News Articles
Dec 9, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Marshall, TX – Wiley University’s “Wiley on the Road” event made a remarkable impact in Dallas last night, as the institution received a generous $1.5 million donation from the T.D. Jakes Foundation, in partnership with Wells Fargo. Hosted by Wiley University Board of Trustees member Kelley Cornish, who also serves as the President and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation, the event underscored a pivotal moment in advancing economic mobility for Wiley University students and the surrounding community.
This $1.5 million donation follows a previous contribution from the T.D. Jakes Foundation to Wiley University’s Financial Literacy and Wellness Center, which has played a crucial role in empowering students and community members by providing vital resources for financial wellness. The new donation will further support Wiley University’s efforts to foster economic mobility, reduce disparities, and create opportunities for sustainable success.
In addition to the generous donation from the T.D. Jakes Foundation and Wells Fargo, Wiley University’s Dallas and Fort Worth Alumni Clubs came together in strong support, contributing their own donations to help further the institution’s mission.
Ms. Kelley Cornish shared her vision for the partnership, saying, “Since its inception, Wiley University has stood as a pillar of excellence. Wiley University continues to transform lives and communities. This dedication to social good and leadership is why it is an honor for the T.D. Jakes Foundation, with the support of Wells Fargo, through this $1.5 million grant, to invest in Wiley University’s Financial Literacy and Wellness Center. This initiative will revitalize the surrounding community by fostering financial literacy and stewardship, homeownership, entrepreneurship, and learning opportunities. This project is not just about buildings and programs; it is about hope. It is about creating opportunities for families to thrive, for businesses to grow, and for future leaders to emerge. Together, we are building bridges, closing gaps, and creating lasting individual and community impact.”
The Dallas event celebrated the ongoing support from the T.D. Jakes Foundation, Wells Fargo, and the Wiley Alumni Clubs, with engaging conversations, powerful testimonials, and community-driven dialogue that highlighted how the Financial Literacy and Wellness Center, along with other initiatives, will serve as a beacon of hope and progress for the community.
Wiley University President and CEO Dr. Herman J. Felton Jr. expressed gratitude for the foundation’s continued support, noting that, “This generous contribution from the T.D. Jakes Foundation, in partnership with Wells Fargo, will allow us to further bridge the gap for many students and community members striving to achieve financial independence.”
This donation exemplifies Wiley University’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, addressing challenges, and creating opportunities for all.
For more information about the Financial Literacy and Wellness Center or Wiley University, please visit www.wileyc.edu or contact Catherine G. Sellers, Executive Director of Marketing, Communications, and Brand Management, at communications@wileyc.edu. For more information about the T.D. Jakes Foundation, please visit https://ils.tdjfoundation.org/.
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About Wiley University:
Wiley University, formerly known as Wiley College, is a premier liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university is dedicated to fostering social good and developing leaders who make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
About the T.D. Jakes Foundation:
The T.D. Jakes Foundation, founded in 2020, is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community well-being for historically marginalized communities. Through innovative programs, the T.D. Jakes Foundation creates pathways to economic mobility, including affordable housing, financial education, and workforce training. Our collaborative efforts enhance community well-being by promoting access to health services, supportive environments, and comprehensive support systems. Through the vision of its founder, T.D. Jakes, the Foundation leverages decades of experience in community building to create opportunities for underserved populations and connect corporations to highly skilled, diverse talent pools.
