Quick Read
- Novant Health renamed its neuroscience institute after Michael Jordan’s mother, Deloris P. Jordan.
- The renaming followed Michael Jordan’s $10 million donation to Novant Health for accessible healthcare.
- Basketball legend Michael Jordan recently described Madison Square Garden as the “mecca” of basketball.
- Jordan reflected on how New York City fans fueled his play, calling it a “privilege” to compete there.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (Azat TV) – Basketball icon Michael Jordan has garnered attention this week for both his enduring legacy on the court and a significant philanthropic gesture honoring his mother. Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, officially renamed its neuroscience institute the Deloris P. Jordan Institute this past Saturday, a direct result of Jordan’s substantial $10 million donation made in November. Concurrently, Jordan also recently shared profound reflections on his legendary career, specifically highlighting his deep respect for Madison Square Garden as the “mecca” of basketball.
Deloris P. Jordan Institute Renamed After $10 Million Donation
The renaming ceremony for the Deloris P. Jordan Institute took place on Saturday morning, just a day before the third anniversary of the center. The event recognized Michael Jordan’s generous $10 million donation to Novant Health, made in November, which aimed to support accessible healthcare initiatives. Jefferey Beecher, director of neurosciences for NHRMC, expressed gratitude, stating, “I speak for all of neurosciences when I say how humbled we are to have our neuroscience institute named the Deloris P. Jordan Neuroscience Institute. We will strive to bring excellent service to our community and beyond, and to continue our mission and vision to build a neuroscience institute worthy of her name.”
Deloris Jordan herself attended the celebration, emphasizing her long-standing passion for ensuring everyone has access to quality health and education. She remarked, “Everybody should have an opportunity for good health and education,” highlighting her belief that the partnership with Novant Health would significantly aid those in need. The institute’s new name stands as a testament to her advocacy and Michael Jordan’s commitment to community welfare, particularly in his home state of North Carolina.
Jordan’s Enduring Respect for MSG and New York Fans
In a separate but equally notable development, Michael Jordan recently offered insights into his storied NBA career, specifically recalling his experiences playing at Madison Square Garden. The legendary Chicago Bulls guard referred to the iconic arena as the “mecca” of basketball, acknowledging its unique atmosphere and historical significance. Jordan shared how the passionate New York City fans consistently fueled his exceptional play on the court, describing the opportunity to compete in such an environment as a “privilege.” His comments, made public on February 1, 2026, underscored the deep respect he holds for the venue and its dedicated fanbase, a sentiment often echoed by many basketball greats.
A Legacy of Impact Beyond the Court
These recent developments highlight Michael Jordan’s multifaceted impact, extending far beyond his unparalleled achievements in professional basketball. His philanthropic efforts, exemplified by the substantial donation to Novant Health in his mother’s name, demonstrate a commitment to improving community health and education—causes championed by Deloris P. Jordan for decades. Simultaneously, his reflections on Madison Square Garden serve as a reminder of his unparalleled competitive spirit and the indelible mark he left on the sport, reaffirming his status as a global icon whose influence transcends generations.
The combination of his continued engagement with the sport’s history and his significant charitable contributions underscores Michael Jordan’s evolving public persona, transitioning from an athletic legend to a prominent figure in philanthropy and social advocacy.