The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Foundation proudly announces a significant milestone in the legacy of Oseola McCarty: the scholarship endowment that she began with her transformative gift has reached $1 million corpus—just in time for what would have been her 117thbirthday on March 7.
One million steps to a brighter future—a journey fueled by McCarty’s unwavering commitment to education and opportunity and paved by the generosity of approximately 1400 donors—this achievement fulfills her dream and ensures that her generosity continues to impact students for generations to come.
In 1995, Ms. McCarty, a humble washerwoman from Hattiesburg, selflessly donated $150,000—the majority of life savings—to provide scholarships for students at Southern Miss. With gifts pouring in from all over the country from people inspired by her selfless giving, McCarty had a hope that one day the scholarship would reach $1 million.
Her story and the impact on the 133 students who have benefitted has inspired people to continue contributing to this scholarship for 30 years. The result, a scholarship fund with a $1 million corpus, proves that small, steady contributions can lead to profound change, each gift a testament to McCarty’s philosophy: “Everything counts.”
Her steps, once taken in quiet determination, now echo in the lives of the students that are uplifted in her name. With this goal achieved, this scholarship will be able to provide $2,000 scholarships to 20 Oseola McCarty Scholars annually.
“The generosity of Oseola McCarty embodies the true spirit of Southern Miss grit,” said University President Dr. Joe Paul. “She gave all she had with the belief that education could transform lives, and today, we are honored to see her dream fully realized. This milestone is not just about numbers—it is about the countless students whose futures have been and will be shaped by her incredible gift.”
Starting at the age of eight, McCarty worked after school beside her mother Lucy, grandmother Julia and aunt Evelyn. She began stashing away money she earned for safekeeping in her doll buggy. Her childhood dream was to become a nurse, but she left school in the sixth grade to care for her ill aunt and never made it back to the classroom. For 75 years, McCarty took in laundry and ironing work until arthritis forced her to stop.
McCarty’s impact is deeply felt by students like Destiny Johnson, a recent nursing graduate and McCarty Scholar. “I think Ms. McCarty’s donation was such a game changer because it has allowed for others to also donate and continue to grow the McCarty Scholars Program. I’m very grateful for that.”
She added, “Knowing that Ms. McCarty had to give up her dream of becoming a nurse to help her family made me even more determined to finish my degree.”
The Oseola McCarty Scholarship provides recipients with financial support and scholars receive personal development through mentorship, career planning, financial literacy and community engagement.
McCarty’s simple steps, taken with purpose, have grown into a million steps of impact. And yet, gratitude flows through every step of this journey.
Stephanie Bullock Ferguson, one of the first scholars to receive a McCarty scholarship, is now a firm believer in the power of small contributions. She shares how McCarty’s philosophy continues to inspire. “Oftentimes we think, ‘I’m not a millionaire’ or ‘My gift of $50 is not going to make a difference,’ but it does. When you start thinking of the hundreds of McCarty scholars that scholarship was able to live on through simply because other people are still making those $20 contributions—it makes a difference. It just goes back to Ms. Ola’s philosophy: Nothing’s too small. Everything counts.”
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate this $1 million milestone,” said Stace Mercier, executive director of the USM Foundation. “It is a testament to the power of collective giving. Ms. McCarty’s story continues to inspire alumni, donors and friends of the University to make a difference—whether through small contributions or major gifts. Her belief that every dollar counts created a ripple effect that will continue for generations.”
As the USM Foundation honors McCarty’s enduring generosity, her legacy remains a powerful reminder that small steps, taken with purpose, can change the world.
For more information on the Oseola McCarty Scholars Program or to contribute to her lasting legacy, visit online at the USM Foundation.
