Through engagement and extraordinary generosity, the Vanguard Society honors individuals and couples who are leaders in the community of philanthropy and who help sustain the university with cumulative lifetime gifts of $10 million or more.
2025 Vanguard Society Inductees
MacKenzie Scott
About: In 2021, philanthropist and novelist Mackenzie Scott made Norfolk State history through her $40 million gift, the largest single-donor gift in its 85-year history. In 2025, Scott donated an additional record-breaking $50 million to support the furtherance of NSU’s mission to transform students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research and service.
The record $50 million gift coincided with the 90th anniversary celebration of Norfolk State University and its Now Is Our Time Comprehensive campaign. The 2025 gift will be invested to support student scholarships, faculty research and service, athletics and strategic initiatives of the institution.
Mackenzie scott annual report