As an Elks scholar, we hope you’ll resolve to get (or stay) involved with your Elks family in 2017. Follow along with our countdown over the next 12 days as we feature the different ways scholars got involved in 2016!
In January 2016, 19 Elks scholars and two Elks National Foundation staff traveled to Oakland, California to serve in the name of the Elks. From serving to sightseeing, the scholars left their mark on the San Francisco Bay area and returned home with new perspective and passion for service.
Click here to read a blog about the stages of a service trip written by 2012 Legacy scholar and trip participant, Elizabeth Schaff.
Want to see the scholars in action? Click here to watch a recap video of the trip.
When the late Lee Weigel lost her husband to a staph infection in 2009, she decided to invest in the future of healthcare in the U.S. Her generosity funds $20,000 medical school scholarships for Elks scholars. This year’s recipients, Michael Lindeborg , Brittan Sutphin and Ishani Premaratne , are all passionate about healthcare for different reasons and have their own inspiring stories.
Click here to learn more about the Elks Alum of the Year Award if you’re an Elks scholar alum. The 2017 application will open on January 3.
Click here to read a blog about what the week meant to one of our 2015 MVS scholars, Do Hyun Kim.
Click here to learn about the SAB from current and past members. Click here to read about Freshman Representative Brandon Dawson’s experience at the 2016 Convention.
In 2016, Elks scholars from the Minneapolis area served with the Hopkins, Minn. Lodge No. 2221 with their Impact Grant Project “Teaming Up for Teens.” Scholars and ENF staff spent an afternoon packing hygiene kits for teens in the community who need extra support. Click here to see pictures from the scholars’ service and click here to learn more about Elks scholar volunteers.
In November 2016, Elks scholars across the U.S. participated in the first-ever Elks Scholar Service Days. In honor of National Family Volunteer Day, all Elks scholars were encouraged to serve with their Elks family sometime between November 18-20. From New York City to California, Elks scholars from other universities gathered and served in cities across the U.S. Whether serving meals to the hungry or working in a community garden, Elks scholars made their #ElksFamily proud!
Click here to read a recap of Elks Scholar Service Days!
“Each scholar has a different story and experience to share. We come from all different backgrounds, have led different volunteer events/activities, and are passionate about pursuing a great career after college. When you consider how many current Elks scholars and alumni are out there, we make up a rather large community, all with one central connection¬—we’re part of the much larger Elks family.”
Sean Pringle led Meet-Ups on his college campus, joined the Scholar Advisory Board and in 2016 became Scholarship Chair at the Oceano/Five Cities, Calif., Lodge No. 2504. He is now welcoming new Elks scholars into the Elks family. Talk about full circle! Click here to read about Sean’s journey from Elks scholar to Scholarship Chair.