In a world increasingly connected, our challenges are increasingly global. Less and less frequently do we solve complex problems exclusively within literal or descriptive borders. As Rotarians, we are committed to developing changemakers with global perspectives so they can become capable problem-solvers in places all over the globe where their leadership is needed. This requires advanced learning, practical experience, and cultural understanding. Rotary’s Global Scholarship program provides exactly this. When we support global scholarship, we help sustain the life-changing mission of Rotary.
In District 6290, the Global Scholarship program, through its 7-member committee, supports mission-driven individuals in overseas graduate study (Master, Doctorate) related to one of Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus. Each Global Scholar receives $30K per year, for up to four years. In addition to their studies, D6290 Global Scholars design and execute a sustainable project meeting an identified need within their host (overseas) Rotary community.
This academic year, our district is proud to be supporting two Global Scholars. Abigail Austin, of Allendale, MI, graduated in June from Grand Valley State University and its acclaimed Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy, a program to which she was invited by faculty and for which she served as a student leader. She is in Ireland, pursuing a 1-year Masters Degree in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice at Queen’s University Belfast, where she plans to focus on the use of literacy as a perspective-building tool for elementary students and their families. Abigail seeks to make impactful inroads in peace building and conflict prevention through early intervention in communities with a history of religious and cultural struggle. Sully Grantz, of Caledonia, MI, is a graduate of Central Michigan University (Business Administration) and Georgetown University (Master of International Development Policy). After serving in the Marine Corps in Afghanistan, Sully supported conflict prevention and resolution initiatives in Europe and Africa. Now at the University of Oxford in England, where he is pursuing a 1-year Masters Degree in Diplomatic Studies, he had been serving as a Desk Officer, Political-Military Officer, and Economic Officer in several African countries for the Department of State. Sully has been an advisor to the US Embassy in Cote D’Ivoire and the US Ambassador of Cameroon. In 2021, amid COVID supply chain challenges, he managed the stockpile of Malaria products in Belgium to include allocation and release to eight African nations.
Our efforts to build globally-minded leaders and changemakers like Abigail and Sully are not only a reflection of Rotary’s commitment to serve others but also an investment in sharing its values, mission, and service.
Rotary Global Scholarships are made possible through D6290’s designated funds from The Rotary Foundation, which are then matched by the Foundation’s World Fund to multiply our impact. Ultimately, every dollar comes from Rotarians’ generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation. Through these gifts, Rotarians change lives and create peace and positive change around the world.
Please visit the District 6290 Global Scholars webpage or use the QR code below. Reach out to the D6290 Global Scholars Chair, Dr. Rachel Sytsma-Reed (Rotary Club of Charlevoix), at rachel@greatlakescfa.org, with questions or to connect potential candidates to these scholarship opportunities.
Article written by Dr. Rachel Sytsma-Reed, Rotary Club of Charlevoix