NBA Legend Magic Johnson has pledged half a million dollars to Xavier University to put towards student scholarships.
On May 8, Xavier University hosted it’s Centennial Gala, which paid homage to a century of excellence and community impact. The event honored the historic legacy and ongoing contributions of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis.
“The mark of a great man is who shows up,” Johnson said in his tribute to Dr. Francis at the Gala. “Because the man that you are, all the great things that you’ve done in your stellar career. And all the people that you helped, you became successful through your great leadership at Xavier… In your honor, I’m going to give Xavier $500,000.”
Dr. Norman C. Francis (’52), who is now 94, lead the University for 47 years as president. He began his journey at Xavier as a student and later returned to serve in many roles before becoming president in 1968. Under his leadership, the university grew in both size and reputation. He helped shape the school’s core curriculum and oversaw the construction of most of the buildings on campus. His impact is seen in Xavier’s national rankings for producing Black graduates in science, pharmacy, and medicine.
“It’s not whether you can become successful…it’s how many people can you help become successful” –Magic Johnson
Johnson has been a long-time advocate for providing access to communities of color. Through his foundation, Magic Johnson Enterprises, he’s made significant financial investments that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities.