by check, credit card, as a pledge or through payroll deduction. No administrative costs are deducted from the gift, so donors can be sure that 100 percent of every dollar they contribute will support the area of their choice.

"Campus support makes a strong statement to others that people working here day in and day out value the University not only as an employer,” Gray says, “but also as an important asset to the community and the state.”

For more information about how your private gifts can ensure that Mizzou continues to thrive for generations to come, call 884-3160 or visit formizzou.missouri.edu.

written by Sue Richardson

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