When Cam Jordan entered the classroom, Dillard University students thought their day had already gotten better. But the special gifts that he brought with him were about to change their lives in a very powerful way.
What brought him to the university was a collaboration between the NFL, Microsoft, and STEM NOLA, a non-profit organization that, as one of its missions, works to educate and inspire the community about the work of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics otherwise known as STEM. As it would have it, the event took place in the Professional Schools and Science Building where Dillard houses their School of STEM.
Cam was part of a huge event that included introducing students to cutting-edge generative AI technology in hopes of motivating them in their career paths. They enjoyed hands-on experiences with robots and certain software as they learned about the future possibilities technology brings to the table as well as the ethics of AI. Having said that, the special gifts that Cam presented to the students were absolutely perfect for the occasion.
What Were The Special Gifts?
Cam Jordan revealed the special gifts in an Oprah Winfrey-esque fashion. Each of the 50 students who attended was awarded a brand-new Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3s. That’s a third-generation laptop that just came out in October of last year with processing power, graphics, and functionality that will give these students the tools they need to do college the right way.
In the words of Rocky Balboa, “That’s how winning is done!”
Jarren Barnes is a Dillard student in the class of 2024 who received a laptop, “I’m really glad I was able to get this computer by attending the class today. As a visual arts major, it will help take my art to the next level with all of its capabilities, like being touch screen.”
Dwanna Toney, Director of the Center for Career and Professional Development, was very touched by the success of the event, “I am always excited whenever we have the opportunity to invite community partners in to complement the things that our students are learning inside the classroom. The opportunity to partner with Microsoft, the NFL, and STEM NOLA was amazing today. It’s rewarding to see the smiles on the students’ faces today as they learned new skills that could propel them into their careers.”
Cam Jordan Is The Gift That Keeps On Giving
Cam Jordan is a gift on and off the field. Drafted by the Saints in the first round back in 2011, the 6-4 Defensive End has gone on to start in 208 games and produce 444 tackles as well as 117 sacks. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler the Saints aren’t trying to lose. He is definitely an opponent to be feared by any offense that looks across the line and has to go up against him.
Off the field, not only does Cam hand out laptops to up-and-coming STEM researchers but he’s the founder of the God Iz Love non-profit, a Cam Jordan Foundation initiative he started with his wife Nikki Jordan. With a huge undertaking centered on children and families, he works to improve the New Orleans community by visiting elementary school classrooms, inviting kids to the Caesars Superdome, and hosting special events that get everyone involved. He’s a big man with a big heart!
Cam Jordan is a mighty force to face on the field and he is just as fierce off of it as he strives to change the lives of the people around him. It’s certainly true for the Dillard University students who recently walked away with brand-new laptops to ensure they are able to get the most out of their education and possibly go on to do great work in the field of STEM.