Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois, has announced a $4.15 million commitment from alumna Karen Krueger (’72) in support of study abroad opportunities for students.

The gift will support faculty in developing short-term and semester-long study abroad opportunities as well as establish the Krueger Center for Global Engagement at Monmouth College. The center will include the Karen Krueger Chair in Global Engagement and an endowed fund to support study abroad activities, globally themed internships and research projects, intensive language instruction, and campus speakers and symposia. Krueger had a 41-year career with the U.S. Department of State.

“I would like to provide opportunities to help students experience first-hand that the world is full of many different cultures, with different traditions, religions, and methods of government,” said Krueger. “Yet, though there are differences, we also have much in common—love of family and a desire for safety, food, clothing, housing, i.e., the basics of life. We can also learn from each other. Perhaps someone has solved a problem that we haven’t solved yet, or perhaps we can share one of our ideas with them. Recognizing our shared interests, and building the necessary and rewarding bridges to understanding, are essential to addressing issues that require global solutions—from the future of our planet to issues as diverse as the health of its population and international crime.”

(Photo credit: Monmouth College)