French Rotary Scholar Shares U. S. Experiences
Global understanding of environmental sustainability is a key focus for Sebastien Magnan, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and student at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Stuart School of Business. A recent guest at the Rotary Club of Joliet meeting, Magnan spoke about his experiences as a Rotary Scholar and also shared parts of his home and family in a presentation on Being a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.
Graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Industrial Engineering from Esha University in Biarritz, France, Magnan calls Digne-les-Bains, France his home, where his parents still reside. His brother, sister and girlfriend live in Paris. At IIT, Magnan is pursuing a MS in Environmental Sustainability and is enjoying his experience as a student and scholar. While he looks forward to returning home in the future, Magnan also wants to do what he can studying abroad to promote the importance of addressing environmental issues on a global level. His personal project is to work toward world understanding and awareness about the environment, while promoting growth and peace.
“There needs to be a global understanding about the environment and its issues - and being a part of Rotary’s Ambassadorial Scholar program has made it possible to pursue that goal,” said Magnan. “It’s so important… today’s scholars are our key to a better future.”
Ambassadorial Scholarships are The Rotary Foundation's oldest program, founded in 1947. A well-known Foundation program, more than 40,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad since its beginnings. Magnan is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Biarritz-Bayonne in France. His host club in the U. S. is the Rotary Club of Darien.