Questions have arisen among Florida A&M University alumni regarding the authenticity of a record-breaking $237 million donation. The gift was bestowed upon FAMU by Gregory Gerami, the founder and CEO of Batterson Farms Corp.
Gerami spent several days at his alma mater’s campus before the announcement of this substantial $237 million contribution from the relatively unknown entrepreneur.
The $237 million donation stands as the largest single donation in FAMU’s history and the largest individual gift ever received by a historically Black college or university.
The funds were transferred to FAMU in the form of stocks from the Issac Batterson 7th Family Trust.
Despite the remarkable donation, FAMU alumni raised doubts concerning its origins. The skepticism surrounding the legitimacy of the gift sparked significant online discussions, leading to FAMU Vice Chair Deveron Gibbons issuing a statement.
Gibbons called for an urgent board meeting to deliberate on the unprecedented donation. Gerami, a 30-year-old hemp farmer, heads a company that employs „a few full-time administrators within a workforce of 7,000 contract employees.“
However, the absence of any listed employees from Batterson Farms Corp. on professional platforms like LinkedIn or other social media sites raised concerns.
As reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, Kimberly Abbott was previously identified as the co-CEO and vice chair of Batterson Farms Corp. Yet, when questioned about her role, Abbott denied ever working for the company.
Abbott mentioned that she only provided advice and was privy to promises from Gerami that never materialized, according to the newspaper. She stated, „I’ve never received any payment or benefits from him, just numerous phone calls.“
During a phone call with The Sun News, Gerami expressed his confusion regarding the scrutiny of his 9-figure donation to FAMU, emphasizing that the stocks have already been in the university’s financial account for over a month.
Gerami maintained the legitimacy of the donation, though a $95 million pledge he made to South Carolina’s Coastal Carolina University did not materialize in 2023.
The Sun News uncovered a GoFundMe campaign created to cover medical expenses for his adopted mother and funeral costs for his adopted brother.
At the time of his multi-million donation to CCU, Gerami was residing with his wife at his adopted mother’s residence in Arlington, Texas, which was valued at $176,000 based on online property records.
A FAMU representative extended an invitation to the Democrat to meet with Gerami and university officials at the foundation office. However, the meeting was abruptly canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.