Neil Williams, left, chair of the Duke Endowment board of trustees, prepares to hand a $5 million check to Johnson C. Smith University President Ronald Carter, the first installment of a $35 million grant announced Wednesday, Oct 11, 2011. (Photo: Glenn H. Burkins for Qcitymetro.com)

The Duke Endowment today announced a $35 million grant to Johnson C. Smith University to support science programs, scholarships and capital improvements on campus.

JCSU officials said the gift represents one of the largest ever to a historically black college or university and the largest to Johnson C. Smith by the Duke Endowment.

Neil Williams, chair of the Duke Endowment board of trustees, said the money will be used as follows:

$25 million to build a science center to support JCSU’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) program.

$5.5 million to renovate Duke (residence) Hall

$4.5 million for scholarships to support international students and students majoring in science and technology, visual and performing arts and social work.

Since 1924, the Duke Endowment has given about $97 million to the west Charlotte school.

"Today is a really good day to take it over one-hundred million, don't you think?" Williams said to thunderous applause inside the school's Grimes Lounge, where administrators, students and guests had assembled for a noon luncheon.

Johnson C. Smith President Ron Carter said the gift will help the university continue its goal to be a leading institution in the country.

"I know there are the Harvards and the Dukes and the Yales," Carter said. "But you know what, we have a blue ocean that is waiting for Johnson C. Smith University and the Duke Endowment has made it possible to sail."

In 2009, the foundation awarded the university $5.7 million -- which was believed to be the largest single gift ever to the institution -- that was used to develop its Center for Applied Leadership and Community Development, and the Metropolitan College. University officials said at the time that some of the money also would be used on scholarships and other financial aid.

The Charlotte Observer contributed to this report.

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