IES Abroad is saddened to announce the passing of IES Abroad founder, Paul Koutny (1926-2013). If you would like to make a gift in Paul’s memory [1], please select the Paul and Brita Koutny Founders Scholarship on the online giving form.

Read more about Paul's Legacy. [2]

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The Paul and Brita Koutny Founders Scholarship was imagined and spearheaded by three Vienna ’57 and ’58 program alumni—William Maroney, William Storch and John Wise. They respectfully present the scholarship on behalf of their entire class.

Paul’s story is nothing short of inspiring. In 1950, the young Austrian was so taken by his own study abroad experience at St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota, that he decided to start his own program. Paul collaborated with Indiana couple Clarence and Alberta Giese to bring the first group of 23 U.S. college students to Vienna, building the foundation of what would become today’s IES Abroad.

IES Abroad is looking to raise $50,000 for The Paul and Brita Koutny Founders Scholarship. When the scholarship is fully funded, it will be awarded to need-based students annually and will be valid for any IES Abroad program worldwide.

Make a gift today [4] to honor the legacy of Paul and Brita Kounty and provide scholarships for IES Abroad students. Select the All Centers, Koutny Scholarship on the online giving form when indicating how you would like your gift used.