Xavier University of Louisiana, the nation's only historically Black and Catholic university, has received a $38 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The gift, announced this week, is the largest single private donation in the New Orleans institution's 100-year history.
This substantial contribution arrives as the university celebrates its centennial and navigates a period of financial adjustment. The funds are unrestricted, giving Xavier's leadership the flexibility to direct them toward its most pressing needs and long-term strategic goals.
Key Takeaways
- Xavier University of Louisiana received a $38 million donation from MacKenzie Scott.
- This is the largest private gift in the university's 100-year history.
- The donation is unrestricted and comes during Xavier's $500 million fundraising campaign.
- The gift follows a previous $20 million donation from Scott in 2020.
- This funding arrives after the university recently laid off nearly 50 employees, citing federal funding changes.
A Transformative Moment for Xavier
The record-setting $38 million donation marks a pivotal point for Xavier University. This is the second major gift from MacKenzie Scott, who previously donated $20 million in 2020. That earlier contribution was used to grow the university's endowment, expand scholarships for students with financial need, and create new faculty positions.
In a statement, Xavier President Reynold Verret described the latest gift as both "humbling and inspiring." He emphasized how this support validates the university's mission and will significantly bolster its ongoing efforts.
"This generous gift from MacKenzie Scott fills us with profound gratitude," Verret said. "Ms. Scott’s belief in Xavier’s mission strengthens our resolve to carry forward the legacy of Saint Katharine Drexel and prepare future generations to lead with truth, justice, and service."
The donation is a significant boost to Xavier's ambitious $500 million fundraising campaign, which is currently in its third year. The campaign aims to address several key areas critical to the university's future.
Goals of the Fundraising Campaign
- Increase student financial aid to make education more accessible.
- Improve and modernize campus facilities.
- Expand student support services, including academic and wellness programs.
- Boost faculty recruitment and retain top academic talent.
Verret noted that Scott's contribution "affirms who we are — and who we are becoming — at a pivotal moment in our history.”
Who is MacKenzie Scott?
MacKenzie Scott, an author and philanthropist, is known for her large-scale, no-strings-attached donations to non-profits and educational institutions. After her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, she pledged to give away the majority of her wealth. Her giving strategy is notable for its trust-based approach, providing unrestricted funds that allow organizations to determine their own priorities. She has donated over $19 billion to thousands of organizations nationwide.
Navigating Financial Realities
The arrival of this historic gift is particularly timely, as it comes just one month after the university announced layoffs affecting nearly 50 employees. This reduction represented approximately 6% of the school's workforce.
University officials attributed the layoffs to federal funding cuts and anticipated changes to the federal student financial aid system. Despite these challenging decisions, President Verret has maintained that the university remains on solid financial footing. The infusion of $38 million provides a substantial cushion and powerful resource to navigate these external pressures while continuing to invest in growth.
The unrestricted nature of the gift is crucial, as it allows Xavier to allocate funds where they are most needed, whether that is shoring up operational budgets, accelerating capital projects, or directly supporting its approximately 3,200 students.
A Legacy of Excellence and a Future in Medicine
Founded in 1925 by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier University has a distinguished history. It is particularly renowned for its success in preparing students for careers in medicine and health sciences.
Historically, Xavier University has sent more Black students to medical school than any other institution in the United States, a testament to its strong science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs.
This legacy is set to expand significantly. The university is currently working in partnership with Ochsner Health to establish a new medical school. The Graduate School of Health Sciences and Medical School is slated to open in the coming years, pending full accreditation. Scott's donation will undoubtedly support the infrastructure and resources needed for this major institutional expansion.
Broader Impact on HBCUs
Scott's philanthropy has had a profound impact on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country. These institutions have historically operated with endowments that are significantly smaller than those of predominantly white institutions.
In the past year alone, Scott has donated hundreds of millions to HBCUs, including:
- $80 million to Howard University in Washington, D.C.
- $63 million to Prairie View A&M State University in Texas.
- $38 million to Spelman College in Atlanta.
She also gifted $70 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which supports a network of nearly 40 HBCUs. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF, called the funds "a once-in-a-generation opportunity" for these schools to build permanent assets that will benefit students for decades. For Xavier, this $38 million gift is not just a financial transaction; it is an investment in a century-long legacy and a vote of confidence in its future.
