Emory University in Atlanta has announced a $100 million gift from the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation in support of the Rollins School of Public Health.

The largest gift in the school’s history will establish two endowed funds: the Rollins Fund for Faculty Excellence, which will be used to recruit and retain distinguished senior faculty leaders, and the Rollins Fund for Student Success, which will provide students with financial and career-building support through the Rollins Earn and Learn work-study and global field experience funds. The fund also will enable the school to support increased student interest in public health careers spurred by the global pandemic.

The Rollins Foundation has previously supported the school’s unrestricted endowment, the James W. Curran Scholarship Fund, and several endowed professorships. In addition, the foundation has supported Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, and Candler School of Theology.

“Through sustained and visionary investment over the last three decades, the Rollins family has transformed Emory’s Rollins School of Public Health into one of the finest in the nation, addressing public health needs in Georgia, across the country, and on a global scale,” said Emory University president Gregory L. Fenves. “Today’s landmark gift will enable Rollins to reach even greater heights of impact by supporting current and future generations of outstanding and innovative faculty members and students dedicated to improving the health of all.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Juan Monino)