One of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Europe is the University of Coimbra in Portugal. In 1290, the University received its charter from King Dinis and a Papal ratification from Pope Nicholas IV. Students were able to study Theology, Arts, Law, Canon Law, and Medicine. Initially located in Lisbon, the University would find itself moving between Lisbon and Coimbra several times for political or religious reasons. It was not until the time of King João, in 1537, did the University finally call Coimbra its permanent home.

A centuries old institution will naturally have developed traditions which continue to be carried out to present time. That is no different at the University of Coimbra where the annual rituals dating back centuries include Queima das Fitas or Burning of the Ribbons which takes place each May. A graduation celebration, its one of the biggest organized student parties in Europe and lasts eight days. The celebration culminates in students burning colored ribbons representing their area of study. The University has eight faculties or areas of study, and each one has a traditional color: red for Law, yellow for Medicine, dark blue for Letters, light blue for Sciences and Technology, purple for Pharmacy, red and white for Economics, orange for Psychology and Education, and brown for Sports Sciences.

Another tradition at the University is the donning of black capes and performing of fados through the campus and streets of Coimbra. This unique form of fado is known as the student fado or the fado of Coimbra. The fado is sung by male students and accompanied by a Portuguese guitar called the guitar of Coimbra, a twelve stringed instrument with a deeper sound than its Lisbon counterpart. More often today, the traditional Coimbra fados are performed in scheduled concerts often coinciding with the Queima das Fitas. Also associated with the school is the soccer team Académica, which plays in the top Portuguese Soccer League and was the first winner of the Portuguese Football Cup in 1939.

Presently, the University has 23,000 students, and is one of the leading research centers in Europe with its extensive library, hospital school, astronomical observatory and botanical gardens. The student body comprises over 70 different nationalities. The University is also a member of the Coimbra Group, a group of 40 leading European research universities including Oxford University.

In 1990, seven hundred years after the founding of the University of Coimbra, and across the Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese Foundation was founded, based on the principles of promoting the Portuguese Culture in the State of Connecticut and assisting students of Portuguese ancestry in their quest to achieve a higher education. The Foundation, too, has established a tradition. Each spring the Foundation hosts a scholarship banquet in which we celebrate the achievement of these extraordinary students. This year marks the Foundation's 15th year in handing out scholarships to worthy students from throughout Connecticut, and in that time span, we have given $162,500.00 in scholarship awards. The Foundation's ability to help these students comes from the talent and hard work of its board of directors, guiding members, and most importantly, from the generosity of individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations who have kindly supported our efforts through the years. The Foundation is grateful to its supporters and, like the students of the University of Coimbra, looks forward to each spring to celebrating the achievements of higher education.

For students, spring brings about another tradition, be it graduation or simply surviving exams, it is a time to celebrate another year of achievement. To our scholarship winners, the Foundation extends a hearty parabens on a job well done and wishes continued success in your studies and careers of choice. Remember the Foundation and come back to visit us. You will know where to find us every spring: celebrating the achievements of talented students of Portuguese heritage.