Longtime Northern Kentucky University faculty member gives $1 million endowment
The endowment will support students who are studying economics to engage in study abroad experiences.
Northern Kentucky University has a new $1 million endowment to support economic students who wish to engage in study abroad opportunities thanks to longtime faculty member Dr. Gary E. Clayton, who served as Department Chair and Professor of Economics, and his wife Dr. Jonna R. Clayton. The Claytons have traveled extensively, beginning with Gary’s study abroad experience in Vienna as an undergraduate student, and they wish to give more students the ability to engage in life changing academic experiences abroad.
According to an article on Northern Kentucky University’s website, Dr. Hassan R. HassabElnaby, who serves as the Dean of the Haile College of Business, was quoted as saying of the endowment from the Claytons, “Dr. Gary and Dr. Jonna Clayton’s extraordinary generosity will create life-changing opportunities for our economics students for generations to come. Having had the privilege of serving with Gary, I have witnessed firsthand his deep commitment to academic excellence and to expanding opportunities for our students. This remarkable gift reflects his lifelong belief in the transformative power of global education and will have a lasting impact not only on our economics majors but on the entire Haile College of Business.”
The Claytons’ endowment will provide the financial means for students who are economics majors to participate in various study abroad opportunities, including semester-break study abroad, summer study abroad programs, and other international opportunities that will satisfy economics degree requirements. Thanks to the endowment, eligible students will be able to participate for free.
Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, the president of Northern Kentucky University, said, “NKU is deeply grateful to Gary and Jonna for their remarkable generosity and enduring commitment to our students’ success. This investment will expand access to the global learning experiences we are able to provide students, while preparing our graduates to become leaders in an increasingly interconnected world.”
The Claytons have traveled to more than 100 countries. They hope the endowment will inspire economics majors to participate in global experiences and develop their professional and academic interests.
For more information about Northern Kentucky University, visit the school’s website.