Selma business owner makes donation to Selma University

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

A Selma business owner makes a sizable donation to Selma University — to support and promote business.

Selma-U President Dr. Stanford Angion was all smiles — at a check presentation on the campus Wednesday morning.

“It is really wonderful when you find hometown people who is giving back to help others who are coming along behind him,” said Angion.

Eighty-three year old businessman Willie Smiley made a $12,000 dollar donation to the university. Smiley owns First Avenue Cleaners in Selma. And he’s also a 1975 Selma-U alumnus.

“I’ve always given back to the community all the years I’ve been in business. At this stage in life I have a few extra dollars and I want to make a contribution to the school,” said Smiley.

“I thought about when I was in school and how difficult it was sometimes to kind of manage your personal life and your books and your school and your tuition and all. And now I have the opportunity to help somebody else.”

“These funds will help to pay the tuition for students who are living on campus, their housing, their room and board, as well as their tuition.

Angion says while Smiley’s donation will be beneficial to students — his example of giving back — could be even more impactful.

Smiley says he is considering making the donation annually — to help promote business and entrepreneurship in Selma.