OXFORD, Miss. – In a generous show of support for education, longtime friends of Ole Miss Women’s Council member Mary Susan Gallien Clinton have donated $100,000 to the University of Mississippi, significantly enhancing the scholarship established in her honor.
Shelly and Ralph Stayer, residents of Naples, Florida, contributed to the Mary Susan Gallien Clinton Council Scholarship Endowment as a heartfelt acknowledgment of the importance Clinton and her husband, J.D., place on mentoring young people. The Stayers’ significant donation raises the total endowment to an impressive $436,234, reflecting their commitment to fostering academic success and leadership among students.
“This gift serves as a meaningful thank-you to Mary Susan,” expressed Ralph Stayer, who owns Johnsonville Sausage, a renowned $1 billion company established by his father, originating from a modest butcher shop in Wisconsin. “Our friendship blossomed shortly after we relocated to Naples, and we quickly developed a strong affection for both her and J.D. They are truly remarkable people.”
“In addition to our friendship, we have a deep appreciation for the university,” he continued. “We admire the initiatives being led by the chancellor, especially his efforts to uphold our shared values, and we wanted to give back to the school that means so much to us.”
Stayer expressed optimism that their investment in the Clinton Council Scholarship will create opportunities that will benefit generations of students. “I’ve witnessed the incredible potential of council scholars; they are exceptionally impressive individuals, and Shelly and I wish to expand the opportunities available within this program,” Stayer noted. “We believe that the future of America is in capable hands with these inspiring young individuals.”
The Clinton Council Scholarship is specifically tailored for business or accountancy majors. Recipients are selected based on their academic performance, leadership potential, and financial need. They must hail from one of four designated West Tennessee counties—Haywood, Madison, Shelby, or Tipton—and are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to retain the scholarship.
In a pioneering move, the Clinton Council Scholarship is the first Women’s Council scholarship endowment to include a paid internship. Recipients will gain invaluable, hands-on experience through paid internships at Insouth Bank, thereby building practical skills for the financial sector.
The principles of leadership, philanthropy, and mentorship are foundational to the council and are what originally attracted Mary Susan Clinton to the organization. The council provides recipients with $40,000 scholarships, promotes leadership development, cultural experiences, and facilitates study abroad and national and international internships.
Moreover, council scholars benefit from peer, career, and life mentors, including a new initiative called Council Connect, which pairs each student with a council member for support during critical times.
Donors like the Stayers allow Clinton’s dedication to student philanthropy to flourish. The Stayers were introduced to Ole Miss through the Clintons, who recommended the university when their grandson, Owen, began exploring higher education options. They joyfully attended his graduation from the university this past May.
In touching remarks, Clinton said, “I’m profoundly grateful for my dear friends Ralph and Shelly, who recognize the significance of investing in the next generation by providing support that goes beyond financial assistance. Their generosity touches me deeply, especially as it benefits the university I hold dear and, most importantly, our council scholars.”
For years, the Clintons have been actively mentoring young individuals through various service organizations, including their role as founding members of the Naples Children and Education Foundation in 2001. This nonprofit has successfully raised $302 million to supply over 300,000 underserved children with essential services and resources.
As a dedicated member of the Women’s Council, Clinton not only shares her culinary expertise with scholars in her beloved Oxford home but also fosters an environment conducive to open dialogue and personal development. “By creating spaces for candid conversations and personal growth, I empower students to navigate challenges while pursuing their dreams confidently,” she stated. “My parents instilled in my sisters and me the importance of mentoring underserved families from an early age.”
Clinton, a native of Savannah, Tennessee, began her professional journey as a stockbroker with Morgan Keegan in Memphis before launching Gallien Global Vision—a highly regarded international wildlife documentary company—in 1992. She currently serves as chair of the UM Foundation and holds a position on the executive board of Insouth Bank, which contributed $165,000 to expand her scholarship in 2022. Clinton has also taken on leadership roles in various organizations, including serving as vice chair for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and chair for the upcoming 2024 Naples Shelter Mending Broken Hearts with Hope Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Luncheon. She is slated to become the chair-elect of the Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Collier County in 2027.
To learn more about supporting the Ole Miss Women’s Council, contact Suzanne Helveston, OMWC program director, at [email protected] or 662-915-2956, or explore giving options online here.
Top: Ralph (left) and Shelly Stayer (right) visit the rose garden at the University of Mississippi while on campus for the graduation of their grandson, Owen Stayer. Photo by Bill Dabney/UM Foundation
How do Ralph Stayer’s values of leadership, philanthropy, and mentorship influence his contributions to education?
**Interview with Ralph Stayer: A Legacy of Giving and Mentorship**
*Editor:* Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ralph Stayer, co-donor of a generous $100,000 contribution to the Mary Susan Gallien Clinton Council Scholarship Endowment at the University of Mississippi. Thank you for joining us, Ralph.
*Ralph Stayer:* Thank you for having me; it’s a pleasure to be here.
*Editor:* Your donation has significantly boosted the scholarship endowment to over $436,000. Can you share what motivated you and Shelly to make this contribution?
*Ralph Stayer:* Absolutely. Our longstanding friendship with Mary Susan and J.D. Clinton played a vital role in our decision. They are remarkable individuals who have shown a deep commitment to mentoring young people. We wanted to do something special to honor Mary Susan and to support the values she represents.
*Editor:* You mentioned the importance of education and mentorship. How do you see this donation impacting students in the program?
*Ralph Stayer:* I believe this investment will create opportunities for many students. The Clinton Council Scholars are some of the most impressive young individuals I’ve encountered. With the added resources, we hope to expand the program, providing even more opportunities and supporting students in their pursuit of academic and career excellence.
*Editor:* The Clinton Council Scholarship has a unique aspect—it’s the first Women’s Council scholarship endowment that offers a paid internship. What are your thoughts on the significance of providing such hands-on experiences?
*Ralph Stayer:* It’s critical for students to gain real-world experience, especially in fields like business and accounting. Paid internships at institutions like Insouth Bank will not only help them develop practical skills but also give them a competitive edge in the workforce. We’re excited to see how this initiative will shape the future careers of these scholars.
*Editor:* You also mentioned the values that the university and the council uphold. Can you elaborate on what values resonate with you and Shelly?
*Ralph Stayer:* Leadership, philanthropy, and mentorship are foundational to everything we do. We admire the university’s initiatives and the chancellor’s efforts to foster these values within the student body. Giving back to an institution that embodies these principles is immensely fulfilling for us.
*Editor:* how has your connection to Ole Miss evolved through this experience, especially considering your grandson’s journey at the university?
*Ralph Stayer:* It’s been a beautiful journey. Our introduction to Ole Miss was through the Clintons, and seeing our grandson graduate this past May was truly special. It made us realize how impactful this university is for students and families alike. We are proud to contribute to a cause that fosters growth, mentorship, and a brighter future.
*Editor:* Thank you, Ralph, for sharing your insights and for your generous support of the next generation.
*Ralph Stayer:* Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to contribute to something so meaningful.