Florida philanthropists Hal and Marjorie Roberts are giving a “once-in-a-generation” donation to Elon University to support elementary-school students with dyslexia. The total amount isn’t being disclosed.
The Alamance County school plans to start offering classes for third- and fourth-grade dyslexic students at the new Roberts Academy next fall, then add a 30,000-square-foot permanent building in 2028. After starting with two grades, plans call for expanding to grades 1-6 in 2028, with a dozen or fewer students per class. About 150 to 200 students are expected to eventually attend the school at capacity.
“Thank you for believing in what we will build together,” Elon President Connie Ledoux Book said at a news conference announcing the gift. “The Roberts Academy will serve as a lifeline for children with dyslexia — offering the tools, confidence and encouragement they need to thrive.
Book said the gift aligns with Elon’s focus on preparing students to be engaged, empowered and active learners.
It will be North Carolina’s first private school on a college campus dedicated to teaching children with dyslexia.
The Roberts have established similar centers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, and Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, where the Roberts reside.
Hal Roberts is a retired lawyer who cofounded EarthLinked Technologies, a geothermal research company started in Lakeland in 1980. The Roberts have three grandchildren with dyslexia. As many as 20% of the U.S. population is affected by the condition.
A great-niece of the Roberts attended Elon, so the family is familiar with the university, Marjorie Roberts said at a ceremony Thursday.
David Mildenberg is editor of Business North Carolina. Reach him at dmildenberg@businessnc.com.