Edward Wanandi: Ricci Scholars: Education program in Indonesia
Loyola University Chicago trustee Edward Wanandi has a strong desire to further the education of students both here and abroad. This was the motivation behind his recent gifts to the University. The gifts over the next five years to the Ricci Scholars program will be matched by the University and will provide scholarships for students studying at the John Felice Rome Center and the Beijing Center for Chinese Studies. In addition, a previous gift will be increased to bolster a program offered through the School of Education to help educate primary and secondary school administrators in Indonesia.
"My hope for these gifts is to further the understanding and education of Loyola students and to improve the overall educational system for the people of Indonesia," says Wanandi, CEO and chairman of Trailmobile Corporation in Lake Forest, Ill.
The Ricci Scholars program offers undergraduates the opportunity for guided international research and study in Rome and Beijing. Their semester in each country is used to create their senior thesis or portfolio.
"I have a keen interest in seeing students gain a real understanding of these two cultures, especially in the business environment," says Wanandi. "Chicago touts itself as the gateway for Asian businesses who seek to work with partners in the United States--especially in the Midwest. I think the Ricci Scholars program offers a very fitting place in which Loyola can take a prominent position by providing this type of international education."
"This gift provides an amazing opportunity for undergraduates to experience two cultures," adds Dawn Harris, director of the Ricci Scholars program. "Many thanks should go to Mr. and Mrs. Wanandi for their foresight in providing support for an extremely creative program."
According to David Prasse, PhD, dean of the School of Education, it is "Ed Wanandi's vision and commitment to improve school leadership in Indonesian high schools" that led to the Indonesia Secondary Educational Development Program, which is a partnership between Loyola's School of Education and Sanata Dharma University in Indonesia. In addition to a gift provided by Wanandi for this program, he also secured significant additional funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. for a total of $1.7 million. The program began this summer by bringing 12 Indonesian school leaders to Loyola to begin a master's program in instructional leadership. Upon completing the three-year program, 10 of the participants will return to their country to become administrators in junior high and high schools. The remaining two class members will continue their studies for another two years at Loyola and receive PhDs before returning to Sanata Dharma University to set up a program to provide ongoing classes in leadership training. All 12 of the program's graduates will teach in the program.
"I believe in Catholic education and helping fund this program will directly help those who will be teaching the next generation of students in Indonesia. It's very important work and there is a great need for it," says Wanandi.
