It was announced in early December that Michael Kors was giving a $1 million gift to his alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Technology (SUNY). The purpose of the donation is to establish a scholarship for a future design student, the lifetime Michael Kors Endowed Scholarship. Although the world-renowned designer did not complete his education, he has nothing but great things to say about his experience there, “I attended FIT in the late ’70’s, and the school provided a totally comprehensive curriculum for fashion design that was unparalleled… I am committed to the school to this day.”
The scholarship will be awarded annually to an extraordinary talent in fashion design who is financially constrained. All costs towards the bachelor degree will be included, from tuition to housing and books. It will also provide opportunities for experiential education, such as an opportunity to intern at Michael Kors.
Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President of FIT, stated about the designer, “He is creating an incomparable opportunity for the talented students who come to the college – as he did – to fulfill their dreams. We are deeply grateful.” The first recipient of the Michael Kors Endowed Scholarship will be announced during the Summer of 2013 and will begin their education at FIT in the Fall of 2013.
Some notable FIT alumni who have also gone on to build their own fashion empires are Calvin Klein, Brian Atwood, Nanette Lepore, and Ralph Rucci. With Michael Kors financing future students’ education, we may have a next-generation fashion house in the making.