DSU alumnus Norman Oliver, Class of 1985, owns a construction company, builds affordable housing in Wilmington, and provides school transportation for homeless children.
And for all that he has become in life, he credits Delaware State University.
A regular financial supporter of DSU, Mr. Oliver recently continued his giving by presenting his alma mater with a $200,000 donation. He presented the generous contribution – which is unrestricted – on Oct. 5 during the University’s biggest day of Homecoming Weekend with more than 15,000 in attendance.
After graduating from then-Delaware State College in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work, he quickly developed into a business and community leader in his native Wilmington, Del.
In addition to owning Rock Solid Construction (commercial and residential), Mr. Oliver’s non-profit Our Youth, Inc. has built more than 30 affordable housing units in the Greater Wilmington area. His NOR Enterprises provides school transportation for homeless children.
He is a former Wilmington City Councilman and a past member of Delaware State University’s Board of Trustees. Over the years, he has also been well known in Wilmington for his “Stormin’ Norman Basketball League” and his Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway.
Mr. Oliver said he began his leadership training at Delaware State College, where during his undergraduate years, he served as the President of the Freshman Class, the Men’s Council, and the DSC Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. As a senior, he culminated his student leadership by becoming the President of the DSC’s Student Government Association.
He said he was considered to be an “at-risk student,” but Delaware State College gave him an opportunity to pursue a degree that no other college would offer him.
“I was just a guy from the South Bridge Project (in Wilmington), but Del State helped me develop my leadership skills,” Mr. Oliver said. “Without Delaware State College/Delaware State University, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
DSU President Tony Allen said Mr. Oliver’s donation is consistent with his faithful connection to his alma mater.
“Storm is my friend, but that is not why he gave such an historic contribution. He epitomizes our fundamental philosophy, ‘enter to learn, go forth to serve,’” Dr. Allen said. “He knows who we are and what we are trying to become, and is doing all he can to make sure we reach our goals. Whether it is $100 a month or a regular representation of this grand institution, that is what Alumni support is all about.”
