Dear Spelman Community,
I am writing to you today to share some truly wonderful news. Spelman College has received a generous $16.5 million gift from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. This gift is part of a landmark $50 million, 10-year scholarship commitment from the Blank Foundation to support students at Spelman, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Morris Brown
College.
This investment is dedicated to our students and our shared mission. The funds will provide crucial financial aid, with a specific focus on supporting our juniors and seniors with the greatest financial need.
This generous gift aligns directly with Goal 2 of Spelman's Strategic Plan, which focuses on enhancing student access and success. This targeted approach is key to achieving our goals for improving social mobility. The reality is that for many of our students—roughly 42 percent of whom are Pell Grant eligible—the final semesters of college can be the most
financially precarious. Unforeseen expenses or shifts in financial aid can often become a devastating barrier to graduation, forcing students to pause their education right as they approach the finish line.
This gift is a powerful investment in student success, directly contributing to our scholars' ability to complete their degrees and launch their careers by helping to alleviate the added burden of financial stress. It is a testament to the belief that a world-class education should be accessible to all. It provides a source of stable scholarship funding for a full
decade, aiding Spelman scholars in need, and reinforcing our college's role as a national leader in social mobility. It strengthens our legacy of excellence and helps us to continue preparing the next generation of Black women leaders.
I invite you to watch a special video message for more about the profound impact of this gift on our community.
Sincerely,
Rosalind (Roz) Brewer, C’84
Interim President
Spelman College
