Rotary International is a nonprofit organization involved in different activities aimed at helping local economies, providing resources to caregiving businesses, promoting peace and supporting education. The University of West Georgia recently celebrated the 70th year since the first Rotary-sponsored student arrived at its Carrollton campus. 

The Georgia Rotary Student Program currently supports two students at the UWG main campus. One of the core items Rotary focuses on is diversity. The program connects international students under their scholarship with local Americans who host them to ensure they have a wonderful experience during their studies. 

This year's scholarship recipients are Ana Paula Ruiz Burkart from Mexico and Favour Onwanuo from Nigeria.
 
“I am very grateful to the Rotary Club for the scholarship, as it has enabled me to study at the university,” said Burkart. “This is a relief for my parents as well, as they do not have to pay for my tuition this year.” 

Being involved in various activities with the Rotary team has also contributed to Burkart’s success at UWG. There was no shortage of traveling opportunities, as she traveled to Columbus, Georgia, to connect with other scholarship recipients from various universities across the state. 

Experiencing and learning a new culture has proven to aid Onwanuo in her studies as well. The scholarship helped ease the financial burden on her parents and encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone and experience new things. Through traveling with her Rotary team, she visited Newnan along with other destinations throughout Georgia. Onwanuo credits her Rotary team for giving her a new perspective on things.

Georgia Rotary Student Program leaders Lynn Clarke of Bremen and George Siggins of Newnan play a significant role in the program, and they ensure that the scholarship recipients have a comfortable transition to the United States upon their arrival. 

“One of the main things we strive for with our sponsored students is to build lifelong friendships beyond the sponsorship period,” said Clarke. “We have connected with our sponsored students worldwide, even years after they graduate from the university.”

The Georgia Rotary Student Program scholarship application for 2024-2025 will open soon, and this is an excellent opportunity for incoming students to take advantage of as it will help them build lifelong friendships and allow them to serve alongside the members of the Rotary Clubs here in Georgia.