Reception Honors Scholarship Winners and Thanks Jerome L. Greene Foundation by Sarah Malmgren
As a school that prepares students for creative careers, FIT has long promoted the innumerable benefits of studying abroad. From Asia to Europe, South America to Africa, options for immersion in a foreign country promise an unparalleled academic and cultural experience. Now, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Jerome L. Greene Foundation, a select group of students will have an even greater chance of making the world their campus. On Wednesday Dec. 11 from 5- 6:00 p.m., students, faculty and foundation affiliates gathered in the Living Room of the Feldman Center for the inaugural scholarship winners from the Greene Foundation. Christina McIrney and Spencer Harper, both of the foundation, were present for the occasion to personally meet the five lucky scholarship recipients. The foundation is known for its philanthropy and contributions to such esteemed institutions as the Juilliard School and Columbia University. Members of FIT’s Presidential Scholars were invited to apply for the new scholarship based on high academic achievement and financial need. Each winner was granted $10,000 that would go towards the cost of studying and living internationally.
The chosen winners were: .Julianne Abejar Fashion Design, Milan .Rosemary Paone Fashion Design, Florence .Michael Oliu Fashion Design, Florence .Hayley Reid Fashion Design, Florence .Nkem Chukwumerije Fashion Merchandising Management, Hong Kong FIT President Joyce Brown opened the reception with words of enthusiasm and thanks. Looking around at the students in attendance, she began by pointing out just how lucky they were to be able to meet the people to whom they owe their good fortune. Brown explained why she sees such value in the chance to study abroad, “We share the belief that international experience is a
critical component of a quality education.” She added that as part of the school’s new mission statement and strategic plan, the goal is to increase the number of students who study abroad. Facing McIrney and Harper, she offered a warm, “Thank you on behalf of the whole community.” McIrney stepped to the podium and discussed the value she experienced while studying abroad during her junior year of college in Munich, Germany. Not only did she become fluent in German, but she also formed many professional connections that would help with her career down the road. Describing the Presidential Scholars as an “elite group within the FIT community,” McIrney expressed her belief that these individuals deserved this opportunity. McIrney also mentioned one man in particular to be thanked for this impressive endowment. Richard Anderman, a member of the FIT Board of Trustees, is largely credited for introducing the Greene Foundation to FIT, and for helping to show McIrney just how strong the school’s programs are. When asked why he feels studying abroad is important, Anderman replied that it is an opportunity for “standout students to add to their worldview and meet people who inform their life view for years.” For him, he sees it as an opportunity “to create a platform for launching not only a career but a life experience.” Irene Buchman, Honors Program coordinator, closed the reception with five facts about the distinguished group of students. First, according to Buchman, the Scholars are grateful- both for the potential experience and for the endowment; second, they are the heart and soul of the liberal arts program; third, they are meeting monthly in order to introduce new ideas, art forms and presentations; fourth, they are reaching out to fellow students; and fifth, they are a group of unbelievably creative, talented and driven students. Each winner expressed his or her gratitude for the scholarship, and for many, this award was the ultimate blessing. Recipient Hayley Reid, a born-and-raised New York City resident says she is ready to “immerse herself in another way of life.” This scholarship made a huge difference in her life and without it, she would never have had the opportunity to study abroad.For her, and for the entire college community, the friendship between the Jerome L. Greene Foundation and FIT is warmly received.
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