NBA legend Magic Johnson made a significant contribution to Xavier University of Louisiana, pledging $500,000 during the university’s Centennial Gala on May 9.
The donation, announced at a star-studded event honoring President Emeritus Dr. Norman C. Francis, helped the historically Black and Catholic institution raise over $2 million for student scholarships, marking a milestone in its 100th-anniversary celebrations.
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The gala, hosted by comedian Bill Bellamy with a performance by R&B icon Jeffrey Osborne, paid tribute to Dr. Francis, who led Xavier for 47 years from 1968 to 2015.
At 94, Francis attended the event, where Johnson lauded his legacy, stating, “The mark of a great man is who shows up. Because of all the great things you’ve done in your stellar career and the people you’ve helped become successful through your leadership at Xavier, I’m honored to give $500,000 in your name.”
The funds will support scholarships, ensuring future generations of Xavier students can access quality education.
Xavier, founded in 1915 by Saint Katharine Drexel, has a storied history as a leader in Black education, particularly in STEM and health sciences. Under Francis’ tenure, enrollment tripled, and the university became a top producer of Black medical school graduates.
His civil rights activism, including sheltering Freedom Riders in 1961 and leading post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006.
On May 10, the university unveiled a bronze statue of Francis outside St. Katharine Drexel Chapel, a site visited by Pope John Paul II in 1987.
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Johnson’s donation reflects his ongoing commitment to education and community empowerment, a mission rooted in his Magic Johnson Foundation, established in 1991.
“Our Centennial Gala was a beautiful success,” said Phillip D. Adams, Xavier’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Not only did it honor our legacy, but it also secured the futures of deserving students.”
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The event underscores Xavier’s enduring impact as a beacon of Black excellence, with Johnson’s contribution amplifying its mission to educate and uplift.
As the university looks to its next century, this milestone celebration reaffirms its commitment to justice, leadership, and opportunity for all.
