Donor Stories
Work Program Architects Design World-Class Campus Experiences & Establishes Endowment
John and Temesha McNeill met and fell in love while they were students at Norfolk State University. They exhibit a nurturing spirit, not only toward family and NSU, but for people in general especially married couples. Today they operate a marriage coaching business that helps couples diagnose relationship issues and develop practical solutions. Temesha McNeill revealed that she and her husband were first-generation college students, and as such they identified a need at the University. They have established the John and Temesha McNeill Generational Growth Endowment Fund to provide scholarships for up-and-coming first-generation college students. Now, empty nesters, the McNeills appreciate the life they planned. “We enjoy spending time together traveling, encouraging other married couples, and coming back to Norfolk State homecomings,” exclaimed Temesha.
The couple owns and operates McNeill Enterprise, where in addition to marriage coaching, the company invests in real estate. While at NSU, Temesha majored in mass communications and received a bachelor of science degree in 1996. John obtained a bachelor of science degree in nursing and earned a commission in the U.S. Navy in 1996. Temesha says the most special moment at Norfolk State was meeting each other in 1994.
John and Temesha McNeill
“One of the greatest things we love about NSU is the relationships we have built with other Spartans. Many of our friends graduated from NSU, and we love getting together with our friends and reminiscing about the good old days. We know that those relationships are what makes being a Spartan so great,” she said. The McNeills have been benefactors to the University over the years creating their first endowment in 2023. “Our first thought, after the first time we donated, was I wish we could give more.” That first donation, the relationships built over time, and the gratitude toward NSU planted a seed in the couple. “That very thought is what drove us to the place of starting our very own scholarship endowment.”
As first-generation college students, John and Temesha remembered facing financial hardships and academic challenges. “We wanted to provide some assistance to students who may also be experiencing some of the same challenges.” Their goal is to help Norfolk State University continue its efforts to make higher education accessible. “We want to help NSU continue to provide an affordable education. We know and understand the level of impact of higher education and how it can change the trajectory of an individual’s life. Education helped to change our lives and gave us both an opportunity to compete in corporate America.”
Normally, the McNeills designate their contributions for the nursing program, WNSB 91.1 FM, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. “Although we typically give towards the academic program that resonates the most with us, we do provide assistance in other areas as well. The idea is to simply meet a need; so where there is a need, we want to assist.”
If alumni team McNeill were given the chance to talk to potential NSU donors, Temesha simply stated that she would ask, “If not you, then who? If not now, then when?” It is through the generosity of donors like John and Temesha McNeill that make a difference every day on campus and throughout the community.
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