Largest gift to FIU from an African-American alumnus
Gerald C. Grant Jr., a two-time graduate of FIU’s College of Business who once worked two jobs while studying full-time, has pledged $1 million to help business students pursue their dreams.
Grant and his wife, Jennifer Adger Grant, have created an endowment to establish the Gerald C. Grant Jr. and Jennifer Adger Grant Scholarship Fund, providing eligible College of Business students with fully funded undergraduate scholarships. It is the largest gift to date from an African-American alumnus.
“The principles I learned back in my days at the College of Business are clearly seen now in the workplace. The college is all about elevating the university to a new level of excellence,” said Grant, a member of the FIU Board of Trustees, branch director of financial planning for AXA Advisors’ South Florida branch and author of Bold Moves to Creating Financial Wealth.
“We wanted to offer scholarships to students who may not otherwise go to college due to finances,” says Jennifer Grant. “Gerald and I have backgrounds in business, and felt compelled to contribute to an area that has impacted us both.”
Grant’s academic history is typical of many of today’s FIU students. After initially struggling in the classroom, he got back on track by pursuing career counseling and tutoring, which led him to form good study habits and switch majors to better complement his interpersonal skills.
“The Grants’ gift speaks to our central mission at College of Business – to enable all students to excel in the real world,” College of Business Dean David R. Klock said. “We are deeply gratified that a successful alumnus like Gerald Grant understands the importance of supporting our students and demonstrates his ongoing commitment to our mission.”
As a business student, I would like to thank Gerald C. Grant Jr. and Jennifer Adger Grant for their generosity. However, why does the article have to emphasize that this grant is the “largest gift to FIU from an African-American alumnus?” Would it make it a difference if he were Hispanic, European, etc.?
M, it highlights the diversity at FIU — that our alumnus network is made up of a diverse group of individuals.
I absolutely agree with the above comment
M. This is just a way of identification. It is not aimed at a race. It makes the reader more knowledgeable of the identity of the individual.