S-DC Receives $600,000 Donation

Anne Arundel County Resident Also Donates Tract of Land

When Harrell S. Spruill opened his checkbook and wrote two $300,000 checks to Sojourner-Douglas College, he was guaranteeing the development of an Education Conference Center in Southern Anne Arundel County Maryland. This donation will increase collaborative opportunities and partnership activities with the Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the Anne Arundel Community College and other educational and community institutions in Southern Maryland. The money is part of a gift to the college earmarked for community development at the Annapolis Southern Maryland Campus. In addition to the $600,000, Mr. Spruill donated 40 acres of farmland located in Tracey Landing, MD, the site of the new conference center. The new center will feature educational programs and projects that will be developed to teach students how basic educational principles and techniques may be applied in the teaching of agriculture as a science. Students will be taught marketing as it relates to food producers, consumers, food processors, wholesalers and retailers.

Dr. Simmons said, “the money and land are unbelievable gifts, but the fact that he chose to make this donation to our institution, speaks volumes. Our students, potential students, educators and other colleges and universities will see us differently. We gain new respect and integrity with Mr. Spruill’s gift.

Mr. Spruill has just completed writing his book, Harvesting the American Dream that describes his life as a farmer, educator, community leader and family man. The book will be available for purchase in the fall. All of the royalties from the book will be donated to Sojourner-Douglas College to assist community development at the Annapolis Southern Maryland Campus.