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Love of natural resources a Starr family tradition
Perhaps it is genetic or the result of years of listening to his father’s words of wisdom. Whatever the reason, there is no denying Walt Starr’s love for natural resources.
Walt is the son of beloved professor and the first Bulldog forester, John W. Starr. Starr began his 25-year career with MSU in 1948 as an assistant forester. In 1978, the school forest was renamed the John W. Starr Memorial Forest in his honor.
While Walt chose a different career path than his father—periodontics—his love for the College of Forest Resources is evident.
In 1991, Walt and wife Lee Ann funded the John and Caroline Starr Memorial Scholarship in Forest Management, making it the largest endowed scholarship in the college. In 1997, the Starrs donated a two-acre tract of land in Ridge Lakes, a subdivision in Starkville. Most recently, the Starrs donated a 2.5-acre lot in Prairie Waters, a subdivision in Lowndes County.
"I am so grateful for the time I spent walking in the woods and listening to my father teach me about the natural world," Walt said. "My father left a legacy for me and my children, every time we drive down Highway 25 in Starkville and see the forest that bears his name, we are grateful for the lessons he left us."
"I want to leave a legacy also. The gifts that I leave, whether it is a scholarship or property for the Bulldog Forest, will help educate our future leaders in the forestry industry," Walt added.
To find out how you can create a legacy through the College of Forest Resources, contact
Jeff Little at 662-325-8151.
Make A Gift
Find out more ways to give by visiting the MSU Foundation at msufoundation.com
Thank you for your interest in giving to the College of Forest Resources. Establishing a scholarship is a 10-step process, outlined below. If you have any questions, please contact one of our Directors of Development.
- Contact the College of Forest Resources to discuss interest.
- Receive sample gift agreement from the College of Forest Resources and develop selection criteria.
- Return gift agreement to the College of Forest Resources with selection criteria and other information indicated. We will create a new gift agreement that indicates the donor's wishes. Academic area and scholarship office may proof and edit also.
- The College of Forest Resources will return the edited gift agreement to the donor for signature.
- Once the signed gift agreement is received from the donor, document is routed for academic signature (if appropriate) and MSU Foundation signature.
- MSU Foundation distributes copies of signed gift agreement to all parties (original is kept on file at the MSU Foundation).
- Donor contributions are received and designated to donor scholarship.
- After earnings accrue, or annual funds are available, the College of Forest Resources Scholarship Committee awards scholarship based on the gift agreement selection criteria.
- Students receive the scholarship through the university comptroller (scholarship money is applied to tuition, not awarded directly to student).
- Student is encouraged to write donor a letter of thanks.
There are numerous ways to give to Mississippi State and the College of Forest Resources:
- Outright gifts - generate the most immediate return for your contributions.
- Planned gifts - allow you to achieve personal benefits while simultaneously providing invaluable support to the university.
- Naming Opportunities - a variety of options exist for donors who wish to pursue naming opportunities.
- Donor Advised Fund - allows the donor to make recommendations on donation disbursement.
- Make a gift - Click here to start making your own personalized gift immediately with a secure online transaction using your credit card.
