A Kansas University alumnus has donated $1.6 million to KU to support scholarships for a German study abroad program.

Carl Krehbiel, who graduated in 1970 with a degree in Germanic languages and international relations, established an endowed fund that will support an estimated 15 new scholarships, said William Keel, professor and chairman of KU’s department of Germanic languages and literatures.

KU has two eight-week summer language institutes that will benefit from the gift, one in Eutin, Lawrence’s sister city, and another in Holzkirchen, about 20 miles south of Munich.

Keel said he was pleased to be able to offer more students the ability to go on the trips, which can enhance their understanding of the language and culture.

“When you go abroad, it’s kind of like taking the blinders off you have living here in the United States,” he said.

The scholarships will be primarily merit-based, Keel said.

Krehbiel, a Vietnam War veteran and Green Beret, served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, and took over the family business, Moundridge Telephone Co., following the death of his father.

He has donated to KU in the past, and has a scholarship hall on campus named after him.

“It was a great experience, not only to be exposed to the language, but also the culture and travel. … I’m sure a few students will find it the life-changing experience I did and might continue their study of languages or foreign relations,” Krehbiel said in a written statement.