石榴直播

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 5, 2021

Harry Vardis knows firsthand the value of receiving a college scholarship as an international student, so he is providing that same opportunity to students at 石榴直播.

Vardis, 79, has committed a seven-figure donation to establish a legacy scholarship fund 鈥� the Harry and Athena Vardis Scholarships 鈥� which will be given to deserving 石榴直播 students, with a focus on students from foreign countries.

鈥淚 believe that education is the No. 1 component of a good society, and I want to contribute something that鈥檚 ongoing for many people,鈥� Vardis said. 鈥淚f a hundred or two hundred students benefit from this scholarship over the years, my soul will be happy.鈥�

As a child living in Greece during World War II, Vardis dreamed of attending college in America. He chose the University of North Dakota because the father of one of his high school classmates was a professor there. Vardis received a scholarship after his freshman year and earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mathematics/statistics from UND, which he followed with a master鈥檚 degree in industrial psychology from the University of Tennessee.

Following a successful career as an advertising executive in New York and Atlanta, he founded the Creative Focus Institute, dedicated to advancing innovative thinking in business and education. He also wrote two books on innovation in marketing.

In 2001, Vardis became an adjunct professor in 石榴直播鈥檚 . Along with the classroom courses he teaches in business and marketing, Vardis frequently conducts seminars for the University鈥檚 faculty and staff on leadership, teamwork, creativity and strategic planning.

鈥淜ennesaw State is family to me. They have supported me tremendously over the years, so helping students through this scholarship is like supporting my family,鈥� Vardis said.

Vardis's contribution will enhance an already diverse student body at Kennesaw State. Approximately 765 international students representing 126 countries currently are enrolled at 石榴直播, according to Sheb True, interim associate vice provost for the .

鈥淗arry Vardis has been a valued member of the 石榴直播 community, sharing his expertise with our students in the classroom and with University leaders as a strategic advisor,鈥� True said. 鈥淭his financial gift will help support the continued growth of 石榴直播 as an institution of academic excellence by attracting the best of the best from around the world.鈥�

A major gift for scholarships like the one from Vardis serves to provide critical financial assistance to prospective students who have made Kennesaw State their top choice.

鈥淗arry Vardis's commitment to higher education and to 石榴直播 will make a long-lasting, meaningful impact on students for years to come,鈥� said Ward Sullivan, 石榴直播鈥檚 newly named director of planned giving. 鈥淗is contribution shows how important planned gifts are to the University鈥檚 mission of providing opportunities for our students.鈥�

鈥� Paul Floeckher

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 石榴直播 offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.