Elizabeth City State University received an initial endowment of $50,000 from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in partnership with the AKA Educational Advancement Foundation. The donation comes on the heels of the sorority’s recent third annual HBCU Impact Day initiative where more than $1.5 million was raised in one day for the support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Last year, AKA began the process of donating to HBCUs through the AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund with the goal to donate $10 million within four years. The sorority gifted $1.6 million to the first 32 of 96 HBCUs at a ceremony held at AKA’s international headquarters in Chicago.
Each HBCU received $50,000 in unrestricted endowment funds as part of a phased approach to help schools reduce student debt through scholarships, fund industry-specific research, recruit and retain top faculty, and other critical operations.
“Given the current economic state of our world, in which we are dealing with a global health pandemic and widespread injustice against people of color, now more than ever is the time for historically Black sororities, fraternities and other HBCU supporters to step up and be of service to our historic institutions of higher education,” said Dr. Glenda Glover, AKA International President and Chief Executive Officer.
Dr. Glover, who is also the president of Tennessee State University and an HBCU graduate, says she knows “first-hand the immense challenges HBCUs are facing during this time of uncertainty.”
“However, I also know that these institutions are resilient and resourceful, which is why Alpha Kappa Alpha is fully committed to investing in our HBCUs and preserving their educational legacy for generations to come,” she said.
While HBCUs have received more favorable attention in the press over the past few months, COVID-19 continues to have an adverse effect on most colleges and universities. Many HBCUs have adjusted to the challenges of educating through a global health pandemic, but financial support is still needed to help maintain daily operations.
Anita Walton, ECSU’s Vice Chancellor for University Advancement, said AKA’s commitment to HBCUs and its gift to the university make a significant impact on educational opportunities for current and future Vikings.
“I cannot express enough the importance of AKA’s work here and the gratitude we have for their support of ECSU and other HBCUs,” said Ms. Walton.
Although HBCU Impact Day has passed, Alpha Kappa Alpha is still accepting donations to support the AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund $10 million goal. Interested donors can make contributions by texting AKAHBCU to 44321, giving by mail or online here.
People also can show their Viking Pride and make a gift directly to ECSU. Generous contributions from donors support key areas like student scholarships, academic programs, athletics, faculty research, student programs, and much more. Visit www.ecsu.edu/give today.
