History
About Us
The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF), was founded by Maurice J. “Sully” Sullivan during his year as the Rotary’s District Governor in Hawaii, 1976-1977. It was Sully’s desire to assist Hawaii’s high school graduates realize their potential by attending a college or university of their choice here in Hawaii or on the mainland United States. He felt that HRYF could be the vehicle to teach our young people about the advantages of the free enterprise system, the basis of our democracy.
The foundation was incorporated in the State of Hawaii as a non-profit on September 3, 1976, with “Sully” as its president until July 1, 1986, when he assumed the position of Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Since then, six others have served as President. Included in this number are three Past District Governors.
The activities of the Foundation are guided by the Charter of Incorporation and a set of by-laws. A membership meeting is convened in the second quarter of each calendar year with club representatives, officers and trustees in attendance.
The first Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation scholarship was granted in 1977 and since then through March 18, 2018, HRYF has awarded 1750 scholarships with a total value of $6,488,313. In memory of “Sully”, who passed away on February 28, 1998, HRYF established a Maurice J. Sullivan Scholar Award. Each year, one outstanding student will receive this scholarship grant in the amount of $10,000. In 2008, HRYF also established the Joanna Lau Sullivan Scholar Award. This $10,000 award is given to an outstanding student attending a 4-year college or university in Hawaii.
History of the Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation
The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) was founded by Maurice J. “Sully” Sullivan during his year as District Governor in 1976-77. It was Sully’s desire to assist Hawaii’s high school graduates to realize their potential by attending a college of their choice here in Hawaii or on the mainland United States.
The Foundation was incorporated under the laws of the State of Hawaii as a non-profit organization on September 3, 1976.
The first scholarship was granted in 1977 and since then, we have awarded 1,750 scholarships with a total value of $6,488.313. Scholarship awards are $5,000 for graduating Hawaii high school seniors applying as full-time students to an accredited four-year college or university in the United States to earn a baccalaureate degree. These scholarships are non-transferable, one-time grants for tuition that need not be repaid.
In memory of “Sully,” who passed away on February 28, 1998, we established a Maurice J. Sullivan Scholar Award. Each year one outstanding student will receive a scholarship grant in the amount of $10,000 to attend a 4-year university on the mainland. In 2008, we also established the Joanna Lau Sullivan Scholar Award. This $10,000 award is given to an outstanding student attending a 4-year university in Hawaii.
Criteria for selection are based on scholastic and academic achievements, personal involvement in campus, community activities, employment experience and financial need.
HRYF programs are financed by contributions from Rotarians and other community minded persons and foundations. The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation favored HRYF with an endowment grant of $1,000,000 with only the interest being used to expand our scholarship this year.
Since HRYF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. An acknowledgment as such will be sent to each contributor.
HRYF maintains an office on the first floor of the Foodland Building in Kaimuki. Our office hours are 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please call 735-1073 or email your questions to office@hawaiirotaryyouthfoundation.org.