Michael Jordan pledges $10 million to UNC social work school in mother’s honour

Basketball legend Michael Jordan has pledged $10 million to the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Social Work in honour of his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, marking the largest single gift in the school’s history.

The commitment will expand the reach of the Global Social Development Innovations Center, which will be renamed the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center and the Jordan Institute for Families, according to a university announcement.

The donation will also strengthen financial support for students pursuing a Master of Social Work degree, helping more graduates enter a profession focused on improving the lives of 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. “Honouring her through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and to me.”

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion and former North Carolina Tar Heels star, said the state would always remain home to him. He added that he hoped the contribution would help more students pursue social work and support professionals working directly with people facing difficult circumstances.

“I’m proud to support the social workers who are on the ground each and every day helping people navigate challenges, find opportunities and build stronger communities,” he said.

UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Lee H. Roberts welcomed the investment, saying it reflected Deloris Jordan’s longstanding commitment to children and families and would strengthen the school’s ability to improve lives across North Carolina and beyond.

The gift will also establish the Jordan Family Scholars programme, providing financial assistance to Master of Social Work students facing greater barriers to graduate education.

Ten students will be named the programme’s inaugural Jordan Family Scholars, with each receiving a scholarship of $12,500.

Jordan’s contribution builds on his family’s longstanding association with the university’s social work initiatives. The Jordan Institute for Families was established in 1996 by Jordan and his family to help create safe, stable and nurturing family environments.

The Global Social Development Innovations Center was subsequently established in 2017 to advance innovative, evidence-informed approaches to improving the well-being of young people and their families.

Jordan played for the Tar Heels from 1981 to 1984 and famously scored the game-winning basket in the 1982 NCAA championship final as a freshman. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC in 1986.

The latest commitment extends his connection with the university beyond basketball, directing substantial resources towards education, social work and community well-being.