Mobile businessman Ross Sloan has given the University of South Alabama a $50,000 endowment to honor the memory of scientist and innovator Albert Einstein.

The “Sloan Endowment to Honor Albert Einstein Fund” includes the naming of a study room at the Main Library in Einstein’s honor, and it also will allow the library to buy resources by and about Einstein and his many contributions to science.

Following a recent dedication ceremony at the Main Library, Sloan gave a lecture on Einstein’s contributions to science and physics.

Sloan, a native of Mobile, studied history during his undergraduate and graduate courses and taught at Bishop State Community College in the 1960s. A lifelong learner, author and historian, he now owns his own insurance agency.

In each new book purchased through the Sloan gift, a name plate will be placed to honor the donor and the memory of Einstein, said Dr. Richard Wood, dean of University libraries. 

In 2003, Sloan gave USA a $100,000 gift that supports both the College of Arts and Sciences and the University Library.

The gift provides for an endowed scholarship in USA's College of Arts and Sciences, sponsorship of a group study room in the new addition of the University Library, and support for the library's collection development.

Sloan’s $50,000 gift to the College of Arts and Sciences established the Albert Schweitzer Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides a $2,500 annual scholarship to an undergraduate student majoring in any of the college's 19 departments.

The scholarships are awarded to students who best reflect the humanitarian ideals of Schweitzer through community service to the underserved. Schweitzer, at the age of 30, aware of the desperate need of Africans for medical care, decided to become a medical doctor and dedicated his life to serving the African people and all humanity, being guided by his principle of “reverence for life.” A Frenchman, he went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize. In his last years, Schweitzer campaigned against nuclear energy and testing, and the nuclear arms race between the superpowers. Meanwhile, he continued to oversee the hospital he established in Africa, until his death in 1965 at the age of 90.

In 2008, Sloan gave USA a $50,000 endowment to honor the memory of beloved American author and humorist Mark Twain.

The “Sloan Endowment to Honor Mark Twain Fund” includes the naming of a study room at the Main Library in Twain’s honor, and it also allows the library to buy resources by and about Mark Twain and his many contributions to American letters.