HIGH POINT, N.C., March 1, 2024 – High Point University President Nido Qubein presented checks totaling $312,000 to three local organizations during the final home game of the regular season for the HPU men’s basketball team on Feb. 28.
Representatives from United Way of Greater High Point, Oak View Elementary School and the High Point Fire Department received the checks during a timeout in the first half of HPU’s 100-96 win over Winthrop University inside the Nido and Mariana Qubein Arena.
HPU gave $281,000 to United Way of Greater High Point, surpassing last year’s donation of $275,000 and marking an increase of 904% since 2005. In addition, HPU gave $26,000 to Oak View Elementary School and $5,000 to the High Point Fire Department.
“We’re beyond blessed by High Point University. Dr. Qubein’s commitment to making a positive difference in the community is truly overwhelming,” said Jane Liebscher, president of United Way of Greater High Point. “High Point University has consecutively been the second-largest campaign in our United Way for many years, so we could not do what we do without High Point University.”
Liebscher said the latest gift from HPU will be distributed to 27 local partner agencies that work to improve the education, health and financial stability of individuals in the community.
“We consider those to be the building blocks to a successful life, and so they’re going to help hungry children. They’re going to help seniors who need a hot meal,” Liebscher said. “They’re going to help the grieving find counseling, and people suffering with mental illness can find the help that they need. We’re so grateful.”
Oak View Elementary School Principal Bennie Bradley said his school already has plans on how it will use the $26,000 gift from HPU. The funds will go toward revitalizing the school’s media center with new furniture and equipment.
“It’s an incredibly surreal gift that will impact the lives of our scholars at Oak View Elementary. We have so many scholars that come over from High Point University to student teach,” said Bradley, who is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from HPU’s Stout School of Education. “We now have the funds to be able to upgrade where our scholars will learn and hopefully one day be High Point University scholars as well. It’s great to know that Dr. Qubein and High Point University are invested in the community.”
Brian Evans, deputy chief for the High Point Fire Department, said the $5,000 gift from HPU will benefit the entire city of High Point. With the funds, the department plans to purchase technical rescue equipment that is needed.
“It’s always great to have a great working relationship with High Point University. As members of the High Point Fire Department, our men and women serve the area,” Evans said. “We love the students here. We love the generosity of High Point University and Dr. Qubein.”
In addition to the donations, HPU students, faculty and staff contribute 500,000 volunteer hours each year. Those hours translate into an impact of $15 million in the community, according to the United Way’s calculations.