Mike Westrom - a Rotary Global Grant Scholar

Thu, Feb 23rd 2017 at 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm


Mike is studying at Durham University and part of the scholarship includes visiting and talking to clubs in his host district.

Mike comes from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois and is a graduate of West Point in New York. He is an Army logistics officer and he is studying for an MSc in Energy & Society in the Department of Anthropology at St Mary’s College. The course consists of 6 months of modules and 6 months of dissertation and fieldwork in Orkney, which generates over 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.

He spoke about public level of acceptance or non-acceptance of various wind farm projects around the world and how that impacted on future development. Nearer to home, part of his field study will involve the Oakenshaw community wind turbine in County Durham where he will be with a group of students this term studying local impact and focusing in particular on community engagement and what it means for future community energy projects in Durham.

He recounted what he'd discovered about English culture since he arrived here in September last year and the contrast with the Japanese way of life he had also experienced.

We wish Mike well in his studies and on his return to the Army with a new perspective and the knowledge on how to properly brew a cup of tea.

Thanks to Rtn. Jim Greensmith for this report.

To find out more about Global Grant Scholarships see the Rotary International website.

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This committee conducts all the Club’s administrative activities and provides the framework that enables the Club to function effectively whilst promoting fellowship.

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The main aim of this committee is to plan and carry out educational, humanitarian, vocational and youth projects that address the needs of the local community. [now includes fundraising]

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The main aim of this committee is to develop and implement educational, humanitarian, vocational and youth projects that address the needs of communities in other countries.

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The main aim of this committee is to develop and implement a strategic plan for fund-raising with the overarching aim that fund-raising should promote fellowship and community service

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