Las Vegas couple makes donation to Morgan State University

For Calvin Tyler's 65th birthday, he decided to give a present rather than receive one. Tyler and his wife, Tina, donated $1 million to a Morgan State University scholarship fund on Sept. 15.

The donation is the third gift to the university from the Las Vegas couple, who also donated $500,000 in 2000 and in 2005, which helped establish the scholarship fund to benefit students from Baltimore.

"I grew up in Baltimore as what is now called a 'disadvantaged kid,' " said Tyler, a retired UPS executive who attended Morgan State University in the early 1960s. "I know that there are a lot of lower-income kids in Baltimore who are bright and who would do well if given a chance."

Tyler didn't experience much of the social life at Morgan State, because he had a full-time job and devoted the rest of his time to study.

"I was working while going to school to pay my way through college," he recalled. "I don't have a lot of memories of time there except working hard in class."

The Tylers hope the scholarships will give students a chance to succeed.

"The funds are to be used for Baltimore city students from low-income families who otherwise wouldn't be able to attend college," Tyler explained.

Morgan State University President Earl S. Richardson said the institution is appreciative of the Tylers' gifts.

"The Tylers' commitment to Morgan, its mission and its place in the landscape of higher education is beyond measure," Richardson said in an e-mail. "They know and continue to demonstrate that access and opportunity for our students is the greatest investment anyone can make. Our students are indeed fortunate to have the Tylers in their corner."

Tyler worked for UPS for 34 years, retiring in 1998. He and his wife moved to Las Vegas from Atlanta a couple of years ago. He noted he is "loving" his retirement years.

"My wife and I love to travel, and I enjoy playing golf," he said.

Tyler returns to Morgan State annually to attend a luncheon for the scholarship recipients. The Tylers' contributions will enable the scholarship fund to offer 10 four-year, full-tuition scholarships to students instead of the previous five.

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