The award from SodexoMAGIC was presented at the Homecoming football game during the halftime performance. MEDIA RELATIONS/Courtesy photo
On Saturday, Nov. 2 during the game against the Grambling State Tigers and the Texas Southern Tigers, Grambling State University announced that SodexoMAGIC donated $2 million to the university.
Students, alumni and fans in Robinson Stadium applauded and cheered in approval as representatives from SodexoMAGIC presented the check.
“Significant investments in student advancement are essential to our efforts to build the most vibrant academic community possible,” Grambling State University President Rick Gallot said in a press release. “I want to thank SodexoMAGIC’s leadership for their outstanding partnership and generous support of our deserving students.”
The $2 million donation is one of the largest unrestricted gifts in the university’s history.
In July, Grambling State University launched a partnership with the Magic Johnson-owned food service provider.
SodexoMAGIC replaced Aramark Corporation after Aramark’s contract ended on June 30.
The partnership between SodexoMAGIC and Grambling State University included $6.7 million in renovations for the McCall Dining Hall and the Tiger Express.
Under SodexoMAGIC, the McCall Dining Hall started 24-hour dining on Aug. 11.
The Tiger Express is currently under renovation, replacing Panda Express and Burger King with Chic-Fil-A, Firehouse Subs and Pizza Hut.
SodexoMAGIC’s $2 million donation counted towards the annual Bring It Home campaign, organized by Grambling State University’s Office of Institutional Advancement.
The donation doubled the campaign’s $1 million goal.
The donation also comes as Grambling State emerges as a leader in technology.
Grambling recently launched a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and broke ground for a new digital library.
The university was recently approved by the University of Louisiana Systems to offer a degree in cloud computing.
“SodexoMAGIC’s investment provides a the fuel to ensure that our degree programs and educational opportunities are aligned with the demands of the world around us,” said Dr. Connie Walton, Interim Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Grambling State University.
Students, alumni, and faculty members of Grambling State University has expressed
“It’s simply amazing,” said Tia Pittman, a 2014 GSU graduate.