William Larry Hawkins

Larry Hawkins credits Millsaps College's size and well-rounded offerings for the deep enjoyment he found as a student.

"My experience at Millsaps was a complete experience, balancing education, social, and personal development," says Hawkins, Millsaps Class of 1963. "Those associations with Millsaps continue with me to this day."

That "complete experience" at Millsaps prepared Larry well for his career in state treasury departments, and later in consulting. It also helped Larry to cultivate his passions, such as his lifelong interest in Southern history, as well as his lifelong service in the United Methodist Church. Larry has published three books of his own on historical subjects, and has also contributed a significant number of books and other historical collectibles to national and state museums. Through the Church, Larry has made numerous service trips in several states, and he continues to serve his home church in Memphis as Church Treasurer.

Larry chose to establish the Mary Bernadette and William Larry Hawkins Endowed Scholarship to make a rewarding Millsaps experience possible for future Millsaps students with financial need. This permanent scholarship is named in honor of his wife of 48 years, Mary Bernadette (Bernie), who passed away unexpectedly in 2015.

"With my wife's passing, I had to make the decision of what to do with certain funds," says Hawkins. "I chose to increase my contributions across the board to all the charities that were important to me and to my wife. Millsaps is important to me, and I hope my contribution to Millsaps can provide young people with an experience like the one I had."

Larry is beginning this scholarship with IRA gifts of $50,000 over a period of five years. He explains, "Making gifts through a simple IRA has allowed me to increase my giving to Millsaps with little tax paperwork, and has reduced additional taxes for my children."

If you are interested in learning more about how you can help provide young people with a life-changing Millsaps experience, please call Mark Annunziata at 601-974-1027 or email [email protected].