University of Oregon's new global studies school receives record $25 million gift amid rising US international challenges
University of Oregon receives record $25 million for global studies amid rising US challenges
University of Oregon
's new global studies school receives record $25 million gift amid rising US international challenges
The University of Oregon has received a record-setting $25 million donation from Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, marking the largest private contribution ever made to its
College of Arts and Sciences
.
The funding will be used to elevate the university's global studies and languages programs and to prepare students for leadership roles in international affairs.
Announced on May 6 at a press conference in Portland, the donation comes at a time of increasing global instability and significant cuts to US international aid programs. As reported by OPB, university officials emphasized that the funding will help expand the university's global education initiatives, enabling students to develop critical skills for navigating complex global challenges.
A transformative gift for global education
According to the University of Oregon, this is the largest gift ever dedicated to its College of Arts and Sciences, where about two-thirds of all undergraduate students are enrolled. As part of the announcement, the college's global studies school will be renamed the 'Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages.'
The gift is intended to support a wide range of initiatives, including the recruitment and retention of top-tier faculty in global studies and languages.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025
Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List
Undo
A new tenure-track scholar will be hired, and the donation will help launch a new undergraduate major focused on international relations. The program is designed to take an interdisciplinary approach to global issues and prepare students for careers in foreign service, NGOs, think tanks, international business, and public service.
Positioning the US for future global leadership
Schnitzer expressed his vision during the May 6 press conference, stating that the goal is to equip the next generation with the knowledge and passion to address both local and global challenges.
'If there's anything that'll help make a difference down the road, it's having informed young people that realize they need to wake up every day and have the passion to make the world a better place,' Schnitzer said, as quoted by OPB.
This investment arrives at a pivotal time for US global engagement. Portland-based Mercy Corps recently reported that cuts to the US Agency for International Development are forcing the organization to eliminate more than two-thirds of its federally funded programs, as noted by OPB.
New initiatives and national significance
The Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages will also house a newly established Center for Global Futures. According to the University of Oregon's press release, the center plans to host a lecture series, annual conferences, a scholars-in-residence program, and an annual Harold Schnitzer Scholar Prize to recognize outstanding contributions to global research.
University President Karl Scholz described the donation as a critical boost to the university's mission. 'We're never about teaching our students what to think, but how to think,' he said. 'And the Schnitzer School is a wonderful locus for that kind of work to happen,' as reported by OPB.
Professor Aneesh Aneesh, who teaches global studies at the university, emphasized the importance of this initiative. 'Caught between the forces of globalization and still-resilient communal loyalties, every society is facing contradictory pulls on its social fabric,' he stated.
He added that graduates from the Schnitzer School will help lead the way in a divided world, according to OPB.
This historic donation is expected to increase graduate student support, enhance teaching and research efforts, and expand the doctoral student population in global studies—offering a timely investment in the future of US global leadership.
AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
36 minutes ago
- Time of India
A startup was said to be ‘passing off' humans as AI. That's not why it collapsed
Once valued at $1.5 billion, the Microsoft-backed was supposed to make app-building 'as easy as ordering a pizza'. But then, it was alleged that its 'AI' was fake. And eventually, it was said, so were its revenues It is the most ' high-profile ' AI startup collapse in recent times. And a convoluted story ties it to story begins with a startup that said it could help anyone put together an app without any code — in 2016 , long before ChatGPT and Claude made it look so easy. The London and Los Angeles-based startup was founded by a British entrepreneur of Indian origin, Sachin Dev Duggal , and would eventually be known as . And, as the 'ai' in its name indicated, it would use artificial intelligence to turn app-building into what it said would be a process ' as easy as ordering a pizza '.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Deepansh Bhargava joins Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers as SVP & head marketing
HighlightsVummidi Bangaru Jewellers, a Chennai-based heritage brand, has appointed Deepansh Bhargava as Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing, bringing extensive experience in retail and lifestyle marketing. The company aims to expand into key international markets like Chicago, California, and Virginia while strengthening its domestic presence in Tamil Nadu with new store openings planned in Coimbatore, Trichy, and Madurai. Deepansh Bhargava expressed his honor in joining Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, highlighting the brand's excellence in craftsmanship and rich cultural legacy as significant motivators for his contribution to its success. Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers , a Chennai-based heritage brand, has appointed Deepansh Bhargava as senior vice president and head marketing. Prior to this, Bhargava was the vice president, marketing of U.S. Polo Assn. India at Arvind Fashions. Bhargava brings extensive experience in retail and lifestyle marketing, having previously led brand strategy and digital initiatives for leading brands in fashion and premium retail. Commenting on his appointment, Amarendran Vummidi, managing director, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, said, "Our journey towards becoming a ₹5000 Cr brand is only beginning. After the success of our Dallas, Texas showroom, we are gearing up to expand into key international markets like Chicago, California, and Virginia. Domestically, we are also working on strengthening our presence in Tamil Nadu—with upcoming stores in Coimbatore, Trichy, Madurai, and additional Chennai locations including T. Nagar, Chrompet, and more. We believe Deepansh's experience will bring strategic depth to this exciting journey." Bhargava has been instrumental in shaping multiple iconic brands. On-boarding of Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh (Pacho) for U.S. Polo Assn's Global Ambassador is one of his recent works. At Future Group, he played a pivotal role in the launch and national expansion of Brand CENTRAL, and contributed significantly to the early marketing success of brands like Brand Factory, Food hall from Bangalore. His time with DLF Luxury and Premium Retail further deepened his understanding of upscale consumer behaviour and experiential retail. Jithendra Vummidi, joint managing director, Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, added, "Jewellery is an emotional and cultural investment. Staying relevant means being deeply connected with evolving customer expectations. We look forward to the fresh ideas Deepansh will bring to build the brand & its communication while staying true to our legacy." On his appointment, Bhargava said, "I'm honoured to join VBJ at such a significant time in its history. It's a privilege to be part of a brand that not only represents excellence in craftsmanship but also carries forward a rich cultural legacy. I look forward to contributing to its continued success."
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
H&M owners quietly buying its shares
HighlightsHennes & Mauritz, the fast-fashion retailer listed on the Swedish stock market since 1974, is moving closer to potential private ownership as the founding family increases their share purchases. The Persson family, one of Sweden's wealthiest families, has invested over $6.6 billion since 2016 to raise their stake in Hennes & Mauritz from 35.5 percent to nearly 64 percent through their holding company Ramsbury Invest. Despite growing speculation about taking Hennes & Mauritz private, family members have denied any intentions to do so, stating they simply 'believe' in the company founded in 1947 by Erling Persson. Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), the fast-fashion retailer that's been listed on the Swedish stock market since 1974, is steadily moving back towards private ownership. The founding family has stepped up purchases of H&M shares, spending more than $6.6 billion since 2016 to amass nearly two-thirds control and fuelling speculation it could take the Stockholm-based company back into private hands — despite denials from family members. The Perssons, one of Sweden's wealthiest families, has ramped up insider buying by reinvesting dividends, boosting its H&M stake to almost 64 per cent from 35.5 per cent over the past nine years through a holding company Ramsbury Invest , saying little about their intentions other than that they 'believe' in H&M, founded in 1947 by Erling Persson.
