In 2018, with donations from two club members, RCAA created an award to be given annually to an individual who has demonstrated a long-term sustainable contribution to humanitarian efforts. This award celebrates the exceptional humanitarian service provided by Ann Arbor Rotarian Robert S. Northrup.

Past Northrup Award Recipients include:

April, 2018
Dr. Robert S. Northrup for his lifelong humanitarian service both nationally and internationally.

April, 2019
Irene Butter – As a Holocaust survivor, Dr. Butter has worked to be an advocate for Peace and the use of dialogue and empathy to build bridges between people. She founded the University of Michigan Raoul Wallenberg Medal and Lecture Series. She is the author of Shores Beyond Shores: From Holocaust to Hope, My True Story. She also established an Arab/Jewish Women’s Dialogue group in Ann Arbor.

September, 2020
John Drake – Founder of The Childrens Lingap Foundation in 2006, which supports impoverished and neglected children through the Lingap Center in Toledo City, Philippines. The Lingap Center provides residence, education, and support. More than a safe haven, Drake sees the center as a place where children can find the resources they need to become dignified, productive individuals.

Criteria for Nomination:

The nominee may or may not be a Rotarian. The nominations can be submitted by a member of RCAA, members of other Rotary Clubs or a person from the community at large. Details regarding submission can be found on this attached document: Solicitation for Nominations for the Robert S Northrup Award. This year’s nominations must be submitted via email by March 23, 2022 with the word Northrup in the subject to nsarkar@umich.edu.

Humanitarian Service is defined as service provided within the Rotary International Areas of Focus:
• Peace and conflict prevention/resolution, including social justice
• Disease prevention and treatment
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene
• Maternal and child health
• Basic education and literacy
• Economic and community development
• Supporting the Environment

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of 5 judges consisting of 3 Rotarians and 2 from the Community at large. The candidate selected will be asked to attend the Award presentation and present to the RCAA in April, 2022. For more information, contact Norma Sarkar (nsarkar@umich.edu) or 734-276-5718.