President David L. Beckley announced today that the College has met the goal of $750,000 in commitments to receive the $3 million gift announced the 1st of December for the endowment fund and several projects. Through the generosity of Kathy and Joe Overstreet of Germantown, Tennessee, Rust College was able to acquire the William Coxe Estate located in Holly Springs, Mississippi. The Overstreet’s approached the College in October about a possible gift of the Estate to the College with a minimum cash transaction. The possibility was presented to the Rust College Board of Trustees at its November meeting held during the college’s 145th Founders’ Week. After reviewing the proposal and a visit to the Estate, the Board authorized the campaign to accept the historic estate.
Today, we officially announce the transfer of the property commonly referred to as “Airliewood” to Rust College to be used by the College in furthering its academic and community service programs. At the present time, the College is discussing the possibility of housing our special collections serving as our official museum, guest facilities, and meeting and public events’ center. Currently, the College is using space in the Leontyne Price Library to house an international collection of Art and Artifacts from around the world, with a special African Mask collection housed in the Beckley Conference center. “Airliewood” would permit all of these collections to be in one location, thereby permitting visitors to see all of the collections at one place. Other activities and events would also be held on the property that will be labeled as Rust at “Airliewood.”
Beckley expressed thanks to the Overstreet Family for making this gift possible to the College and added a special thanks to Rust alumni, friends, community supporters, area churches for their generous support of our effort this month. The Overstreets added, “We are excited about Rust College acquiring the estate. Airliewood has a special place in the hearts of many in the community and in the rich history of Holly Springs. We are proud of the plans that Rust College has for Airliewood, which will benefit future generations, and that the proud history will be preserved.”
Dr. William Nelson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, added his words of thanks to the Overstreet Family for their interest and help in making this gift of Historic Property available to the College.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Tuesday, January 3rd 2012 at 7:53PM
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