On a day described as “Glorious Hallelujah Day,” Stillman College, along with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), celebrated the announcement of a massive $100 million grant. This significant funding boost, unveiled at a media event at Clark Atlanta University, comes as part of an ambitious $1 billion capital campaign led by UNCF with generous support from Lilly Endowments. It was realized.

A strategic initiative of UNCF, this campaign is multifaceted. The goal is to expand student scholarships, increase unrestricted funding to strengthen endowments at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and invest in development programs. These programs focus on technological advancement, training, and research. Additionally, the campaign will strengthen UNCF's own cash reserves and endowments, as well as support annual campaign efforts.

The majority of this $100 million grant will go toward creating a collective endowment fund. The fund significantly increases his endowment to each of UNCF's 37 member institutions by $10 million. UNCF President and CEO Dr. Michael L. Lomax said the Lilly Endowment's unrestricted grant will help establish a large HBCU pool endowment fund expected to reach $370 million. He emphasized that it will serve as an initial investment for the future.

Stillman College, represented by its eighth president, Yolanda W. Page, expressed gratitude for this transformative gift. Mr. Page, speaking on behalf of all 37 UNCF member institutions, emphasized that this grant will have a deep and lasting impact on the financial stability of each institution. “For Stillman in particular, this effort will significantly strengthen our endowment. This feat could not have been accomplished in such a short time without UNCF and this capital campaign.” “Yes,” she said. Mr. Page emphasizes the transformative nature of this investment and envisions a future where graduates improve their social mobility, thereby creating enriching opportunities for their families and communities.

Mr. Page further elaborated on the benefits of this fiscal injection. She noted that increased endowments are essential to attracting high-quality faculty, sustaining academic programs and providing scholarships to students. For Stillman College, and indeed for other institutions, these resources are not just financial assets, they are also catalysts for academic improvement and student success.