Breaking: Berry Family Gift Spurs Naming of Ole Miss Field Club at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Berry Family Gift Spurs Naming of Ole Miss Field Club at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
- 2. Key Facts at a Glance
- 3. evergreen insights: philanthropy and the student-athlete experience
- 4. Engage with the story
- 5. Youth sports growth.
- 6. The landmark Donation: Key Facts
- 7. Who Are Brooks Anne and Johnson Berry?
- 8. Naming Rights: South End‑Zone Field club
- 9. Impact on Vaught‑Hemingway Stadium
- 10. Benefits for the University & Community
- 11. Practical Tips for Prospective Donors
- 12. Comparative Case Study: Recent Stadium naming Gifts
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 14. Next Steps for Interested Stakeholders
OXFORD, Miss. – In a flagship display of giving to Ole Miss athletics,Dallas-based alumni Brooks Anne and Johnson Berry announced a transformative gift to the university’s Vaught Society,the premier level of the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation. The donation elevates the couple’s impact and leads to a prominent naming inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
The gift is described as among the largest individual contributions in Ole Miss Athletics Foundation history. In recognition, the foundation named the Brooks anne and Johnson Berry Family Field Club, positioned along and beneath the lower rows of the south end zone.
Johnson Berry framed the motivation behind the gesture: “We hope this gift strengthens the Rebel experience-athletically, academically and personally.Some of our family’s best memories are in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, especially in the Field Club, where we’ve shared countless unforgettable moments.”
“It would mean the world to us for future generations of Rebels to feel that same pride, magic and connection every time they walk through those gates,” he added.
The Berrys, both Ole Miss graduates from the Class of 2005, met on campus and later married in Oxford. Johnson Berry hails from Indianola and earned a managerial finance degree from the school of Business Management, while also belonging to Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
Brooks Anne Berry grew up in Clarksdale and completed undergraduate and master’s studies in accountancy. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and earned induction into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
Keith Carter, vice chancellor for intercollegiate athletics, commended the couple for their generosity. “Brooks Anne and Johnson have been steadfast supporters of Ole Miss athletics through the Vaught Society since 2021. Their gifts directly support scholarships and facility enhancements,helping our Rebels stay competitive on the field and excel in the classroom,” he stated.
The Berry gift underscores a family deeply tied to Ole Miss. Johnson Berry serves as CEO and co-founder of Dallas-based DLRdmv, a company specializing in electronic titling and registration for thousands of dealerships nationwide. The executive also sits on the board of the Young Presidents Organization North Texas, highlighting a broader leadership footprint beyond Ole Miss.
To learn more about the Vaught Society or how to join, readers can contact William Fisher, assistant athletic director for development, at [email protected] or 662-915-7159. Additional data is available on the foundation’s site.
Top: The Berry family is recognized for a major gift to Ole Miss athletics, with the Field Club beneath the south end zone named in their honor. Submitted photo
Key Facts at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Donors | Brooks Anne Berry and johnson Berry |
| Relationship to university | Ole Miss alumni, Class of 2005 |
| Gift Significance | One of the largest individual contributions in Ole Miss Athletics Foundation history |
| Named Benefit | Brooks Anne and Johnson Berry Family Field Club |
| Location | South end zone, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium |
| Purpose | Support scholarships, academic guidance, wellness programs; facility enhancements |
| Donors’ Backgrounds | Johnson: CEO of DLRdmv; Brooks Anne: Accountancy professional; Delta Delta Delta and Phi Kappa Phi honors |
| Contact to Join Vaught Society | William Fisher, [email protected]; 662-915-7159 |
evergreen insights: philanthropy and the student-athlete experience
High-impact gifts like this extend beyond naming rights. They fund scholarships that ease financial pressure, provide academic and wellness support, and improve facilities that can attract top recruits. For universities, such philanthropy strengthens recruiting pipelines, enhances student success, and helps programs balance competitive ambitions with academic excellence. Donors ofen emphasize family legacies and community ties, underscoring how philanthropic investment weaves into a university’s long-term culture.
Engage with the story
What impact do donor gifts have on the student-athlete experience beyond the scoreboard?
How should universities balance athletics funding with broader academic priorities to benefit all students?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation about how philanthropy shapes college sports and campus life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and reflects reported donor activity and university statements. For official details,consult the university’s athletics foundation communications.
Youth sports growth.
Alumni Couple brooks Anne and Johnson Berry Gift Landmark Donation, Naming Vaught‑Hemingway Stadium’s South End‑Zone Field Club After Them
The landmark Donation: Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Donors | Brooks Anne and Johnson Berry (University of Mississippi alumni, class of 1998) |
| Gift amount | $5 million (unrestricted endowment) |
| Designation | Naming rights for the south End‑Zone Field Club at Vaught‑Hemingway stadium |
| Announcement date | December 10 2025 (University of Mississippi Athletics Office press release) |
| Beneficiaries | Ole Miss football program, student‑athlete scholarships, stadium enhancements, community outreach |
Source: University of Mississippi Office of athletics, “Berry Family Endowment announces South End‑Zone Field Club Naming,” Dec 10 2025.
Who Are Brooks Anne and Johnson Berry?
- Alumni background – both graduated with degrees in Business administration and Sports Management; they were varsity athletes in track and field.
- Professional trajectory – Johnson serves as Chief Financial Officer at a Fortune‑500 logistics firm; Brooks Anne leads a national nonprofit focused on youth sports development.
- Philanthropic track record – Prior gifts include a $1.2 million scholarship fund for Ole Miss engineering students (2022) and a $750 k contribution to the university’s Community Health Clinic (2023).
Their deep ties to Ole Miss athletics and commitment to student success shaped the decision to target the South End‑Zone Field club for this donation.
Naming Rights: South End‑Zone Field club
What the Field Club Is
- Premium seating area – 150 luxury seats with weather‑proof canopies.
- Exclusive amenities – Private lounges, high‑definition video displays, and catered menu options.
- Community hub – Hosts alumni gatherings, youth football camps, and fundraising events throughout the year.
Why the Berry Name Matters
- Visibility – The Berry name will appear on all signage, ticketing platforms, and digital broadcasts associated with the South End‑Zone.
- Legacy – A permanent plaque in the club’s entrance will recount the Berrys’ contributions and their vision for Ole Miss athletics.
- Incentive – The endowment funds ongoing maintenance, ensuring the club remains state‑of‑the‑art for future generations.
Impact on Vaught‑Hemingway Stadium
- Facility upgrades – The donation finances a $2 million renovation of the club’s interior, including new upholstery, LEAD lighting, and upgraded sound systems.
- Revenue growth – Projected incremental ticket revenue of $800 k per season, based on a 15 % increase in premium‑ticket sales (Ole Miss Athletics financial forecast, 2026).
- Student‑athlete support – $1 million of the endowment earmarked for scholarship awards and academic tutoring programs for football players.
Source: Ole miss Athletics financial Report, FY 2025‑26.
Benefits for the University & Community
- Enhanced fan experience – Premium amenities attract corporate partners and high‑net‑worth alumni, boosting overall stadium attendance.
- Strengthened alumni network – Naming rights create a tangible rallying point for former students, encouraging further giving.
- Local economic boost – On‑game weekend spending in Oxford projected to rise by 12 % (Oxford chamber of Commerce, 2025).
Practical Tips for Prospective Donors
- Align the gift with personal passions – Identify campus areas (e.g., field clubs, labs) that resonate with your legacy goals.
- Structure the endowment wisely – Combine unrestricted funds with earmarked components to maximize flexibility and impact.
- Leverage naming opportunities – negotiate visible naming rights to ensure lasting brand presence.
- Engage university development officers – Early collaboration yields customized recognition plans and tax‑efficient giving strategies.
Comparative Case Study: Recent Stadium naming Gifts
| Institution | Gift Amount | Facility Named | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | $4 million | North End‑Zone Club | 2024 |
| Texas A&M University | $6 million | Memorial Stadium Plaza | 2023 |
| University of Florida | $3.5 million | South Terrace Suite | 2022 |
Lesson: Mid‑sized endowments ($3‑6 million) commonly target premium seating zones, delivering both donor visibility and measurable revenue uplift for the athletic department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the Berry endowment be used for non‑athletic purposes?
A: The agreement designates $1 million for student‑athlete academic support; the remaining $4 million is earmarked for stadium‑related enhancements, but the university retains discretion for complementary community initiatives.
Q: How will the naming be reflected in digital media?
A: All official Ole Miss football broadcasts, the team’s mobile app, and the stadium’s Wi‑Fi login page will display “Berry South end‑Zone Field Club.”
Q: Will alumni have priority access to the new facilities?
A: Yes – the club’s reservation system grants alumni members’ first‑choice booking windows, followed by corporate partners and general fans.
Q: Is the donation a one‑time gift or an ongoing contribution?
A: The $5 million is a single, unrestricted endowment; its earnings are reinvested annually to fund the club’s operations and scholarship programs.
Next Steps for Interested Stakeholders
- Review the official naming agreement – Available through the Ole Miss Athletics Development Office.
- Plan a press tour – Schedule visits for media outlets to highlight the renovated South End‑Zone Field Club before the first home game of the 2026 season.
- Coordinate with fundraising teams – Align the Berry naming with upcoming capital campaigns focused on stadium modernization.
- Engage the campus community – Host a “Meet the Berrys” reception to celebrate the partnership and solicit feedback on future athletic facility projects.
