Philanthropy Elevates Excellence
IN THIS SECTION:
David A. Gitter Endowment for Contemporary China Studies:
$1 Million Gift Creates New Fellowship for China Studies
A deep understanding of China demands proficiency in the modern Chinese language, says David Gitter, MA ’15, who established the David A. Gitter Fellowship to support immersive language study in the People’s Republic of China.
Uyghur Studies Initiative Endowment: Philanthropy Boosts Field-Defining Research
GW is one of the few universities with a robust Uyghur studies program, striving to improve conditions for Uyghurs in China. Thanks to a generous gift to establish the Uyghur Studies Initiative, the Elliott School is building on its history of engaging closely with the Uyghur diaspora.
Fund for Scholars Affected by the War in Ukraine: Alumna Gift Helps Scholars in Exile
Jenna Segal, BA ’98, established the Fund for Scholars Affected by the War in Ukraine. Each year, for five years, the fund allows three scholars from Ukrainian universities to continue their research at the Elliott School and provides support to more than a dozen displaced scholars in Eastern Europe. Pictured above is Uliana Movchan, a resident scholar at the Elliott School and an associate professor at Kharkiv National University in Ukraine.
Bridges Institute Endowment:
Exploring Africa’s Global Potential
“It is my hope that this gift will provide inspiration for future generations of students, faculty, and policymakers focused on forging strong connections with African nations and working to strengthen African democracies,” said Vivian Lowery Derryck, who spearheaded a gift to advance research and dialogue focused on Africa’s growing strategic importance on the world stage.
I/WE Awards: 25 Students Receive Inaugural “I/WE” Scholarships
The International Women of Elliott (I/WE) Student Awards exemplify the school’s commitment to advancing women as global leaders. “We are thrilled to see our growing I/WE community champion the role of women in international affairs,” said Dean Alyssa Ayres.
EEF Awards: Scholarships Advance Diversity
“This award shows that the Elliott School recognizes the need to take specific action in regard to equity,” said Deseree Chacha, BA ’24, who received an inaugural Elliott Equity Fund Award to assist with tuition. “The advancement of diversity in international relations will greatly assist key advisors and global leaders to foster peace and unity,” Chacha added.
GW Invests $12 Million to Double Scholarship Gifts: For nearly 25 years, the first day of November has marked the start of National Scholarship month. On November 1, 2022, GW announced The Third Century Scholarship Endowment Match. To date, generous GW supporters have created 65 news scholarships that GW has matched dollar for dollar.
Spotlight on Scholarships:
Dina Biblin, BA ’75, JD ’78
“If we can educate more students who want to help others around the globe, to me that’s a gift that GW is giving to the world. That’s why I chose the Elliott School for my [scholarship] donation,” said Dina Biblin, BA ’75, JD ’78.
Spotlight on Scholarships:
Josh Stone, BA ’23
Growing up in Chicago, Josh Stone knew he wanted to attend an institution where diversity and culture were recognized and celebrated, leading him to GW.
Spotlight on Scholarships:
Bazgha Paracha, BA ’23
“It was my father’s dream for us to get a proper education,” said Bazgha Paracha, BA’23, pictured at left, above. Her GW scholarship allowed her to pay for her education without the help of her parents, who had already “given up everything” when they immigrated to the United States.
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