Elks National Foundation Blog

by 2016 Elks Scholar Alum of the Year, Capt. Rachel M. Russo, MD, MAS Today is an historic day. We faced an unprecedented election between two rivals, a woman and a businessman. With many Americans holding strong opinions about the outcome, we are all experiencing the emotions that come along with electing a new president. It is a time to reach out to each other and celebrate the things we have in common as we all move forward together. The rights to vote, to express dissenting opinions, and to come together in unity are freedoms that have been hard-earned by the men and women of this country over generations. Since World War II the Elks National Veterans Service Commission has been dedicated to serving these men and women who spent their lives securing our freedoms. In this month of November, Veteran’s Remembrance Month, I’d like to say thank you to the Elks, and to all of my fellow veterans and military members for their unwavering commitment. As Americans, we all want...

By Gunther & Lee Weigel Medical School Scholarship Recipient and 2014 Elks Scholar Alum of the Year Kelly Ryan Murphy Being the Elks Scholar Alum of the Year has been a wonderful experience. I was able to attend the Elks National Convention in New Orleans, meet incredible members of the Elks community, and expand a service project that is near and dear to my heart. Meeting Mrs. Weigel was my favorite part of Convention. Although initially I was hesitant to apply, I am so glad that I ended up doing so. Out of all the many talented Elks scholars, I did not think that I could possibly be considered. But as an Elks scholar and a Gunther & Lee Weigel Medical School Scholarship recipient, my connection to Elks had been reaffirmed over the years and I knew I had made the ideals of the Elks National Foundation a part of my daily life. Once I applied, I was completely shocked that I had received the honor. I was also excited that I would finally get a chance to put a fa...

By Jimmy Tomczak, 2011 Elks Alum of the Year and 2006 MVS scholar This summer, the Elks National Foundation recognized me as the 2011 Alum of the Year during the Elks National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. After accepting the award and speaking at the convention, I met Michigan Elks President, Keith Alverson and his wife, Greer. While talking, he mentioned a major Michigan Elks gathering and we agreed to keep in touch. A few months later, Keith invited me to speak in Sault Sainte Marie at the Michigan Elks Association’s 55th Annual Fall Conference. As the ENF Alum of the Year, I addressed the Michigan membership at both their business session and ladies luncheon to share my Elks scholar story and represent the Elks National Foundation’s focus on programming that benefits Elks, Elks scholars and other programs recipients and our communities. More than 300 people listened closely as I shared my not-so-distant memories of applying for an Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship at...