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Meeting |
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October 16, 2001 |
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| One of Charlotte Rotary Club's three Ambassadorial
Scholars in 1999-2000 came before the Club Tuesday to express his appreciation for being
given such a special opportunity and to report briefly on his year's experience in
Switzerland studying international relations. Davidson graduate Chad Foster ('98) spent the past two years in Geneva studying in a Swiss university established in 1927 as a "think tank" for the League of Nations, interacting with other students from all over the world and getting to know the people of his host country. Only 11 days back in the United States, Foster returns with the Swiss equivalent of a Master's degree, having finished his studies top in his class. "It's wonderful to be back and to have this opportunity to thank the Rotary International Foundation and the Rotary Club of Charlotte for their support," Foster said. He stated the obvious: that he had not had nearly enough time to reflect on his experiences. He said he had a "vague idea" of what to expect during his 26 months but "my experiences surpassed all my expectations." And the location of the campus wasn't bad either: on Lake Geneva with a startling view of the French Alps across the lake. One thing that struck him, he said, was all his fellow students' openness to new experiences, understanding of opposing viewpoints and willingness to learn. He and fellow students spent hours outside class in a "spirit of communication." And there were definitely opportunities to learn about other cultures as places as there were students from all over the world. He also had a great deal of interaction with Swiss Rotarians which helped him gain a better understanding not only of Rotary but also the Swiss. His studies were from a multidisciplinary approach and not a particular point of view. Instructors were from all over the world: two Canadians, one American, one French, one Algerian and one Swiss-German. Studies included conflict and security, economic and military interventions, military economy, politics of economy and international relations. One class in political science had 18 students with 14 nations represented. Foster's thesis was a study of the "benefits" to the participating countries of (he peace treaties signed during the Carter administration by Israel and Jordan and Israel and Egypt, the first two Arab countries to recognize Israel. His findings were pessimistic: promised results have not materialized in an economic sense, but there has been peace among those nations. In response to a question, Foster said that although the Swiss are usually very reserved and don't show emotion easily, there was a great outpouring of sympathy for America after the September 11 terrorist acts in the U.S. As regards the current situation in the Middle East, Foster said, there's a sense in Europe that America needs a kinder, gentler hand in the world, especially the Middle East. There is also a sense that America is much more supportive of Israel, whereas there generally is more support for Arab nations and especially the Palestinians in Europe. However, he added, a change in American policy toward one more in line with the European view, especially since September 11, might be seen as weakness on the part of America. Personally, Foster said, he favors "more engagement and less confrontation" from the United States. Dilworth Rotarian David Hodgkins, former District 7680 Lt. Governor, introduced Foster and presented him with a plaque from the Rotary Foundation commemorating his Ambassadorial Scholarship. Hodgkins also reviewed the Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program that was established in 1947. More than 30,000 men and women from 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today, the Ambassadorial Scholarships Program is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. More than 1,200 scholarships were awarded for study in 2000-01. Through grants totaling approximately $26 million, recipients from some 69 countries are studying in more than 64 different nations. The purpose of the program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. Today, it sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with local Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries. A benefit not found in other scholarship programs is the scholar's association with Rotary clubs and Rotarians. Each scholar is assigned both a sponsor and a host Rotarian counselor who provide orientation, advice, and assistance. President Jim was back at the helm after a two-week absence. He asked members if they recalled what he pledged to pay to the Rotary Foundation if he didn't make up missed meetings. Unanimously, Club members responded "$1,000 per meeting." Suddenly, Jim's memory awakened. It is $100, he recalled, but promised to make up. Former president Bill Kinney, fresh from subbing for President Jim last week, introduced guests and visitors. Howard Chadwick led the Club in two rousing verses of "America." Lamar Thomas gave the invocation following the "Pledge of Allegiance." Brian Adams, a Demon Deacon, stuck it to his associate and Duke grad Phil Van Hoy (and justifiably so, agrees the writer, another Wake Forest alumnus). Others at the head table included Martin Welton, Brent Trexler, Tom Bartholomy (nee "Bradbury?"), and Fred Brown. * * * |
New Member
2001 Team Development Whitehead Associates, Inc. Mike Whitehead is the founder and principal of Whitehead Associates Inc., a management consulting firm specializing in teambuilding and facilitation services for senior management teams. Prior to founding his own firm in 1998, Mike worked for Dorrier Underwood Consulting in Charlotte where he was a senior consultant specializing in change management and leadership development. Mike is a native of Columbia, South Carolina, and a graduate of Winthrop University. He holds an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master's degree in Counseling. He began his career as a teacher and coach, then served as a counselor before leaving public education to pursue organizational development work in 1994. Mike has been actively involved in the Charlotte community since 1987. He currently serves the Dowd YMCA by being on the board, the board development committee, and the community outreach financial committee. He"is a board member of Jacob's Ladder and an elder at Seigle Avenue Presbyterian Church, and he will soon join the board of Alexander Children's Center. He was recently selected as one of the Business Journal's "40 under 40" winners. :He is a graduate of Leadership Charlotte, Class XX. Mike has been married for fourteen years to Beth Murray Whitehead. They live in the Stonchaven subdivision of Charlotte with their two children: Austin, 9 years old, and Leah,'6 years old. He enjoys playing full court basketball, running road races and dabbling in real estate. Welcome to Charlotte Rotary, Mike. * * * POWELL'S
POWELL MAJORS John Tabor is assured a seat on the city council as he won the Republican primary in District 6 where there is no Democratic candidate. John and wife Lee are the first husband and wife members of Charlotte Rotary. Jerry Orr has not lost his sense of humor in spite of stressful days at the airport since September 11th. At a meeting of the Charlotte Convention and Visitors Bureau he soberly announced that U.S. Airways would pull all of their planes out — and a second later said he was just kidding. Tony Zeiss contributed an article on small business to the "Business Journal" issue of October 5th. * * * |
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Revised: January 24, 2008.
