“We are both strong supporters of the University of South Alabama, and we hope that by endowing this new scholarship, we will encourage others to make similar gifts and contributions to the University,” McGlothren said.

USA Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Dr. Joseph F. Busta Jr. said, “Michael’s continual support of students and programs at USA is deeply appreciated. Words from us can never thank him enough for his generosity -- it is Michael's nature to share the ‘fruits’ of his labors by helping others to obtain an education. We are both fortunate and proud to have him as a USA alumnus.”

In honor of his education at USA, McGlothren has previously established a faculty scholar award and scholarship in philosophy in honor of his family members. His gifts continue a pattern of donations he has made over the past 10 years that have aided students in the study of philosophy at USA.

Previously, McGlothren created the Olivia Rambo McGlothren Outstanding Faculty Scholar award, in honor of his mother. The $5,000 donation, which was matched by University funds, assists the USA National Alumni Association in recognizing outstanding faculty.

He also donated a $10,000 scholarship to create the Renee McGlothren Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Philosophy, in memory of his late sister. The University matched this gift as well.

McGlothren’s recent donations follow other gifts to the philosophy department. In 1995, he gave a $16,000 endowment gift donation to honor the memory of his late brother, Charles. That same year, he established a philosophy speaker’s endowment fund in honor of his parents with a $10,000 gift. In 1997, he made a $1,000 donation to the Wesley Foundation. Then in 2000, he added a $5,000 endowment donation to the Speaker’s Fund, which was matched by the University.

In December 2003, McGlothren created the Charles R. and Olivia Rambo McGlothren Endowed Scholarship. McGlothren’s $10,000 scholarship donation was matched by the University, creating a $20,000 scholarship endowment. McGlothren’s donations to USA have totaled $57,000 to date, with an additional total of $15,000 in matching funds made by the University.

The gifts are part of Campaign USA, the University’s first comprehensive fund-raising campaign that seeks to raise $75 million for USA programs, faculty, students and construction over three years. Campaign USA was launched in March 2006 and, to date, has raised $65.5 million. The Campaign USA Leadership team is comprised of local civic, business and national leaders, many of whom are alumni.

Campaign USA will enrich all aspects of USA, from its academic colleges and schools to its hospitals, athletic programs, libraries and campuses. The money raised will be used to fund such items as undergraduate and graduate scholarships, professorships, classroom and laboratory equipment, and health care innovations. Funds will also be used for capital enhancements to USA’s track and soccer programs and a campus bell tower.

For information on Campaign USA, visit www.campaignusaleadership.com or call (251) 460-7032.

The University of South Alabama

Since its founding in 1963, the University of South Alabama has been one of Alabama’s fastest growing universities, currently enrolling more than 14,000 students in a wide range of academic programs in Allied Health Professions, Arts and Sciences, Mitchell College of Business, Computer and Information Sciences, Continuing Education and Special Programs, Education, Engineering, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy. The University has awarded 62,000 degrees.

In addition to teaching and research, USA is one of the largest health care providers in the Mobile region, with its faculty physicians and two hospitals – Children’s & Women’s and USA Medical Center – involved in more than a quarter million patient encounters annually.