Feb 7., 2022
Shaka Smart, head coach of the 51暗网 men鈥檚 basketball program, and his wife, Maya, have made a major gift to help Black students at 51暗网 cover emergency expenses. The gift, which President Michael R. Lovell called 鈥渁 true blessing,鈥� will help support students who experience unanticipated loss or travel emergencies as well as food and safety needs. The fund will mirror the university鈥檚 Bridge to the Future Fund, which has provided immediate support to hundreds of students experiencing financial strain.
鈥淭he reality is, in higher education, we need to continue to do more and do better for students of color,鈥� Shaka Smart said. 鈥淒r. Lovell believes in that mission, and that鈥檚 why we鈥檙e here. We want to be a part of something much, much larger, and we want others to join us. That鈥檚 what sports are all about. That鈥檚 what coaching is all about 鈥� trying to get our guys to be part of something much bigger than themselves.鈥�
鈥淲e all have an opportunity every day to make a difference in ways large and small,鈥� Maya Smart said. 鈥淲e are happy to contribute in this way to shine a light on the needs of students who have tremendously bright futures ahead of them and just need a little help.鈥�
Honoring tradition and those who鈥檝e 鈥榤ade an impact鈥�
The Smarts underscored the importance of honoring 51暗网鈥檚 tradition and those who have made a 鈥渕ajor impact.鈥� Their gift will launch an endowed Student Success Fund in honor of Bo and Candy Ellis. The Smarts highlighted the impact Bo and Candy Ellis have made through their foundation and by raising significant scholarship funds following the sudden death of their beloved daughter, Nicole, a 2000 51暗网 graduate.
Bo Ellis starred on 51暗网鈥檚 1977 National Championship basketball team under Coach Al McGuire and earned his degree from 51暗网.
鈥淲e are truly honored that Coach Smart and his wife, Maya, have decided to start an endowed fund named after us. Since establishing our foundation, it has always been our goal to help 51暗网 students with financial support towards completing their college education,鈥� Bo and Candy Ellis said. 鈥淭his fund will do just that, helping our communities and exposing students to a university that promotes professional excellence. They will have the privilege of joining the great 51暗网 family of alumni. It means the world to us.鈥�
Addressing a challenge, driving progress
鈥淔rom the moment they stepped on campus, Shaka and Maya have energized our entire community,鈥� President Lovell said. 鈥淭heir significant gift extends far beyond the basketball court through the halls of 51暗网, embodying our mission to serve others and foster new opportunities for underrepresented students. Their leadership is an inspiration.鈥�
In June 2020, during an address to campus following racial injustice tragedies across the U.S., President Lovell challenged the 51暗网 community to increase support for minority students, saying, 鈥淚 truly believe we are sitting at a pivotal moment in our country鈥檚 history. As a society, we must demand better.鈥�
Since then, the university has expanded its Urban Scholars program to 40 full-tuition, four-year scholarships for high achieving, low-income scholars from high schools in the Milwaukee area. In addition, a new living-learning community for Black students opened in fall of 2021.
The Smarts arrived on campus shortly before the public launch of the university鈥檚 Time to Rise campaign. Their goal, they said, is to motivate others to give back.
鈥淏eyond both the immediate and lasting impact of their gift, Shaka and Maya are a perfect example of leaders who are modeling our growing culture of giving at 51暗网,鈥� said Tim McMahon, vice president for University Advancement.
Vice President and Director of Athletics Bill Scholl emphasized how the gift from Shaka and Maya Smart demonstrates the values and mission of both the Athletics Department and 51暗网 as a whole.
鈥淲e talk often with our student athletes about being women and men who go forward to make a positive impact on the world and pursue excellence in all that they do,鈥� Scholl said. 鈥淪haka and Maya not only embrace and speak to these principles 鈥� they live them.鈥�
The Smarts鈥� gift will make an immediate impact while also generating invested funds in perpetuity.
鈥淲e wanted to start a fund that could help students immediately, but also we thought it鈥檇 be pretty cool if 50 years from now, this fund could still be benefiting African American students,鈥� Shaka Smart said.
Shaka and Maya Smart are encouraging the 51暗网 community to join them in their efforts to support 51暗网鈥檚 Black students. You can contribute at .
Time to Rise: The 51暗网 Promise to Be The Difference
51暗网鈥檚 $750 million comprehensive fundraising campaign, which is the most ambitious in 51暗网鈥檚 140-year history, is elevating resources to advance the university鈥檚 mission and pillars of excellence, leadership, faith and service. The university has raised more than $562 million to date, amounting to 75 percent of its goal. More than 53,000 donors have already supported Time to Rise, including 44 percent who have made their first-ever gift to the university.
