Growing up in Clarksdale, Jimmy Abraham was surrounded by a loving and supportive family. The second of eight children, he is the son of Tommy and Sue Abraham — a couple he says sacrificed much for their goal to see their children attend college. When Abraham enrolled as a Mississippi State student in 1973, his whole family began to develop a love for the Bulldogs that has become a life-long passion. Abraham says his father, who celebrates his 85th birthday this week, is one of the most enthusiastic Bulldog fans around.
For Abraham, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association, family has always been a top priority. He has spent his career dedicated to what he describes as his extended family — a large network of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends he has been associated with during his 35 years at his alma mater. Abraham advised Roadrunners and Orientation Leaders for 20 years in the Division of Student Affairs, and currently oversees Alumni Delegates and works with hundreds of alumni volunteers.
"These individuals are very special to me, and I am blessed and thankful to be able to share with them all the great things that are taking place at a university that means so much to all of us," Abraham said.
He and his wife Patti, who retired as director of MSU's Research and Curriculum Unit last year, met and married as students. Later, the first of their three sons was born while the family lived on campus when Abraham was residence hall director of Duggar Hall. All three of their boys attended MSU.
Abraham says all the wonderful blessings his family has had from being associated with MSU he traces back to his parents' vision to see their children get a college education.
"I am working at a university that I love because of the sacrifices my parents made for me. Even though they did not attend college, they worked hard to be sure their children did," Abraham said. "They truly are my heroes."