North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has received a $200,000 gift from alumni Keith Haywood and Marilyn Sutton-Haywood, Ph.D., to support the School of Business. In recognition of their contribution, the dining room in the School of Business will be named the Keith J. and Dr. Marilyn Sutton-Haywood Dining Room.
The Haywoods’ gift will be used to enhance operations for NCCU’s Hospitality and Tourism Administration program, fostering academic excellence and practical training for students pursuing careers in the dynamic field of hospitality management. The investment aligns with the university’s mission to equip students with transformative experiences and industry-relevant skills.
Haywood, ‘77, is the president and owner of FDY Inc., a leading food service management company. With a career spanning over four decades, Haywood has worked with industry giants such as Marriott Management and Sodexo Management to establish innovative joint ventures across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.
Sutton-Haywood, ‘75, has been a distinguished leader in higher education for more than 40 years, holding academic and administrative roles at institutions including Kennesaw State University, Bethune Cookman University, Johnson C. Smith University and Shaw University.
Both have maintained strong ties with NCCU and are active members of the NCCU Alumni Association Inc.
"Our family is truly blessed and proud to support aspiring students and faculty scholars at North Carolina Central University," said the Haywoods. "We hope to inspire students to become leaders and entrepreneurs in the fast-growing hospitality and tourism industry."
This transformative gift reflects the Haywoods deep commitment to advancing higher education and supporting the university that laid the foundation for their successful careers.
