Friday, April 1, 2011

Study Abroad Fund

he annual Shinn Scholars reception, to benefit the Ridgway F. Shinn Jr. Study Abroad Fund, will be held Saturday, April 16, from 4-6 p.m. in the Forman Theatre following the RIC Theatre performance of Fame The Musical in the Auditorium in Roberts Hall at 2 p.m.This year, four RIC students will receive Shinn scholarships that will enable them to study overseas:

Nicholas Girardi of Johnston, a business management and Spanish major, will travel to Grenada, Spain, in the spring of 2012.Brandi Jackson of Providence, a communication major, will travel to Florence, Italy, in the fall of 2011.Alexander Lupica of Warwick, an English major, will travel to Florence, Italy, in the fall and summer of 2012.Natalie Patalano of Cranston, an Italian studies major, will travel to Florence, Italy, in the spring of 2012.

The Shinn Scholars reception, titled Around the World,will include international hors d'oeuvres and desserts, entertainment by former Shinn Scholars and an opportunity to purchase bottles of wine wrapped in restaurant gift certificates.Over the past 22 years, the Shinn Study Abroad Fund has given 59 students the opportunity to study abroad in 24 countries on six continents. Grants total over $200,000 to date.Established in the 1987-88 academic year by Ridgway F. Shinn Jr. through the generous support of many of his friends, colleagues, and former students, this fund marked his retirement from RIC after 29 years of service. During those years, he was a professor of history, the first chair of the Department of History, the first dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and vice president for Academic Affairs. He passed away in 2006.The suggested donation for the Shinn Scholars reception is $35. In addition, reduced price tickets for the 2 p.m. performance of Fame may be purchased for $5. For reservations, call Jim Bierden at (401) 831-2495.