President Joe spoke about the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship award. This is one of the highest honours Rotary can bestow upon a person. Recipients are Rotarians and community professionals, in recognition of their outstanding contributions, exemplifying the highest ideal in Rotary in placing “SERVICE ABOVE SELF.” This honour accompanies a donation of $1,000 or more, in the recipient’s name, to Rotary International’s “Annual Program Fund,” which supports Rotary’s world-wide programs. Being named a There are over one million Paul Harris Fellows worldwide, including many famous leaders.

 

Today, a Paul Harris Fellow was awarded to Annelise Jorgensen in recognition for her significant scholarship award donation to Ryerson University. This new award will encourage indigenous students to pursue studies with the hope of increasing the number entering careers in academia. Thanks to her generous donation, and matching by Ryerson though the President’s Award to Champion Excellence at Ryerson University, 2 SAGE (Supporting Aboriginal Graduate Enhancement) awards of $15,000 ($30,000 total) will be awarded annually for 5 years.

 

Annelise gave a heartfelt thank you to RTE. She told us her donation was just a token compared to all that Rotary has done for her. It was a Rotary Foundation scholarship 50 years ago, that changed her life. It allowed her to travel, achieve academic excellence, and make many lifelong friendships. She hopes the SAGE award will change the lives of indigenous students, that way that Rotary changed hers.