Home
Overview
Fellowship Requirements
How to Apply
Area Information
Current Fellows
Alumni
Rotarian Information
Contact Information
Newsletters

Rotarian Information

Goal of World Peace, Goodwill and Understanding

For years dedicated Rotarians hoped for a Rotary-sponsored academy promoting world peace, goodwill, and understanding. The concept was proposed in 1996 as the Paul Harris Centers for International Studies to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Rotary founder Paul Harris. Rotary Foundation Trustee Chairman Raja Saboo led a committee that recommended the creation of Rotary Centers at educational institutions worldwide where Rotary Fellows would obtain a two-year graduate degree in international relations, conflict resolution, and peace studies.

Over a two-year period, a Trustee-appointed committee of Rotarians with expertise in higher education developed a conceptual plan for the Rotary Centers. In April 1999, the Trustees approved the plan, and the Paul Harris Centers concept officially became known as the Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution.

The Rotary Centers Committee considered more than 100 universities to host the Rotary Centers. The eight universities recommended to The Rotary Foundation Trustees were selected using specific criteria, including geographic diversity, superior curriculum, faculty, and program costs. Elements critical in the final selection were the universities' willingness to participate in this effort and the Foundation requirement that they have established degree programs with a core curriculum in international relations, peace, and conflict resolution.

Download Program Guide for Rotarians

News!

The application deadline for the 2009 fellowship is July 1, 2008.

----------------------------

rotarycenter@unc.edu * 919.843.2792 * www.duke.edu * www.unc.edu