Morgan State University has become the benefactor of a $40 million gift that will support its efforts to advance research and enhance investments aligned with other mission-focused priorities and initiatives, the historically Black institution recently announced.
The unrestricted gift from noted philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, serves as the largest single private donation in school history and the second-largest gift to any public Maryland university.
Morgan State was selected, in part, for its success addressing racial justice, equity and equality, and nationwide educational attainment gaps, according to a press release announcing the gift.
“This monumental gift will change lives and shape futures,” Morgan President David Wilson said in a statement. “I thank Ms. Scott for her due diligence and acknowledgment of the substantive value Morgan offers to so many throughout this nation and around the world and entrusting that we will ensure the enduring impact of her generosity is truly transformational for many years to come.”
Scott’s multimillion-dollar gift, for which the majority will be used to support the newly established Leading the World Endowment Fund, also doubles Morgan’s endowment.