Blessed to be a blessing: Oprah Winfrey surprises Morehouse with $13 million donation
(EEW Magazine) Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper.” Is there any wonder why philanthropist Oprah Winfrey is so blessed?
Days after surprising the United Negro College Fund with a more than $1 million donation, the 65-year-old has stunned Morehouse with a $13 million contribution—the largest endowment ever in the college’s history.
Winfrey’s massive donation was made on the 30th anniversary of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program to continue the scholarship fund, pushing her total investment to $25 million.
The big-hearted Christian, whose oil portrait was unveiled in honor of her support of Morehouse over the years, announced the multi-million dollar charitable offering Monday afternoon while meeting with 47 Oprah Winfrey Scholars she calls “sons.”
Oprah Winfrey stands in front of a portrait unveiled in her honor at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, October 7, 2019. (Credit: Morehouse)
Winfrey said she was thrilled that the gift that launched the Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholarship 30 years ago has touched so many lives, according to the college’s press statement obtained by EEW Magazine Online.
“I understand that African American men are an endangered species. They are so misunderstood. They are so marginalized,” she said.
“Where and when I can lend support to try to change that image, I do. That is what Morehouse is doing. It is saying, ‘This is who we really are,’” she added.
Winfrey said she gave to Morehouse College in 1989 because she believes that the College has a “moral core” and mission to develop servant-leaders focused on excellence—something that is similar to the teachings she learned as a child.
“I’m grateful to Oprah Winfrey for her generosity,” said Morehouse president Dr. David Thomas, who called the famous donor “Dr. Winfrey” throughout the day. Morehouse was one of the first colleges to honor her with a doctorate.
Nathan Rolle, a senior Oprah Scholar who is majoring in International Studies and minoring in Journalism, said it was an honor to meet the kind woman who funded his scholarship.
“Getting to meet Ms. Winfrey for the first time in my life, taking an individual photo with her — not a lot of people in the world can say that,” he said. “I’ve looked up to Mrs. Winfrey my entire life. This day is the highlight of my Morehouse experience.”
More than 500 people attended Monday’s tribute to Winfrey at Morehouse College.
