Renaissance Scholars Society

The Renaissance Scholars Society (RSS) is a group of major gift donors who share the university’s enthusiasm for a boundless education and an expanded worldview. The program, founded in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the university's flagship global education program in Florence, Italy, aims to raise an initial $20 million in five years or less to support the Kent State Global Education Endowment. Once fully funded, the endowment will provide access to a global education scholarship for all incoming undergraduate students who aspire to study abroad during their time at Kent State.

This ambitious goal will result in the largest endowment in university history—and is only possible with philanthropic support. To become a member of the Renaissance Scholars Society, donors make a new gift (outright or five-year pledge) to the Kent State Global Education Endowment at one of seven levels ($50,000 to $12.5 million). The society offers exclusive opportunities to its supporters for travel and education abroad with renowned scholars, artists, lecturers, historians and faculty from Kent State and its international partners. It’s a unique format that combines two of the university’s core competencies: education abroad and lifelong learning.

Recap of RSS Experience in Florence, October 2023

Renaissance Scholars Society members journey to Florence, Italy, in October 2023 for the Kent State Florence program’s 50th anniversary celebration, which included a donor gala set in the historic Salone dei Cinquecento of the Palazzo Vecchio, as well as access to unique cultural experiences only available through Kent State.