Celebrating 80 years of bringing nations together, Savannah-area Rotary Clubs and Rotary District 6920 hosted Conclave 2026, welcoming 38 new Georgia Rotary Student Program (GRSP) scholars representing 20 countries. The scholars will attend 23 colleges and universities across Georgia and are sponsored by 78 Rotary Clubs throughout the state.

Beverly Trainor, Governor of Rotary District 6920, opened the weekend with a powerful message about the impact Rotarians have in their communities and around the world.

The weekend featured several GRSP alumni who shared their experiences and perspectives with the newest class of scholars. On Friday evening, GRSP alumna, Aarhus Rotarian and Danish Coordinator Birgitte Illum (Class of 1989–90 sponsored by Thomasville) shared her perspective as a former scholar, parent and coordinator.

Nipuna Ampanpola (Class of 2015–16) delivered the keynote address on Saturday, encouraging scholars to build meaningful relationships and expand their networks within Rotary to create lasting change.

Scholars and Rotarians explored historic Savannah on Sunday during a citywide scavenger hunt before departing for their respective colleges and universities across Georgia.

International student laws and visa compliance were also an important part of the weekend’s educational sessions. West Chatham-Pooler Rotarian and Senior Judge Penny Freesemann joined Dr. Eric Spears, a Columbus Rotarian and Executive Director of the Center for Global Engagement at Columbus State University, to discuss Georgia laws and provide important reminders regarding international student visa requirements.

Conclave brought together a broad cross-section of the GRSP family, including alumni, district governors from each of Georgia’s Rotary districts, emeritus chairmen, trustees and staff, yearlong and weekend host families, GRSP Foundation board members, current Trustees, program leadership, friends and supporters.

With the addition of the 2026–27 class, the Georgia Rotary Student Program now has 3,931 alumni representing 115 countries. This year’s incoming class adds students from Kosovo and Sierra Leone to the GRSP community, further expanding the program’s global reach.

For 80 years, GRSP has brought international college students to Georgia through Rotary’s commitment to cultural exchange, friendship and Service Above Self, building understanding one relationship at a time.

The next GRSP Weekend will be hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Peachtree City, September 18–20.