In 2010, R. Todd Ruppert, member of the Class of 1978 and a Kenyon trustee, gave a gift of $2.5 million gift to establish the R. Todd Ruppert Chair in International Studies. The endowment allows faculty to develop new courses and bring greater stability to the programs while supporting the departments who collaborate in the interdisciplinary major. For the International Studies Program, Todd’s gift presented a landmark opportunity to shape the future of generations to come, said Associate Professor of Political Science David Rowe. This is what teachers live for the chance to make a difference in the lives of our students.
When I was at Kenyon, my global vision was like most students’, narrow. But Kenyon gave me the foundation to think more broadly, said Ruppert. Today, our collective vision is wider and we see the importance of understanding the complexities of the globe. I want to help expand and propel Kenyon’s global learning initiative so that students can be better equipped to be engaged and succeed in the ever-shrinking global community we all live in. Global fluency is essential for success beyond college today. I want to help promote that for Kenyon students. As a trustee, Ruppert serves on Kenyon’s investment, budget, and building and grounds committees. A Kenyon swimmer, he received the U. S. College Swim Coach Association's McCaffrey Award, its highest alumni accolade.