Way back in 1931, 63 years after the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks formed and three years after the organization established its Elks National Foundation, the Elks began awarding college scholarships. Since then, the ENF has invested in tens of thousands of students, awarding more than $120 million in scholarships.

Fast forward to 2018. In July, 150 Elks scholars gathered in San Antonio for the 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Elks. One hundred fifty scholars converged at Haven for Hope to serve individuals experiencing homelessness. One hundred fifty scholars served side-by-side with Elks members who support their college dreams and beyond.

Justin Schulberg, a 2013 Most Valuable Student scholar and past Elks Scholar Service Trip participant, served as an Elks Scholar Leader at 150 for 150.

“The education I got would not have been possible without the Elks, and it’s our duty as young people who have been privileged to get that support, to give it back,” says Schulberg.

Sean Loosli, a 2003 recipient from Utah who won the top male scholarship, then worth $60,000, was so intent on being part of the experience that he rearranged a trip to Russia for the FIFA World Cup.

“We’re part of the Elks’ story,” says Loosli, who now works for a financial software company in the Bay Area. “We’re living examples of their good work. Much of what we’ve done, and will do, sort of ripples from that scholarship. So, I shortened my trip to Russia, so I could be in San Antonio.”

During the gathering, billed as the 150 for 150 Service and Celebration Weekend, the scholars served at Haven for Hope, a 22-acre campus for families and individuals experiencing homelessness. They also joined the Elks conventioneers in service at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, packing hygiene kits for local veterans in need.

In addition, the weekend featured programming and networking opportunities. At Opening Ceremonies, the scholars, lead by Loosli, flooded the Convention Center and surprised the Elks to the tune of “Can’t Stop this Feeling.”

“When I accepted my scholarship at the Elks Convention in St. Louis,” reflects Bryce Caswell, Loosli’s 2003 top female counterpart and who now lives in Seattle and works for a tech giant, “I was living with a friend’s family. “But I joined an Elks family that day,” Caswell continues. “Today, I’m a member, I serve on the ENF’s Scholar Advisory Board, and I’m connected to all these amazing Elks scholars who truly are changing the world in so many ways. I can’t thank the Elks enough for embracing me and changing my life.”

To be charitable is to be selfless. And the Elks scholars, who serve in the name of the Elks, embody that. The sacrifices they make are evident in their educational paths, their careers, and their desire to serve.

Sean Pringle, a 2010 MVS scholar who served on the Scholar Advisory Board from 2010-2014 joined Oceano/Five Cities, Calif., Lodge No. 2504 in 2015, and is now the Lodge and District Scholarship Chair.

“The feeling that you get when you volunteer, it’s a priceless feeling,” says Pringle. “It really means that you’re focused on providing a selfless act.”

The sound of this selfless sacrifice filled every platform in which the scholars served. From Trinity University—their home for the weekend; to Haven for Hope, a shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness; to the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the site of the side-by-side service—the buzz was distinct. It was the sound of service.

Nathan Miller, a 2014 MVS scholar who exemplifies the significance of service through leadership, also served as an Elks Scholar Leader in San Antonio.

“It’s so important that we give back because if we concentrate all of our energy on ourselves in the end, what are we truly living for?” asks Miller.

The momentum from the weekend will continue well into the future.

“The Elks have been around for 150 years which is incredible, and I feel like what we represent is not the past 150 years, but the next 150 years,” reflects Schulberg.

For even more coverage from the Elks National Convention and 150 for 150, visit enf.elks.org/2018SanAntonio.