Enrollment at the University of Mississippi is at an all-time high. With a total student population of 20,827 and an undergraduate population of 18,084, one could argue that standing out or making a difference on campus is an arduous and daunting task.
This is not the case for members of the University of Mississippi Columns Society, a group of 28 men and women committed to serving the University with integrity, service and humility.
“I decided to apply, and many of us apply, because we are called to serve and to make the most of our time serving humbly under one roof, accompanied by the Columns family,” William Kneip, Columns Society President said.
Each year, a new class is inducted and named after a person who has made a significant impact on the Columns Society. The 2015 class was named the “Chancellor Dan Jones” class.
Nominations for the 2016 class name were submitted during a meeting on Thursday, March 3. Each member cast his or her vote for the name, which will remain a surprise until induction day.
Nine men and eight women will be inducted to the 2016 class, each being a rising junior or senior.
“In January, we begin spreading [the] word around campus and encouraging our fellow students to apply for the Columns Society,” Kneip said.
Applications go out the week before Thanksgiving and this year, over 90 students applied for the 17 spots.
During the first round, each applicant has the chance to interview with a Columns member and a University staff member. If invited back for a second round interview, the applicant meets with representatives from major campus departments.
The 2015-2016 UM Column Society members. (Courtesy: Facebook.com)
These departments include the Chancellor’s office, Athletics, Campus Recreation, University Development, University and Public Events, and others. Representatives from these offices, along with the Columns Society advisor Assistant Vice Chancellor Leslie Banahan, score each candidates application, resume and interview before deciding whom they want to send invitations.
“As for this year’s Columns Society class,” Banahan said, “I am confident that the class will live up to the high expectations we have for them [and] I look forward to getting to know the members (as well as) serving with them in the coming year.”
Desired applicants are individuals, “who can take their Ole Miss experience and their unique opportunities and serve the University in a broad range of roles while telling their story to alumni, friends and guests of the University,” according to Kneip.
“A special part about being in the Columns Society is being able to work beside our Chancellor and other members of our University united under one common goal,” Kneip said, “[And] to make our University a better and stronger home for our students.”
Ferderica Cobb, junior Integrated Marketing and Communications major from Canton is one of the students being inducted.
“I decided to apply for the Columns Society because I saw that it is a great organization in which I get to serve wholeheartedly alongside other selfless leaders on campus,” Cobb said, “[And I get to] give back to the University that has provided me with innumerable opportunities.”
Cobb has served as an orientation leader and an ambassador on campus, positions that have allowed her the opportunity to share her love for the University, while connecting with students and their families.
“Now, as a member of the Columns Society,” she said, “I am so honored to be able to share that love and passion with a different set of stakeholders, behind the scenes.”
The induction ceremony for the Columns Society is Sunday, April 3, 2016 in Paris-Yates Chapel from 1-4 p.m. During the ceremony, the soon-to-be new members will march down the chapel aisle, awards will be presented and speakers will address the crowd. The members will then be presented with their navy blazers and the class name will be announced, according to Kneip.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the ceremony in Paris-Yates Chapel and no tickets are required.
