Jerry Richardson, owner of the Carolina Panthers, has donated $250,000 to a Johnson C. Smith University scholarship fund.
The money will go to the President’s Gap scholarship fund, which covers the financial gap between a student’s financial aid package and the cost of tuition at the historically Black institution. The fund was created in 2012.
“Mr. Richardson upholds JCSU’s mission as an independent urban university: To provide an outstanding education for talented and motivated students from diverse backgrounds,” said JCSU President Ronald L. Carter. “His dedication to the students we educate ensures they will continue to smash the mold.”
JCSU trustee Cameron Harris, who also is a part-owner of the NFL’s only undefeated team, brought the matter of the fund’s need to Richardson.
“When it comes to paying college tuition many families are left distressed, or have to leave their dreams behind altogether,” Richardson said. “Our hope is that this gift will help Johnson C. Smith University open doors for more families and continue to be a place that affects change in people through education.”
