$200K Gift Made to Southwest to Address Students’ Financial Barriers

President Dr. Tracy D. Hall, senior staff, and scholar recipient accept a
$200,000 gift from the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis,
presented by President/CEO Shante Avent and Patria Johnson, Senior
Director of Grants and Programs.

The challenge of getting a college degree can go beyond getting the grades. For many students, it’s the challenge of paying for tuition, books, and financing other barriers that get in the way of success. Thanks to a $200,000 gift from the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis (WFGM), many of those challenges are covered by the funds.

Southwest President Dr. Tracy D. Hall accepted the contribution during a ceremony on June 30 at the Burt Bornblum Library on the Macon Cove campus. 

“The Women’s Foundation is a shining example of visionary philanthropy. Their commitment to our students and to the Memphis community transforms lives and strengthens the entire region. These dollars do a lot for our students who need that extra help,” she said. “I know firsthand what it is like to struggle, to wonder if tuition is going to be paid – the fear of being purged from a class roster. This extraordinary gift from the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis is truly life-changing for our students. It’s not just financial assistance, it’s hope, opportunity, and the promise of a better future.”

The funds will support the Women’s Foundation Vocational Scholarship program, which covers tuition, books, emergency expenses, and transportation for students facing financial barriers and supports workforce programs to help students pursue credentials that lead to economic self-sufficiency.

The gift was made possible through an anonymous donor dedicated to focusing on the educational needs of students, according to Shante Avent, WFGM president and CEO. “We are proud to partner with Southwest to ensure that more individuals have the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency and build brighter futures,” Avent said. “We look for opportunities that make the most impact with the dollars awarded. We feel this donation to Southwest does that.”

The organization encourages philanthropy, fosters leadership among women and supports programs that enable women and children to reach their full potential. Since 1995, WFGM has awarded more than $37 million locally and has contributed nearly $500,000 to Southwest during that time.

Two students – Solomn Boyd and Marian Boyd – are recent recipients of funds provided through the scholarship, each having experienced financial challenges that put their educational goals in question. Both said the scholarship “is a blessing” and thanked the Foundation for “doing something amazing.”