Academic and research achievements aside, it is ISET’s community spirit that prompts alumni and visiting professors to recall their time at the institute fondly, and which also continues to attract BA and MA students hoping to become a part of the ISET family.

This week witnessed a strong display of this vaunted esprit de corps when David Tsirekidze, an ISET alumnus of the Class of 2011, decided to award merit-based scholarships to six of ISET's MA students with the best academic achievements. Roy Southworth, a member of ISET's Governing Board and a long-time supporter of the organization, did one-on-one matching with the money donated by Davit Tsirekidze and the hard-working recipients.

David’s generosity stems from his gratitude for the help and support that he, as a student from Kutaisi, was given during his own studies. As a result, Beka Gurgenidze, a 2nd-year student, and 1st-year students Daviti Kajaia, Shota Natenadze, Mariam Surmava, Tatia Tsiramua, and Tsiala Tsulaya, have all received financial support in the form of David’s scholarship.

David Tsirekidze is one of many successful ISET Alumni. After completing his ISET MA, he earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and now works for Edgeworth Economics, one of the most prominent consulting companies in Washington D.C.

It can be hoped that David’s kindness will set something of a precedent; ISET’s community bonds will only grow stronger if the old will support the new in such a tangible fashion.