The Brad Moore Family - “Remembering a Bulldog”
Brad Moore (far left) with his family
Brad Moore's Mississippi State cowbell sits on the mantle of his childhood home in Brandon. It last rang in December following the Bulldogs' victory in the Liberty Bowl. As the orange glow from a spectacular sunset created a backdrop for the Memphis stadium, his father gave the cowbell one last heartfelt shake in honor of his late son - a Bulldog who made a difference wherever he went.
Brad was just 39 years old when he passed away in September 2007 due to complications from pneumonia. At the time of his death, Brad was on the faculty and a practicing gastroenterologist at the University of California San Diego Medical Center. He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Suzanne Moore, and children Nicholas and Alexandra
Following Brad's unexpected death, his parents – Rod and Jane Moore – announced their intentions to build a memorial scholarship endowment at Mississippi State. Thanks to the generosity of many, the recipient of the Dr. Brad Roderick Moore Memorial Presidential Endowed Scholarship will soon join a select group of MSU students receiving Distinguished Scholarships – the highest scholarship awarded to an undergraduate student. Earnings from the $250,000 endowment will fund four years of study, provided the recipient maintains certain academic benchmarks. Distinguished Scholars are also considered for other enrichment opportunities such as study abroad, internships or other qualified educational pursuits. The Moore family looks forward to "adopting" each recipient.
Brad graduated from MSU in 1990 with an arts and sciences degree and continued his studies at UMMC. He served his residency at Fletcher Allen Medical Center in Burlington, Vt. His specialty in gastroenterology was completed at Medical University of South Carolina, followed by five years of practice at Northeast Arkansas Medical Clinic in Jonesboro, near his wife Suzanne's hometown of Marion.
A dedication to worthwhile causes runs in the Moore family. Rod served as president of the MSU Foundation Board of Directors from 2003-2006. By virtue of the position, he understands that private support is essential for the university's future. Through the years, he and his family have supported various areas of Mississippi State, from scholarships in education and business to facilities and athletics.
Mississippi State holds special meaning for Rod and Jane, who are both originally from Meridian. Rod attended MSU as a co-op student while Jane worked as a registered nurse. Rod, who earned his accounting degree in 1967, is executive vice president and chief executive officer of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Co. The couple also have a daughter, Necole, an MSU elementary education graduate who resides with her family in Birmingham, Ala.
Brad's spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and in the MSU scholarship that now bears his name. The endowment may be increased through additional contributions to the MSU Foundation.
