The Matter of Degrees
Even student athletes who fail to graduate sometimes come back to the schools they attended as significant donors. Golfer Tiger Woods, who spent just a year at Stanford University, gave the California institution $100,000 through the Professional Golfers Association for a golf learning program.
"Around 40 percent of the players in the NFL have degrees — less in the NBA," Kowalski says, adding that the league is encouraging its players to complete their degrees.
According to Kowalski, 455 NFL players went back to school last year. And he says NFL players, usually a year or less away from a degree, are generally closer to graduation than the NBA players.
But even athletes who have never attended an institution of higher learning have been generous. Two-time former heavyweight champion boxer George Foreman has never attended college, yet he has given $250,000 to Texas Southern University's law school to start a sports and entertainment law program.
Reggie Lewis was among those who gave back even before he graduated.
"He was one class away from his degree when he passed away," Motley points out, adding that Lewis was posthumously awarded a bachelor's of science in criminal justice and a doctorate in the humanities.
"Many would say Reggie's ability to shoot long-range jump shots and drive to the basket was a gift," Northeastern President Dr. John A. Curry said at a press conference after Lewis' death. "But the real gift Reggie Lewis shared with us was his sincerity, compassion and grace as a person. His smile lit up the city, his character helped unite it and his generosity helped feed it."   

For a historical perspective of charitable giving by Black athletes, a list of Giving Back Fund foundations established by athletes of color and a glossary of words to give by, visit the Black Issues Web site at www.blackissues.com.