The Ridgway F. Shinn, Jr. Study Abroad Fund, maintained by the Rhode Island College Foundation, provides income to support undergraduate students in planned study outside the United States. Established in the 1987-88 academic year by Ridgway F. Shinn, Jr. through the generous support of many of his friends, colleagues, and former students, this fund marked his retirement from 29 years of service at the College. During those years he was professor of history, the first chair of the Department of History, the first dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and vice president for Academic Affairs.

He always hoped that undergraduates might have the opportunity to study and live outside of the United States for a period of time as a way to expand their learning. The Study Abroad Fund is helping that hope become reality!