Sofia Corradi, Creator of Erasmus Program, Dies

Italian professor Sofia Corradi, known as the 'Mother of Erasmus,' has passed away at the age of 91. She was the creator of the Erasmus student exchange program.

Corradi, a professor of Educational Sciences at Roma Tre University, received a Fulbright scholarship and obtained a master's degree in Law from Columbia University. She was inspired to create the Erasmus program when her American degree was not recognized in Italy.

The Erasmus program began in 1987, and since then, approximately 16 million students have participated. It promotes cooperation between universities and higher education institutions across Europe.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Sofia Corradi 'inspired millions of young people.' French President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the 'Mother of Erasmus,' emphasizing that her vision 'continues to build our Europe.'