KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – Keene State College has announced a significant donation from Jan and Rick Cohen, leading to the creation of the Cohen Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

This new institute will expand upon the work of the existing Cohen Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, making it the only institute of its kind in northern New England, according to a news release from the college.

The institute will continue the Cohen Center’s 40-year legacy, building on its role as an academic resource while offering a broader scope of research and educational opportunities, the release said. It will have expanded offerings, including internships, fellowships, and research opportunities for students. The institute will also bring together global experts for research and teaching, significantly increasing its impact beyond the Keene State campus.

The Cohens’ donation ensures the long-term viability of important programs, including the Holocaust Memorial Lecture and the Genocide Awareness Lecture, which have become cornerstones of the Cohen Center’s work. The institute will offer new support for local educators and initiatives like a Youth Leadership Institute.

Keene State College has been at the forefront of Holocaust and genocide education, offering one of the few undergraduate majors in the field since 2009 and recently expanding to include graduate programs. The new institute, though distinct from the academic program, will collaborate closely with the Holocaust and Genocide Studies department to further enrich educational experiences.