To mark their 15th anniversary, the Bologna Class of 2006 decided to celebrate this important milestone through a collective fundraising effort to establish an endowment honoring in perpetuity their classmates who have passed away over the past twenty years.

Officially endowed in September 2023, the Bologna Class of 2006 Tribute Fund supports SAIS Europe students in perpetuity, advancing opportunities that reflect the Class's commitment to academic excellence, professional growth, and community.

Through the Fund, students receive support for:

• Internships, enabling them to gain vital professional experience in government, international organizations, and NGOs, regardless of financial constraints.
• Research and study trips, allowing students to apply classroom learning in real-world settings and to deepen their understanding of global challenges.
• Lectures and seminars, bringing thought leaders and practitioners to Bologna to engage students on critical international issues.

In the 2024-25 academic year, the Fund supported two student initiatives:

• Internship - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Barbados: Support for Clara Smiljkovic (Canada), who served as a Climate Finance Intern at FAO. Click here to learn more.
• Study Trip - MENA Club Study Trip to Morocco: Support for the SAIS Europe MENA Club's spring break study trip exploring Morocco's institutions, economy, and culture. Click here to learn more.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Class Reunion, the Class of 2006 aims to expand the Fund's impact even further. They would love to see the endowment grow to $150,000 and participation rise above 40%.

By sustaining and growing these initiatives, the Bologna Class of 2006 Tribute Fund continues the Class's legacy of fostering opportunity, leadership, and global engagement for future generations of SAIS Europe students.

Classmates who are interested in joining this meaningful initiative should contact the Bologna Center Development Staff or the class leaders:

• Amy Cloud
• Holger Wilms