The Italian Renaissance was a cultural phenomenon that transformed our world forever—and the city of Florence was at its heart. As Â鶹¾«Ñ¡celebrates 50 years of its flagship program in Florence, Italy, the university has set its sights on the future. It has recently established the Â鶹¾«Ñ¡Global Education Endowment that, once fully funded, will provide access to a global education scholarship for all incoming undergraduate students who aspire to study abroad during their time at Kent State.
Such an ambitious goal would be the largest endowment in university history—and is only possible with philanthropic support. To help meet that goal, the university has created the Renaissance Scholars Society, a group of major gift donors who share the university’s enthusiasm for a boundless education and an expanded worldview. The program aims to raise an initial $20 million in five years or less to support the endowment fund and immediately help as many students as possible.
To become a member of the Renaissance Scholars Society, donors make a new gift (outright or five-year pledge) to the Â鶹¾«Ñ¡Global Education Endowment at one of five levels ($50,000 to $10 million). The society will offer exclusive opportunities to its supporters for travel and education abroad with renowned scholars, artists, lecturers, historians and faculty from Â鶹¾«Ñ¡and its international partners. It’s a unique format that combines two of the university’s core competencies: study abroad and lifelong learning.
Renaissance Scholars Society members will journey to Florence in October 2023 for the Â鶹¾«Ñ¡Florence program’s 50th anniversary celebration, which includes a donor gala and access to experiences only available through Kent State. They also will receive advance invitations to attend future alumni and donor global education experiences at other locations beginning in 2024, as well as updates about global education.
Learn more about the Renaissance Scholars Society.