This program is one-of-a-kind. We have been bringing nations together since 1946. The program began with only 4 scholars, and now we are proud to say that we have more than 3,800 alumni from all over the world. The program’s purpose is to broaden the understanding of world peace through people and that is exactly what we’ve done.
GRSP News
Bolivian Student Isabella Velasquez Gallardo Honored with 2025-2026 Lynn Clarke GRSP Women in Leadership Award
The Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) is proud to announce Isabella Velasquez Gallardo as the 2025-2026 recipient of the Lynn Clarke GRSP Women in Leadership Award. The Bolivia native and Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) student has distinguished herself through...
Four Georgia Students Headed to Denmark, Norway
Georgia Rotary Student Program selected four outstanding Georgia college students the opportunity to participate in prestigious international academic programs in Norway and Denmark this summer. We are proud to support these exceptional students as they represent...
GRSP’s Biral, Jin Honored Duo for Thomas Peace Awards
Julia Carlotto Biral of Brazil and Guang 'Loski' Jin of China were recently announced as the winners of the 2025-2026 Barbara M. and Donald L. Thomas Peace Award. The awards were presented in December by Rotary Club of Roswell Committee Chair John Carruth, alongside...
Being a part of the Georgia Rotary Student Program has been one of the most profound experiences of my life. This program has afforded me the opportunity to forge lasting friendships with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This, perhaps, is the greatest gift that one can hope to get for it allows us to see through differences across cultures and instead find similarities between one another. I feel that such fellowship across participants, both students and host families, is what made this program such an enriching experience for me.
Ali Shaaban Shahid
Pakistan
GRSP 2013-14
Since 1946, Rotarians in Georgia, USA, have promoted world peace through understanding by offering ambassadorial scholarships to international students for one year cultural immersion and of study in Georgia colleges and universities.
Each year, students from all over the world make friends in the United States and other nations and learn about differing cultures and lifestyles. Georgia Rotarians believe “Peace is Possible” and through GRSP promote international goodwill through friendship and understanding.
The students become adopted members of a Georgia “host family,” living on-campus at the school they attend. This is an ambassadorial scholarship program, not an exchange!
Georgia Rotary Clubs sponsor students recommended by a Rotary Club in their home country.
GRSP Elects FY27 Leadership, Honors Emeritus at Summer Meeting
Macon, GA – July 11, 2026 — The Georgia Rotary Student Program and GRSP Foundation held its annual summer business meeting on Saturday in Macon, Ga. During the session, members approved the upcoming FY27 fiscal budget, elected officers for 2026–2027, recognized new trustees and directors, and honored distinguished donor contributions and members named with emeritus status.
With an alumni base of 3,900, GRSP continues its 80-year mission of “World Peace Through Understanding” by awarding one-year ambassadorial scholarships to international college students sponsored by Rotary Clubs in Georgia.
2026–2026 Leadership Elections
Chair Emeritus and Parliamentarian Bert Guy presented the new slate of officers, unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees:
Chair: Ian Bond (Columbus)
Vice Chair: James McCoy (Lanier Forsyth)
Treasurer: Al Hombroek (Lawrenceville)
Assistant Treasurer: Teri White (Thomasville)
Secretary: Jackie Cuthbert, (Dunwoody)
Assistant Secretary: Meredith Deal, (Brunswick)
GRSP Foundation Leadership and Recognition
The GRSP Foundation elected the following officers:
President: Terry Adkins (Brunswick)
Vice President: Ken Townsend (North Columbus)
Treasurer: Michael Chaloult (Warner Robins)
Secretary: Cheryl Huffman (Rome Seven-Hills).
During the business meeting, District Governors, Cynthia Edwards for District 6900, and Beverly Trainor for District 6920 each reaffirmed their continued support for both GRSP and the GRSP Foundation, as did District Governor Elect Allen Bowns for District 6910, and District Governor Nominees Amy Benton for 6900, and Dave Razo for 6920.
Distinguished Honors
Lynn Clarke (D6900), Aadu Allpere (Buckhead), Steve Harrold (Athens) and Rob Kellner (Valdosta) were named Trustee Emeritus and J. Michael Sweigart (Duluth) was named Chair Emeritus for their extensive service to GRSP and the Foundation along with appreciation for their leadership, investment and involvement, including hosting multiple international students and spearheading new initiatives. To read the Full resolutions, visit www.grsp.org/history/
A moment of silence was recognized for the recent passing of both Joseph “Joe” Jones (Sandy Springs) and former GRSP Trustee and GRSP Foundation Director Martha Zoller (Gainesville). Jones, who died June 12, served as the first president of the GRSP Foundation Inc., from 2021 to 2023. He was named Trustee Emeritus in 2023. In his 32 years serving GRSP, Joe contributed to the success of countless international college students by promoting positive relationships among students, host families, sponsoring clubs and the program. Zoller, who died June 22, served as a host family, GRSP Trustee and as a director for the GRSP Foundation, a position that ended in 2024.
Donor Milestones
Numerous Trustees and leaders were honored for reaching new cumulative donor levels, including:
Hue Thomas Jr. Fellows ($2,500): Angela Smith (Americus), Francisco Lozano (Canton)
Ronnie Waller Fellows ($10,000): Bill Dallas (Griffin), Cheryl Huffman (Rome Seven-Hills); Michael Chaloult (Warner Robins).
Jim Brim Fellow ($15,000): Jackie Cuthbert (Duluth); Clarence “Pete” McDonald (Rome); Rob Kellner (Valdosta)
District and Trustee Updates
New district chairs include Dave Razo (Warner Robins) for District 6920 while Scott Rich (District 6900) and Cheryl Huffman (District 6910) continue in their roles. District Directors include Mark Meltzer (Buckhead) and George Siggins (Newnan) for District 6900; Mike Alexander (Hartwell) and John Richmond (Dalton) for District 6910 plus Steve Bell (Downtown Macon) along with Meredith Deal (Brunswick) for District 6920.
Several new trustees were appointed across the three Georgia districts, including Beth Howell (Buckhead) for District 6900 and Rebecca Grist (Macon) for District 6920.
Upcoming Events
GRSP Conclave: August 21-23, 2026, in Savannah, GA – Hosted by District 6920
Rotarians and guests are invited to Conclave to welcome the Georgia Rotary Student Program Class of 2026-27.
GRSP Winter Business Meeting: January 29–30, 2027, in Macon, GA
For more information, visit www.grsp.org or follow GRSP on social media. ... See MoreSee Less
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Such a sweet reunion and the Rotary Club of Augusta, Georgia and GRSP Alumni to celebrate Anne Sophie’s recent wedding. 🌍💕 ... See MoreSee Less
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Celebrating America. Celebrating Friendship. Celebrating the Future.
As our nation commemorates 250 years of independence, we are reminded that America's greatest strength has always been its convergence of people, ideas, and cultures from around the world.
For nearly 80 years, Georgia Rotary Student Program has embodied that spirit by bringing students from across the globe to Georgia, creating friendships that transcend borders, cultures, and generations.
With more than 3,800 alumni worldwide, GRSP stands as living proof that when people come together with open minds and open hearts, understanding grows and peace follows.
This Fourth of July, we celebrate both the enduring promise of America and the global connections that make our world stronger.
Happy Independence Day from our GRSP family to yours. 🎆
🎓 Applications for the 2027–2028 GRSP Scholarship are officially OPEN!
If you're an international student between the ages of 18–24, this could be your opportunity to study in Georgia, experience American culture, and join a truly global community.
đź“… Apply by October 31.
đź”— Learn more: www.grsp.org
#America250 #Happy4thOfJuly #GRSP #GeorgiaRotary #GlobalFriendship #PeaceThroughUnderstanding ... See MoreSee Less
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