Norman C. Francis Endowed Scholarship Fund
Xavier University of Louisiana
- Program Exploratory and Special Projects
- Program Area Historically and Predominantly Black Colleges and Universities
- Grant Amount $40,000
- Grant Period July 1, 2008–June 30, 2011
- Location New Orleans, LA, United States
- Geographic Focus Louisiana
About this grant
This grant will provide support for an endowed scholarship fund named in honor of Dr. Norman C. Francis. America’s longest serving college president, Francis celebrates his 40th anniversary as the leader of Xavier University of Louisiana in 2008. Under his visionary leadership, Xavier has become an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Forty years ago, the university budget was under $20 million, and enrollment was fewer than 800 students. Today, Xavier’s student enrollment is approaching 4,000, and the budget exceeds $80 million. The New Orleans skyline has been transformed thanks to the new buildings constructed during his tenure. The university’s recovery from the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita demonstrates the resilience of the institution Francis has built over the years. In recognition of Francis’s commitment to excellence and service in higher education, the university will establish an endowed scholarship fund in his name. Scholarship recipients will exemplify his character by displaying perseverance toward academic success, as well as strong ethical behavior and a commitment to community service.