It seems this historically black college is turning things around. On Wednesday, the leader of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Kenneth W. Carter announced that the black church has donated $1 million to Paine College in Augusta to help keep the school afloat financially. Carter proclaimed the impressive donation a “historical moment” and said he believes the black college “will ride through this brief storm and come out even better,” according to The Augusta Chronicle. Paine has already raised $4.1 million in fundraising this year alone. 
But Paine board Chairman-elect Michael Thurmond has a new goal of $5 million—using the slogan “No Pain, No Gain”—so Paine can show and prove that the school is “getting control of the finances” and meeting the financial standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Earlier this month, the agency voted to remove Paine from the prestigious membership, citing the school “failed to meet three financial standards after two years on probation.” The black college is in the process of appealing the decision. Carter said students and alumni and the Augusta community must give to the school. “We invite you to give until it hurts,” he said. “Our gift today does not come without pain. Please join us in this sacrifice.”
