Michael Jordan Makes Record $10 Million Donation to UNC School of Social Work in Honor of His Mother

Michael Jordan made a stunning donation to his alma mater in honor of his mother, Deloris.

According to Brendan Marks of The Athletic, Jordan donated $10 million to the University of North Carolina School of Social Work, the largest donation in the school’s history. As a result of this gift, UNC is adding Deloris Jordan’s name to its Global Center for Social Development Innovation and creating a new Jordan Family Scholars program.

“My mother always believed in the power of helping children, families and communities, and she spent her life putting that belief into practice,” Jordan said in a statement. “Honoring him through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and me. North Carolina will always be home, and I am proud to support the social workers who are on the ground every day helping people overcome challenges, find opportunities, and build stronger communities. I hope this gift will enable more students to continue this important work.”

The Jordan Family Scholars program will name 10 master of social work students as the first recipients of $12,500 scholarships.

Jordan and his family previously founded the Jordan Institute for Families (JIF) in 1996, which supports maternal health, caregiving, home visiting, mental health, economic support and social work leadership. Deloris Jordan is a longtime social worker.

“We could not be more grateful to Michael Jordan for this generous investment in Carolina and in the people and communities we serve,” Chancellor Lee Roberts said in a statement. “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 in North Carolina and beyond.” »