West Virginia University graduate Sarah Perry, of Morgantown, has been awarded the 2010-11 Rotary International District 7530 Ambassadorial Scholarship for one year of academic study in another country.
Perry, who is sponsored by the Morgantown Rotary Club, graduated in May with a degree in business administration. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in international marketing at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Valued at a maximum level of $25,000, the award covers round-trip transportation, tuition and fees, room and board, intensive-language training, if needed, and necessary educational supplies for one year. Designed to promote and strengthen international understanding and goodwill, the scholarship gives students the opportunity to study abroad in more than 80 nations.
As an elected member to the Student Government Association’s Board of Governors, Perry served on numerous campus committees, and promoted community service and leadership. She was also active in the WVU Marketing Club and Campus Crusade for Christ.
Perry was one of two students from the district to receive the scholarship. She joins Saint Mary’s native Meaghan Cochrane, who graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College.
“I am delighted that we are sending them,” said Ranjit Majumder, district governor. “Not only will they be great ambassadors promoting world peace, but after their return, they will broaden our understanding of the world.”
While abroad, Ambassadorial Scholars participate in service projects and speak to Rotary clubs, schools, civic organizations and other forums, where they act as “ambassadors of goodwill.” Upon their return to the United States, they speak about their experiences and their host countries to local Rotary clubs.
Approximately 700 ambassadorial scholarships are awarded around the world each year by the Rotary Foundation. Founded in 1947, today it is the world’s largest privately funded international scholarships program. The program has sponsored more than 40,000 Rotary Scholars since its inception.
“We are wishing both Sarah and Meaghan great journeys and are confident in their abilities to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas,” Majumder said.
Students who are either from, or studying in, the 29 West Virginia counties which comprise District 7530 are eligible to apply. District 7530 includes: Barbour, Braxton, Brooke, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Lewis, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Pleasants, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt and Wood.
-WVU-
fb/07/27/10
CONTACT: Frances Bennett, Rotary International District 7530
304-293-6199, Fran.Bennett@mail.wvu.edu