Johnson C. Smith University receives $35 million gift to build science center, renovate dormitory
The Charlotte Observer
October 13, 2011
Seems every time Atlanta lawyer Neil Williams sets foot on Johnson C. Smith University's campus, he's packing generous gifts from the Charlotte-based Duke Endowment.
Two years ago, Williams brought a $5.7 million endowment grant, then the school's largest gift ever.
On Wednesday, Williams, chairman of the endowment's trustees, was back again - this time to announce a $35 million gift that is believed to be among the top five largest gifts to any of the country's historically black universities and colleges.
JCSU plans to use the $35 million this way:
$25 million to help build a science center to support JCSU's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program. The center will be built on campus between the library and chapel, facing Beatties Ford Road. It will cost about $26 million to build, with an additional $15 million to $16 million needed for equipment and programs, JCSU President Ron Carter said.