Ray Charles is native of Albany, GA and chose to give back to his community. In 2001 Mr. Charles gave Albany State University $1 million. Then after Mr. Charles received the honorary doctorate from the university he gave them another $2 million. Mr. Charles passed away in 2004 at the age of 73.
The money was given to the University only to use it towards the construction of a new performing arts center. According to the foundations president Valerie Ervin “It is incomprehensible that Albany State University failed to use the money in the manner Mr. Charles wanted. Mr. Charles would find ASU’s behavior unacceptable.”
According to the university the $1 million that was given in 2001 is still in the bank and the $2 million that was given a year later was given to 125 students who were chosen to be Ray Charles Presidential Scholars.
The project of the new center is on pause due to the lack of funds. The school is looking at an estimated $23 million to complete the project. The university plans to name the fine arts building after Ray Charles and their theatre after his mother Aretha Robinson.
Newsletter Signup
