There is a common misconception that only the wealthiest alumni can give back to their school. People also commonly believe that giving can only be done through large, headline-grabbing gifts. However, both beliefs miss the mark. Giving comes from the heart, and faithful giving over consecutive years comes from one’s passion overflowing.
Larry Nelms has faithfully given to his alma mater every year since 1985. In 2021, he established the Ruth and Larry Nelms Endowed Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering to increase his commitment. Nelms’ story shows that the size of the gift doesn’t matter as much as the heart behind it.
Nelms’ giving story is rooted in his love for the university. Over the decades, his gifts to MSU have never wavered. His dedication exemplifies the impact of regular, consistent giving—a practice he believes is accessible to anyone, regardless of their financial situation.
“People often think giving must be a grand gesture, but I’ve always believed that what matters most is consistency,” Nelms said. “Even if I only had a few dollars to give, staying connected to the university and its mission should be the most important thing.”
Nelms graduated from MSU in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering before earning a master’s from the University of New Mexico in 1965. His early career path included roles in the aerospace industry and later, in the petroleum sector, where he found his calling.
His work with companies like Humble Oil, which later became Exxon, and Ryder Scott Company allowed him to leverage his engineering expertise while developing new skills in management and even speechwriting.
“My education from MSU gave me the foundation to have a diverse career over the many decades,” he said. “Mississippi State is a special place and I will always cherish the time I spent there.”
Nelms remained committed to MSU throughout his career. Whether it was giving to a naming campaign, supporting athletics or giving to his beloved Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society, Nelms remained faithful to MSU’s mission for constant growth and improvement, and establishing his endowment is no different.
The endowed scholarship in mechanical engineering supports sophomores who have completed at least 30 credit hours and maintained a 2.5 or higher GPA. Nelms chose these requirements to give students time to adjust to the rigorous demands of the engineering program.
“I wanted to give students time to experience their first year and determine if engineering was really for them,” he said. “Not every student excels right away, and I wanted to make sure that even those who are not at the very top of their class still can pursue their dreams.”
Nelms encourages students to take advantage of all the university offers, from joining clubs to attending events and networking. He believes these extracurricular experiences are crucial for developing the well-rounded skills that will set students apart in their careers.
By Shun Pounds, Photos Submitted
