Oprah Winfrey donates $13 million to Morehouse College

Oprah Winfrey made a surprise announcement on Monday during a visit to Morehouse College to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her scholars program.

The philanthropist donated $13 million dollars to continue the scholarship fund, pushing her total investment to $25 million. Winfrey topped her own $12 million donation she made to the Atlanta college 30 years ago.

The $25 million donation is the largest endowment in the history of the school. Winfrey said she was thrilled that the gift that launched the Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholarship 30 years ago has touched so many lives.

Winfrey said she was especially impressed with the current Oprah Scholars that she met Monday. She pledged to continue to fund the program so it could support the education of future men of Morehouse. 

Winfrey said she gave to Morehouse College in 1989 because she believes that the college has a “moral core” and a mission to develop servant leaders focused on excellence — something that is like the teachings she learned as a child.

 "Seeing you young Oprah Winfrey scholars here today has moved me deeply," Winfrey said in a video tweeted by Morehouse.

"I am so proud of you. I'm proud of everybody in attendance at this school who is seeking to know more clearly who you are, the value you hold and how you will share that value with the rest of the world." 

"I was really surprised to learn that it's been 30 years since I made that $12 million donation to Morehouse and so today, I would like to add $13 million to that," she added.