Michael Jordan Gives $10 Million to UNC Social Work School in Honour of His Mother

Basketball legend and former University of North Carolina star Michael Jordan has made a $10 million commitment to the UNC School of Social Work in honour of his mother, Deloris P. Jordan.

The gift, announced Monday, October 5, is the largest single donation in the history of the school and will support social work education, research and programmes benefiting children, families and communities.

As part of the commitment, UNC’s Global Social Development Innovations Center will be renamed the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center. The funding will also support the Jordan Institute for Families and create scholarships for Master of Social Work students facing financial barriers to graduate education.

Ten students will be selected as the inaugural Jordan Family Scholars, with each receiving a $12,500 scholarship.

Jordan said the gift was particularly meaningful because of his mother’s lifelong commitment to helping children, families and communities.

“My mother has always believed in the power of helping children, families and communities, and she has spent her life putting that belief into action,” Jordan said.

He added that North Carolina would always be home and said he was proud to support social workers helping people overcome challenges and build stronger communities.

Deloris Jordan has maintained a longstanding connection with UNC and has been involved with the School of Social Work for more than four decades. She expressed appreciation for the investment and said she was honoured that it would support the next generation of social workers.

The Jordan Institute for Families was established by Michael Jordan and his family in 1996. Its work includes initiatives involving maternal health, caregiving, home visiting, mental health, economic support and child and family well-being.

UNC’s Global Social Development Innovations Center was established in 2017 to develop and evaluate approaches aimed at improving the well-being and opportunities of young people and their families. The centre works with communities and organisations in North Carolina and internationally.

UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts described Jordan’s contribution as a major investment in the university and the communities it serves. School of Social Work Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson also said the gift would strengthen the school’s work from its classrooms to partner organisations in North Carolina and around the world.

Jordan’s relationship with UNC dates back to his college playing career. He played for the Tar Heels from 1981 to 1984, helped the team win the 1982 NCAA championship with a game-winning shot as a freshman, and graduated from the university in 1986.

The announcement also coincides with a global research symposium organised by the renamed Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center, bringing together scholars, practitioners and partners from more than 20 countries to discuss youth development and social work innovation.