Oseola McCarty

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Oseola McCarty (March 7, 1908 - September 26, 1999) was the humble washerwoman from Hattiesburg, Mississippi who became The University of Southern Mississippi’s most famous benefactor, and drew global attention after it was announced in July 1995 that she had established a trust through which, at her death, an estimated $150,000 of her life’s savings would be left to Southern Mississippi to provide scholarships for deserving students in need of financial assistance. In 1998, she was awarded an honorary degree from Southern Miss. She received scores of awards and other honors recognizing her unselfish spirit, and President Bill Clinton presented her with a Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation’s second highest civilian award, during a special White House Ceremony. She also won the United Nations' coveted Avicenna Medal for educational commitment.

Oseola McCarty died in 1999 after a bout with cancer.