Florida A&M University (FAMU) received a transformative $237 million donation from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust and its CEO Gregory Gerami, marking one of the largest single contributions to an HBCU.

Florida A&M University (FAMU) received a landmark $237 million donation from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust and its CEO Gregory Gerami during its spring commencement ceremony on Saturday.

The gift ranks among the largest single contributions to a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and doubles FAMU’s current endowment, which stood at $121 million. Presented by Gerami, who served as commencement speaker, the funds are intended to enhance FAMU’s educational, athletic, and facility developments. With this donation, the university’s endowment will approach nearly $400 million, securing its financial base and expanding its operational capabilities.

FAMU President Larry Robinson hailed the donation as transformative, capable of “changing the narrative about what is possible for FAMU.”

“This gift is breathtaking in its generosity and its scope. It changes the narrative about what is possible for FAMU. I cannot thank Gregory Gerami and the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust enough. Their names are now etched into the annals of Florida A&M University in perpetuity,” said Robinson.  “This donation will have a far-reaching impact on our academic and athletics programs. It will greatly enhance our ability to provide scholarships for students and also give us a boost in recruiting top students, and recruiting and retaining top faculty.”

Gerami, who is in his early thirties, formed Batterson Farms Corp., a San Antonio, Texas, based hydroponic farming and hemp plastic company that aims to produce bioplastics and fresh, organic product year-round, grown locally by Batterson and farmers.

According to the university, he first reached out to the FAMU Office of University Advancement’s Audrey Simmons Smith In fall 2023 about making a sizable donation. In a prepared statement, Gerami asserted that FAMU’s mission and direction, research capabilities, especially in the area of hemp production, are strongly aligned with his company’s.

“FAMU has become like a family to our Trust, our company and to me. Our morals and our mission are in line with FAMU and FAMU’s mission,” said Gerami. “It’s also about making sure that we set FAMU on the path to being the top HBCU in this country.”