Two Chapman students awarded top Rotary Scholarships

Two Chapman University students have been awarded prestigious
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships
. Chelsea Judy ’11, a history major with a double minor in political science and honors from Irvine, and Sarah Fiske-Phillips ’12, a double major in peace studies and political science from Redlands, have each been selected to receive $27,000 awards to support graduate work.

Judy, who is working in Washington, D.C., on a paid six-month fellowship with the federal policy team of the
Sierra Club
, says she plans to use the scholarship to pursue a graduate degree in Australia or New Zealand, two nations she says are leading the way on environmental legislation. She is particularly interested in ocean policy.

“It’s my passion. It’s something I want to do for the world and leave a lasting impact. I think this is the definitive challenge of our era, and I want to be part of the solution,” she said.

Fiske-Phillips, who is Chapman University’s student representative to the
President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge
and an active member of Disciples on Campus, says she plans to use the scholarship to pursue a graduate degree, most likely in India, where she wants to focus on international relations and conflict resolution issues. She is especially looking forward to connecting her studies with service.

“I think the Rotary Scholarship is unique because it gives me the opportunity to combine academics with service. Since I’m so passionate about service, it’s a good opportunity for me,” she says. “I was raised to always give back to my community.”