Michael Jordan is honoring his mother, Deloris P. Jordan, with a historic $10 million gift to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The six-time NBA champion and former Tar Heels star announced the donation Monday, October 5, to UNC’s School of Social Work. It is the school’s largest single gift and will support programs serving children, families and communities.
The gift will rename UNC’s Global Social Development Innovations Center the Deloris P. Jordan Global Social Development Innovations Center, expand the Jordan Institute for Families, and provide financial support for students pursuing Master of Social Work degrees.
Honoring His Mother’s Legacy
Deloris Jordan has spent decades helping children and families and has been connected to UNC’s School of Social Work for more than 40 years.
“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.
“Honoring her through this gift to the UNC School of Social Work is truly meaningful to my family and to me.”
Jordan said North Carolina will always be home and that he was proud to support social workers who help people overcome challenges and build stronger communities. Deloris Jordan said she was honored that the gift would support future social workers and expand educational opportunities for those preparing to serve others.
Supporting the Next Generation
The donation establishes the Jordan Family Scholars program for Master of Social Work students facing financial barriers. Ten inaugural scholars will each receive a $12,500 scholarship.
UNC officials said the investment will make graduate education more accessible and help address the urgent need for social workers. UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts said the gift reflects Deloris Jordan’s lifelong dedication to children and families and will help the School of Social Work expand its impact across North Carolina and beyond.
A Lasting Carolina Connection
Jordan starred for the Tar Heels from 1981 to 1984, hitting the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA championship game as a freshman. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UNC in 1986.
In 1996, Michael Jordan and his family helped establish the Jordan Institute for Families, which promotes safe, stable and nurturing families. In 2010, Deloris Jordan founded the Kenya Women and Children’s Wellness Centre in Nairobi, providing health care and support to marginalized communities and survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse.
Through the gift, Jordan is extending his mother’s legacy while creating opportunities for students committed to serving others.
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