Renowned film director, George Lucas, just made the biggest investment in helping the future of the film industry and those pursuing it at his alma mater, the University of Southern California. Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, partnered up to make a $10 million donation to USC’s school of film in full support of students of color, according to USC News.
“Hispanic and African American storytellers are underrepresented in the entertainment industry,” Lucas expressed. “It is Mellody’s and my privilege to provide this assistance to qualified students who want to contribute their unique experience and talent to telling their stories.” The grant will be disbursed equally by the George Lucas Family Foundation amongst the men and women enrolled in the program.
USC President C.L. Max Nikias praised the couple for their generosity by sharing, “George Lucas and Mellody Hobson are inspiring leaders in their fields, and tremendous friends to the USC community. This gift will nurture the next generation of artists, supporting scholarships that enhance access in the cinematic arts, while bringing new and diverse voices and stories into our lives.”
Talk about a power couple paving the way for others.