The World Affairs Council announces global grants in honor of Richard Lauf, dedicated mentor, friend, and board member
Rich Lauf passed away in March 2022 at the age of 73. In his honor, his wife, Susan Lauf has given funds to the World Affairs Council to expand the annual International Education Summit, a high school program to ignite passion for world affairs and take action to contribute to international happenings in the local community.
The funds will allow for multiple grants to be given to students for the inaugural Richard Lauf Global Studies Grant, and start a career fair. The purpose of this grant is to encourage students and/or student organizations to develop and carry out a project that benefits their community related to the UN Global Goals. Five grants will be awarded up to $1000! Applications are due November 27th!
Click here to apply now.
Please read on to learn about Richard’s life and his purpose towards making a global impact and leaving a longstanding legacy:
For 59 years, Rich devoted his time and passion to world affairs. At the age of 14, a young boy read the Chicago Tribune and was inspired to attend a speaker series with the French Ambassador.
“I bussed down to the Chicago Historical Society, men were dressed professionally in suit and tie, women elegantly dressed, and a très élégant French ambassador gave the talk. Here I am 14 years old dressed like any other high school student, but all were welcoming,” said former Board Chair of the World Affairs Council, Rich Lauf. “The French Ambassador was suave and oozed continental charm while he gave the views of the French government on a variety of issues. It was the most fascinating evening I had ever had.”
Rich was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Lane Tech College Prep, an all-boy high school. He recalls his community as nationally diverse, most people originating from Eastern Europe, Hungary, Poland, and Russia. Many classmates were children of refugees.
“After 1959 Cuban Refugees also started settling in Chicago.” As he worked his way through college, he worked with people who survived Nazi concentration camps and Stalin’s Gulag. “World affairs became much more than just reading history books,” he observes.
From 1970 to 1971, Rich joined the Army as an infantry platoon leader. He refers to this period as the longest years of his life. “When you experience war firsthand, you gain a real appreciation for diplomacy,” said Rich as he recalled his experience in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart during his service there.
After returning to the States, Rich moved to the corporate world. He started a career with Procter & Gamble in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He later served as an internal consultant where he worked with international subsidiaries. Through this experience, he was able to visit and improve planning efforts to cope with the hyperinflation in Venezuela, to deal with the economic crisis in Mexico, and to plan for the opening of the European borders by the Schengen Agreement.
When Rich moved to Cincinnati in 1983, he joined the World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. He witnessed many changes occur within the Council as he transitioned from a council member to a board member to the Board Chair. He noted,
“The world has changed. Information that was not accessible then is now easily accessible. News sources like NBC and CBS only offered nightly news with limited differences, offering the same amount of time for global affairs. Now, we have 24/7 news from many outlets, covering many topics. We can bring deeper engagement for our members.”
Through the Council’s education programs, Rich also saw a potential for growth in capacity and outreach. “We have an enormous opportunity to affect students from K-12 and university. We can broaden, expand, and reach out to more schools, classes, and students.”
Rich had a vision for the Council and their education programs.
“As adults, we lose sight of what we wanted as young people. My first exposure as a 14-year-old, had a 50-year effect on me. We need to create a similar impact for today’s students, like the change in me those many years ago.”
Rich and his wife often traveled to New York City, Chicago, and San Francisco to see operas, visit museums, and spend time with family. They traveled out of the country to fulfill their love of history and art by visiting historical and culturally inclined cities like London, Paris, and Vienna.
As an invested member of this community, Rich had a true passion for international work, diverse cultures, and exploration.
“I often think of the future of young people, the future of my nieces. I will never forget the 58,000 soldiers lost in the Vietnam War. I want better for the next generation. International understanding and readiness will make a huge difference.”
Rich Lauf passed away in March 2022 at the age of 73. In his honor, his wife, Susan Lauf has given funds to the World Affairs Council to expand the annual International Education Summit, a high school program to ignite passion for world affairs and take action to contribute to international happenings in the local community. Michelle Glandorf, President & CEO, shares
“I remember how Rich inspired young people with his advice, inspirational stories, and lengthy reading list of books at the Summit. I, also, would not be where I am today without his continued support and mentorship. He took a wily, unknowing 22-year-old and spent the time getting to know me and inspiring me to keep going which turned me into a better leader. It meant the world to know he believed and I can see how this gift will truly honor his legacy of seeking to inspire the next generation, just like his legacy will forever live on with me.”
The funds will allow for multiple grants to be given to students for the inaugural Richard Lauf Global Studies Grant, and start a career fair. The purpose of this grant is to encourage students and/or student organizations to develop and carry out a project that benefits their community related to the UN Global Goals. Five grants will be awarded up to $1000! Applications are due November 27th!
Click here to apply now.
Article repurposed: https://globalcincinnati.org/2018/02/19/9249/
Author: Hannah Gerth, Former employee with the World Affairs Council
Edited: World Affairs Council Staff
