We are pleased to provide an update on the National Defence Academy of Georgia’s Rumsfeld Stipend and its recipients. Established in 2022 by the Georgian alumni of our CAMCA Fellowship Program, the Rumsfeld Stipend supports outstanding cadets at the National Defence Academy in Georgia – recognizing them as rising leaders and providing them with mentorship, international exposure and access to new educational opportunities. For those that haven’t already, be sure to read our initial blog post on the founding of the Rumsfeld Auditorium and Stipend titled, “A Friend of Georgia: Rumsfeld’s Lasting Legacy.” (Pictured above: Cadets with Georgian Fellows at the 2023 CAMCA Regional Forum in Almaty.)
Honoring Secretary Rumsfeld’s commitment to U.S.-Georgia cooperation, the Rumsfeld Stipend has now supported 21 exceptional cadets at the National Defence Academy of Georgia. Since being selected to receive their stipends, these cadets have been able to pursue unique educational opportunities and connect with prominent leaders across the broader CAMCA region.
One standout recipient, Nata Gvalia, reflected on the personal and professional impact of her stipend noting, "During my studies at the National Defence Academy, the Rumsfeld Stipend became a profound source of inspiration for me. Achieving success through hard work and receiving recognition for it is deeply meaningful at this crucial stage in my life. Thanks to the Georgian Rumsfeld Fellows and the Rumsfeld Foundation, I had the invaluable opportunity to attend the 2023 CAMCA Regional Forum in Almaty. The chance to meet and engage with professionals from diverse countries and fields significantly broadened my horizons as a young person, enhancing my opportunities for new connections and knowledge exchanges."
Organized through the initiative of the Georgian CAMCA Fellowship alumni, the Rumsfeld Stipend seeks not only to support the education of Georgia’s future military leaders, but also to forge and strengthen important partnerships between the United States and Georgia. Thanks to key Georgian supporters such as the Adjara Group, Wondernet Express Investment Group and the David Bezhuashvili Education Foundation, the Rumsfeld Stipend has also merged diverse societal and commercial interests, ensuring that military and defense education remains a Georgian national priority.
The continued success of the stipend program highlights the enduring legacy of Secretary Rumsfeld’s vision of intraregional cooperation and the continued advancement of U.S.-Georgia relations. While cultivating a rising generation of military leaders, the Rumsfeld Stipend promotes bilateral partnership and the importance of Georgian sovereignty and national security. Building off a second successful year, the Rumsfeld Stipend looks forward to continuing to support Academy cadets and contributing to the possibilities and promise of Georgia’s future for many years to come.
The Foundation remains immensely grateful to our Georgian CAMCA Fellowship alumni for spearheading this thoughtful initiative in honor of Secretary Rumsfeld and continuing to dedicate extensive time and energy to its success. We also greatly appreciate the generous sponsors who have supported this vision of our Fellows and invested in the futures of these promising cadets.
As of Spring 2024, an impressive collection of over 30 Georgian Fellows have participated in the CAMCA Fellowship Program – learn more about the program here.