FSI welcomes the first Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Three of the scholars have been offered spots in FSI’s master’s program in international policy studies.

On February 15, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program accepted 49 students from 20 countries into its first cohort. The Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI) welcomes this diverse and global group.

Three students have been offered admission to the Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies at FSI. All three come from abroad, having grown up in the Middle East and Asia before coming to the United States.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program will prepare students to develop creative solutions to complex problems. Scholars receive full funding in their chosen master’s degree program at Stanford.

“This program brings together the best students from around the globe,” said Philip H. Knight, co-founder of Nike Inc. and one of the program’s founders. “I expect they will become leaders in all sectors, both public and private, and find breakthroughs that will improve the world.”

Chosen from more than 3,600 applicants, the scholars display independence of thought, leadership abilities and a civic mindset.

“There is a true optimism among this group that they can make a positive impact in the world, and that their time as Knight-Hennessy Scholars will help prepare them for that mission,” said John L. Hennessy, the Shriram Family Director of Knight-Hennessy Scholars and the program’s other founder.

The international policy scholars will decide whether to accept their offers in April 2018.

“We are thrilled to see international policy students included in Knight-Hennessy’s first group of scholars,” said Michael McFaul, director of FSI and the Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies. “To Anoma, Abuzar and Asaf we would like to say, ‘Welcome to Stanford! We hope to see you in the fall.’”