Memorial to honor Dr. Donald W. Zacharias
Mississippi State University is saddened by the loss of our beloved president emeritus, Donald W. Zacharias, who passed away Sunday at the age of 77. A true visionary, Dr. Zacharias helped usher Mississippi State into the modern era as the 15th president of our university. For more than 12 years, he provided leadership that allowed MSU to prosper in enrollment and student services, private giving, research endeavors and athletic achievements.
The university is hosting a public memorial service this Thursday, March 7, at 11 a.m., in Foster Ballroom in Colvard Student Union. We invite you to attend this celebration to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Zacharias. Parking will be available at the Palmeiro Center, next to Humphrey Coliseum. Beginning at 9:30 a.m., MSU will run shuttle buses every 10-15 minutes from the parking lot to the Union. Elevators to access Foster Ballroom can be found on the first floor of Colvard Student Union.
The Zacharias family will hold a private service on Friday, March 8, and we ask that you respect their privacy during this time.
Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Donald W. Zacharias Fund benefitting the Department of Communication through the MSU Foundation. For information on how to make a donation to this fund, please contact Lynn Shurden Durr at 662-325-8918 or lshurden@advservices.msstate.edu. You may also make a gift online by clicking here, and designating the “Donald W. Zacharias Fund.”
For more on the presidency and work of Dr. Zacharias, please view the video below from the 2010 Alumni Association awards banquet. University Relations has also issued a press release on Dr. Zacharias’ life here.