Morehouse College has received a boost in its efforts to diversify the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields as mathematician and hedge fund manager Jim Simons and his wife Marilyn pledged $2.5 million to the College. The gift will go towards educating math and science students at Morehouse.

“Marilyn and I deeply appreciate the unique role that Morehouse plays in our country,” said James Simons. “We are fortunate to be able to support Morehouse in its efforts to provide top-quality math and science education to a cohort of future leaders in the STEM fields. It is our hope that Morehouse graduates will serve as role models and help attract new and diverse talent to the STEM professions.”

The Simons are long-time staunch supporters of education, with Marilyn serving as co-chair of the Stony Brook University Women’s Leadership Council and Jim having a distinguished career in academia, government and finance. Together, the Simons also head the Simons Foundation, which has the mission of advancing the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences.

Morehouse was the No. 1 producer of black male baccalaureates in biological sciences, physics, as well as mathematics and statistics during the most recent ten years of data (2004-2013) available from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.

Morehouse President John Silvanus Wilson Jr. said the Simons’ gift helps the College continue its role as a leader in producing leaders in the STEM disciplines, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

“At Morehouse College, we take seriously our role in the effort to not only make sure that we provide a top-quality STEM education, but also to make sure the STEM fields reflect the diversity of this great nation,” he said. “I thank Marilyn and James Simons for seeing Morehouse’s role and for being a vital part in this important work.”

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