Not Leaving Anything to Chance
Alumnus Douglas Terreson doesn't leave things to chance, especially when it concerns his family and his university. One day, a $500,000 bequest from the Mississippi native will benefit a university scholarship in engineering which honors his family's heritage.
"I decided to make a bequest to Mississippi State because I wanted to perpetually fund a scholarship in my family's name. The scholarship honors my mom and dad, Virginia and Harold, for all they have done for me," Douglas says.
Since its inception, the Terreson Family Loyalty Scholarship in the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering has helped 23 recipients with their MSU studies. The bequest will create additional earnings for the student awards.
By creating the scholarship, Douglas hopes to inspire others to give for today and consider gift planning options for the future.
Douglas and his wife, Edie, live in Point Clear, Ala., with their three children, Catherine, Virginia and Todd. Small-town life and serving as a role model for others is important to him.
"I want to set an example for students and help them explore engineering, experience all MSU has to offer and employ their God given talents to accomplish their goals," he says.
In his 25-year career, Douglas earned a reputation of being one of the top energy analysts in the nation. He puts the MSU petroleum engineering degree he received in 1984 to use as head of Energy Research for Evercore ISI.
By earning an engineering degree from MSU, Douglas followed in the footsteps of his dad, Harold, and his maternal grandfather, Aubrey Lewis. He honors their legacy by giving back to the university with his time and financial resources. Besides his financial support, he serves on the MSU Foundation board of directors and chairs its investment committee.
How You Can Help
Many donors like Douglas have carefully crafted a legacy over their lifetimes with thoughtful estate plans. For their planned gifts to Mississippi State, they are honored with membership in the university's prestigious Old Main Society and have the opportunity to inspire other alumni and friends through their giving.
