Fenton Kottkamp Memorial Scholarship Project Update

Dear Ole Miss Family,

Very simply, we miss Fenton Kottkamp, who should have been pursuing his master’s degree this fall in the Patterson School of Accountancy and enjoying this electrifying football season. Fenton was taken from the Ole Miss Family when a February accident claimed his life. As human beings, we can’t even begin to comprehend why this happened to one of our bright stars. Fenton was a fun, caring young man, whose enthusiasm for his family, friends and everything Ole Miss was heartwarming and inspiring. He went out of his way to be welcoming and kind to everyone he met on this campus.

(Yesterday) would have been Fenton’s 23rd birthday, and we are grateful to be presented with a unique opportunity to celebrate all the wonderful memories we have of this spirited Ole Miss student. John and Annette Schnatter of Papa John’s, and Ole Miss alumni Archie and Olivia Manning have created the Fenton Kottkamp Memorial Scholarship Endowment. The Schnatter, Manning and Kottkamp families now have helped the University of Mississippi launch an Ignite Ole Miss campaign, with the hopes of building the scholarship endowment to a level that would award scholarships to both Accountancy and Business students. His twin brother, Rush, and younger brother, Harrison – students on our campus today – also are helping with this crowdfunding initiative.

We can’t comprehend Fenton’s passing, but we can decide how we will respond to this tragedy – how we will mark Fenton’s birthday. …I ask you to make a $23 gift (for) his 23rd birthday. Please know your action will make a considerable difference in future scholarship recipients’ lives and will let the Kottkamps know how much Fenton was loved. You can also make an impact by becoming an ambassador of this campaign: https://ignite.olemiss.edu/lovefenton via email and on social media.

Parents Jane and Stephen Kottkamp have said it means the world to them to know that other young people will be able to experience Ole Miss in Fenton’s name. In other words, Fenton’s star will continue to shine through others. Please join the Ole Miss Family in reaching that goal.

#LoveFenton and Hotty Toddy!
Warmest regards,

Melinda J. Sutton, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
and Dean of Students
The University of Mississippi
233 Lyceum
P.O. Box 1848
University, MS 38677-1848
662.915.7705
mjsutton@olemiss.edu | www.olemiss.edu