Mississippi State University hopes to become the first university in the Southeastern Conference to attempt a successful full-stadium stunt card show this Homecoming. A stunt card show, or fanimation, occurs when fans in a stadium hold up individual cards in unison to create a large design, such as a flag.
The MSU Foundation has teamed up with USA Marketing of Oakland, Calif., to plan the event as part of public launch of Mississippi State’s new comprehensive capital campaign, State of the Future: The Mississippi State Campaign.
“We wanted to usher in the public phase of the State of the Future Campaign in a very exciting, unique way-one that would involve participation from the entire Bulldog family, and fanimation seemed to definitely fit the bill,” said Amy Cagle, director of communications at the MSU Foundation. “We are working with a professional group that has recently coordinated fanimation for some major sporting events and they feel confident that Davis Wade Stadium is a great place to stage a fanimation,” she added.
USA Marketing has coordinated successful fanimation for the Rose Bowl and Super Bowl XXXVIII, this year. In these instances, a flag design was used in the stadium. The group is working with MSU representatives to stage not only the traditional fanimation flag design during the National Anthem, but also is working to spell out “State of the Future” as well.
Those attending the Homecoming game will find a large double-sided fanimation card on their stadium seat. Upon instruction from the field, fans will show the flag side in unison, and then flip to spell out “State of the Future,” immediately after the national anthem. The result should be a unique display unmatched in SEC history.
State of the Future: the Mississippi State Campaign is a multi-year fund-raising drive designed to significantly increase the level of private support for the university. The campaign will focus on garnering an unprecedented level of support for four key areas-endowed scholarships and fellowship, endowed chairs and professorships, new and renovated facilities and educational program enhancements.
Prior to public launch, this major campaign has been in a “silent” phase, in which the MSU Foundation and a volunteer steering committee led by alumnus Richard C. Adkerson sought large gifts to ensure a successful start. As a result of this initial fund-raising effort, the campaign has raised over half of its goal. Any contribution to the MSU Foundation through December 2008 will be considered a commitment to State of the Future.
“Strong volunteer leadership has already played a vital role in the early success of the State of the Future campaign. We are pleased that some of the most dedicated alumni and friends of the institution have stepped forward, committing their time and resources to assist the MSU Foundation with this campaign,” said Dennis A. Prescott, the university’s vice president for external affairs.
This capital-or major gifts-campaign is a multi-year fund-raising effort designed to dramatically increase the level of private support for the university. Prescott emphasized that the structured fund-raising effort of the State of the Future campaign seeks to raise funds beyond those required for the university’s general operating needs.
To coincide with the public launch of the campaign Starkville mayor Mack Rutledge, is expected to declare Oct. 9 as State of the Future Day in Starkville.
“The State of the Future” theme was chosen to create an emotional connection with the campus community, as well as alumni and friends of the institution,” said Cagle. “The theme is also allowing us to attract corporate and foundation focus on our priorities as well.”
Other public launch events scheduled for Oct. 9 include a Campaign Showcase of special booths representative of what the university has to offer and an MSU athletic Fan Fair. Both events will take place simultaneously at the campus amphitheater from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
“We are thrilled about the opportunity to showcase a wide variety of exciting things going on here at State,” said Laura Kitchens, director of the Mississippi State Fund for Excellence. “We feel that we will generate a lot of excitement about the State of the Future campaign through this event,” she added.
Public announcement of the campaign will be part of the pre-game festivities for the MSU vs. UAB game at Scott Field. Game time is set for 1:30 p.m.