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Frank Batten, Jr., President and CEO of the Landmark Foundation, presented President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston with a $5 million check in a presentation ceremony in the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center on Friday, Sept, 2, 2022. This gift will support need-based scholarships for students and other university initiatives over a five-year period.
In remarks at the event, Dr. Adams-Gaston said, “Today’s partnership announcement will provide much-needed resources to assist hundreds of students close the financial gap to pay for tuition and needs over the next several years.”
Batten characterized the donation as a financial bridge as well.
“A college degree provides an important doorway to a good job,” he said. “But a college degree costs money, usually more money than can come from Pell grants and from part-time work.”
Batten envisions the scholarships as being money that can make the difference between a student staying in school and finishing their degree versus dropping out from financial pressures.
The university will receive $1 million per year to go toward need-based scholarships for in-state students. Application criteria will be provided by the university at a future date.
“This gift will provide closure to the gaps and accessibility for our students,” said President Adams-Gaston.
In closing, she addressed Mr. Batten personally, saying “I, along with our students, thank you for this transformational gift. Thank you for making an investment in NSU.”
The Landmark Foundation focuses on supporting education programs.
See WVEC's coverage of the event at https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/education/nsu-5-million-dollars-student-scholarships-landmark-foundation/291-f2a7f745-e426-4d74-ac9d-9079f02d1ed3.