Scholar awarded Rotary Foundation Scholarship
Robert Works
Senior McConnell Scholar Robert Works, a political science and Spanish double major, was awarded an Ambassadorial Scholarship for 2010-2011 by the Rotary Foundation. The scholarship will support a year of academic study abroad at the El Colegio de México (College of Mexico) in Mexico City. A prestigious institute of higher education, the College of Mexico specializes in teaching and research in the social sciences and humanities.
The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. Introduced in 1947, the program is the world's largest privately funded international scholarship program, granting roughly $500 million to scholars in 70 countries. As an Ambassadorial Scholar, Works will speak to Rotary Clubs in Mexico about the United States. Upon his return to the U.S., Works will share what he learned during his experience with Mexico with rotary clubs in the area.
Mexico is one more country Works adds to his passport book. As a McConnell Scholar, he spent five weeks last summer studying at Renmin University in Beijing, China. He then participated in a four-week program at Oxford University in the United Kingdom in a continuing education program in Exeter College that focused on history, politics, and society.
Works received an English-Speaking Union Scholarship to Oxford University. He was also a finalist for the Harry S. Truman Foundation Scholarship last year. At U of L, Works was named "Mr. Cardinal" for his extensive involvement with student activities. He is an Honors Scholar and the recipient of the Louis C. Kesselman Memorial Award from the political science department. He serves as the president of the U of L Rotaract Club, former president of the College Republicans, and former treasurer of the Kentucky Federation of College Republicans. He has been involved with the Student Government Association for several years.
Works plans to attend law school upon graduation and focus on international law. He is a graduate of Simon Kenton High School in Independence, Kentucky.