Why S. Epatha Merkerson Gave To Talladega and Why It Matters
There are a lot of good things happening at Talladega College. After a period of significant challenges – from declining enrollment to financial strain – the institution is now seeing signs of renewal. Walter Kimbrough, former president of both Philander Smith College and Dillard University, served as interim president and shepherded the college through difficult times. In June, Talladega welcomed Willie Todd Jr. as its 22nd president, beginning a new chapter of leadership. And, just weeks earlier, the small college experienced another powerful and important moment when S. Epatha Merkerson, actress and director, donated $1 million during her commencement address. Her donation serves as an affirmation of Talladega's promise moving forward.
Merkerson's relationship with Talladega College began just over a year ago. As she relayed to me, 'I was introduced to the college last year, in 2024, during the Black History Month convocation where alumnus Rockell Metcalf (Class of 1985) was the keynote speaker.' She added, 'He'd asked me to come along to introduce him. He's an old and dear friend, so I knew I couldn't refuse!'
Once she arrived on the small college campus, the Talladega students gave Merkerson a tour, and the experience was deeply memorable for her. As she explained, 'That weekend, I was given a tour of the college by two students who presented and represented their campus with such love and pride.' She shared that the inspiration to give to Talladega started with her engagement with students.
Actress S. Epatha Merkerson (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
The passion of the students, paired with Merkerson's conversations with faculty, trustees, and then-interim president Kimbrough, gave her a deeper understanding of the college's legacy as well as its urgent needs. She shared that all of the 'devoted DEGA TORNADOES' spoke of 'the importance of keeping the college operational and how difficult that had become. As Alabama's oldest private historically Black college, Talladega has made a significant impact in our community and in our history.'
When Merkerson returned to campus this May 2025 to deliver the commencement address, she no longer felt like a guest. As she told me, 'My connection to the college was solidified this year when I was asked to be the 2025 commencement speaker and received an Honorary Degree. I am now an alumna!' Merkerson added, 'I have had a great career with amazing opportunities. The decision to be of service was an easy one to make, especially now when institutions of higher learning are under attack.'
Kimbrough explained that during Merkerson's initial visit with her friend Metcalf, Metcalf's classmate Essye Miller, as well as the board chair Rica Lewis-Payton, "developed a relationship with Ms. Merkerson and discussed her giving the commencement address this year. We learned close to commencement that she planned to give a major gift.'
Merkerson's $1 million gift is particularly important in terms of its size, but also in that it is flexible. According to Kimbrough, 'Getting completely unrestricted gifts is rare, especially for institutions with financial difficulties.' He added, 'Ms. Merkerson has allowed us to use the gift as an unrestricted gift initially, and then we will build it out as an endowed scholarship program. We will then use that as a match for another program, which will essentially double the impact of her gift.'
Unrestricted giving requires not only generosity but also trust in the institution's leadership, trust in its long-term goals, and trust that one's contribution will meet real, tangible, and growing needs. Merkerson's gift is timely and deeply strategic. It is a lesson in how thoughtful philanthropy can create both an immediate and enduring impact.
Walter Kimbrough, former interim president of Talladega College
According to Kimbrough, Merkerson's gift offered a broader message as well: 'The message for our community is that despite the challenges, there are people who believe in what we have done throughout our history. If someone new to Talladega can see our worth, those who profess their love must be even more engaged. It will still be up to alumni and friends to fully restore the College, and we can't simply sit back and wait to be bailed out. Having a non-alumnus give a major gift at commencement is extremely rare, so we need to not only say thank you to her, but show our thanks collectively by stepping up our own philanthropy to Talladega.'
Merkerson's story is now part of Talladega's story. It is a reminder that relationships, when nurtured with care, can lead to transformation. Her gift comes at the right time and can bolster the agenda and vision of the new president and move the institution forward.
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