Norfolk State received $40 million from Scott last year, and her gift made a huge impact on this Virginia HBCU.
“To get a $40 million unrestricted gift for an institution of our size is really unheard of,” noted Clifford Porter, NSU’s VP of University Advancement. “It has given us latitude to apply those gifts in the areas of greatest need.”
In addition to financing student scholarships and the university’s endowment, Norfolk State also used the funds to create a research opportunity fund. It’s also worth acknowledging that the donation was “a catalyst” for increasing other significant contributions.
“Scott’s gift almost doubled our endowment, and since her gift, we’ve seen an increase in major gifts of over $50,000,” Porter stated. “When you receive a transformational gift like that, it really is a seal of approval for the institution and leadership. It says to people that you’re doing the right thing at the right time. For us, it has really given a green light to other donors.”
Porter also noted that portions of Scott’s donation are being put back into the greater Norfolk community.
“There’s not a lot of economic development around our campus. We’re looking to partner with private entities to create student-friendly coffee shops and pizza places, just some things to make the community experience a lot better,” he said. “Students don’t have the luxury to do a lot of things within walking distance. So, we’re trying to bring up the entire area around campus.”
NSU Receives Towering Gift of $40 Million!
Norfolk State University receives the largest single-donor gift in its 85-year history! President Javaune Adams-Gaston accepted the $40-million donation from MacKenzie Scott on behalf of the University. https://t.co/kaSyvqZXyh pic.twitter.com/3arCLyPWov
— Norfolk State University (@Norfolkstate) Dec. 16, 2020
