You’ve heard of them. But what do you know about Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships?

     Founded in 1947, the Ambassadorial Scholars program is the oldest and perhaps best known activity of the Rotary Foundation. Focusing on academic excellence, personal diplomacy and humanitarian service, the program has sent more than 40,000 men and women from about 100 nations to study abroad. It is one of the largest privately funded international scholarships programs. Alumni include former Federal Reserve Chairman, Paul Volcker, former Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Philip Lader, and Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic, Roger Ebert.

      This year, more than 500 university students from 29 countries have been selected to study abroad as Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholars. Designed to bridge cultures and to encourage goodwill, Ambassadorial Scholarships represent on of the many ways Rotary promotes world peace and understanding.

      Ambassadorial Scholarships fund studies abroad for undergraduate and graduate students and qualified professionals pursuing vocational education. While abroad, Ambassadorial Scholars participate in community service projects and give presentations about their homelands to host nation Rotary clubs, schools, civic organizations and other groups. Upon returning home, they share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.

      As you may have guessed, that is why our special guest this week is visiting the Rotary Club of Edmond. For the last two years, Lane Perry has been a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in Christchurch, New Zealand. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Edmond and hosted by the Papanui Rotary Club of Christchurch, Lane and his wife, April, have been studying at the University of Canterbury, where they have been working towards their Ph.D.s in Higher Education.

      Please welcome returning Ambassadorial Scholar Lane Perry to the Rotary Club of Edmond.

Andy