Duane R. Sterling Scholarship - Rotary Program

The Duane R. Sterling Scholarship – Rotary Program is available through the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation in partnership with The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International to increase the number of trained professionals that through education will be prepared to devise, plan, and implement strategies and solutions to identified issues in developing and emerging countries. One scholarship will be awarded annually to a qualified student whose home is outside the United States of America. The scholarship is intended to cover one (1) year (two semesters) of study with a minimum of 15 hours per semester for undergraduate students or 12 hours per semester for a graduate student.

To apply for the Duane R. Sterling Scholarship Rotary Program, a student must be an international student who meets all international entrance requirements and be fully admitted at UCM as an incoming or current full-time undergraduate or graduate degree seeking student in any field of study. The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for an undergraduate program, or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for a graduate program. Applicants must submit three letters of reference, a detailed resume outlining work experience, extracurricular activities, community involvement, and honors/awards, and a personal statement (minimum 500 words) as to how Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” and the organization’s mission will impact future goals and plans in the identified field of study. Selected recipients will have required responsibilities that will immerse them in the local Rotary community.

Please read the following as to what is expected of a Sterling Rotary Scholar

I. Introduction

Dr. Sterling has a rich and diverse background. From his military service in Germany to his community service for the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Sterling has a wealth of different experiences. Dr. Sterling spent several years in the top leadership position of The Rotary Foundation. Prior to service with Rotary International, Dr. Sterling spent 32 years at the University of Central Missouri. These two life experiences have helped to develop the strong belief Dr. Sterling has toward education and support of international causes. The Sterling Scholars exemplify a strong dedication and commitment to international causes and education.

II. Requirements from Rotary District 6080

  1. The student(s) will be expected to pursue a degree program and to participate in a series of extracurricular activities, which demonstrate the career accomplishments, interests and experiences that shaped the personality and value system of Dr. Duane R. Sterling, for whom the Sterling Scholarship is named.
  2. Rotary District 6080 is committed to assist each Sterling Scholar to maximize the learning opportunity while on the UCM campus and in the Warrensburg, Missouri community for the academic year. Rotary District 6080 will assign a Rotarian to be a liaison to each Sterling Scholar, to assist with local transportation, campus and community orientation and in completing the Lifestyle Experiences as outlined below.

III. Lifestyle Experiences

  1. Each Sterling Scholar will be expected to complete the required experiences during the academic year unless prevented by circumstances beyond the Scholars control. Additional suggested experiences are listed to better acquaint the Scholar with the interests and avocations of Dr. Duane R. Sterling.

IV. Rotary Experiences

Required:

  1. Present a program to Rotary District 6080 such as “Why being a Sterling Scholar is important to me”.
  2. Attend a Rotary District 6080 Conference: Dr. Sterling served as District Governor in 1987-88. The District contributed and pledged $980,000 to PolioPlus. The District chartered the Odessa Rotary Club. Dr. Sterling chaired the District Conference that year on the campus of UCM. Attending the District 607 Conference were fellow district governors from Bangladesh, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas as well as the 1987-88 RI Vice-President Bob Cerwin and Chairman of the RI Board of Directors Executive Committee, Ray Klinginsmith. Warrensburg Rotary and District 607 hosted RI President Charles Keller for the Warrensburg Rotary Club’s 50th anniversary celebration. Attending the District 6080 Conference will help the scholar to see beyond the club level to the district level.
  3. Visit the World Headquarters of Rotary International in Evanston, Illinois: Dr. Sterling served as General Manager of the Rotary Foundation from 1997-2003 at the World Headquarters in Evanston, IL. The programs and support of 1.2 million Rotarians are managed from the World Headquarters. The Foundation raises millions of dollars each year in support of international causes. Dr. and Mrs. (Pat) Sterling served through 2008-2011 as the Rotarian Coordinator for 2010-2011 Rotary International President, Mr. Ray Klinginsmith and wife Judie. This responsibility involved significant travel to Rotary Clubs and events throughout the Rotary World. Transportation costs will be provided to visit World Headquarters.

Suggested:

  1. Attend a Warrensburg Rotary Club meeting as a club guest Dr. Sterling served as President in 1983-84.
  2. Attend a Warrensburg Rotary Club social function as a club guest.
  3. Meet and visit with the District Governor of District 6080. Dr. Sterling served as District Governor in 1987-88.

V. Career Experiences

Required:

  1. Visit the boyhood home of Dr. Sterling located at 902 S. Oak Street, California, MO.
  2. Visit the State Capitol in Jefferson City, Missouri, to observe the Missouri Legislature in session (Dr. Sterling served as a Legislative lobbyist for the University of Central Missouri).

Suggested:

  1. Make an appointment to visit with the President of UCM in the Presidents office: Dr. Sterling was Assistant to the President of the University of Central Missouri for 15 years. He also served on the Presidents Cabinet for 27 years.
  2. Make an appointment to visit with the UCM Policy Director, or appropriate similar position: For a period of 20 years, Dr. Sterling was in charge of developing the Strategic Plan for the University of Central Missouri. He worked with the Board of Governors as Chief Policy Officer to develop University policy and procedures.
  3. Make an appointment to visit with the UCM Legal Affairs Office, or appropriate similar office:* For 20 years Dr. Sterling worked with the legislative and executive branches of the State government to secure the operating and capital appropriations for the University. In addition to garnering the necessary funding, Dr. Sterling also worked to pass any legislation favorable to higher education in the state of Missouri.
  4. Attend a basketball game at one of the small high school in the area, such as Crest Ridge, Leeton, Chilhowee, etc.: Dr. Sterling’s first employment was as a basketball coach in Appleton City, Missouri. In Appleton City, he taught biology and was the head basketball coach and assistant football coach.

VI. Warrensburg Community Experience

Required:

  1. Visit the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center: Dr. Sterling served 7 years on the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce Board. This group is instrumental in promoting the business community and the city of Warrensburg, Missouri.
  2. Visit the Johnson County Historical Society Library, Museum, and Old Court House located at 302 N. Main Street in Warrensburg to learn about the Trial of Old Drum: Dr. Sterling and Mrs. Lynn (Jackie) Harmon co-chaired the year-long 2005 Warrensburg Sesquicentennial Celebration.

Suggested:

  1. Attend a Sunday service at the Warrensburg First Christian Church: In his religious life, Dr. Sterling has played an active role. He has served as Chairman of the board, Elder and Deacon of the First Christian Church. In addition to these positions, he has also served as Chairman of many functional committees.
  2. Visit the Principal of Sterling Elementary School: The Sterling Elementary School was named for Dr. Sterling’s aunt, Nellie Hart Sterling. She taught in the Warrensburg, Missouri school system for 50 years.
  3. Attend a UCM Basketball game: Dr. Sterling served as Associate Basketball coach for one year at the University of Central Missouri.
  4. Play or ride for a round of golf at Keth Memorial Golf Course: Dr. Sterling was instrumental is converting the Earl Keth Golf Course from sand greens to grass greens. He also won various tournament prizes and cultivated many friends while enjoying golf at the Keth course, including Lynn Harmon.
  5. Visit one of Missouri recreational lakes for water sports or fishing: Dr. Sterling grew up near the Lake of the Ozarks, a large tourist and recreational area. Likely, due to his growing up in this environment, he has enjoyed many trips to the lakes to fish or water ski with family and friends.
  6. Visit one of the Missouri Department of Conservation or Federal waterfowl refuges during the fall season. Dr. Sterling has spent many hours out in the fields hunting quail and on the water hunting waterfowl with his friend Lynn Harmon.

VII. Each Sterling Scholar is required to submit a written evaluation of the Scholars Program and the Lifestyle Experiences with a separate copy to The Rotary Foundation, the University of Central Missouri Office of International Studies, the Rotary District 6080, the Duane Sterling family and the Lynn Harmon family.

Note: Current Rotarian, the spouse or lineal descendant of a Rotarian, or an employee of any club, district, or other Rotary entity are not eligible to receive the Sterling Scholarship.

Award
Varies
Deadline
03/15/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. Letter #1: Please provide a letter of reference from an employer or supervisor
  2. Letter #2 Please provide the name and email address of a faculty member who will provide a letter of recommendation.
  3. Letter #3: Please provide the name and email address of a person (non-relative) who we may contact on your behalf to provide a letter of reference.
  4. Duane R. Sterling Scholarship - Rotary Program Additional Requirements
    • Please complete an essay addressing how Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" and the organization's mission will impact the future goals and plans in your identified field of study
    • Please provide a detailed resume outlining work experience, extracurricular activities, community involvement and honors/awards