Paul Quinn College in Dallas and Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC, have each received substantial anonymous donations, signaling a new era of growth and innovation for these two storied private HBCUS.
Paul Quinn College, whose history dates back 152-years, announced on July 25 that it had received a transformative $20 million gift .
This donation, the largest in the college's history, was met with jubilation and a sense of profound opportunity. "It gives us a direct pipeline to building even more of the institution that we want it to be," said Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College. "It allows us to strengthen our academic programs and to invest in sustaining the institution, which is what you want. That's what you dream of."
The donation is set to redefine the educational landscape at Paul Quinn, with plans to expand and enhance existing academic programs. President Sorrell highlighted the college's intention to invest heavily in its banking and finance major, aiming to make it a signature program alongside others such as Lowe's retail management, Mavs, and fundraising and philanthropy. "We are reimagining the opportunities that our students have, not just to be learners, but to also use that information, that knowledge, to push them towards lives of comfort and wealth," Sorrell added.
In a parallel development, Livingstone College, in Salisbury, North Carolina, announced it has recently received a transformative $10 million donation from an anonymous benefactor. This latest contribution brings the total donations from this donor to $17 million in just six months, marking a significant milestone in the college’s history.
Dr. Anthony J. Davis, President of Livingstone College, expressed his deep gratitude for the generous gift and outlined the impact it will have on the institution. "This donation is a testament to the belief in our mission and the potential of our students," Dr. Davis said. "It will enable us to enhance our academic offerings, provide more robust support for our students, and ensure that Livingstone College continues to be a beacon of excellence and opportunity for generations to come."
Both institutions are poised to leverage these transformative gifts to not only sustain their operations but also to innovate and expand their educational offerings. The donations underscore the critical role that HBCUs play in American higher education and the broader community, providing pathways to success for students who might otherwise face barriers to achieving their full potential.