RIT Kosovo’s Annual Gala in New York - An Evening of Inspiration and Support for Student Scholarships

December 12, 2024

RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) hosted its annual gala, “Support Kosova’s Next Success Story,” at the Russian Tea Room in New York City, bringing together distinguished members of the Albanian American diaspora, philanthropists, community leaders, and supporters united in their commitment to raising funds for student scholarships. Mr. Michael Hess, Chair of the RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) Board of Trustees, welcomed the guests and introduced an impressive lineup of speakers, emphasizing the importance of investing in the next generation of leaders from Kosova and beyond.

The event’s keynote speaker, Ms. Emina Cunmulaj Nazarian, Honorary Consul of Albania to Florida and Founder of Emina's Hand Foundation, shared a powerful message about the transformative power of education and our shared responsibility to give back. She stated:

“Education is power. Education is change. But for many, education is still just a dream. We need to help ensure that every talented, determined student has the opportunity to succeed.”

In a remarkable demonstration of leadership and generosity, Ms. Cunmulaj Nazarian announced that, through her Emina’s Hand Foundation, she will provide an annual scholarship for a girl from a rural Albanian-speaking area to pursue a high-quality American education at RIT Kosovo. This initiative further underscores her commitment to empowering youth through education.

Speaking on behalf of the Biberaj Family Foundation Inc., Mr. Ken Biberaj emphasized the importance of investing in young people and reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting RIT Kosovo and its students. Dr. Kamal Shahrabi, President of RIT Kosovo, highlighted the university’s achievements and its vision for the future, underscoring RIT Kosovo’s role as a leader in academic excellence not only in Kosova but also in the region. He stated: “Every dollar raised tonight directly impacts the lives of our students, opening doors to opportunities that will shape their futures.”

Mr. Përparim Rama, Mayor of Prishtina, delivered remarks about the importance of giving back during his speech at the event. He emphasized: “The more you give, the more you get. I want you to donate as much as you can for all the students today and for future students who will make the world a better place.” Mayor Rama also announced the generous donation from Mr. Jim Xhema, a leading Albanian American activist and philanthropist. Mr. Xhema’s unwavering commitment to supporting the development of young talents in Kosova has made a lasting impact, paving the way for future generations to contribute to their communities' growth.

Gashi, a globally renowned Albanian artist from Kosova, also attended the event and shared a heartfelt message about the importance of remembering one’s roots and finding ways to give back.

As part of the program, the President of the EFIAF, Stephen Dickman and renowned architect, Lee Skolnick, presented the concept for the Ellen Frank Center for Art and Social Justice project, to be established at RIT Kosovo in partnership with the Ellen Frank Illumination Arts Foundation (EFIAF). To learn more about this initiative and ways how you can contribute, follow this link.

Thanks to the generosity of our guests and sponsors, we raised close to $150,000 in support of our Scholarship Fund. Since approximately 65% of students rely on scholarships for their studies at RIT Kosovo (A.U.K), donor support remains essential.

A massive Thank You to our supporters for their generosity and commitment to education:

Diamond Sponsor
Emina Cunmulaj Nazarian

Platinum Sponsor
Jim Xhema
ISA Consulting Group
Biberaj Foundation Inc.

Silver Sponsors
Zagragja & Associates
Rochester Institute of Technology
Nancy Y. Bekavac
Elvin Guri

Media Sponsor
Fadil Berisha Photography

A key part of the evening’s fundraising efforts was the Silent Auction, which featured a diverse range of items donated by talented local artisans, creators, and painters. A big thank you to:

Dhe by Granita
Achaos Atelier
Edona Blakaj
Markel Capo
Bese Studio

RIT Kosovo extends its gratitude to all attendees, sponsors, and donors for their unwavering support. Together, we continue to empower students and strengthen our community.

About RIT Kosovo (A.U.K)
RIT Kosovo (A.U.K) is a private, nonprofit higher education institution offering an American degree curriculum in Kosovo. As a global campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology, it is dedicated to developing leaders who are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

For more information about RIT Kosovo or to support its scholarship fund, visit https://www.rit.edu/kosovo/.