*Howard University has received an $80 million contribution from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, representing one of the largest individual donations in the institution’s history.
According to WUSA9, the unrestricted gift will be divided with $63 million allocated to Howard University and $17 million designated for the Howard University College of Medicine. Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, FACS, interim president and president emeritus of Howard University, expressed appreciation for the substantial contribution. “On behalf of the entire Howard University community, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ms. MacKenzie Scott for her extraordinary generosity and steadfast belief in Howard University’s mission, demonstrated global impact, and unparalleled legacy of educating, inspiring, and empowering generations of leaders,” he stated.
Dr. Frederick emphasized the wide-ranging benefits the donation will provide to the institution. “This historic investment will not only help maintain our current momentum, but will help support essential student aid, advance infrastructure improvements, and build a reserve fund to further sustain operational continuity, student success, academic excellence, and research innovation,” he added.
The timing of this gift is particularly significant as a federal government shutdown has stalled annual appropriations that Howard University depends on for student support, academic initiatives, research activities, and operations at both the university and Howard University Hospital.
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Scott previously contributed an eight-figure sum to Howard University in 2020. The following year, she distributed $2.7 billion across 286 organizations as part of her ongoing philanthropic efforts.
Scott acquired substantial wealth through her 25-year marriage to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, which ended in divorce in 2019. She received a 4% stake in Amazon as part of the settlement, contributing to her current net worth of $36.9 billion according to Forbes.
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