Norfolk State receives largest gift in its history - $3.5 million

NORFOLK

Norfolk State University has received two donations from an anonymous benefactor totaling $3.5 million, the largest gift in the school's history.

The news was delivered Friday at a Board of Visitors meeting to a rousing round of applause. School officials said that it isn't unusual to receive anonymous gifts and that the donors wish to keep their privacy for a variety of reasons. U niversity officials said the school will try to find a way to show its gratitude.

"One of the best ways to thank them is to do what they've asked us to do with the money," said Sharon Hoggard, university spokeswoman.

Of the gift, $3 million will be used for student scholarships and financial aid. The remaining $500,000 will target initiatives that support faculty, such as research and equipment.

The money couldn't have come at a better time. Norfolk State, a historically black college founded in 1935, has made a major thrust this year to improve its academic profile and student enrollment, but it needs money to do both. The school, as well as other state colleges, has been asked to absorb a series of state funding cuts in recent years. Nearly 90 percent of its 6,300 students receive some type of financial aid.

"I think it's a wonderful deed," said senior Jessica Petty, an English education major. She said she uses private loans to cover tuition. She's applied for scholarships before but, "They just haven't been there."

The gift, she said, is especially good news "in the time of a recession.... I'm definitely grateful for it."

School officials are making tentative plans for the scholarship money, which could include establishing an Institute for the Teaching of Mathematics and Sciences.

The institute would help expand the recruitment and retention of talented math and science majors who plan to teach in middle and high schools.

The $500,000 could go to faculty awards to seed research and scholarly activities as well as training in areas such as teaching with technology and effective academic advising.

"Constant faculty development is crucial to inspiring academic excellence and to attracting and retaining world-class faculty," said university President Carolyn Meyers.

Denise Watson Batts, (757) 446-2504, denise.batts@pilotonline.com