Sharing the sentiments from our Georgia Rotary Student Program’s Administrator Barbara Lariscy, it is with a mixture of joy and sadness that we bid adieu and wish her well December 30, 2021.
Barbara, who has served as administrator for the past eight years, announced her plans to retire from GRSP effective Thursday. She has been with the program since 2006 and stated she plans to devote her time to her family, namely her grandchildren.
GRSP Chair Bert Guy said, “I thank Barbara for her years of service to GRSP. Barbara has decided to retire and devote her time and energy to enjoying time with family and friends. I’m sure some great vacations are planned too.”
In her role, Barbara oversees the operations side of the home office located in Savannah, which includes helping international students with their college application process, supporting clubs and colleges with student scholarships, accounting and advancing the GRSP Foundation among other duties.
Founded in 1946, GRSP provides scholarships to advance cultural understanding and social experiences through friendship, develops potential global leaders and expands the ideals of Rotary International around the world. Lariscy has processed and assisted 835 students from 61 different countries during her tenure with GRSP.
“I have enjoyed working with GRSP for the last almost 16 years and getting to know people on a personal level.” Barbara said. “GRSP is truly a unique organization that allowed me to meet not only Rotarians but hundreds of young people from all corners of the world. I will never forget my very first Conclave in Clayton, Georgia and thinking ‘WOW, this is awesome!’ I can honestly say that I truly enjoyed my job, and I thank GRSP for trusting me as administrator for the past eight years.”
The GRSP Leadership voted to honor Barbara with GRSP Administrator Emeritus status, which will be formally announced at the GRSP Winter Trustee Business Meeting in Thomasville January 21-22, 2022. This designation will allow her to attend GRSP meetings and conclaves as a tribute to her contributions to the program.
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