North Carolina Central University is announcing the establishment of the LeRoi H. Moore Scholarship Fund that will provide $5,000 scholarships annually for four students ($20,000 per year) in perpetuity. As one of the founding members of the Dave Matthews Band, LeRoi Moore was a quiet and tremendous philanthropist.

Moore played bass, baritone, tenor, alto and soprano saxophones as well as the flute, bass clarinet, wooden penny whistle and oboe. Credited with arranging much of Dave Matthews Band’s music, he traversed jazz, funk, rock and classical styles to make what Matthews characterized as “the most astonishingly honest music.”

Throughout his life, Moore consistently gave to several non-profit organizations and universities. Tragically, during the summer of 2008, Moore died from injuries suffered in an ATV accident. Before his passing, he wanted to ensure that his legacy of giving was continued.

The scholarships will be initiated in 2010 with a $5,000 gift and will increase annually by $5,000 until reaching a total annual $20,000 pay out in 2013. When fully funded, scholarships will be awarded to one student in each of the first, second, third, and fourth-year classes. Eligible for selection will be students with a financial need, who study business, education, or music. Consideration also will be given to the student’s community service involvement.

The scholarship is in honor of LeRoi’s parents who are both alumni of the university, Roxie Holloway Moore ’50, and Albert P. Moore ’56. NCCU is fortunate to be one of the three recipient schools of this fund.

The Dave Matthews Band have dedicated and named their latest album for Moore, “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.” Theirs is the most successful American rock band in history, having sold 35 million units since 1994.

LeRoi Moore grew up in Charlottesville, Va., where he established a reputation as an accomplished jazz musician, co-founding the Charlottesville Swing Orchestra and the John D’earth Quintet. In 1991, he and childhood friend Carter Beauford joined up with Dave Matthews and, subsequently, Stefan Lessard and Boyd Tinsley, to form Dave Matthews Band.

While mourning the loss of a close friend, the band finished out the remaining tour dates and completed the album. "LeRoi was one of the most generous people I have ever met, although he was very private about it. It is great to see that his legacy of giving will live on," said Rit Venerus, Trustee of Moore's estate. The LeRoi H. Moore Fund, which was established by LeRoi's Trust, is administered by the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.