Alabama State University just announced that they have received a $250,000 donation from Diageo North America to create a permanent endowment fund and provide financial aid grants to talented students across different disciplines and majors.

Diageo is a global beverage company with a collection of brands that includes Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

This endowment is part of a broader innovative program that Diageo North America announced to support 25 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), focused on building opportunities to develop future leaders and help shape a more equitable society.

According to the press release, the new Diageo scholarships will support a minimum of 10 students each year in perpetuity that meet specific criteria, including being a full-time ASU student, maintaining a 2.7 GPA and meeting the University’s general scholarship requirements with preference given those majoring in engineering, chemistry, marketing or communications.

“We are excited about this new partnership with Diageo North America, a leader in the beverage industry. This gift will help Alabama State University provide additional support for our students as we prepare them to enter their chosen professions as transformational leaders,” said ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr. “Diageo North America recognizes the significant and historic contributions that the nation’s HBCUs have made in producing graduates who make an impact both nationally and internationally. We appreciate their generosity in making this donation.”

This initiative was created by working closely with Diageo North America’s African Heritage Business Resource Group (A.H.E.A.D.) to focus on the priorities and actions, along with the right partnerships, to make the most meaningful impact in the Black community.