MICHAEL JORDAN GIVES UNC SOCIAL WORK SCHOOL $10M GIFT

Michael Jordan has donated $10 million to the University of North Carolina's School of Social Work, according to the university, in what it describes as the largest single gift in the school's history. The former Chicago Bulls player made the donation in honour of his mother, Deloris Jordan, who the university says has spent her life advocating for children, families and communities. Jordan said in a statement that the gift was meant to support social workers who help people navigate challenges and build stronger communities. Deloris Jordan attended a formal announcement ceremony on the Chapel Hill campus to mark the donation, according to the university.

Jordan said his mother has always believed in the power of helping children, families and communities and has dedicated her life to putting that belief into action. He said North Carolina would always be home to him and that he was proud to support social workers, whom he described as being on the ground every day helping people. UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts said the university was grateful for the investment, which he said reflected Deloris Jordan's lifelong dedication to children and families. Roberts said the funding would strengthen the School of Social Work's ability to improve lives across North Carolina and beyond, according to the university's statement.

The university says the donation will expand financial support for students pursuing social work degrees and broaden the school's research work both within the state and internationally. Deloris Jordan said she was honoured that the investment would support the next generation of social workers and the work they do. Michael Jordan is a UNC alumnus and played college basketball for the university before his professional career. The university has not released further details on how the funds will be distributed among student support and research programmes.