Have Rolex, Will Travel (Scuba Diving Magazine 11/07 issue)

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This is from the current issue of Scuba Diving magazine:

Have Rolex, Will Travel

A unique diving scholarship trains future diving leaders

Brenda Mahoney is living a diver's dream.

For the past year, the 24-year-old Cornell grad has been travelling the globe in pursuit of diving adventures. So far, she's honed underwater videography skills in Egypt's Red Sea, descended in to Dahab's famous Blue Hole and completed her instructor training. Her next stop: a research expedition in Alaska.

As the Our World-World Scholarship's Society's 2007 North American Rolex Scholar, her travel and lodging are taken care of. She enjoys free courses from the Divers Alert Network (DAN), and she's been outfitted with some new gear, including a dry suit, underwater video housing, dive computer and, of course, a Rolex Submariner.

Mahoney admits that more than a few divers are jealous when she tells them what she's up to. But when she explains how the program will help her pursue a career in marine biology, most are excited by her opportunity. "People are amazed this thing even exists," she says.

Sponsored by Rolex since its inception, the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society has been awarding scholarships for more than 35 years and has expanded its program internationally. Three scholars are chosen each year--one each in North America, Europe and Australasia--based on a demonstrated interest in pursuing a marine-related field. Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 26, have a high academic standing, and have not earned a graduate degree. They must also be a certified open-water diver with at least 25 logged dives.

Robin Parrish, vice-president of North American operations, was the society's first female scholar in 1976. Like many past scholars, she's stayed involved with the program; in her case, as the national coordinator. The society has many friends throughout the dive industry who act as hosts and mentors to each new class. "The primary thing this scholarship offers is an unbelievable set of networking connections," Parrish says. Past scholars include world-renowned photographer Norbert Wu; Karen Van Hoesen, director of the Diving Medicine Clinic at the UC San Diego Medical Center; and Pete Romano, an underwater photographer with credits in films such as Pearl Harbor, The Italian Job and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

Know a young diver who might benefit from the program? Send them to www.owuscholarship.org. The application deadline for the 2008 scholarship program is Dec. 31. The society also offers several summer internships.--Tom Wilmes