Title:Global Scholarship Fund

Bringing talented international students to the Hilltop

• A top priority for the university 

• Richer classroom conversations

• An expanded worldview for all

“Less than a year ago, I spent long hours worrying about whether all the effort I put into high school was in vain since I couldn’t afford any of the schools I applied to,” shares Kiarie Mumbi (C’20), a Georgetown student originally from Nairobi, Kenya. “The Global Scholarship Fund gave me a chance to study with some of the brightest students in the world.”

Mumbi was excited to become a Hoya but nervous about how he would be able to balance everything. He was also concerned that he might not fit in well. Georgetown’s innovative Community Scholars Program made a difference to him. “The summer program helped me understand what this community is all about. They’ve been a great support system for me.”

“My scholarship donors are helping me fulfill my dream of being a physician”

Students like Mumbi inspired Georgetown parents Victoria Johner y Cruz and Jurg Johner to support the Global Scholarship Fund, which provided Mumbi with a 1789 Scholarship plus critical non-monetary support through the highly regarded Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP).

“Both my husband and I had the privilege to be international students in U.S. universities,” says Victoria Johner y Cruz. “We realized how much of an impact our education and exposure made back in our respective countries. We wanted young people, especially from developing countries, to enjoy that opportunity and share the benefits of their experience with their communities.”

The Cruz family is in touch with Mumbi and they follow his progress along with the journey of their daughter Thalia Johner y Cruz (F’19).

“My scholarship donors are helping me fulfill my dream of being a physician,” adds Mumbi. “I plan to return to Kenya one day so I can help change the lives of many young people growing up in the same situation as I did.”