Sam D. Hamilton
Friends of Noxubee Refuge
Graduate Conservation Scholarship

For Sam Hamilton, his love for wildlife and the outdoors began at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi. It was there, at the age of five, that he caught his first fish. A decade later, he took his first step in his conservation career as a Youth Conservation Corps employee at the Refuge. As a corps employee, he learned to band wood ducks and Canada geese, build waterfowl pens, and understand the importance of managing wildlife habitats. After graduating from Mississippi State University, Hamilton began his life-long career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hamilton moved up through the ranks and was named director of the federal agency in 2009. Throughout his 30-year career, Sam's dedication was to conserve the nation’s natural heritage. From large-scale ecosystem restoration projects such as the Florida Everglades to private landowner safe harbor agreements for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, Hamilton’s philosophy was that only through working together can we, as citizens, conserve and sustain natural places and wildlife. He worked diligently to bring conservationists, hunters, anglers, landowners, state and federal agencies and business people together to conserve and enhance what makes America great—our treasured wildlife resources. Hamilton believed that conservation must be driven through sound science. 
    In honor of Sam Hamilton’s tireless efforts and diligent service to refuges throughout the country, the Friends of Noxubee Refuge has established an endowed scholarship in the College of Forest Resources at Mississippi State University. As a legacy to Hamilton, who believed through sound science we could achieve conservation and sustainability, the scholarship will be awarded to College of Forest Resources’ graduate students who demonstrate efforts in conservation volunteer work and/or to those who have served internships on National Wildlife Refuges.
    You can be a part of this lasting memorial through a one-time gift, a pledge or through payroll deduction (if permitted by employer). Gift levels of $500 and above will be displayed on a plaque at the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. A photo of Sam Hamilton will also be placed in Mississippi State University’s Thompson Hall to acknowledge the gifts made to the Sam D. Hamilton Friends of Noxubee Refuge Graduate Conservation Scholarship. All gifts are tax-deductible. 
Picture
Make a one time gift
  1. Visit the MSU Foundation site
  2. Specifiy Sam Hamilton Scholarship in the Other Category
  3. Complete the online steps to pay by credit card or echeck
 Make a pledge
  1. Visit the MSU Foundation site
  2. Specifiy Sam Hamilton Scholarship in space labeled:
    Please use my gift for general university needs, or for the following program/project/academic discipline
  3. Complete the online steps to make a pledge

Make a gift through payroll deduction
  1. Some federal employees (DOI) may go to the Employee Express Web site. Other agencies or employers may have a similar site.
  2. DOI employees, go to the Discretionary Allotment page. Other agencies or employers may have a similar page.
  3. Select payment type (options may vary by employer): Every pay period, first pay period of the month, second pay period of the month, or every pay period except the extra two
  4. Select the amount to give.
  5. Enter the Scholarship Bank Routing #084201443, Account #169318. Select the checking or savings tab, it will be to the same account.
  6. NOTE: If you chose this option, you must send an e-mail with your name, address, last four digits of your social security number, and reference the Sam Hamilton Scholarship. This information is necessary for tax purposes, to acknowledge your gift, and to ensure that the funds are designated for the Sam Hamilton Scholarship.