Arkansas State University at Jonesboro announced Wednesday that received a $5 million gift to create a scholarship, making it one of the largest donations in the history of the school.
The money came from ASU alumnus F. O’Neil "Neil" Griffin and will be used to start the Griffin Scholars Endowment Fund, according to an ASU news release.
"This gift is another indication the future is bright and our alumni are energized to support taking our university to a new level," ASU chancellor Tim Hudson said in a news release.
Griffin graduated from ASU in 1948 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. He went on to have a career in accounting, banking, investment banking fields and was CEO of two companies.
"I have been blessed beyond any dream I could have had and to give back is a strongly held principle of my life," Griffin said in the news release. "Providing educational opportunities for deserving young people is my passion."
Griffin lives in Kerrville, Texas.
A Griffin Scholar will be awarded to incoming freshmen on the ASU campus in Jonesboro. The amount of the scholarship fund is for tuition, fees, on-campus housing and books for up to 18 credit hours per semester. A stipend also is available for junior and senior year students to study abroad for a semester.
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