NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) has announced the largest-ever individual gift donated by an alumnus of its college scholars program, which supports the next generation of leaders. Arthur Hayes, CEO of BitMEX, a bitcoin derivatives trading platform, has contributed $2.24 million to fund 20 JRF Scholars and underwrite two international service trips for the JRF Scholar classes of 2022 and 2023, under the Foundation’s Rachel Robinson International Fellowship (RRIF) program.
For 46 years, JRF has provided generous four-year scholarships, year-round mentoring, and leadership development opportunities to talented college students, known as JRF Scholars. Through its “42 Strategies for Success” curriculum, the Foundation helps students effectively navigate college environments, explore career options, develop leadership skills, and commit to public service. Ten JRF/Arthur Hayes Scholars will be selected in June 2019, as part of the Class of 2023, with ten more college students selected in June 2020, for the Class of 2024.
“The JRF Scholars program was critical to my professional development as a student from Buffalo, New York,” said Hayes. “Providing this scholarship experience to other highly deserving students from Western New York will support their development into future leaders.”
JRF’s celebrated Mentoring and Leadership Development Program promotes the values and character traits embodied in the life of its iconic namesake, as it encourages young scholars to work to positively impact the lives of others. “As an alumnus, I understand the transformational power the JRF Scholar program has and want to ensure that current students will have access to the same influential experiences that empowered me to grow into the leader I am today,” said Hayes.
Della Britton, the Foundation’s President added, “This gift from Arthur Hayes is the perfect summation of the mission of the JRF Scholars program. It’s gratifying to see Arthur’s positive experience as a JRF scholar and how it’s impacted his extraordinary career. We are overwhelmed by his generosity and eagerly look forward to welcoming the 20 JRF/Arthur Hayes Scholars.”
In January of this year, Mr. Hayes was elected to the Jackie Robinson Foundation Board of Directors, lending also his time, talent, and expertise to support the Foundation.
About Arthur Hayes
Arthur Hayes obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, after which he moved to Hong Kong where he worked as an equity derivatives trader for Deutsche Bank and Citigroup for five years, serving as the head ETF market maker at both firms. In January 2014, Arthur founded BitMEX, the world’s most advanced cryptocurrency trading platform. BitMEX offers commercial hedgers and professional investors and traders the ability to exchange bitcoin risk.
About the Jackie Robinson Foundation
Founded in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, JRF has advanced higher education by providing generous, four-year scholarships and comprehensive support services to highly motivated minority students attending colleges and universities throughout the country. JRF’s efforts have led to a consistent 98% graduation rate among JRF Scholars. JRF has disbursed over $85 million in grants and direct program support to 1500 students who have attended over 260 different colleges and universities across the country. JRF alumni are leaders in their communities and across a broad range of professional fields –and are true ambassadors of Jackie Robinson’s legacy of service and humanitarianism.
Expanding its mission of education and the Robinson legacy, the Foundation is engaged in constructing the Jackie Robinson Museum in New York City, scheduled to open in December 2019. The Museum, which will include a robust online component, will chronicle Jackie Robinson’s storied athletic career and his social impact across society through artifacts, media-rich, state-of-the-art exhibits, and interactive programming. This physical tribute to Jackie Robinson will serve as a destination for those seeking innovative, educational programming and a venue for vibrant dialogue on critical social issues. For more information, visit www.JackieRobinson.org
