Lance Drummonds Music Blog

I came across this article and it touched me so much. We always hear about the indiscretions of athletes and the vapid dilemmas they get themselves into. Seldom do we hear about those who are so appreciative of the opportunities they’ve been afforded that they give back to the institutions most instrumental in propelling their careers. Other millionaire-athletes, take note!

Vikings’ Madieu Williams Donates $2M to Alma Mater
Donation creates global health initiative center

Published : Thursday, 05 Nov 2009, 9:46 AM CST

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Minnesota Vikings safety Madieu Williams is donating $2 million to his alma mater, the University of Maryland, helping form an international health initiatives center.

The donation satisfies advice given to Williams by his mother at a young age. Williams came to Maryland from Sierra Leone at the age of 9. According to a Washington Post report, Williams’ mother always said if he ever found himself in a place to make a difference, he should do it.

The University of Maryland announced the creation of the Madieu Williams Center for Global Health Initiatives. The $2 million donation from the 28-year-old Williams is the largest gift to the university from an African American alumnus and the largest amount donated by someone his age.

The university says the center will focus on local, state-wide and global health initiatives, with particular attention to public health initiatives in Prince George’s County, Maryland and Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Williams considered establishing a scholarship fund but decided to do something larger with his donation.

-Miss Ro