Microsoft makes large donation to FAMU in recognition of technology efficiency efforts

Akhtar Badshah, senior director
of Microsoft Citizenship & Public Affairs

Microsoft Corporation, the world’s biggest software company, is donating $456,425 in software to FAMU.

Last month, Akhtar Badshah, senior director of Microsoft Citizenship & Public Affairs, informed the FAMU Division of Enterprise Information Technology of the decision.

“At Microsoft, we believe technology can do amazing things. That's why we partner with thousands of organizations like [FAMU] around the world to help each one achieve its mission. Through our Microsoft Citizenship efforts, we provide technology tools, training and resources that can help create opportunities and transform communities. Congratulations on being part of our global community,” said Badshah.

According to Interim Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer Michael James, the donation from Microsoft will be used to continue the university’s mission of offering innovative technology and resources to its students, administrators, faculty and staff.

“This donation, which was coordinated by Ron Henry and Meghann Graham of the EIT Services Team, will assist FAMU in its continued efforts to offer state-of-the art software access to its users, enhance the overall efficiency of our various departments and expand our technology-related community outreach,” James said. “Microsoft’s donation is not only an asset to our mission of remaining on the cutting edge of technology, but also shows that the corporation understands our mission and recognizes the work we are doing here at the university.”

FAMU was selected to receive the donation after a thorough review process by the Thurgood Marshall College Foundation Technology Initiative. The initiative is a partnership between the foundation and Microsoft designed to identify historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that best exhibit information technology preparedness, in order to offer financial support and resources toward the selected institutions’ efforts to foster high-performance learning environments. The initiative is designed to promote effective communication, collaborative learning, critical thinking and digital age literacy among HBCUs and the communities they serve.