SERVICE | ADVOCACY
Brother Joshua Smith Gives $1 Million to CSU
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usinessman Joshua Smith [Delta Xi, ‘61]recently announced a $1 million gift to his alma mater, Central State University (CSU), in Wilberforce, Ohio. Brother Smith, a 1963 alumnus, presented a check for $100,000 in concert with the overall million-dollar pledge. The gift deepens a longstanding philanthropic relationship between Central State University and the Smith family. In 2007, he was inducted into the 1887 Legacy Society in recognition of a $250,000 insurance gift that was increased to $500,000 in 2013. That same year, he contributed $50,000 to WCSU-FM, the university’s radio station. “Thanks to the generosity of Joshua and Jackie Smith, the University will enhance its ongoing commitment to prepare innovative leaders for the future,” said Cynthia Jackson-Hammond, CSU president. “Jackie and I are pleased to continue our support of my beloved alma mater,” Smith said. “We look forward to empowering more students at Central State University to use their education to have a long-term positive impact on the world.”
Charles Whitehead, CSU Foundation president, called the gift magnificent. “It will not only support the university in a tangible way, the size of the gift will inspire other alumni to give back to their alma mater,” Whitehead said. Smith is a cum laude graduate of Central State and also attended graduate school at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, and Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. He is also a nationally renowned entrepreneur and lecturer who has been chairman and managing partner of The Coaching Group since 1998. In July 2008, Smith launched ‘Biz Talk With Josh,’ a radio talk show focusing on issues impacting entrepreneurs, small, minority and women-owned businesses. Smith made his fortune as founder, chairman and CEO of the MAXIMA Corporation, a 20-year-old consultancy that achieved a national reputation as one of the top African-American owned, and fastest-growing firms in the United States. President George H.W. Bush appointed him chairman of the U.S. Commission on Minority Business Development in 1989. He also was named by the president to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. S
Brother Joshua Smith and his wife Jackie (right) present $1 million check to Central State University President Cynthia Jackson-Hammond (left).
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THE SPHINX