Rotary Scholarship Program

The Rotary Club of Tucson began its efforts to assist college level students in 1947. The program was the idea of Emory Hyde. Under his leadership, the program began with grants of two hundred dollars per semester for students selected by the Scholarship Committee. The students selected came from a group of students referred to the committee by the Scholarship Office of the University of Arizona. In the beginning, the scholarships were only for one year. As time went by, the Scholarships were granted for four years as long as academic standards were met. High School Principals referred the initial candidates to the University. The only contact the students who received the awards had with our club was through the receipt of the checks. Initially, money was collected at the weekly meetings in milk bottles. By 1971 the milk bottles had been replaced by tin cups. Also, individual donations from members helped sustain the program.

Now, the Scholarship Program is the longest ongoing charitable/community support program in the Rotary Club of Tucson, according to the director of the program, Roger Harwell. For years a club rep would go to each high school award ceremony and give the award. During this time we gave $1,000 to one student from every graduating high school class in the Tucson area. The students went to college, got the money, and we never saw them  again after the award ceremony.

Approximately ten years ago, the procedure was changed. Now we award $2,000 per year to ten students at the University of Arizona and award $800 to Pima College students. Now students who receive the award are required to attend four events or meetings sponsored and run by the Rotary Club of Tucson. Students who start at Pima can continue to receive the Scholarship money if they attend the University of Arizona.

This year we have 10 University of Arizona students: two seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and three freshmen. At present, no scholarship has been awarded to a Pima College student. Applications have been solicited and the awarding of a scholarship to a Pima College student will be forthcoming. Funding for the program comes from members putting $3 into the Scholarship Cups at each meeting or signing up for a quarterly payment with their Club dues. Funding also comes from interest earned on funds stockpiled over the years and designated for scholarships. The program is administered by Roger Harwell and ten committee members. If you have not signed up for the automatic payment option with your club dues, give it some thought. It is a small payout for a large return.