Chair Ian Bond congratulates new D6900 Trustees Emeritus Lynn Clarke and Aadu Allpere - recognized for their years of support for GRSP

The Georgia Rotary Student Program and GRSP Foundation held its annual summer business meeting in July. During the session, members approved the upcoming FY27 fiscal budget, elected officers for 2026–2027, recognized new trustees and directors, and honored distinguished donor contributions and members named with emeritus status.

With an alumni base of 3,900, GRSP continues its 80-year mission of “World Peace Through Understanding” by awarding one-year ambassadorial scholarships to international college students sponsored by Rotary Clubs in Georgia.

2026–2026 Leadership Elections

Chair Emeritus and Parliamentarian Bert Guy presented the new slate of officers, unanimously approved by the Board of Trustees:

• Chair: Ian Bond (Columbus)
• Vice Chair: James McCoy (Lanier Forsyth)
• Treasurer: Al Hombroek (Lawrenceville)
• Assistant Treasurer: Teri White (Thomasville)
• Secretary: Jackie Cuthbert, (Dunwoody)
• Assistant Secretary: Meredith Deal, (Brunswick)

GRSP Foundation Leadership and Recognition

The GRSP Foundation elected the following officers:

• President: Terry Adkins (Brunswick)
• Vice President: Ken Townsend (North Columbus)
• Treasurer: Michael Chaloult (Warner Robins)
• Secretary: Cheryl Huffman (Rome Seven-Hills).

During the business meeting, District Governors Cynthia Edwards (D6900) and Beverly Trainor (D6920) each reaffirmed their continued support for both GRSP and the GRSP Foundation, as did District Governor Elect Allen Bowns (D6910), and District Governor Nominees Amy Benton (D6900) and Dave Razo (D6920).

Distinguished Honors

Lynn Clarke (D6900), Aadu Allpere (Buckhead), Steve Harrold (Athens) and Rob Kellner (Valdosta) were named Trustee Emeritus and J. Michael Sweigart (Duluth) was named Chair Emeritus for their extensive service to GRSP and the Foundation along with appreciation for their leadership, investment and involvement, including hosting multiple international students and spearheading new initiatives.

A moment of silence was recognized for the recent passing of both Joseph “Joe” Jones (Sandy Springs) and former GRSP Trustee and GRSP Foundation Director Martha Zoller (Gainesville). Jones, who died June 12, served as the first president of the GRSP Foundation Inc., from 2021 to 2023. He was named Trustee Emeritus in 2023. In his 32 years serving GRSP, Joe contributed to the success of countless international college students by promoting positive relationships among students, host families, sponsoring clubs and the program. Zoller, who died June 22, served as a host family, GRSP Trustee, and as a director for the GRSP Foundation up until 2024.

Donor Milestones

Numerous Trustees and leaders were honored for reaching new cumulative donor levels, including:

• Hue Thomas Jr. Fellows ($2,500): Angela Smith (Americus), Francisco Lozano (Canton)
• Ronnie Waller Fellows ($10,000): Bill Dallas (Griffin), Cheryl Huffman (Rome Seven-Hills); Michael Chaloult (Warner Robins).
• Jim Brim Fellow ($15,000): Jackie Cuthbert (Dunwoody); Clarence “Pete” McDonald (Rome); Rob Kellner (Valdosta)

District and Trustee Updates

New district chairs include Dave Razo (Warner Robins) for District 6920 while Scott Rich (District 6900) and Cheryl Huffman (District 6910) continue in their roles. District Directors include Mark Meltzer (Buckhead) and George Siggins (Newnan) for District 6900; Mike Alexander (Hartwell) and John Richmond (Dalton) for District 6910 plus Steve Bell (Downtown Macon) along with Meredith Deal (Brunswick) for District 6920.

Several new trustees were appointed across the three Georgia districts, including Beth Howell (Buckhead) for District 6900 and Rebecca Grist (Macon) for District 6920.

GRSP Conclave Welcomes Class of 2026-27: Rotarians and guests are invited to Conclave to welcome the Georgia Rotary Student Program Class of 2026-27 in Savannah, GA. Hosted by District 6920, Conclave takes place August 21-23, 2026. You can register at www.grsp.org.

For more information, visit www.grsp.org or follow GRSP on social media.