Global Scholars 2022/23 Addresses

2022/23 Global Scholars Odalis Alvarado and Marisa Terry addressed Club meetings with interesting and detailed expositions of their background, studies, interests and future plans. Both addresses, peppered with infectious enthusiasm, were greatly appreciated.

Odalis Alvarado Address

Odalis thanking for the opportunity to study here for her Masters in Education revealed:

she was born and raised in Bryan, Texas and is the middle child of 7; her parents were from poor backgrounds in Mexico and moved to the USA to pursue "the American Dream
she had a humble childhood and in her teenage years was grew up in an environment of crime and violence which greatly impacted her so, as her parents had greatly stressed the importance of education, she focused on her schooling and achieved excellent grades
she applied to attend one of the most prestigious High Schools in the State of Texas - Bryan Collegiate which helped her escape reality and focus on her education and without it she maintained she would not have made it this far
she studied Political Science and Criminal Justice for her Undergraduate Degree at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville; while studying she became a Correctional Officer in charge of monitoring 150 male inmates in the State prison (which was the scariest eye-opening thing she had ever done!); this experience led her to want to know why criminals commit crimes and, as the inmates were mainly uneducated and drop-outs, she wondered if there was a correlation between crime and education
she made her 1st international trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to work with Special Needs children in the Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Hospital and at a local school, this was difficult as she did not speak Vietnamese and had to communicate by sign language
she graduated at the age of 20 and went to Taiwan to teach and encountering the same language issues started to learn Mandarin (which is now her 3rd language as she is nearly fluent); she was very happy there and fell in love with a local!
however she left Taiwan to pursue her education to study for a Masters in Public Administration in University of North Texas and applied for the Rotary Scholarship as she wanted to study Education for her 2nd Masters at Queens
she has recently submitted an application for a Fulbright Scholarship as an Assistant Teacher in Taiwan and hopes to settle there
her long-term career goal is to work for UNESCO

Marisa Terry advised she will be studying for her Masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development and revealed:

she grew up in Lacey and Lakewood, Washington State and graduated from Bellarmine, Tacoma in 2018
as she was particularly interested in Social Justice and environmental issues, she studied for a BA in International Studies (Diplomacy) at Louisiana State University and has recently graduated
whilst there she worked with students from local schools on various service projects and most interestingly at a domestic violence help centre
needing more specialisation, as her main interest lay in the effects of coastal erosion, she realised she would have to study outside of the USA
realising it was a perfect fit for her to pursue her education in partnership with a service organisation she successfully applied for a Rotary Scholarship through her local Rotary Club in Lakewood to study for an MSc. Leadership for Sustainable Development
it is an all-encompassing course covering environmental, social, economic and political issues and she will be looking at, in particular, how coastal erosion affects people who live in coastal areas.

Global Scholars 21/22 Addresses

Rania Lewis Address

Rania in her address, highlighting her enjoyment being in NI, revealed:

she was born and raised in Austin, Texas and has always lived in the same house with her parents and 2 years younger brother
both her parents are from Morocco, she is a "dog mum" to an 8½ years old German Shepherd and is an avid linguaphile and traveller
she went to University in Austin and, as her parents as immigrants could not afford to, she is the first in her family to be a college student; she studied 2 majors - International Business and Business Administration - and was 1 of 10 recipients of a Presidential Award; she was a member of the Student Government and as a Student Ambassador welcomed 1000s of students
she revealed that her parents claim she never rests and as an undergraduate was notable for working on laws (which were passed) to improve the lives of others - picture right shows her testifying before the Committee of Elections and right meeting the former basketball player Dirk Nowitzki who is 7' tall!
since she arrived in Belfast, apart from all the immense reading for her dissertation, she has been meeting with current and former Global Grant Scholars learning all about Belfast, getting connected with local Clubs, having Gaelic lessons with fellow peers, traveling around with friends having been in Dublin and will be spending the weekend in Downpatrick and finding how different Guinness tastes here than in Texas

Rania concluded that the Global Grant Scholarship has changed her life and she hopes to maintain her involvement with Rotary and go to Law School in Austin hoping to put her experience to good use; her career goal is to be a Political Officer at the UN

Allie Linzing Address

In her address Allie highlighted she had always had a passion for education and wished to see that all children can get access to education that meets their needs. In particular she noted:

she came from Arlington Heights near Highland Park, Chicago
she had volunteered at school especially with Interact but hadn't realised the relationship with Rotary!
had studied for a degree in Special Education at the University of Illinois
she then spent a very eye-opening and formative time in Madrid teaching, enjoying the people and culture and travelling to 7 other capitals/countries; this huge experience was capped with earning certificates in bi-lingual education and Spanish and learning the different approach to special needs in Spain
with the onset of the pandemic she returned to the USA and began teaching in Cool Stream which highlighted the home life of students and technology inequalities
the experience crystallised that she wanted to pursue helping children who have difficulty keeping up and she came across the Inclusion and Special Needs study at QUB which she described as "perfect for me" and which she is greatly enjoying
after she qualifies she wants to go back to teaching, either formally or in the area of policy, help as many children as possible and ensure all get access to education

Concluding, she stressed her thanks for the support of Rotary which was fundamental to her being here and she could not have done this without it; she was also excited to join with Rotary which, she noted, shares her passion for education as one of its Areas of Focus.

Global Grant Scholars

The Club has been an active supporter of Rotary's Foundation Scholarships and annually hosts scholars studying in Belfast.

The Global Grant Scholarship Programme replaced Ambassadorial Scholarships in 2013.

During their time spent with us the Club is delighted to welcome the Scholars to our weekly meetings and events and they are active participants with Rotaract.

Global Grant Scholars hosted by the Club:

2025/26
2022/23
2021/22
2020/21
2019/20
2018/19
2017/18
2016/17
2015/16
2014/15

The Club is delighted to be again hosting 2 global scholars while they are studying at Queens University during 2025/26. Hannah Ferguson (pictured left) is being supported by Rotary Club of Westwood Village, Los Angeles and hosted by Rotary Club of Newtownabbey and the Club is hosting Lydia Kim who is being sponsored by Charlottesville Rotary Club, Virginia. They were introduced to the Club 03 November when they spoke impressively about their backgrounds, studies and hopes and plans for the future.

Hannah advised she has been living in New York City (NYC) for the last 5 years but grew up in Connecticut, her family relocated to Colorado and she did her undergrad degree in California! The pictures right from her powerpoint show her family and one of the beaches in Connecticut where she grew up. She revealed she had been greatly impacted by the flooding of her house during a super storm in 2013, they were very lucky as it only took 2 years to rebuild but this helped pave the road to where she is today. She became greatly interested in art, dance, reading and knitting and after High School she studied dance and English in UCLA, and became involved with the Westwood Village and Rotary community. After graduating she was involved with students through the UCLA Alumni Mentorship Program and UCLA Extension Student Conduct Committee. She moved to NYC and had worked in the important area of fundraising initially for the School of American Ballet - the training Academy for young dancers and then World Monuments Fund which does heritage conservation at more than 700 sites in 112 countries, which she finds particularly meaningful having been through her own rebuilding and what it means for closure, stability and moving on. At Queens she is pursuing a Masters in Conflict Transformation and Social Justice which is an Interdisciplinary Program covering Law, History, Philosophy, Sociology and the Creative Arts which she considers is a perfect fit for her. It has a myriad of broad-spectrum courses such as Cultural Policy, Global Political Economy and Comparative Human Rights and her thesis will consider how to fund peacebuilding projects sustainably and contextualised by region/country. In the future Continuing to support funding peace projects globally with a focus on sustainability of the projects in particular fundraising education for peace builders.

Lydia revealed she was recently working for 7 months in North Carolina. Her background is marketing but her academic interests have always been very different. She attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville studying Global Commerce in Culture and society (which was a mix of anthropology and politics as it covered how human systems work and different individuals interact with each other in the context of history and culture) and Environmental Thought in Practice which she is most passionate and excited about as it concerns sustainability and how to protect the environment. She revealed she is particularly concerned with the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of those (particularly women) working/living in coastal communities when so many small island nations are disappearing under water as well as poverty alleviation and understanding the inequalities that come from the environment. Lydia highlighted she is passionate about academia and knew she wanted to continue research. This led her to choose a Masters Degree at QUB in Global Security and Borders (in the same School as Hannah). She revealed she is really enjoying it and will study coastal communities impacted by climate change the frameworks need to be in place to address inequalities and create sustainable development which is her thesis topic.

Both Scholars highlighted how impressed they are at the hospitality they have received and how generous people have been of their time to go out of their way help or be a friend and how both courses are unique and perfect for them and we look forward to seeing them at the Club during their time here.
The Club was delighted to host Global Scholars Odalis Alvarado and Marisa Terry while they were studying at Queens University during 2025/26. Odalis was sponsored by the Grapevine Rotary Club, District 5790, Texas and Marisa (far right) by Lakewood Rotary Club, District 5020, Washington.

Shortly after they arrived in Belfast Odalis and Marisa addressed Club meetings with interesting and detailed expositions of their background, studies, interests and future plans and both addresses, peppered with infectious enthusiasm, were greatly appreciated - more here.

They have since been actively involved with Rotaract and have attended some Club meetings.

At the end of May Past Presidents Bryan Johnston and Alan Rundle met up with Odalise to wish her farewell as she was leaving Belfast to return home to Texas before travelling on to Taiwan. They presented her with some mementos of Belfast and she thanked them and the Club profusely for all that had been done for her. We wish her well for the future.
The Club were delighted to welcome 2 Global Scholars for the 2021/22 year - Allie Linzing and Rania Lewis (far right) whilst they were studying at Queens.

Rania from Austin, Texas was studying for a Masters in Conflict Transformation & Social Justice at Queen's University and Allie Linzing from Highland Park, Illinois studying for a Masters in Education for Special Needs Children.

The Club were delighted to welcome them regularly to Club meetings both on zoom and hybrid at the Europa. In October 2021 they spoke at a Club meeting with interesting and detailed expositions of their background, studies, interests and future plans. Both scholars spoke extremely well holding the rapt attention of members with addresses peppered with infectious enthusiasm.

At the end of the year Rania continued her studies in Belfast; Allie on her last visit to the Club, Monday 04 July before returning to Chicago, noted she had been interested in Mitchell House and, thanking the Club for the support, noted it had provided amazing opportunities and that had it been great to be involved with Rotaract.

The Club wish them well in their future careers.

Their addresses can be read here
The Club was delighted to welcome 2 Global Scholars studying Conflict Resolution in Queens during the 2020/21 year. Leena Hornlein from Gilbert, a town in Maricopa County, Arizona sponsored by Gilbert Rotary Club and Natasha Oviedo (right) from Sierra Madre, a city in Los Angeles County, California sponsored by Rotary in Sierra Madre Rotary Club.

Sadly due to Covid restrictions we were unable to meet them in person, but they have been regular attendees at Club zoom meetings and the Club are very grateful for their input in preparations for this year’s online TABU Programme.

Natasha Oviedo spent the whole Academic Year in Belfast and, intent to be involved with the community, was actively involved with the Rotaract Club and the Horn of Africa People's Aid NI providing refurbished laptops to refugees in NI.

Leena Hornlein, returned to the USA during the year to continue her studies even more remotely but returned to Belfast at the end of the academic year. Before finally returning to the USA she exchanged banners with Immediate Past President Karen Blair.

In their address to the Club Monday 25 January 2021 Leena and Natasha gave a highly detailed exposition of their backgrounds, study, interests and future plans speaking extremely well holding the rapt attention of members with addresses peppered with infectious enthusiasm. They highlighted their enjoyment being in NI and answered as many questions as the time allowed.

Leena from Gilbert, a town in Maricopa County, Arizona (where she is currently) took her undergraduate degree at the University of Wyoming. She revealed her professor had been a profound influence engendering an interest in post-conflict resolution and one of her classes featured a lecturer from QUB. She highlighted the broad scope of her Semester modules and classes at QUB and advised she was particularly interested in museum policies, indigenous identities quantitative studies. She noted that online studies pose challenges particularly for group discussions, but she was enjoying her experiences, Rotaract friendships and service projects and was looking forward to her imminent return to Belfast when she hopes to fulfil her bucket list seeing more of places in Ireland. She hopes in the future to follow a quantitative research career with a post in a non-profit organisation such as the UN, an Environmental Policy Group or working with an indigenous community.

Natasha from Sierra Madre, a city in Los Angeles County, California revealed before undertaking her undergraduate degree in History and Environmental Systems and Society at UCLA lived in Ecuador and spent time at university there. She noted that she has been in Belfast since September and was intent from the beginning to get involved with the community and is actively involved with Horn of Africa People's Aid NI providing of refurbished laptops to refugees in NI, was Interning with the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building, was a volunteer with Mediators beyond Borders International planning the Ecuador 2021 International Peace Congress and, with other Rotaractors in Ireland & the UK, a member of the Rotaract E-Club. She is enjoying her classes and extending her languages. Although open-minded about where her future might lie, she would particularly like to work in International Mediation, felt privileged to be in NI and was very appreciative of the kindness shown.
The Club is delighted to welcome this year’s Global Scholar Anna DeWitt from Wisconsin, USA, sponsored by Appleton Rotary Club. She will be studying for a Masters in Conflict Resolution and Social Justice at QUB and is pictured with President Karen and Past President Bryan Johnston at her first visit to the Club Monday 23 September.

Throughout the year Anna was a frequent visitor to the Club and attended the District Conference.
The Club were delighted to welcome 2 Global Scholars attached to the Club this year whilst studying at University in Belfast. Ciara McHugh from Milwaukee, studying for a PHD at Ulster University and David Mills from South Arkansas studying for a Masters Degree at Queens University. They introduced themselves to the Club on Monday 18 September having arrived just a few days earlier.

In addition, Global Scholar 2016/17 Laney Lennox, who was sponsored by the Rotary Club of South Shreveport, Louisiana and studied for a Masters in Conflict Resolution at QUB, has returned to Belfast to study for a PHD at Queens.

They visited the Club on several occasions and David addressed the Club on 11 March (see below) reflecting on his home state Arkansas (stressing its French influence means it is pronounced Arkansaw!) and thanked the Club for the incredible opportunity to study conflict in Northern Ireland noting he wants to take this work back to the USA and work with Non-Government Organisations to bridge divides developing in the migrant community.

The 3 Scholars took a major part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Seminar held in Belfast 28-31 March organised by the Club. Reporting to the Club (see here) they all expressed their thanks for the opportunity and experience and pointed out some of their highlights. Picture shows from left: Laney Lennox, Ciara McHugh, President Mark, Seminar Organiser Past President Ivan McMinn and Rotarian Veja Olberatova.

On his final visit to the Club before he left for the US Tuesday 21 February, Global Scholar 2018-19 David Mills greatly thanked the Club for making his time here so beneficial and formative of his career ahead and also for the support and encouragement over the last 18 months. He noted that he had gained a lot from doing his Masters in Conflict Transformation and all the experiences he had been given. The Club wish him well in his future career.

Ciara is presently undertaking a PhD at QUB and is likely to be in Belfast for the next 5 years.

David Mills Address to the Club 11 March 2019

In his well-received address David advised that, having been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Sherwood, District 6150, he is in Belfast studying at Queens for a one-year Masters in Conflict Transformation and thanking the Club for hosting him recognises what a great opportunity it is. He has recently had his dissertation looking at how the criminalisation of migrants impacts communities agreed and he wants to take this work back to the USA and work with NGOs to bridge divides developing in the migrant community.

He reflected that he comes from Arkansas - a state in the southern region of the USA home to 3m people bounded on the west by the Ouachita Mountains and the east by the Mississippi alluvial plain and highlighted its many features and interesting facts. Its 5 regions encompass mountains, forests, and many lakes and streams – in fact there are no less than 7 National parks, over 50 State Parks and 2.9 million square acres of National Forests! David grew up in the Ouachita Mountains area and highlighted that it used to be like the Rockies but having eroded is now more like hills. It was the 25^th state to enter the Union in 1836 (its sister State Kansas joining in 1861 - the 34^th state) and its flag, adopted in 1913, is very symbolic – a diamond shape on a red background signifies it was the only diamond-producing state in the USA; the 25 white stars around the diamond represent it was the 25^th state to join the Union; the lone star in the centre represents that Arkansas was a member of the Confederate States during the Civil War and the other three stars represent Spain, France and the United States, countries which ruled Arkansas before it became a state.

The capital is Little Rock and, with a population of around 200,000, is 1/3rd the size of Belfast, he also pointed out many interesting facts about the state – a square dance is the state dance; the shotgun has recently been introduced as the official state gun because the state is known for duck hunting; Hot Springs National Park was in 1832 the first land to be preserved for future recreation. Hot Springs city, where President Bill Clinton grew up; was a winter base for baseball training, had the largest illegal gambling operation in 1961 being neutral territory for gangsters from Chicago and New York, Al Capone maintained a suite in the Arlington Hotel and its St Patrick’s Day Parade along its longest street at 98^ft is the shortest parade in the US!

He concluded that in the city “Hot Springy Dingy” is his family run store selling pottery, costumes and jewellery made by his parents and that as a graduate of Arkansas University, which actually has a live wild boar as its mascot, he has his name written in stone in the sidewalk and, answering questions, he highlighted that the French influence can be seen in its traditions and architecture.
The Club were delighted to welcome Sarah Markley, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who would be studying for an MA in Violence, Terrorism and Security at QUB.

On her 1st visit to the Club September 18 she presented her District Banner to President Rosemary who wished her a happy and successful year. Sarah went to the District Conference and during her time here visited the Club many times bringing her father on November 20.

In her well received address to the Club on her experience in NI, reminding that she comes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she advised Pennsylvania has fairly similar weather (but more snow!) and that while studying for her Degree in History and French she had spent one Semester here 2 years ago. She revealed she had enjoyed it so much she had wanted to come back. She has a broad programme of studies and will be here until September when she will return to the USA.

She highlighted meeting the US Consulate General and attending the District Conference as well as being a delegate at the Living Freedom 3 day Conference in London in March, participating in the IMPACT Social Innovation Challenge partnering with the Turnaround Project and last weekend attending a Good Friday Agreement 20th Anniversary event. She stressed she was loving her time here getting out and about with lots of friends and really appreciates the community spirit and great camaraderie.

Thanking again for her time here and Rotary's input she gave District 7280 pins to members.

On her final farewell visit to the Club Monday 01 October Global Scholar Sarah advised that she had now completed her Masters in Violence, Terrorism and Security at QUB and, noting that she was returning to the US and was looking for a job on Foreign Policy in Washington DC, greatly thanked the Club for her support and encouragement. President Mark stated that the Club was delighted to have her with us during her year here.

Sarah has advised that she has got an Internship in Washington with the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. We wish her every success in her future career.
The Club was delighted to welcome 2 Rotary Global Peace Scholars attached to the Club for the 2016/17 academic year. They introduced themselves on Monday 12 September and are: Catherine Glen (on the left), sponsored by the Rotary Club of Spartanburg, South Carolina, who will be studying for a Masters in Childhood Adversity at Queens University. and Laney Lennox, sponsored by the Rotary Club of South Shreveport, Louisiana, who will be studying for a Masters in Conflict Resolution also at Queens University. they gave a presentation to the Club Monday 28 November. Their well received address detailed their backgrounds, current activities and future plans.

Catherine advised that she came from South Carolina near Florida which is famous for its official State Hospitality Beverage - tea (particularly 'sweet tea' which is 50% sugar! South Carolina being the first place in the United States where tea was grown) as well as shrimps and crisps. She has been involved in working with children since university helping children improve their lives in the US and Japan. Noting that childhood adversity results in life long negative health and educational outcomes and children are more likely to be aggressive, involved in anti-social behaviour, or go to prison she advised that her thesis included working with Barnados welcoming Syrian refugees into schools. She concluded by stating she wanted to continue improving special needs programmes after school, develop school community interventions, train youth as leaders and promote peace.

Laney advised that she was from Louisiana, 200 miles north of New Orleans, which has a very mixed culture heavily influenced by Texas influences, the streets having names relating to the Alamo. She noted that had wanted to study abroad as part of her peace studies degree and chose Northern Ireland. She is particularly interested in “narrative theory” (how people deal with experience by observing stories and listening to the stories of others) noting sharing stories creates common human identities. She concluded by noting that NI is amazing place for someone interested in story telling and that she is involved in story-writing centres and workshop groups for different communities hoping to work in this area when her studies are finished.

They visited the Club on many occasions and went to the District Conference; Laney is shown here left on 24 July 2017 with 2 other Scholars Kristina McLaughlin, the guest speaker who discussed her recent travels and study at Trinity College Dublin of historical memory in post-conflict areas and Shaley Moore from Missouri, USA (sponsored by Webb City-Carl Junction RC) who through the Rotary District 6110 Kirchner Scholarship is studying for a Master's degree in International Peace and Reconciliation at Magee College, University of Ulster who also address the Club on 14 August.

Laney was delighted to report to the Club 18 September 2017 that she had completed her dissertation for her Masters in Conflict Resolution at the George Mitchell Institute, Queens University. She advised that having done a semester in Belfast whilst studying for her BA in creative writing at Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi, she became interested in how Belfast could be used in creative storytelling. Following graduation she spent a year in Galway editing literary reviews but wanted to get back to the conflict and social justice area and applied for her Masters to come back to Belfast through which she has been researching storytelling and how it can be used. This study introduced her to archives and Laney has done an internship in archive filming former prisoners’ experiences in Long Kesh and Armagh Women’s Prisons and is now interested in how archives help in recording the past. She was also delighted to have had a Masterclass with George Mitchell.

She advised that her time in Northern Ireland had had a major influence on her future career choice and that the sort of work she wants is more established in NI than other places so she is applying for jobs hoping to stay and apply her experience.

Laney stressed that her involvement with Rotary had given her great experiences attending the Conference and speaking to Clubs and she attended a USA election party last November. She thanked the Club for the support and presented a banner of her sponsoring Rotary Club of South Shreveport.

Catherine Glen returned to the Club on Monday 05 February 2018 and updated the Club on her work to date and plans for the future. With thanks to the Club for accommodating her and making it all possible, she advised that she had enjoyed her studies for an MSc Psychology of Childhood Adversity in QUB and as her Thesis had been on refugees she had worked with Barnardo’s Refugee Services. She had a placement in a Nairobi Child Development Clinic training local practitioners and had assessed over 40 children. She was currently working at Queen’s University as a researcher from January – March writing the chapter 'Children in Peace from Research to Action' for a UNICEF book. She wass also working for the Education Authority at Stranmillis on a mental health project and at Barnardos Refugee Services as a play leader. She presented President Rosemary with a banner from the Rotary Club of Karen, Kenya.
The Club was delighted to welcome during the year Global Scholar Kjelsie Hass.

Kjelsie was being hosted by Dublin Rotary Club but was based in Belfast and was a frequent visitor. She presented a banner from her sponsoring Rushmore Rotary Club, Rapid City, South Dakota, District 5610 on her first Club visit 07 December 2015 to President Elect Ivan McMinn.

On her final visit to the Club, Monday 13 June, Kjelsie bade her farewells. She thanked the Club for her support and guidance particularly President Ronnie, PPs Bryan Johnston and Derek Baxter and Eric Rainey.

Addressing the Club, Kjelsie noted that she had been undertaking an MPhil in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation In Trinity College, Dublin and the Irish School of Ecumenics in Belfast. After a picture quiz she disclosed that her home was Rapid City, South Dakota and having in 2009 completed her Global Studies at South Dakota University she backpacked in Europe. This led to her changing tack to a career in diplomacy and in 2011 she interned at the State Department in Brussels and at the US-EU Communications Hub. In 2013 she became a Corps member of "Teach for America" and taught 11-15yr old disadvantaged children – 98% of whom qualified for free lunches and they had a reading level of only 5-7 years age.

She revealed that, coming from a sheltered background, she found this a difficult period; there was a culture of violence and she and her family had 2 death threats. But the 2 children she made particular progress with inspired her and led to her undertaking this year as a Global Scholar in Peace and Reconciliation. Her dissertation studies the link between trauma and truth in post conflict societies particularly comparing NI & South Africa and she left for Capetown Tuesday 14 June. Her experiences have again shifted her focus from International Diplomacy as the one thing she will be taking back is the importance of direct work in communities and working on the ground and she is currently interviewing for a post with Non-Profit companies.

Loudly applauded she ended with thanks for generously hosting her. We wish her well.

We are delighted to report that she has 'excitedly' emailed February 2017 that not only did she graduate with distinction, but has also been awarded the James Haire Prize for Best Dissertation of 2015-16 for her MPhil program noting she couldn't have done this without the support of The Belfast Rotary Club during her time here. She will be returning for the summer commencement ceremony in June and we forward to hopefully her attending a meeting then.

In her email she related that having returned home she visited her family in South Dakota for the first time in nearly a year while also finishing her dissertation and started her new job in Jacksonville, Florida working as an Organizational Development Training Specialist at PACE Center for Girls. She states: "I love my new job! I work at our Headquarters office and travel frequently to our 19 centers across the state of Florida. We are also expanding to Georgia within the next year and New York soon after that. PACE provides academic and counseling services to girls from at-risk backgrounds. We are regularly invited to conferences at the White House to discuss and promote effective programming for women and girls, and we were involved in a recent national research project that puts PACE as the leading organization in the U.S. working for girls from at-risk backgrounds due to our strength-based, gender-responsive, and trauma-informed approach. I was also chosen in September to participate in a 1-2 year leadership fellowship here through Teach For America called the Halverson Alumni Fellowship. The fellowship aims to position Jacksonville's Teach For America alumni as a force of change in the education movement here both inside and outside of the classroom, creating relationships amongst organizations and movements across our community so that we can become effective educational leaders who will continue to lead the movement. I presented as a guest speaker at a couple of local Rotary clubs here in Jacksonville 2 weeks ago. February is the Rotary's Peace and Conflict Resolution month so my presentation fit in well to introduce this theme. The Rotarians here loved hearing about how welcoming you all were to me during my time there! Our District Governor was also coincidentally in attendance at the first club I spoke at. He loved hearing about my time as a Global Grant Scholar so he emailed all Presidents in the District recommending my presentation so I have several more presentations scheduled in the coming months.
The Club was delighted to welcome 2014/15 Global Scholar Katie Scrantom, who was sponsored by the Far North Rotary Club, Chicago, while she studied for for an MSc in Psychology of Childhood Adversity at Queens University Belfast.

She addressed the Club on Monday 24 November, noting that she was being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chicago Far North, she thanked Rotary for the support which has enabled her to undertake this study - a pilot one year programme. She spoke about her work with children and how it led her to this study.

She had been an undergraduate in New Orleans when hurricane Katrina hit she moved to Chicago and spent 7 years there, her longest stay in any one place as she had travelled all over the States as her father changed jobs. She has spent her life working with children through High School, summer camps, two week visits to orphanages in Mexico and Honduras and, being particularly interested in childhood adversity, 4 years as a social worker in Chicago. She started with others the Dwon Madiki Partnership - a partnership between student members of Invisible Conflicts (IC) at Loyola University Chicago and primary students and families in Lacor, Uganda (the name Dwon Madiki translates to "voices of tomorrow" in Lacor's native language, Acholi). Recognizing that all children have a right to a prosperous education, Invisible Conflicts raises about $17,000 per year to fund the education (tuition and school supplies) of twenty Ugandan students from vulnerable backgrounds at multiple boarding and day schools in northern Uganda. Lacor was the epicentre of a conflict between the government and the Lord's Resistance Army, which began in 1986 and roughly ended in 2006. The IC Plunge (where students collect donations and take a dip in Lake Michigan in December!) raised $13,000 in the first year. She first came to Belfast in 2013 to work with Tools for Solidarity, which was when she learned about the Queen's MSc which has a specific focus on development in the context of adversity particularly in a post-conflict setting.

Under her professional name Kale Quinby, she also finds time to be a professional singer! It was in this guise that she performed at the Club's Christmas Dinner and beautifully sang 2 of her own compositions concluding with the whole room singing I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.

During her time here she made 6 presentations to other Rotary Clubs accompanied by Past President Bryan Johnston or Past President Derek Baxter - shown left at her last visits at Londonderry and Dungannon respectively.

On her final visit to the Club, 7 September 2015, Katie having completed her Dissertation for Masters in Art, Peace and Child Psychology outlined her degree work. Her special area of work was child development and she concentrated on using art to build special bridges in society and to give children confidence to establish good relationships. This had involved her interviewing 10 children from a broad ethnic background in Dungannon and she related some interesting comments by the children.

Now moving to Northern Spain, she said her sad farewells. She thanked Rotary for the wonderful opportunity she had been given, the Belfast Club in particular for her reception and guidance and the help and support from PPs Bryan Johnston and Derek Baxter Loudly applauded she ended with a very tearful goodbye!

We wish her well.

Group Study Exchange

This programme closed at end June 2013.

The Group Study Exchange Programme was a unique short-term cultural and vocational exchange programme between districts in different countries for non-Rotarian business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 who were in the early stages of their careers. It was designed to develop skills among young adults, so that they could address the needs of their communities in an increasingly global workplace.

Rotary districts in different countries were paired and travel grants provided for teams to exchange visits. For four to six weeks, a Rotarian team leader and 4-6 non-Rotarian team members experienced the host country's culture and institutions, observed how their vocations were practised abroad, developed personal and professional relationships and exchanged ideas. In a typical four-week tour, applicants participated in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the District Conference and free time with host families who were Rotarians in the local area.

At a District level the Club has always been active in the Group Study Exchange Programme and most years has acted as host for incoming teams for part of their visits. This has included teams from the USA, Australia, Japan and Canada and some of these have resulted in long term friendships developing. The Club has also nominated members of the outgoing Irish Exchange Teams.

The 2013 outgoing District 1160 Group Study Exchange was to the South Island of New Zealand and the team was hosted by 8 District 9980 clubs.

This was the last Rotary Group Study Exchange in its present format. The team was selected by District 1160 and led by Club Past President Marnette Lyons.

It comprised of 4 young business and professional men & women from across Ireland– (from left) Peter Cardwell, Caroline Moran, team leader Marnette Lyons, Gillian McAtackney and Catherine Renfrew - who all bonded and blended together extremely well. The Club are particularly delighted that one of the selected team members was the Club nominee Peter Cardwell.

During their intensive and busy 5 week trip they

stayed with 9 host families (each)
made 12 presentations and
attended the 3 District Conference days.

A significant part of the exchange is to participate in Vocational Days and experience a similar working environment in a different culture. Peter Cardwell was delighted that for one of his vocational days, with special permission from RI, he was able to travel to Christchurch and spend his day interviewing some of the NI workers rebuilding after the earthquake. It was shown on UTV Live on his return. District 9980 in New Zealand had also arranged for Marnette to have a separate very interesting vocational day in Christchurch where she met the leader of the design and planning team, who also was a landscape architect, was responsible for the planning and design of rebuilding the centre of the city and staff of the city council, and members of a private landscape architecture firm. The devastation of the centre of Christchurch was greater than expected with some high rise building still to be demolished. Several small shops, cafes, banks and other services in the city centre are accommodated in modified shipping containers.

It was an extremely successful Exchange enjoyed by the team members and hosts alike. Peter Cardwell gave a lively and fascinating presentation to the Club on Monday 20 June of his montage of memories.

They began the Exchange at the south of South Island NZ in Milton where they visited sheep and dairy farms learning that even the growth of the grass is computerised for grass management. They also visited a woollen mill producing different yarns from a variety of sheep, especially the famous up country Marino sheep. They were introduced to a mix of Marino wool and Possium which produces very light weight and warm garments and is only available in New Zealand.

At Dunedin they were honoured to make a presentation at the 90 birthday celebrations of the local Rotary Club. Each member of the team had very interesting vocational opportunities and Catherine was able to join the graduate students in a special lecture on paediatric dentistry. On ANZAC day the team was pleased to attend the outdoor dawn service at the Cenotaph in Dunedin and were encouraged to see so many young people there. As it was a public holiday the day was relaxed and a wonderful day was spend together with all the host families visiting the beach and taking a trip on the Monarch where fur seals, yellow eye penguins and the Royal Albatross were seen not only in flight but also feeding their young.

They presented to Dunedin Lord Mayor Dave Cull the Coat of Arms of Belfast from the Lord Mayor and citizens of Belfast.

In Timaru the team met different Rotary clubs each day. They visited the Peel Forest Estate Stud in Geraldine, home of the exclusive Furzeland deer herd. The farm engages remarkable state-of-the-art breeding technology and cross herd genetic analysis to maximise genetic gain thus it has established itself as an important source of world-class red deer genetics. Some of the team were taken out of their comfort zone when it was time for some physical challenges including climbing and walking high wires.

Team members, who did not enjoy flying, soon changed their minds when Timaru North club took them on an air safari of Mount Cook in a 8 seater plane. The weather conditions were perfect with a clear blue sky and they found the views of Lake Tekapo, the braided Godley River the snow-capped Alps and glaziers were breath taking.

After the flight a visit was made to the beautiful Glenmore High Country Station, home of the daughter of one of the host families and which farms 10,000 Marino sheep, also Marino Stud, Angus cattle and Red deer on 19,000 acres. Travelling back through the Mackenzie Basin they noted the Memorial trees, one for every soldier in the area, were in fall colour. These trees are maintained by Rotarians in District 9980.

In Timaru the team members all had a vocational day when as noted Peter and Marnette, travelled to Christchurch. The team's next stop was at Cromwell's wine and fruit region, where vocational day included visits to a local newspaper in Alexandra, Winpro Wine Bottling, Central Otago District Council, a landscape planners practice and a dental practice. The team climbed the path being constructed by the local Rotary club to the 45th parallel (which made it half way between the equator and the South Pole).

Next stop was Queenstown where a spectacular trip was made on the famous TSS Earnslaw (Twin Screw Steamer) which is the last surviving steamship of a long line of steamers that have graced the waters of Lake Wakatipu. The team luckily had a beautiful clear day to admire the unique and stunning scenery around the lake before arriving at Walter Peek farm for afternoon tea and a walk around the farm and watching sheep shearing .

Whilst at Queenstown the team members had a mid-term break and also fitted in a jet boat ride on the Stopover River, the Gondla, the luge, a visit to Arrowtown and some shopping.

It was then on to Te anau hosted by the Rotary Club of Fiordland on the shores of Lake Te Anay, the largest lake in South Island. Time was spent at Milford Road Avalanche Control Centre learning about the severe weather conditions along the upper parts of the road and how the team worked to keep the road open, using helicopters and road vehicles. The team then travelled along the road taking in its magnificent scenery on the way to Milford Sound. At Milford Sound the team took a cruise and drew in the spectacular scenery of water falls up to 1 mile high, majestic peaks and wildlife including fur seals which put on a display in the water.

At Gore the team visited a stud sheep farm and the Hokonui Moonshine Museum and Art Gallery. They went to the Croydon Aircraft Company where they saw classic aircraft being restored and some rebuilt. Adjacent to the company was the vintage aircraft museum and it was not long before they spotted the airworthy 1942 Tiger moth. After lunch the weather improved making it just perfect for a flight in the Tiger moth when all the team experienced loop the loop and other aerobatic manoeuvres. Following this one team member totally lost her fear of flying! While staying in Gore as part of a vocation day Peter and Marnette talked on the local radio where they tried to teach the Irish meaning of 'craic'!

The team's last designation was Invercargill where they met Mayor Tim Shadbolt, visited Stirling Point and saw the sculpture of the Tatura of the south which was presented by Invercargill Rotary Clubs as a Millennium project. The next day they flew to Stewart Island and from there took a water taxi to Ulva Island. The visit was also highlighted in the local press.

After another interesting vocational day for each of the team members it was time for the District conference which had the theme "Wild 45". It was a fun conference with lots of variety and surprise with even the town's Mayor arriving to give his presentation on a Harley Davidson! District Governor John even closed the conference with the Irish Blessing.

The team thank The Rotary Foundation, the Rotarians in District 1160 and 9980 and especially all the host families and clubs involved.

A Gallery of some of the pictures taken on the visit.

Team 2013
One of the hosts
Peter Interviewing in Christchurch
Peter reporting back to the Club
Demolition in Christchurch
Rebuilding in Christchurch
New build in Christchurch
From rain to rain
Woolen Mill, Milton
Presentation to Dunedin Rotary Club
Dunedin salutes 90 years of Rotary
Anzac Memorial on Anzac Day
Presentation to Dunedin Lord Mayor Dave Cull
Wishing Tree, Chinese Gardens, Dunedin
Plane for the flight around Mt. Cook
Flight around Mt. Cook
Memorial Trees maintained by District 9980 Rotarians
Winpro Wine Bottling, Cromwell
45th Parallel
Belfast...
Sheep-shearing at Walter Peek Farm, Queenstown
Milford Road Avalanche Control Centre
Milford Sound
Milford Sound Waterfall
Invercargill Lord Mayor Tim Shadbolt
Stirling Point
District Governor arrives at Conference
Team presented to Conference

Ambassadorial Scholars

The Club were active supporters of Rotary's Ambassadorial Scholarships, the Foundation's oldest and best-known programme.

This programme however closed end June 2013 to be replaced by the current Global Grant Scholarships.

Founded in 1947, it was an international programme aimed at encouraging those who had just graduated to undertake an additional year of study abroad to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. Nearly 38,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices and as such it attracted many students to Ireland. It was the world's largest privately funded international scholarship's programme.

The Club has sent and hosted many students on this Programme. During their time spent with us the Club welcomed the Scholar to our weekly meetings and events and they were active participants with Rotaract. They also spoke to other Rotary Clubs.

We would like to thank PP Bryan Johnston who was the Club's Host Counsellor to the Scholars who assisted them with the day-to-day issues of adjusting to a new culture and society and also accompanied them on their round of talks to Rotary Clubs and the US Consul in Belfast.

Details on the more recent Ambassadorial Scholars hosted by the Club are given below:

2012/13
2011/12
2010/11
2009/10

Delia Ferguson

The Club were delighted to welcome Ambassadorial Scholar, Delia Ferguson from The Bahamas to the Club meeting Monday 03 December 2012. Having been introduced by PP Bryan Johnson she thanked the Club and exchanged banners with President Alan.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Nassau, she was studying Engineering Construction Methods and Policy at Queens University, Belfast.
Woody Hanson

We were delighted to welcome 2011-12 Ambassadorial Scholar Woody Hanson, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Minneapolis University.

At his introduction to the Club, Monday 7 November 2011, he exchanged Banners with President Adrian and spoke to the Club about himself.

Studying for an MSc in Urban and Rural Design at Queens he attended the University of Minneapolis-Twin Cities (BSc Architecture) and from September 10 - June 11 he was a Fulbright Scholar at the Cyprus Institute exploring aspects of architectural heritage within the 'Walled City' of Nicosia in the context of its present-day divided realities and future re-unification. He proposed design interventions and a management plan for the moat surrounding the historic city walls based on historical research and an urban analysis of the area.

Woody bade farewell on his last visit to the Club on 14 May 2012 before returning to the USA. He thanked the Club and the members for their assistance and encouragement and expressed how much he had enjoyed (if not the grey skies!) his great time here studying for his MSc at Queens. He noted that he had had the opportunity recently to join with the TABU Programme for the day in Chicago when they met the Lord Mayor and had been greatly impressed with the Programme and the energetic young people. He hoped to keep in touch with TABU in future years and would be speaking at the Highland Park/Highwood Club in July. He particularly thanked PP Bryan Johnston for his support (and forbearance in having to listen to the same speech 11 times!) reflecting that he ws a most wonderful young person's mentor.

President Adrian complemented Woody on his exceptional year and his active involvement with the Club and wished him every success in the future.

During his time here Woody has travelled widely and made many presentations. In particular, (from left) he spoke with the other Ambassadorial Scholars September 2010 to the District Conference in Limerick, September 2011, to the District Council Meeting held in Belfast Saturday 28 January 2012 about the Ambassadorial Scholars visiting Ireland this year and he was received by Acting Consul General Kevin Rowland at the Consulate at the end of February 2012.
Thomas Eisenhart

We had the pleasure of hosting Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Thomas Eisenhart sponsored by the Rotary Club Downtown Statesbro, USA, while he studied Chemistry & Clean Management at Queens University Belfast 2010/11.

On his arrival in September 2010, when exchanging banners, Thomas spoke to the Club and presented President Brian with his local State preserves:

"As part of the Honor's Program at Georgia Southern University, I was pushed to seek out and identify postgraduate scholarships, both domestically and abroad. It was through this process that one of my advisors and former Rotary Scholar, Bob Frigo, suggested I look into the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. The Rotary motto of "Service above Self" was something that immediately jumped out at me upon investigation of the scholarship. I have always wanted my academic aspirations to coincide with making the world a better place, and the Ambassadorial Scholarship seemed like a perfect platform to begin realizing this dream.

I didn't take the application process lightly, as I wanted Rotary International to understand how my chosen subject area and career path can promote Rotary ideals. I strongly believe that chemistry is the means by which more sustainable energy practices will be developed. I also believe the development of sustainable energy processes will result in a more peaceful world, as fossil fuels would become a less precious resource. To be a part of this solution, it is imperative that I study at universities that also agree with this logic, and are dedicated to giving students the tools they need to solve complex problems, like developing methods of sustainable energy. Therefore, on my application I identified five European universities that would provide a fantastic learning environment with courses fitting my academic interests. After a little further research, Queen's University Belfast became my top choice.

Queen's is unique in that it offers a one-year program that combines the chemistry and management aspects of sustainable development, resulting in an MSc in Clean Chemical Technology and Management. Besides looking at the chemical processes involved in current energy practices, I also study sustainable development and its importance in the coming century. This program is perfect because it fits my interests in chemistry and the environment while also giving me a social science's perspective on issues in sustainability. It also is a one-year course in an English-speaking country, making it possible for me to easily fulfil my Rotary duties. In other words, it was a perfect fit to both my interests and the requirements of Rotary International."

During his year Thomas was an enthusiastic President of the Belfast Rotaract Club, encouraging the members and initiating many events. It is, therefore, fitting that the Belfast Rotaract Club were awarded the 2010/11 John A Savage Award for their service to the Community. The Award was presented by President Brian to Thomas and Rotaract Club founder member Laura Garland 21 February 2011 details here...

We bade him farewell at the Club Meeting, Monday 30 June. Thomas was, in the tradition of Ambassadorial Scholars hosted by the Belfast Club, a tremendous asset both to the Club and to Rotaract as their President. President Brian, handing over the Club's farewell gift congratulated him on his outstanding year spent with us. In response Thomas thanked the Club and stated that it had been a life-changing experience and that he hoped to come back and visit soon. Picture shows him with his fiance Haley, President Brian (left) and Past President Bryan Johnston who subsequently attended his wedding in 2013 in the States.
Boran Zic

2009/10 we had the pleasure of hosting Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Borjan Zic. Borjan was studying at Queen's University Belfast for a Masters Degree in Comparative Ethnic Conflict.

He proved an outstanding representative of his sponsoring Club, The Rotary Club of Montgomery Village, Washington DC.

Borjan Zic has, in the tradition of Ambassadorial Scholars hosted by the Belfast Club, been a tremendous asset both to the Club and to Rotaract. He addressed the Club and was a regular attendee at our meetings. He supported the Rotary Club activities, was an active member of the Rotaract Club being active in their fund-raising and involved in organising an abseil down the Europa Hotel and during his year acted as President of the Rotaract Club.

Borjan was also a the instigator in the painting of the peace mural on a wall in Glengall Street. Full details here.

PP Bryan Johnston, Ambassadorial Scholar's Counsellor, and his wife Helen were delighted to attend Boran's wedding to Leah Goldfine on 2nd April 2011 in Bethesda, Maryland.