Category Archives: Lists

HBCU Money™ B-School: Federally Funded Research & Development Centers

Federally funded research and development centers, or FFRDCs, are unique independent nonprofit entities sponsored and funded by the U.S. government to meet specific long-term technical needs that cannot be met by any other single organization. FFRDCs typically assist government agencies with scientific research and analysis, systems development, and systems acquisition. They bring together the expertise and outlook of government, industry, and academia to solve complex technical problems.

FFRDCs work in the public interest and operate as strategic partners with their sponsoring government agencies to ensure the highest levels of objectivity and technical excellence. They are typically managed by a university or nonprofit parent organization in accordance with statutory and regulatory rules.

First established during World War II, FFRDCs operate in the industries of defense, energy, aviation, space, health and human services, and tax administration. There are currently more than 40 different FFRDCs funded by the government.

Source: The Aerospace Corporation

HBCU Money™ Business Book Feature – Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits and Other Writings

Widely respected and admired, Philip Fisher is among the most influential investors of all time. His investment philosophies, introduced almost forty years ago, are not only studied and applied by today’s financiers and investors, but are also regarded by many as gospel. This book is invaluable reading and has been since it was first published in 1958. The updated paperback retains the investment wisdom of the original edition and includes the perspectives of the author’s son Ken Fisher, an investment guru in his own right in an expanded preface and introduction.
“I sought out Phil Fisher after reading his Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits…A thorough understanding of the business, obtained by using Phil’s techniques…enables one to make intelligent investment commitments.” – Warren Buffet

2011’s Top 10 HBCU Endowments

2011’s Top HBCU Endowments

You’ll notice some schools missing from the 2010 list. This is a result of not responding to NACUBO’s survey in time for its publishing and not so much them dropping out of the top 10 by actual value. Even with that we see a $200 million increase in the top 10 list from 2010. A number that must be vastly improved to say the least (The Standford Challenge raised $6.2 billion over 5 years which is 4 times the size of our top 10 endowments combined over 100 plus years). A good sign is the 2011 list comprises five schools in the $100 million plus club versus only three from 2010. Make sure you know your HBCU’s endowment even if its not in the top 10. This is information you can request from your administration’s Chief Financial Officer. And as always if you don’t see your school here – INVEST.

Endowment (in millions) l Investment Return %

1. Howard University

$539,316 l 17.3%

2. Spelman College

$326,929 l 10.7%

3. Hampton University 

$240,014 l 12.8%

4. Florida A&M University

$111,516 l 16.0%

5. Meharry Medical College

$107,529 l 18.6%

6. Morehouse School of Medicine

$72,916 l 15.8%

7. Bethune Cookman University

$42,487 l 24.8%

8. Tennessee State University

$38,130 l 22.2%

9. Texas Southern University

$36,194 l 19.7%

10. Winston-Salem State University

$25,323 l 16.6%

Take a look at how an endowment works. Not only scholarships but research, recruiting talented faculty & students, faculty salaries, and a host of other things can be paid for through a strong endowment. It ultimately is the lifeblood of a college or university.

Additional Notes:
NACUBO Average Endowment – $497.3 million (17.8%)
NACUBO Median Endowment – $93.4 million (20.0%)
Top 10 HWCU Endowments combined – $141.1 billion
Top 10 HBCU Endowments combined – $1.5 billion
Source: National Association of College & University Business Officers

HBCU Money™ B-School: Angel Investor

An investor who provides financial backing for small startups or entrepreneurs. Angel investors are usually found among an entrepreneur’s family and friends. The capital they provide can be a one-time injection of seed money or ongoing support to carry the company through difficult times.

Learn more terms at http://www.investopedia.com/

HBCU Money™ Business Book Feature – Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?: How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire

Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? is the inspiring story of Reginald Lewis: lawyer, Wall Street wizard, philanthropist — and the wealthiest black man in American history.

When six-year-old Reginald Lewis overheard his grandparents discussing employment discrimination against African Americans, he asked, “Why should white guys have all the fun?” This self-assured child would grow up to become the CEO of Beatrice International and one of the most successful entrepreneurs ever. At the time of his death in 1993, his personal fortune was estimated in excess of $400 million and his vast commercial empire spanned four continents. Despite the notoriety surrounding Lewis’s financial coups, little has been written about the life of this remarkable man. Based on Lewis’s unfinished autobiography, as well as scores of interviews with family, friends, and colleagues, the book cuts through the myth and media hype to reveal the man behind the legend. What emerges is a vivid portrait of a proud, fiercely determined individual with a razor-sharp tongue — and an intellect to match — who would settle for nothing less than excellence from himself and others.