Alumni Endowment Ideas: What We’d Build

What alumni imagine for the next generation says everything about the legacy they want to leave.

Every alumni community carries a quiet collection of dreams about the future of its alma mater. On my return (and recovery) from Howard University Homecoming 2025, I invited friends and graduates to share their alumni endowment ideas; how they would give back if they could fund one lasting gift. The responses revealed not only imagination, but also deep care for access, innovation, and culture. Together, these ideas form a blueprint for how we might strengthen our institutions from within.

What We Care About Most – Alumni Endowment Ideas

From dozens of responses, several clear themes emerged.

1. Scholarships and Student Support

The most common thread was access. Alumni want to create new paths for students who might otherwise be overlooked.
They mentioned:

• Descendants of enslaved people and first-generation college students
• Single parents and transfer students
• Students who may not have perfect grades but show commitment and drive
• Emergency funds for students facing financial hardship

At its heart, this theme is about fairness and opportunity.

2. Innovation and Technology

Many respondents spoke of preparing students for the next century through technology.
AI labs (my personal vote), engineering programs, and startup incubators appeared multiple times.
There’s a shared belief that innovation should not only be taught but practiced on campus.

3. Health, Healing, and Humanity

Among the most common responses were support for health science majors and medical programs. Alumni want to fund Allied Health and Public Health initiatives, build new simulation labs, and help students pursue careers in medicine and research.

4. Financial and Leadership Education

Several alumni proposed funds for financial literacy and leadership development. The goal is to equip graduates with skills that create generational wealth and civic impact, beyond job readiness.

5. Culture, Creativity, and Legacy

From supporting the band and theatre department to preserving campus architecture, many ideas centered on protecting the creative and cultural heartbeat of our institutions.

Common Ground and Collaboration

When I grouped ideas, natural partnerships began to appear.

• An AI Futures Lab co-led by engineers, entrepreneurs, and artists.
• A Freedom Scholars Fund supporting descendants of enslaved people and underrepresented groups.
• A Health and Humanity Initiative linking medicine, public health, and social science.
• A Creative Futures Endowment celebrating music, performance, and digital storytelling.

Each idea strengthens the others. Together, they describe a future that is innovative, inclusive, and grounded in purpose.

Why This Matters

This simple conversation revealed a deep truth that I knew: alumni care. We think strategically, And our ideas and collaboration can be powerful tools for change.

Endowments are more than money. They are belief in the potential of our institutions and the promise of the next generation.

What’s Next?

As a start, I’ll work to connect those who shared their thoughts and exploring how to organize these visions into real, fundable programs.

Closing Thought

The question was simple. Many of the answers were outside of my awareness which is great. Each response reminded me that the future of our alma mater will not be built by chance, but by choice.

-Be Moore

Your support matters.