Doris Kennedy immigrated to the United States with her sisters and parents during World War II. Her family was considered to be affluent at the time and Doris was fortunate to be exposed to the Arts at a very young age both in Europe and the United States. This became the foundation for her life long passion and career in the Arts.

In her many years in education and working for Hunter College, CUNY, Doris witnessed the transformation of the College from a “gifted girls” only school where female students were trained to be teachers, to one which admitted male students and one with advanced programs. Doris was proud of the role she had in the College’s success and when she retired from the College in 1991, she held the title of Professor Emeritus and was the Chairman-Elect, Department of the Arts.

Throughout her career, Doris challenged others to be thinkers and to live with passion. She would say “that you should never stop digging” and “always strive to reach beyond your potential.” Being a champion of lifelong learning, she believed that an education was key to you achieving your life long goals.

The Doris Kennedy Education Foundation (DKEF) was established with these beliefs in mind, and in her memory, to provide scholarship awards to others giving them the same opportunity Doris had to pursue an education and develop their passion for the Arts.