70 Years of SAIS in Europe: A Legacy of Global Leadership

Seventy years ago, an ambitious experiment in international education took root in Bologna, Italy. Launched in 1955 by Professor C. Grove Haines, SAIS Europe—then known as the Bologna Center—began with just four professors, ten students, and borrowed classrooms. What started as a postwar initiative to foster transatlantic dialogue and equip students with the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world has since evolved into a thriving, globally recognized institution. Today, SAIS Europe remains a vital part of Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies, offering a unique European perspective on global affairs.

Haines, who had been the first full-time professor at SAIS in Washington, envisioned an academic environment where students from diverse backgrounds could live and study together under a multinational faculty. The first class included students from Austria, France, Italy, and the United States, learning from a faculty drawn from across Europe and America. From these modest beginnings, SAIS Europe grew rapidly. By 1961, it had moved into a permanent home on Via Belmeloro, a building designed by the acclaimed architect Enzo Zacchiroli and inaugurated by Johns Hopkins University President Milton S. Eisenhower.

The Bologna Center was officially renamed SAIS Europe in 2013 to emphasize its integral role within Johns Hopkins SAIS. Over the decades, it has trained thousands of leaders in international affairs, with its alumni now spanning 133 countries. SAIS Europe has been at the forefront of debates on European integration, transatlantic relations, and global governance, continuously evolving to meet new challenges while remaining committed to its founding mission.

A Global Celebration of 70 Years

As SAIS Europe celebrates its 70^th anniversary in 2025, a series of signature events will take place in Bologna and around the world to honor this milestone. These events will bring together students, faculty, alumni, and distinguished guests to reflect on the school's impact and future.

• On February 24, 2025, former Italian Prime Minister and European Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni will deliver the SAIS Europe 70^th Anniversary Keynote Lecture, titled "Europe's Challenges in a New Transatlantic Era." Hosted by SAIS Europe Rector Renaud Dehousse, this event will highlight the enduring relevance of SAIS Europe's mission in shaping the future of global policy and diplomacy.
  
  
• The SAIS Europe Alumni Weekend in May 2025 will offer a chance for alumni to reconnect with the campus, engage with current students, and participate in discussions led by faculty and guest speakers. This tradition, deeply embedded in the SAIS Europe experience, remains a cornerstone of the school's community spirit.
  
  
• Beyond Bologna, signature alumni events will take place in major cities worldwide, uniting SAIS graduates from across generations. These gatherings, including the Amici di Bologna event in the United States and Bolognesi a Londra in the UK, will celebrate the shared experiences of SAIS alumni while reinforcing their role as global changemakers.

Looking Ahead

SAIS Europe's 70^th anniversary is not just a moment to honor the past but also an opportunity to envision the future. As the school continues to expand its academic offerings, enhance interdisciplinary research, and deepen its global engagement, it remains dedicated to its core mission: preparing students to lead in an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable world.

From its humble beginnings in postwar Italy to its present role as a hub for global policy education, SAIS Europe stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration and academic excellence. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders ready to tackle the pressing challenges of the 21^st century.