Business magnate and Haute 100 lister George Soros has donated $2 million to the Human Rights Institute at the University of Connecticut. According to the Greenwich Time, alongside the donation made by Soros, Gary Gladstein, his chief operating officer of Soros Fund Management in New York, and his wife also donated $2 million.
The donations, which requires UConn Foundation to raise an additional $2 million in matching funds, would give the Institute a $6 million endowment and provide scholarships to undergraduates majoring in human rights. In a statement made by the universities president, Susan Herbst, expressed her gratitude towards Soros and Gladstein’s generosity. She said, “The vision and generosity of our donors continues to make an incredible impact on this program and is helping to make UConn a global leader in human rights education and scholarship. We could not be more grateful to both Gary Gladstein and George Soros for their support and commitment to our university and the field of human rights.”
Regarding his gift, Soros said, “I was a child in Hungary when the Nazis invaded. I then lived under Soviet rule, so I know what it is like to live under brutal regimes that deprive people of their basic human rights. I am pleased to support UConn’s critical work in researching and promoting human rights. I am glad to partner with Gary to help build UConn’s program.”
Gladstein, who is an alum of the university, said in a statement released by the university, “All civilizations must learn to share and respect the human rights of others. The true differences around the world are not between different religions or races, but more about those who embrace peace and those who would destroy it. We can all do much better when we work together.”
Since its inception in 2003, the Human Rights institute has been advancing human rights teaching across all University of Connecticut colleges and schools. Its aim is to educate students on human rights, promote interdisciplinary scholarship and provide experiential learning for our students. The Institute encourages engaged discussion and academic research on the advantages and limitations of human rights discourse and practice.
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