Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond smiles as he talks to Chancellor Kristin Sobolik before a reception recognizing students who studied abroad through the Bond International Scholars Program in 2023. Bond died Tuesday at the age of 86. The scholarship program is one part of his legacy. (Photos by Derik Holtmann)

Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond made an indelible mark on the lives of Missourians throughout more than 40 years in public office, including as the youngest person ever elected governor of the state in 1973 and as someone who served four terms representing Missouri in the United States Senate.

It’s hard to know where he had the greatest impact during his time in public life. But Bond, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 86, was clear he wanted a big part of his legacy to be encouraging young people from across the state to travel abroad and become global citizens.

Retired Gov. and Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond (center) stands with a group of Bond International Scholars at a reception in the Millennium Student Center in November 2023.

In 2018, Bond established the Bond International Scholars program, which has provided study abroad scholarships to dozens of students from the University of Missouri–St. Louis as well as the University of Missouri–Columbia in the years since.

“I’ve made it my cause to talk and find a way to encourage more young people from Missouri – from UMSL and Mizzou – to travel abroad,” Bond said in impromptu remarks at a reception recognizing Bond Scholars held in November 2023 at UMSL’s Millennium Student Center. “I think not only are these young people gaining a much better understanding and probably much more successful business life, but they’re doing so much for our state, our community and the nation as a whole.”

The scholarship program has supported more than 60 students from either UMSL or MU as they’ve studied abroad since its founding, and the students have had the chance to immerse themselves in new cultures in at least 24 countries across Central and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Chancellor Kristin Sobolik shows Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond a map of where Bond International Scholars have studied abroad since the program was launched in 2018.

“Senator Bond’s vision for a more globally connected population is being realized through the Bond International Scholars Program,” UMSL Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said. “He was a forward thinker who recognized the importance of creating a global citizenry, ready to meet the challenges of the future. We remain grateful for his leadership and advocacy, which have and will continue to enhance the educational experience of our students.

“Those who’ve participated in study abroad opportunities with his help will carry that with them throughout the rest of their lives and share that message with others.”