Michael Jordan donated $10 million to the University of North Carolina School of Social Work, the largest gift in the school’s history, honoring his mother, Deloris.
The gift establishes two major initiatives: the Deloris Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center and the Jordan Family Scholars program, which will award $12,500 scholarships annually to 10 Master’s of Social Work students, according to Bleacher Report.
Why The Donation Matters
Jordan’s gift reflects his family’s deep commitment to social work and community support. His mother, Deloris Jordan, is a longtime social worker whose career inspired the donation, according to the university. The funds will strengthen UNC’s ability to train the next generation of professionals who serve North Carolina communities and beyond.
“My mother has always believed in the power of helping children, families and communities, and she has spent her life putting that belief into action,” Jordan said in a statement. “Honoring her through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and to me.”
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts said the investment will deepen the school’s mission. “We could not be more grateful to Michael Jordan for this generous investment in Carolina and the people and communities we serve,” Roberts said. “Deloris Jordan’s lifelong dedication to children and families is reflected in this investment, which will strengthen the School of Social Work’s ability to improve lives across North Carolina and beyond.”
Jordan’s Carolina Connection
Jordan’s relationship with UNC runs deep. The basketball icon attended the university and remains connected to Chapel Hill. Beyond this gift, Jordan and his family founded the Jordan Institute for Families in 1996, which supports children and families through maternal health services, in-home support, mental health initiatives and social work training programs.
“North Carolina will always be home, and I’m proud to support the social workers who are on the ground each and every day helping people navigate challenges, find opportunities and build stronger communities,” Jordan said. “I hope this gift helps make it possible for more students to pursue this important work.”
The donation represents a significant commitment to higher education and social work at the university level, supporting students who enter one of the nation’s most critical professions.
Reporting from ESPN, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and NBA.com contributed to this story.
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