Frank and Patricia Kabela have made an additional $1.2 million gift to Savannah State University to further support student scholarships, building upon their initial $1 million donation made in 2019.
The original gift established the Kabela Family Endowment, created to help address affordability challenges and ensure that qualified Savannah State University students are able to persist in their studies and successfully complete their degrees. Funds from the endowment provide critical financial assistance to students who are in good academic standing.
In 2019, students, faculty, and staff recognized the Kabelas during Savannah State’s Homecoming football game, where they were honored on the field for their generosity and commitment to the university.
“The Kabela family’s extraordinary generosity represents a powerful investment in the future of Savannah State University and, most importantly, in the lives of our students,” said Savannah State University President Dr. Jermaine Whirl. “By strengthening the Kabela Family Endowment, they are helping remove financial barriers and creating pathways for talented students to persist, graduate, and lead. This sustaining gift will have a lasting, multi-generational impact on our campus and the communities our graduates will serve.”
The Kabela family’s decision to invest in Savannah State University followed their firsthand experience with the enthusiasm, dedication, and resilience of SSU students, faculty, and staff. Their continued support reflects a belief in the university’s mission and its role in expanding educational access and opportunity. Frank and Patricia Kabela are alumni of Rutgers University in New Jersey. Mr. Kabela began his career as a newspaper reporter, later working in media and ultimately retiring as chairman and chief executive officer of Greater Media, Inc.
The Kabela Family Endowment was established to help keep students enrolled and on track to graduation, reinforcing Savannah State University’s commitment to student success and academic excellence.
