Michael Jordan made a $10 million commitment to the University of North Carolina School of Social Work in honor of his mother, Deloris P. Jordan. The donation represents the largest single gift in the School of Social Work’s history.
The funding will expand several programs focused on families, social development, education, and community well-being.
As part of the gift, UNC’s Global Social Development Innovations Center will be renamed the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center.
The funding will also support the Jordan Institute for Families and provide scholarships for students pursuing Master of Social Work degrees.
The gift establishes the Jordan Family Scholars program for students facing financial barriers to graduate education.
Ten students will be selected as the inaugural Jordan Family Scholars, with each receiving a $12,500 scholarship.
UNC said the program comes as communities face growing demand for trained social workers serving children, families, and other populations.
The Jordan Institute for Families was founded in 1996 by Michael Jordan and his family.
Its work includes maternal health, caregiving, home visiting, mental health, economic support, child and family well-being, and social work leadership.
The Global Social Development Innovations Center was established in 2017 and focuses on developing and evaluating approaches intended to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people and families.
The center works with communities and local organizations in the U.S. and internationally.
The donation will also support the renamed center’s Global Research Symposium, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and partners from more than 20 countries.
Deloris Jordan founded the Kenya Women and Children’s Wellness Centre in Nairobi in 2010.
The organization provides healthcare and other services to underserved communities and survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse and has reached more than 203,700 people through its programs.
KEY QUOTES:
“My mother has always believed in the power of helping children, families and communities, and she has spent her life putting that belief into action. Honoring her through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and to me. North Carolina will always be home, and I’m proud to support the social workers who are on the ground each and every day helping people navigate challenges, find opportunities and build stronger communities. I hope this gift helps make it possible for more students to pursue this important work.”
Michael Jordan
“I am honored that this investment will support the next generation of social workers and the important work they do. I am deeply proud to have been part of the Carolina family for more than 40 years, and it is especially meaningful to know that this gift will strengthen the education and opportunities available to those preparing to serve others.”
Deloris P. Jordan
“The magnitude of Michael Jordan’s gift will have an immediate and lasting impact, reaching from our classrooms in Chapel Hill to the many organizations and communities we partner with in North Carolina and across the globe.”
Ramona Denby-Brinson, Dean of the UNC School of Social Work
