    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [January 20, 2000]
    [Page 93]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on James and Sally
    Barksdale's Pledge to the University of
    Mississippi
    January 20, 2000

        Hillary and I applaud James and Sally Barksdale for their dedication
    and leadership on behalf of the cause of literacy. Their generous pledge
    of $100 million to the University of Mississippi will provide
    schoolchildren in that State--especially those in the most needy
    schools--with access to new reading programs, train teachers in reading
    education, and promote efforts to target and help students struggling to
    learn to read. Their generosity is an example of the extraordinary role
    philanthropy plays in providing a better future for our children,
    families, and country.