The Dutch Student Grant of Excellence in Memory of Kersen J. De Jong
The Dutch Student Grant of Excellence is awarded each year to a graduate student for outstanding performance and entrepreneurship. The grant will assist the student to apply for a J-1 Visa to obtain an internship in the United States.
Reasons to enter:
– Hone your skills and strengthen your English language abilities
– Connect with Americans, and learn more about the United States
Mr. Kersen J. De Jong
Mr. Kersen J. De Jong became the Managing Director of The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in the United States in the early seventies and expanded offices around the US. He was a consummate networker who helped a variety of Dutch companies venture into the US markets. He hired many Dutch interns which was the start of a long track record of helping and mentoring young people.
At age 26, Kersen lost both legs in an accident on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With his tremendous determination, he was quickly walking again on prosthetic legs just 8 weeks after the accident. He has done so for over 39 years. Kersen J. De Jong passed away February 17, 2016 while vacationing in Hawaii.
Mr. De Jong will be remembered for his remarkable tenacity, energy, passion for living and most of all his business acumen. He was a strong soul who believed he could make the world around him a better place and took it upon himself to do so with a lasting impact on the communities he served.