Knight-Hennessy Scholars

On February 22, 2016, Stanford University announced that Nike co-founder and Stanford Graduate School of Business alumnus Phil Knight had pledged $400 million to Stanford to establish the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.[1][2] It was the largest ever one-time donation to Stanford.[2] In total, the program raised a $750 million endowment,[1] making it the largest fully endowed scholarship program in the world.[3] The program is named for Phil Knight and John L. Hennessy, Stanford's tenth president, who stepped down in the summer of 2016 after 16 years in the role,[2] and was named chairman of Alphabet Inc. in 2018.[4] Hennessy, who conceived of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program as "an interdisciplinary intellectual home that stresses collaboration,"[5] serves as the program's inaugural director.

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is inspired by programs such as the Rhodes Scholarship, with a focus on attracting students with a wide range of backgrounds from around the world.[2][6][7] In addition to their graduate studies, scholars participate in leadership development programs and immersive study trips, and have opportunities for mentorship with thought leaders in business, government and nonprofit fields.[3]

Since 2018, the program annually offers financial support comprising full tuition and fees, room and board, related academic expenses, and a stipend for living expenses. Successful applicants to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program demonstrate leadership, independence of thought, and civic commitment.[1][8]

Potential applicants apply to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program and also apply separately to a graduate degree program at one of Stanford's seven schools.[3] The inaugural class of 51 scholars from 21 countries, pursuing degrees in 31 academic departments at all seven of Stanford's schools, was announced on February 15, 2018.[9][10] Chosen from 3,601 applicants,[4] the inaugural cohort was 57% female, majority nonwhite, and 23% first-generation US citizens.[5] They earned undergraduate degrees at 38 different schools, and 63% hold non-US passports, from countries including Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nigeria, Romania, South Korea, Syria, Tajikistan, and the United Kingdom.[11] The inaugural cohort arrived at Stanford in the fall of 2018,[12][13] with up to 100 scholarships awarded annually in subsequent years.[8][14] In 2019, a class of 75 scholars is anticipated.[4] Students will receive funding for up to three years toward a master's degree. Scholars pursuing doctorates or medical degrees can receive additional funding beyond the three years from their departments.[2][5]

Scholars are housed among Stanford's graduate students, approximately 80% of whom live on campus. Stanford has constructed Denning House on the shore of Lake Lagunita; the on-campus building serves as the center for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars community.[3] Scholars gather at Denning House for presentations, workshops and social events. New York architectural firm Ennead designed the two-story building, which has classrooms, a dining area, and meeting and lecture rooms, as well as office space for a fellow-in-residence and for the program's administrative staff.[14][15] The building is a gift from Steven A. Denning, chair of the school's Board of Trustees, and his wife, Roberta Bowman Denning, chair of the Arts Advisory Board and the Humanities & Science Council.[15]

• Clarendon Scholarship
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship
• Churchill Scholarship
• Harry S. Truman Scholarship
• Marshall Scholarship
• Rhodes Scholarship
• Schwarzman Scholars
• Jardine Scholarship
• Yenching Scholarship
• German Academic Scholarship Foundation
• Schulich Leader Scholarships

• Official website