Michael Jordan Gives UNC Social Work $10 Million
Michael Jordan gives UNC School of Social Work $10 million for student scholarships, family programs, and global social work research.
By Academic Writing Club Newsroom
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will receive a $10 million commitment from Michael Jordan ’86 for its School of Social Work, the largest gift in the school’s history. The gift honors his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, and will support the renamed Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center, the Jordan Institute for Families, and scholarships for Master of Social Work students. Ten inaugural Jordan Family Scholars will each receive $12,500. For current and prospective graduate students, the funding creates new scholarship support as the school seeks to expand access to social work education.
Support For Social Work Students
The Jordan Family Scholars program will provide scholarship support for Master of Social Work students facing increased financial barriers to graduate education. The investment is intended to help more students enter the profession while building the workforce serving children, families, and communities.
Michael Jordan, said:
“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. Honoring her through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and to me. 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. I hope this gift helps make it possible for more students to pursue this important work.”
Centers Gain New Resources
The Global Social Development Innovations Center, established in 2017, will be renamed for Deloris P. Jordan. The center works with communities and local organizations to develop and evaluate approaches intended to strengthen the well-being of young people and their families.
The Jordan Institute for Families was founded in 1996 by Michael Jordan and his family. Its initiatives include maternal health, caregiving, home visiting, mental health, economic support, child and family well-being, and social work leadership.
Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson, said:
“The magnitude of Michael Jordan's gift will have an immediate and lasting impact, reaching from our classrooms in Chapel Hill to the many organizations and communities we partner with in North Carolina and across the globe. We are deeply appreciative of his investment and the shared commitment to service that connects Mrs. Jordan and Michael Jordan to our school and our mission.”
Global Research Symposium
The gift celebration will open the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center’s Global Research Symposium. Scholars, practitioners, and partners from more than 20 countries will meet in Chapel Hill for a two-day program of research presentations and panel discussions on youth voice and agency, emerging technologies partnerships, and sustainable solutions through innovation and action.
Deloris P. Jordan, said:
“I am honored that this investment will support the next generation of social workers and the important work they do. I am deeply proud to have been part of the Carolina family for more than 40 years, and it is especially meaningful to know that this gift will strengthen the education and opportunities available to those preparing to serve others. Knowing that this work will extend beyond North Carolina through the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center makes it all the more special.”
