Donor Stories
Work Program Architects Design World-Class Campus Experiences & Establishes Endowment
Anthony Epps ’73 and Michael Gray ’79 are business partners, long-time friends, NSU alumni and financial and estate planners. Epps majored in sociology and Gray majored in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. Together they run Apex Financial Group of Virginia, Inc., located in Portsmouth, VA. The business partners share a similar philosophy when it applies to planned giving to the University. Epps has established an endowment in memory of his parents. The Robert L. Epps Sr. and Blanche A. Epps Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships and financial support to sociology majors and student-athletes. “I attribute my professional success to my parents and the professors who provided me consistent guidance and support during my time at Norfolk State. Planned giving helps the University assist students in their endeavors primarily getting a good education.” Epps has been giving to NSU since the ‘80s. “We need to give back.”
Gray has the same sentiment as his partner. “We have a responsibility to give back to Norfolk State University. If the University can’t get all the funding it needs for various initiatives, then it’s up to us to give so that the institution can continue to grow. The endowment is created for future legacy. It’s a continuation of perpetual contribution. It’s built to leverage the investment so that it can accumulate over the years.” When they were asked about the impact of this type of gift Gray said, “We all have to leave this earth. If we can leave something behind that will be a lifelong contribution – a lifetime gift – it becomes a legacy.”
Anthony Epps
The Portsmouth businessmen have stayed connected to the University by participating in several on-campus fundraising events. Apex Financial Group of Virginia, Inc., even conducted a planned giving seminar at Norfolk State University. The workshop was offered to alumni and faculty. “We were trying to motivate potential donors to see the benefits of using life insurance policies as a means to create a type of gift that keeps on growing,” explained Epps. When asked why they continue to contribute to their alma mater, Gray said, “I am grateful for this University. I look back and see all that the institution has accomplished.” Epps added, “I continue to give to NSU because it is underfunded. The state doesn’t provide all that the University needs, so I give back. If we don’t give back, we may lose what we have.” Gray added, “I look at what other universities are doing when it comes to fundraising. At a Georgia Tech football game, I bought a program booklet. They were asking their alumni for a minimum of $25,000 donations. This really opened up my eyes,” he stated.
Michael Gray
“We have supported the University for years because of the exceptional level of support that we received from faculty and staff. We hope that our gift will motivate others to help so that deserving students who want a college education can attend Norfolk State University. BEHOLD!”
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