By: Mary Ellen Powell
DBJ Contributing Writer
A Biloxi family builds new possibilities at Delta State University with a
seven figure gift to theUniversity. Since their first visit to campus, Billy
and Patty Dorgan, Sr., owners of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation Biloxi/Gulfport,
have considered themselves a part of the Delta State University family. Their
son, Billy, Jr, is a recent Delta State graduate. “Billy’s story
is an example of a student being provided an opportunity to achieve academically
and athletically.” says Billy Dorgan, Sr., “We want to help make
available to all students the very best education and we think that is at
Delta State University.”
The Dorgan’s feel very strongly about the opportunities here at Delta
State. In fact the family has given the university a $1 million dollar gift.
“We are deeply grateful to the Dorgan family for this remarkable gift,”
says Dr. David Potter, Delta State’s President, “We are especially
pleased the gift expresses their appreciation for the educational experience
provided their son by Delta State University.” The Dorgan’s generosity
will fund a new Athletic Complex. The Dorgan’s have given special consideration
to the new facility, “It is important to us that the facility contains
space that will enhance the academic aspects of all student-athletes.”
The facility will include academic support classrooms for tutoring, research,
and other intellectual pursuits. Offices and meeting rooms necessary to the
student-athlete programs will also be included. The Dorgan’s have high
hopes for the new facility. They hope the university is able to uses the facility
as a recruiting tool for Mississippi students, as well as across the nation.
Through the entire planning stages, the student has come first, “The
facility is designed to meet student needs both academically and athletically
to make them competitive on the field and in the classroom,” says Billy
Dorgan, Sr.
The Dorgan’s hope their gift inspires others to contribute. “Anyone
who has been fortunate enough to earn a degree from Delta State or any parent
who had a child attend should give back to the University.” Billy Dorgan,
Sr. says their donation pays tribute not only to their son, but the entire
Delta State family. “We’ve been impressed with the whole general
attitude of Delta State professors, coaches, staff, and administration.”
Dr. Potter says Delta State caters to each individual student, “We pride
ourselves on offering a highly personalized academic environment, working
with individual students to meet their needs.” He adds, “The Dorgan’s
have identified several of our faculty and staff who worked directly with
their son to make his time at Delta State meaningful and rewarding.”
Dr. Potter says this gift is significant for a variety of reasons, “This
gift acknowledges their (faculty and staff) contributions and reaffirms the
university’s commitment to this special mission of service.”
Billy Dorgan, Jr. was the Delta State football team’s starting kicker
from 1999-2000. He holds the record for point after touchdowns in a season
with 71 (2000). He is second on the all time list for career point after touchdowns
with 81 (1999-2000). Dorgan ranks third on the single season scoring list
with 109 points (2000). He scor jed 128 points during his career at DSU. The
record for points scored kicking in a season is also his, with 110 as well
as the record number of field goals made in a season with 13, both achieved
in 2000. His 23 career field goals place him second on the DSU’s all-time
Field Goals made list. His accomplishments led to Dorgan being named All-Gulf
South Conference, 2000. Although impressive stats, Billy says his greatest
accomplishment was completing his school work and receiving his degree.
Billy Dorgan, Jr. is a 2002 graduated from DSU with a degree in business management.
Billy Dorgan, Jr. and his wife Rebekah Haire Dorgan live in Winston-Salem,
NC. He is an assistant manager with Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation in High
Point, NC . Rebekah graduated from Delta State in 2001 with a degree in marketing.
The couple married, June 8, 2002.
The new facility will be built near the Chadwick Dixon Intercollegiate Athletic
Building and Travis E. Parker Field. Planning is scheduled to start immediately,
and once started the new facility is expected to be done within a year and
a half or sooner. For more information on Delta State’s Athletic Complex
Expansion and Upgrade, contact the Office of University Relations, 662-846-4675.
DBJ