WASHINGTON – The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has received the largest non-foundation endowment gift in its history in honor of former Chairman of the Board of Trustees James C. Gaither. The named gift will endow the Junior Fellows Program, Carnegie’s flagship effort to promote the next generation of scholars and practitioners in international affairs.
Each year, Carnegie offers fellowships to uniquely qualified university graduates selected from a pool of nominees put forward by 400 participating colleges across the United States. Each fellow serves for one year as a research assistant to a Carnegie scholar. The program’s more than 200 alumni have scaled the heights of academia, business, and public service.
“The Carnegie Endowment owes a tremendous debt to Jim’s leadership and vision over many years. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute than to endow our Junior Fellows Program in his honor,” said Carnegie President William J. Burns. “Thanks to the generosity of our Board of Trustees, and of Jim’s many friends and admirers, we will be able to ensure that generations of talented young minds will be able to make their mark on the world—just as Jim has done.”
Jim Gaither said, “I am very grateful to my friends and colleagues and to the Trustees whose generosity has endowed this Program, which provides wonderful opportunities for future leaders in international affairs. There is no better way to learn than by doing—in this case, working alongside the very best scholars and thinkers in the field. I could not be more honored than to have my name associated with this Program and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.”
“Linking the Junior Fellows Program to the name of Jim Gaither is the perfect convergence of purpose, place, and person,” said Board Chair Harvey Fineberg. “This investment ensures the continued preparation of the next generation of thinkers and doers in the international arena.”
Click here for more information on the Junior Fellows Program.