Home » Spalding University creates Muhammad Ali Scholars program

Spalding University creates Muhammad Ali Scholars program

Ali trained at Spalding

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 17, 2017) — Spalding University President Tori Murden McClure announced today, on what would have been Muhammad Ali’s 75th birthday, the creation of the Muhammad Ali Scholars program that will fund up to a $5,000 scholarship per year for traditional, first-degree students.

The scholarship is renewable for a total of $20,000 over the course of a four-year degree. The scholarship honors Muhammad Ali and his history with Spalding. As a young man, Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, received his early training as a boxer at the Columbia Gym, now Spalding’s University Center, and worked in the Spalding University Library.

McClure was hired by Ali in 1999 as the first employee on staff of the Ali Center.

“Muhammad was one of the most compassionate human beings I’ve ever met. He knew each person has their own hurts and pains,” McClure said. “As an institution, Spalding tries to address hurts and needs both at the community and individual level. The Muhammad Ali Scholarship will address unseen needs and bridge the financial gap between federal and state student aid and the cost of a college education.”