It is axiomatic that the most effective way to familiarize oneself with the language and culture of another country is to visit and study in that country.

And so it is that the Concordia Singing Society, an organization of German- American citizens founded over a century ago to promote German culture and music, will donate stock certificates worth an estimated $250,000 to establish a scholarship fund that will assist Wayne State University students who wish to study in Germany.

Kurt Hartlieb, president of the Concordia Singing Society Foundation, will present the shares to the university during a 6 p.m. dinner program on Saturday, June 20 at the Lochmoor Club in Grosse Pointe Woods.

The new scholarship, the "Concordia Singing Society Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Study in Germany," will be administered by WSU's German & Slavic studies department.

Founded in 1865 by German-Americans returning from Civil War service in the Union army, the Concordia Singing Society has seen its membership decrease over the years as American society became increasingly mobile.

The group's governing board decided recently to reorganize as a foundation and to place its assets in a scholarship endowment fund with WSU. The move ensures that the society's role in promoting goodwill and knowledge will be continued.

Students selected annually for the scholarship will have an opportunity to visit Germany, where they will study the language, arts and culture of the country.

Scholarship qualification criteria are being developed, according to department Chairman Donald Haase.