Selma, Ala. — On Wednesday morning, Selma University President Dr. Stanford Angion welcomed longtime alumnus and local businessman Willie Smiley as he presented a $12,000 check to the university. The donation is intended to help cover tuition, room, board and other living expenses for students who reside on campus.
Giving back to the community
Smiley, 83, is the owner of First Avenue Cleaners, a well‑known dry‑cleaning service in downtown Selma. A 1975 graduate of Selma University, he said his own experience as a student shaped his desire to support the next generation.
“I’ve always given back to the community all the years I’ve been in business,” Smiley explained. “At this stage in life I have a few extra dollars and I want to make a contribution to the school.”
He recalled the challenges he faced balancing coursework, tuition and personal responsibilities while attending college. “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,” he said.
Impact on students
According to President Angion, the funds will directly assist students living on campus, reducing the financial burden of housing, meals and tuition. “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,” he said, adding that Smiley’s example of generosity could inspire other alumni and local entrepreneurs to contribute.
Angion praised Smiley’s commitment, noting that such private support complements the university’s mission to provide affordable, faith‑based higher education to the region.
Looking ahead
Smiley indicated that he is considering making the donation an annual contribution, with the goal of further promoting business education and entrepreneurship among Selma University students. “I want to help promote business and entrepreneurship in Selma,” he said.
The university plans to allocate the money toward scholarships and student‑life expenses, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent qualified students from completing their degrees.
Community response
Local residents and business owners gathered for the presentation, expressing pride in seeing a hometown figure support a historic institution. Many highlighted the importance of private philanthropy in sustaining educational opportunities in a region where public funding can be limited.
First Avenue Cleaners has been a fixture in Selma for decades, and Smiley’s gesture underscores the role that long‑standing local businesses can play in strengthening the community’s educational foundation.
As Selma University continues to grow its enrollment and expand academic programs, contributions like Smiley’s are viewed as vital to maintaining affordable tuition rates and enhancing the overall student experience.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
