ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith donated $250,000 to Historically Black University, Winston-Salem State University.
The 1991 graduate of WSSU, returned to his alma mater to deliver the keynote address for the Bond.Score.Win! Fundraiser breakfast. The event was organized to raise funds for the school’s athletic department. “If it wasn’t for coaches like Coach Gaines and Timothy Grant, and professors like Larry Little and Marilyn Roseboro, I would not be where I am today,” Smith said.
The touching speech brought 300 Rams supporters and alumni to their feet. Smith pledged to donate $250,000 to his school, and will stretch the amount over five years providing the school with $50,000 each year. The funds will be split between the athletic and mass communications departments.
Smith wants the funds to go towards underprivileged students who must have and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
“We have to understand that there is a level of excellence that needs to be consistently pursued. As a people, we have to be about the business of making sure our youth understand what true accountability is,” Smith said during his speech.
Overall the WSSU fundraiser event raised $33,000 for the athletic department, not including Smith’s gracious donation.
“It’s a great day to be a Ram!” said Smith.
