33rd Annual Foundation Link Evening

Ambassadorial Scholarships (founded 1947) is the oldest program of the Rotary Foundation and probably the best-known. Since 1947, nearly 38,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. Nearly 800 scholarships were awarded for study in 2005-2006. Through grants totaling approximately $500 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 70 nations.

The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship programme ends this year. Beginning in 2013-14, The Rotary Foundation will continue to offer scholarship opportunities through  a new grant structure which promises to give Rotarians greater flexibility in sponsoring the next generation of leaders. 

Each year, our District has held a Foundation Link evening ‘linking’ Ambassadorial Scholars with Rotary clubs where scholars (past and present) give a presentation of their experiences and personal development to those who gather for the occasion.  This years event, which was District’s 1220  33^rd Annual Foundation Link Evening at Mansfield Civic Centre was perhaps, the last of a kind due to  the change taking place regarding Rotary scholarships.

A surprise inclusion into the evenings programme was the presentation of Rotary International’s ‘Service above Self’ award to Past District Governor Val Leivers.  Val is an inspiration Rotarian, who along with her husband Terry, has truly upholds Rotary values. 

This is the highest honour within Rotary  and as Rotary’s highest honour for individual Rotarians, this award recognizes up to 150 Rotarians annually who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, with an emphasis on personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary.

With the changes that are taking place within the structures of Rotary Foundation, all past District Foundation Chairs were mentioned and tribute was paid to their grand effects.

PDG Val with her Service above Self  award

District 1220 Foundation Chairmen 1979-2013

Rotary scholars past and present with Colin Slater MBE

The main part of the programme was BBC reporter (and honourary Rotarian) Colin Slater MBE interviewing Rotary scholars past and present.