NBA icon Michael Jordan has made headlines following a significant philanthropic gesture directed towards his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). On 5th October, Jordan announced a remarkable donation of £10 million to support the School of Social Work, a contribution made in honour of his mother, Deloris.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Michael-Jordan--100626-c5aca8092d8f4ac18e4c3ea2da06ddd5.jpg)
Deloris Jordan, now 85, dedicated her life to social work, advocating for children, families, and diverse communities throughout her career. This monumental gift will not only enhance the resources of the School of Social Work but will also ensure that her legacy continues to shape the lives of those who benefit from social services.
In his statement regarding the donation, Jordan expressed the deep significance of this contribution to both himself and his family. “Honouring her through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and to me,” he remarked. He highlighted his mother’s unwavering belief in the importance of community service, stating, “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.”
This donation is noteworthy as it represents the largest financial contribution the School of Social Work has ever received, marking a pivotal moment in its history. Notably, alongside the donation, UNC will establish the Jordan Family Scholars programme, which aims to support students pursuing their Master of Social Work degree. Ten selected students will receive scholarships worth £12,500 each, fostering the next generation of social workers who play a crucial role in their communities.
Chancellor Lee Roberts of UNC expressed profound gratitude towards Jordan in a statement, recognising the incredible impact of Deloris Jordan’s lifetime commitment to social work. “We could not be more grateful to Michael Jordan,” he said. “Deloris Jordan’s lifelong dedication to children and families is reflected in this investment, which will strengthen the School of Social Work’s ability to improve lives across North Carolina and beyond.”
Michael Jordan’s philanthropic efforts towards UNC extend beyond this recent contribution. His commitment to social work and community support dates back to 1996 when he and his family established the Jordan Institute for Families. This initiative focuses on creating safe and nurturing family environments through research, policy development, and active community engagement, aligning closely with the values his mother has championed throughout her career.
The impact of Jordan’s donation is expected to be felt throughout North Carolina, improving access to social work education and resources. With social workers being indispensable figures in addressing societal challenges, the funding will enable the university to train more professionals who can effect meaningful change within communities.
As the world celebrates Michael Jordan’s legacy on and off the basketball court, this generous act reaffirms his dedication to supporting the causes that matter most to him and his family. The investment in the future of social work at UNC is a testament to the lasting influence of Deloris Jordan’s work, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps.
Through this gesture, Michael Jordan is not only cementing his mother’s legacy but is also ensuring that her ideals of community service and support for families continue to thrive in future generations. As students embark on their social work endeavors with the aid of the Jordan Family Scholars programme, they will carry forward the ideals instilled in them through this transformative support.
In a society where social challenges are ever-present, Michael Jordan’s contribution is a significant step towards fostering a more equitable future. With the establishment of the Jordan Family Scholars programme and the investment in the School of Social Work, both the Jordan family and the University of North Carolina are actively contributing to an ongoing journey of community betterment.