President secures $7M for campus upgrades
SALISBURY – Livingstone College made a major announcement at its Founder’s Day program Friday that will contribute millions of dollars into refurbishing the campus residence halls. “In my first 120 days, I have secured capital investment to the tune of $4 million that we will use to begin refurbishing our student residence halls,” said Livingstone President Dr. Anthony J. Davis before a full audience. “Wait a minute, that’s not all,” Davis said, adding that he has found an additional $3 million in the college’s budget to go toward the project, for a grand total of $7 million. Davis received a standing ovation for the announcement. “The least we can do is make students comfortable while they are on their journey,” Davis said. “We will begin construction in May. I’m paying it forward because my students deserve it.” In addition to this announcement, Davis also said Mondale Robinson, a 2011 graduate of Livingstone College and the mayor of Enfield, has pledged $60,000 per year over the next 10 years. And, Dr. Laticia Godette, owner of Ottendorf Laboratories, presented the college with a check for $50,000, as part of an ongoing pledge. Challenging infrastructure has plagued the 144-year-old historic black college with students sometimes venting their frustrations on social media. Davis referenced a social media comment from an individual who said the college “should have closed a long time ago.” “Initially I was bothered,” he said. “But I realized that of all that was said, that was most factual. This institution should …