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Erasmus Founder Sofia Corradi Dies, Leaving Lasting Legacy

10/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sofia Corradi, founder of the Erasmus program, died in Rome at age 91.
Since its 1987 launch, Erasmus has enabled more than 16 million students to study abroad in Europe.
The idea arose after Corradi's U.S. master's degree was unrecognized in Italy during the Cold War.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and France's minister for European Affairs praised her contributions, noting the impact on generations of young Europeans.

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Story summary

Sofia Corradi, founder of the Erasmus program, died in Rome at age 91.
Since its 1987 launch, Erasmus has enabled more than 16 million students to study abroad in Europe.
The idea arose after Corradi's U.S. master's degree was unrecognized in Italy during the Cold War.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and France's minister for European Affairs praised her contributions, noting the impact on generations of young Europeans.