Southern Miss Mourns the Loss of Chuck Scianna: Alumnus, Investor & Friend
Fri, 01/24/2025 - 11:27am | By: Samantha McCain Alexander, APR
The University of Southern Mississippi has lost a steadfast friend, a cherished alumnus and one of its most generous investors: Charles "Chuck" C. Scianna Jr.
Scianna passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at 71, surrounded by his family.
Born in Bay St. Louis, Miss., Scianna was the eldest of nine children in a family grounded in humility and hard work. His journey from Bay High's classrooms to the battlefields of Vietnam, where he served in the 4th Marine Division, was fundamental to his upbringing.
He later earned a degree in business administration from The University of Southern Mississippi in 1975, an achievement he often credited for his prosperous career in the oil and gas industry.
While in school, Scianna worked at A&P Food Store in Bay St. Louis, where he met his beloved wife, Rita. This encounter began a relationship spanning five decades, marked by a shared devotion to each other and the causes they were passionate about.
They moved to the Houston area after graduation, where Scianna began his career in the oil field town. Moving up quickly in the boom of industry, he founded Sim-Tex, LP in 1986, dedicating himself to building the oil country tubular goods company.
"As a University, we mourn the loss of our friend—Chuck—a decorated combat veteran, a businessman of international renown, a loyal supporter and mentor to many of our faculty, staff and students. And for me personally, I will miss my close friend who I grew up with in Bay St. Louis," said University President Dr. Joe Paul. "More than his titles and many positions, I knew Chuck to be a man of courage, integrity and honor. His loyalty to the people and causes he and Rita believed in was unmatched. He will be deeply treasured and dearly missed by all of us."
Leaning into Purpose and Generosity
The Sciannas are inseparably linked to Southern Miss, not only because of the size of their financial contributions but because of the spirit in which they gave. Beyond financial investments, they created opportunities, fostered excellence and built lasting legacies.
In a 2022 interview, Scianna humbly reflected on their philosophy of giving, saying: "We were put here to do God's work. We aren't special—we are humbled by God's many blessings and choose to invest in organizations that help others. The return on those investments is immeasurable."
These words embody Chuck's essence: a man driven not by recognition or accolades but by a profound purpose in paying it forward. In turn, he and Rita have had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless Golden Eagle students, faculty and staff.
Through unwavering support, the Sciannas have exemplified what it means to be faithful stewards of legacy with both time and resources.
"Chuck tirelessly dedicated his time and energy to Southern Miss," said Stace Mercier, executive director for the USM Foundation. "His contributions were never for recognition. He often said they were investments in others, showing that true success lies in lifting people up."
A Vision of Impact & Lasting Legacies
From financial investments, such as gifts that enabled state-of-the-art facilities, to mentorship and everyday acts of kindness—like bridging financial gaps to help The Pride of Mississippi attend and perform at football games across the Southeast—they have consistently demonstrated a commitment to uplifting people and projects throughout every corner of campus.
Their efforts have funded numerous scholarships and support programs for the College of Business and Economic Development and the College of Nursing and Health Professions. They also provided the lead gift for Scianna Hall and commissioned Lofty Return, the stunning golden eagle sculptures that now grace the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses.
As fierce advocates for The Children's Center for Communication and Development, their impact is unmistakable. More recently, they established the Scianna Research Support Fund and the Chuck and Rita Scianna Leadership Scholarship Endowment, which assists the Joe Paul Leadership Scholarship Program’s recruitment efforts in bringing top-tier, engaged students to Southern Miss.
Their generosity has further extended to the Graduate School, the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families, as well as several athletic initiatives.
Jeremy McClain, director of Southern Miss Athletics added, “Chuck was an incredible family man, an amazing friend and an unbelievably loyal Golden Eagle. He and Rita have given back and invested in a way that has tremendously impacted Southern Miss Athletics and the future of our University for many years to come. He will be greatly missed by the many, many people whose lives he touched.”
A Story of Enduring Influence
Scianna's remarkable career as a businessman and civic leader was matched by his leadership and devotion to Southern Miss. He served on the USM Foundation Board of Directors, was an honorary Lifetime Member of the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation Board, and played a pivotal role in the University's largest-ever fundraising campaign, which raised more than $156 million—two years ahead of schedule.
"Chuck and Rita reshaped my understanding of philanthropy. When we first discussed their support for a new business school building, they emphasized that their contributions were investments in causes they believed in—causes they could personally engage with," said University Provost Dr. Lance Nail. "Now, whenever I think of private funding for any University initiative, I focus on its transformative return. Chuck and Rita lived this philosophy, and I’ll forever be grateful to them for helping me see the true value of investing in higher education."
In 2022, Scianna was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, for the University during its Spring Commencement, and in 2018, he was recognized as the College of Business and Economic Development's Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year. Prior to these honors, he was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame in 2013. These distinguished moments speak to his enduring influence on the University and the broader business community.
As the University community continues to reflect on Scianna's life and lasting impact, it does so with immense gratitude. His influence will continue to inspire future generations, both those who had the privilege of knowing him and those who will one day understand the magnitude of his work and the depth of his character.
Scianna is survived by his wife, Rita; daughters Ashley (Clint) Sciba and Stephanie (William) Latham; granddaughters Claire, Keeleigh, Caroline, and Grace; brothers Stephen (Paula), Kenneth (Vicki), and Paul (Paige); sisters Mary Ann (Mike) Benvenutti, Danita (Joey) Luttrell, Linda (Gary) Collinge, and Julie (Harvey) Timberlake; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends who mourn his passing.
A funeral mass was held in Scianna's honor on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Houston, followed by a burial and graveside service. A complete obituary is available online.