Rafer Johnson

    Dr. Gay Pepper

    Kym Cuffman

    Brian Cooper

    Anthony Stokes

    Jake Copesky

    Stefan Vardon

    Melissa Owens

    Vinay Ramanathan

    Sam Robinson

Student Ambassador
Alumni Adventures

Student Ambassador Sam Robinson was awarded the Founders Medal – The Mary Desha Medal for Youth by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for outstanding contributions to his community.

Sam received his award at the Alabama State Conference Daughters of the American Revolution Awards Luncheon at Auburn University. According to Lorraine Ennis, chapter regent, this award is given to youth for exemplary service to the community through participation in various activities. As part of the application process, students are asked to submit recommendations. In his recommendation, Dr. Richard Ferguson, People to People area director, stated, “People to People has very high expectations for Student Ambassador dress, behavior and the ability to handle themselves in a foreign country. Sam has met and exceeded these expectations.”

Not only has Sam excelled as a Student Ambassador, but he also strongly believes that his People to People experiences have greatly influenced his perspective, “I truly feel that interacting with people of other cultures has re-enforced the importance of tolerance and respecting the differences of others. As a society, we tend to quickly judge others who are different.” He credits his People to People journeys with helping him to contribute to his community, “these experiences have made me look deeper into myself, creating ways in which I can help make a difference in my own community.”

There is no doubt that Sam will make an impact on those around him. “I would like to continue making a difference, primarily helping improve the lives of pediatric patients” Sam said. “My future plans include attending Boston College pursuing an undergraduate degree in Political Science, and then hopefully the Yale School of Law.” His goals reflect both his ambition and strong desire to help others. “I have told my parents that I would like to be President of the United States, but if not President then maybe Chair of the American Red Cross,” he said.

Sam’s passion for exploration is obvious, “There are so many areas of the world that I want to visit. I would really like to travel to Russia, parts of Western and Eastern Europe and Egypt.” He also hopes to attend one of the People to People Peace Camps. “I have a real desire to help others, and I enjoy meeting and interacting with people from different cultures.”

The DAR is a volunteer women’s service organization that promotes patriotism, preserves American history and works to improve education for children.