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As a 1941 graduate of Mississippi State, James Forbes might not have many mementos left from his college days, but lasting memories of being a struggling student still evoke strong emotions. He easily recalls a desire to go to college and how loans from family and friends allowed him to overcome the economic trials that gripped post-depression era Mississippi.

“I really wanted to pursue a degree, but the cost of it was an issue,” Forbes explained. “A family friend and a business in Jackson each gave me loans that I didn’t have to repay until I had my degree and a full-time job. Their generosity left a lasting impression that I haven’t forgotten.”

With financial support and a strong work ethic, Forbes was able to complete his electrical engineering degree while working odd jobs to help support himself. Today, he is still proud of his degree and the life it lead him to, but the college experiences he recalls vary greatly from those students who may take it for granted today. For him, the college life didn’t include planning spring break trips to the beach. Instead, he found himself trying to plan where his next meal would come from.

“I’m glad I went to Mississippi State, but my memories aren’t necessarily good,” Forbes explained. “I try not to think about the hard times much, but I am often grateful for the support I received from my professors who helped me get a job with General Electric (GE) when I graduated.”

It was an electrical engineering professor that arranged a meeting with a GE recruiter that lead to Forbes being hired by the company. He then began a career that lead him from Mississippi to Pennsylvania, West Virginia and eventually Texas, where he retired with his wife in 1978.

Having come a long way from a struggling student in Starkville, Forbes found himself with the unique dilemma of deciding what to do with his extra income. Not having any children themselves, the couple turned to Mississippi State to help them touch the lives of future generations.

“We talked about what to do with our money and decided to work with MSU to establish scholarships for engineering students,” Forbes said. “It makes me happy to think that the money I earned with an education from MSU will help future students not have as much financial strife as I did.”