Florida A&M University (FAMU) announced a gift of $237 million over the weekend. While many people praised the donation – believed to be the largest ever given to an HBCU – others remained skeptical.
FAMU released the following statement on Sunday, May 5 in response to some of the doubters.
While Florida A&M University (FAMU) is still extremely excited about Mr. Gregory Gerami’s historic announcement yesterday of the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust, we are fully aware of the skepticism that sometimes comes with such a large gift.
As expected, some individuals in the public are and will continue researching Mr. Gerami. Please know that FAMU has done its due diligence when it comes to this matter. Additionally, Mr. Gerami has and continues to do his own due diligence on things that have been and are happening at FAMU.
While a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) we signed prevents us from disclosing many details, as was reported on May 4 – Mr. Gerami transferred $237,750,000 worth of stocks into our account last month. Mr. Gerami’s $237,750,000 stock transfer was received in the same manner in which we have accepted all other stocks donated to the University through the FAMU Foundation Inc.
As with any non-cash gift received, such as cryptocurrency, real estate, and stocks, it will be converted to cash and recorded appropriately.
Again, we greatly appreciate Mr. Gerami’s and the Isaac Batterson Family 7th Trust’s generosity.