The Charles C. Anderson family, which founded the bookstore that became Books-A-Million, has given the University of North Alabama $6.5 million, the largest gift ever in the school’s nearly 200-year history.
The gift includes $1 million specifically earmarked for women’s athletic programs in memory and honor of Hilda B. Anderson.
“(Hilda) was very passionate about the women’s athletic programs at UNA, and she wanted to ensure they had the necessary funding,” said Charles C. Anderson. “Our sons, Charlie, Terry, Clyde and Harold, wanted to honor her and her legacy with this gift.”
UNA President Ken Kitts called the Anderson gift “transformative.”
“It will change the lives of our students, faculty and staff throughout all areas of campus as we continue to serve the Shoals and the Northwest Alabama region.”
Charles Anderson’s father opened a newsstand business in Florence that eventually became Bookland and, later, Books-A-Million.
