Norfolk State raising $90 million in ‘most ambitious’ fundraising campaign in university’s history
Last month, Norfolk State University launched the public phase of what officials call its “most ambitious” fundraising campaign in the institution’s history. The “Now Is Our Time” campaign seeks to raise $90 million in celebration of the university’s 90th anniversary next year.
“When we talk about now is our time for our institution, it is a call to action,” Norfolk State president Javaune Adams-Gaston said. “It really is an opportunity for people to think about the university and think about its impact in the community and in the higher education world.”
Norfolk State University president Javaune Adams-Gaston at the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center in Norfolk, Virginia, on Oct. 16, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)
Adams-Gaston said when the team came up with the name, she realized it was perfect.
“That is exactly what we need. We need to have agency right now in order to make sure that we are moving the institution along.”
NSU’s only other major campaign effort was 30 years ago and raised $15 million. But interest in historically Black colleges and universities has reportedly been on the rise for about a decade, especially after the 2020 murder of George Floyd led to a national reckoning on systemic racism. HBCU leaders across the country say the interest continued over the last couple of years, too, as diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have been dismantled and affirmative action has been banned.
Norfolk State has already raised about 90% of the goal during the “quiet phase,” campaign chair Gary McCollum said. Officials hope to reach 100% by the 90th anniversary in September 2025.
The campaign will fund various initiatives, including scholarships, academic, athletic, student health and well-being programs.
Students walk G.W.C. Brown Memorial Hall on the campus of Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Oct. 16, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)
Historically Black colleges and universities — or HBCUs — have faced bigger financial challenges than other higher education institutions. HBCUs were originally established because states refused to allow Black students to attend white schools. In the late 1800s, federal law required states to provide land grants for institutions for Black students if they were not allowed admission elsewhere. Many states have since been found to have underfunded those HBCUs.
“We have not had historically Black colleges receive the kind of funding that predominantly white institutions have received in the past,” McCollum said, “those issues are real.”
The Hampton Roads businessman and community leader also noted the difference in endowment sizes for HBCUs versus those of predominantly white institutions.
“We’re not going to complain about that,” McCollum said. “Let’s do something about it.”
He also noted that supporting NSU and other HBCUs is about supporting generations of students.
“We are attracting a significant number of first-generation college students,” he said. “They’re actually trailblazing for their families.”
McCollum points to his life as an example. Though he did not attend an HBCU, he was the first in his family to attend college.
“While I was in school, I remember there was a time where I needed just a couple of hundred dollars to stay in school, and there was no one there to help,” he said.
Eventually, a family member did and McCollum graduated. He then went on to get a Master of Business Administration, served as a military intelligence officer for eight years and capped a 26-year career in cable telecommunications as the top executive of Cox Communications’ Virginia region.
“When I think back on my own life, about me being able to go to college, finish college, how it’s impacted the rest of my family: my younger sisters went to college, our children have gone to college. I have a niece now pursuing her Ph.D.”
Adams-Gaston said HBCUs have played a part in “creating a Black middle class” and creating a sense of purpose and understanding for their students. She said they are also “punching above their weight.”
Though HBCUs make up only 3% of higher education institutions nationwide, their graduates account for 80% of Black judges, 70% of Black doctors and dentists, 50% of Black teachers and 40% of Black engineers, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
“We have a huge impact on what is happening both nationally and what is happening locally to give an experience that allows people to move up and not only transform themselves but transform their entire family tree,” she said.
To learn more about NSU’s campaign or to contribute, visit www.nsu.edu/nowisourtime or text “Now is our time” to 41444.
Nour Habib, [email protected]
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