Gerald C. Grant Jr., a two-time graduate of Florida International University’s (FIU) College of Business who once worked two jobs while studying full-time, has pledged $1 million to help business students pursue their dreams.

Grant and his wife, Jennifer Adger Grant, have created an endowment to establish the Gerald C. Grant Jr. and Jennifer Adger Grant Scholarship Fund, providing eligible College of Business students with fully funded undergraduate scholarships. It is the largest gift to date from an African-American alumnus.

“The principles I learned back in my days at the College of Business are clearly seen now in the workplace,” said Grant, branch director of financial planning for AXA Advisors’ South Florida branch and author of Bold Moves to Creating Financial Wealth who also serves as a member of FIU’s Board of Trustees. “The college is all about elevating the university to a new level of excellence.”

“We wanted to offer scholarships to students who may not otherwise go to college due to finances,” says Jennifer Grant. “Gerald and I have backgrounds in business, and felt compelled to contribute to an area that has impacted us both.”

Understanding the challenges of FIU students leads to scholarship fund.  

Grant’s academic history is typical of many of today’s FIU students. After initially struggling in the classroom, he got back on track by pursuing career counseling and tutoring, which led him to form good study habits and switch majors to better complement his interpersonal skills.

“The Grants’ gift speaks to our central mission at College of Business – to enable all students to excel in the real world,” College of Business Dean David R. Klock said. “We are deeply gratified that a successful alumnus like Gerald Grant understands the importance of supporting our students and demonstrates his ongoing commitment to our mission.”