Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.
Wiley College, the historically Black educational institution in Marshall, Texas, received a $2 million gift from Patsy and Gene Ponder. The Ponders stated that they made the donation to honor the 18 years of service of Haywood L. Strickland, president of the college. Patsy Ponder is a trustee of Wiley College.
Historically Black Talladega College in Alabama, received a $100,000 gift from William P. Pickard, who gave this spring’s commencement address at the college. Dr. Pickard is chair of the Global Automotive Alliance, co-managing partner of the MGM Grand Detroit Casino, and co-owner of five newspapers serving African American communities.
Paine College, the historically Black educational institution in Augusta, Georgia, received a $1 million donation from Peter Knox a local businessman. The money will be placed in the school’s endowment fund. Peter Knox is the managing director of Knox Equity.