Chase Warner wins Rotary scholarship for study in New Zealand

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DANVILLE, KY (02/09/2010)(readMedia)--  Centre College senior Chase Warner of Lexington has become the latest Centre student to receive a Rotary scholarship. Planning to put the award to use in New Zealand this fall, Warner is thrilled to be continuing his education in such an extraordinary setting.

"I chose New Zealand based on its unique sense of culture and identity," he says. "Also, they're champions in wildlife preservation, and this is another aspect that I wanted to explore and study deeper. Besides, what other country's prime minister has made an appearance on The Late Show with Dave Letterman?"

It was the desire to continue learning about different cultures, which Warner says begun during his study abroad term in Strasbourg, that inspired him to apply for a Rotary scholarship.

"After a lot of research and advice from Dr. [Milton] Reigelman, my interest in Rotary developed into something a little more than just 'preliminary.' The program seemed to fit so perfectly with my plans for life after graduation."

Warner is not alone in crediting Centre's study abroad programs with the desire to live abroad after graduation. Other recent graduates have felt a similar calling and are thriving in Japan, Germany and other countries around the world.

"I have a great deal of thanks to offer to the international program at Centre," Warner says. "My time in Strasbourg exposed me to a world outside of the States and truly instilled the concept of being a 'global citizen.'"

Because as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar Warner will serve as a goodwill ambassador to New Zealand, he feels he has been charged "with representing not only Rotary International but the United States as well. The opportunity to represent my home and my people is exhilarating, and my desire to do so stems from my time in Strasbourg-thanks to Centre."

Hoping to pursue a career in the field of veterinary public health, Warner will study the development and transmission of disease and the impacts on society while in New Zealand.

"Public health isn't just a medical subject," he says. "Its implications pervade the cultural, political and economical arenas as well."

Though he is looking forward to every aspect of living and studying in New Zealand, Warner believes the most rewarding experience will be "interacting and sharing ideas with the people of New Zealand. I'm anticipating nights of intense political discussion and academic stress, but most of all I'm anticipating a sense of conviviality with my fellow students at Massey University and with the citizens of New Zealand."

Each year, students routinely win the world's most prestigious fellowships and scholarships. Over the past 10 years, Centre has had two Rhodes Scholars, 29 Fulbright winners, seven Goldwater recipients and 10 Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship winners.

Warner is the son of Scott and Jackie Warner of Lexington and is a graduate of Lafayette High School.