Inspired by the legacy of Danes Inger and Jens Bruun, the Scan Design Foundation programs at the University of Washington build and encourage the relationship between the US and Denmark. As the founders of Scan Design Furniture Inc., Inger and Jens brought Danish interns to Seattle to work in the furniture store and live in their home. Working closely with New York based American-Scandinavian Foundation to identify interns and secure visas, they developed a long-standing and highly effective relationship. Between 1971-2001 they brought 147 Danish trainees to Seattle, and the Foundation continues their legacy by supporting a wide variety of student exchange programs between the two countries.
Kathryn Merlino
The Scan Design Foundation (SDF) was awarded UW Presidential Laureate status for their generosity over the years totaling more than $10M and encompassing programs within the College of Built Environments, the College of the Environment, the College of Arts & Sciences, and UW Medicine. Since 2005 the foundation has supported fellowships, internships, numerous faculty-led summer programs, and studios for students across UW, along with an exchange program to study at Danish universities.