For almost 75 years, University of Mississippi alumni and friends have found a home at the Alumni House overlooking the Grove. This space has served as a hub for connection, celebration and memories, but the university – and its alumni base – has outgrown the facility.
The Ole Miss Alumni Association plans to build a larger, more modern alumni center, and a lead gift of $4 million from the Dr. and Mrs. R. Faser Triplett Foundation kick-started that effort. Dozens of alumni have already contributed to the project.
The Alumni Association plays a crucial role in maintaining lifelong connections between the university and its former students, said Kirk Purdom, the organization’s CEO. Through programs, events and initiatives, the association sponsors and hosts programs, events and initiatives to fosters a sense of belonging that begins while students are enrolled on campus and extends beyond graduation.
“Enhanced facilities are not only essential in achieving this mission but also contribute to expanding services and engagement opportunities,” Purdom said. “Demands for meeting and event spaces exceed the current Triplett Alumni Center’s capacity.
“Some traditional events have moved off campus, while some new requests have been declined due to space limitations.”
The Alumni House was built in 1950, when Ole Miss had just over 11,000 alumni. The Triplett Alumni Center, named for late association president Dr. Faser Triplett, was completed in 1997, expanding the center’s office spaces and event capacity.
The Ole Miss alumni population has grown to more than 168,000, so even more space and amenities are needed. The gift from the Triplett Foundation ensures that the new facility will retain the Triplett Alumni Center name.
The Triplett Foundation is managed by the Triplett children: Chip Triplett, of Ridgeland; Diane Holloway, of Nashville, Tennessee; Suzy Fuller, of Greenwood, South Carolina; Liz Walker of Jackson; and Lou Ann Woidtke of Madison.
“My siblings and I are thrilled that the alumni center will welcome a whole new generation of students, alumni and families,” Holloway said. “It will act as a front door to the university that everyone can be proud of.
“We know that the new building will continue to anchor our community, just as the old building has for decades. And we are excited to see it evolve to meet new needs and purposes that advance the university’s cutting edge.”
The envisioned expansion of Triplett Alumni Center serves multiple purposes, said Jeff Hubbard, of Madison, the association’s president.
“Our current building has served us well for decades, but it’s simply past time for a new facility,” he said. “Our alumni have already started answering the call with generous gifts that will ensure the new Triplett Alumni Center becomes a source of pride for generations to come.”
Architectural plans call for a classic red-brick building, a $51 million-plus project that will serve as a welcome center, extending hospitality to alumni, prospective students, university guests and others. A partnership with the Office of Enrollment Management will see staff and offices housed on the first floor, allowing the center to be the starting point for campus tours.
“Interest in Ole Miss and the demand to visit campus is at an all-time high,” said Martin Fisher, director of campus visits and orientation programs. “Having a dedicated space in such a beautiful area of campus will enhance our visitor experience and allow us to increase the number of people we host each year.”
The ground floor will also feature a 150-seat ballroom, alumni records office, catering kitchen and a large gathering space. This allows for early connections with prospective students.
“With the new construction being one of the first places for new students and their parents to visit on campus right across the Grove, we felt that it would make a great first impression,” Triplett said. “It will also be one of the last places they go when they graduate from school.”
The second floor will include a 300-seat-plus grand ballroom, large pre-function area, multiple breakout rooms and the president’s hospitality suite.
A balcony will offer a view of the Grove and allow the association to host a range of gatherings, from career fairs and alumni reunions to rehearsal dinners and weddings, further enhancing opportunities for connection.
A significant aspect of the new Triplett Alumni Center is the integration of the university’s athletics legacy. The third floor will house the M-Club Alumni Chapter, featuring special collections and memorabilia in the Manning Room and the Jake Gibbs Room.
The M-Club Alumni Chapter is committing $1.5 million toward the design and construction of the new space. This pledge marks the beginning of a special project with hopes of inspiring additional support from M-Club members, said Jessica Lynch, M-Club director.
“We want to create a space that tells the full story of our athletic traditions, by honoring the past, celebrating the present and highlighting the evolution of athletics to inspire the future so every Ole Miss fan can experience it,” she said.
The current M-Club Museum is in the Starnes Athletic Training Center, where it has long preserved history and memorabilia. While this location will continue to showcase important pieces of athletic legacies, the transition to Alumni Center will allow for enhanced features, including interactive exhibits, a broader representation of all sports and a dedicated Hall of Fame area.
“Our new space will showcase iconic pieces of Ole Miss sports history – from Jake Gibbs’ glove and Archie Manning’s cast to the women’s golf national championship trophy and Olympic medals,” Lynch said.
The fourth floor will accommodate Alumni Association staff, allowing for increased operational efficiency and ensuring the association continues to provide high-quality services and programs.
Karen Moore, the organization’s immediate past president, and her husband, Bruce, showed their support with a $500,000 gift.
“Bruce and I believe the new ballroom and event spaces are desperately needed and will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for both alumni and students with weddings and many other events,” Karen Moore said. “Prospective students will immediately feel a connection to Ole Miss as they step into a space that celebrates tradition while embracing the future.”