Former VSU President donates $500,000 to the University

PETERSBURG - Former Virginia State University President Eddie N. Moore Jr. is giving the school a gift of $500,000. Moore was VSU's 12th president, serving from 1993 to 2010. 

"I believe in education and I believe in the work of VSU. I spent 17 years at VSU and there is a part of my heart that will forever remain there," Moore said. "I thought it only right that I leave VSU in my will so that the University can continue the work of transforming lives."

The donation comes from Universal Corporation on behalf of Moore has served on its Board of Directors for over 20 years. In gratitude for his services, Universal Corporation offered to donate a total $1 million to charities of his choice.

VSU will receive $50,000 up front with the remainder being awarded posthumously over 10 years. 

Moore, a former Treasurer for the Commonwealth of Virginia, is credited with creating financial stability during his tenure at VSU. The VSU operating budget grew $38 million during his tenure while the endowment from from $2.5 million to over $20 million in that same timeframe.

The Presidential Provost Scholars Program which provides scholarships and financial aid to over 850 students was also created during his tenure.

"This is a generous gift from President Moore. He did a phenomenal job during his tenure at VSU, and we appreciate him continuing to think about and facilitate funding for the students at VSU," said VSU President Makola M. Abdullah. "We also thank Universal Corporation for partnering with President Moore on this gift."

Moore's wife, Elisia, is a graduate of VSU. The living and learning center (Moore Hall) is named after the married couple. With this gift, VSU will create and endowed scholarship fund with the VSU Foundation.

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