On July 15, 2001, the College of Family and Consumer Sciences lost a friend who many consider the "perfect alumna."

   Dr. Jessie Mize was quite ambitious throughout her life. She earned three degrees at UGA in the 1930s and her Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1952. After serving in several FACS positions, Dr. Mize retired as head of the Housing and Home Management Department in 1974. She was honored for her leadership in guiding and motivating students with the FACS Alumni Association's Creswell Award in 1980.

   When I began working for our College five years ago, I got to know Dr. Mize well. I was astounded at her depth of knowledge. She knew the latest research in her area, rarely missed an annual alumni meeting, attended South Campus Tailgate and football games, and even celebrated her 90th birthday in Dawson Hall with faculty and students.

   Dr. Mize was also the "perfect donor."

   Beginning in 1944, she never missed making an annual fund contribution (probably she made gifts prior to then, but our records aren't that old). She designated many of those gifts in memory or in honor of others. Dr. Mize was a Founding Presidents Club member. She creatively used tools such as the pooled income fund to provide funds for the College's future while receiving income for herself during her lifetime. She was a UGA Heritage Society member which means she provided documentation that an estate gift would be made to the College upon her death. Her estate gift provided for a fund to recognize her mother, Leila Ritchie Mize, who was also a FACS alumna, and will fund an annual stipend in perpetuity for the Legislative Aide program, which was her special interest area.

   You might think that Dr. Mize was a very wealthy woman. Her gifts were not the largest given, but collectively they likely have been among the most meaningful. Dr. Mize has left a legacy beyond an endowment.

   Is it possible for you to be like Dr. Mize? Have you considered including FACS in your estate plans and using your resources to help the program you care about the most at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences? Such programs may be leadership development, McPhaul children's programs, or study abroad opportunities. Will you be like Dr. Mize and allow the College to create an innovative activity like the Legislative Aide program? Will you be interested in students and be an active alumna or alumnus when you're 90 years old?

   True wealth comes from good investments. Dr. Mize invested in students, programs and friends. In reflecting upon the legacy she left at UGA and in her community, meeting the many friends that attended her funeral, and watching her active participation within her profession at age 90, I think it's easy to say that Dr. Mize did indeed die a very wealthy woman. Are you ready to begin investing?

For more information on how to give a current or deferred gift, please contact me at (706) 542-4946, or send an email to kbowers@fcs.uga.edu, or write to me at FACS, 224 Dawson Hall, UGA, Athens, GA 30602
Director of FACS Development Katrina L. Bowers