Cornell University senior Alexandra M. Vinograd has received a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship for $23,000 to pursue studies in public health at the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru in Lima, Peru.

Vinograd, who majors in history and German studies, will spend one academic year in the Peruvian capital serving in both scholarly and informally diplomatic capacities.

"The scholarship will not only allow me to experience Peruvian culture and improve my Spanish, it will also allow me to redirect my course of study from history and German area studies to public health and medicine, which I intend to pursue as a career," Vinograd said. "I am especially grateful to my professors who have encouraged me to continually challenge myself, helping me to explore my interests in depth and branch into different fields of study."

The primary purpose of the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. During the study period, scholars are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country through both informal and formal appearances before Rotary Clubs and districts, school and civic organizations, and other forums. After study has been completed, scholars are expected to discuss and share their experiences with the people of their home countries and with the local Rotarians who sponsored their scholarship.

The scholarship grant is intended for round-trip transportation, one month of intensive language training, academic fees, educational supplies, living costs and limited contingency expenses. The availability and type of Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships are determined by each Rotary district and vary from year to year.

Vinograd, a dean's list student, has had previous experience as a guest of the international Rotary. In 1994-95 she participated in the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program to Geilenkirchen, Germany. In the summer of 1997, Vinograd was part of British University's Work Abroad Program serving on a marketing project for a London-based design firm. A native of Saranac Lake, N.Y., Vinograd currently serves as an information specialist

for Cornell's Campus Information and Visitor Relations. During summer break 1999, she served an internship with AIDS Work of Tompkins County, an Ithaca-based agency where she now volunteers. Vinograd also served an internship at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., in the summer of 1998.

Applicants must have completed at least two years of university coursework when the scholarship begins. All applicants must be citizens of a country in which there is a Rotary Club. Rotarians and their families are not eligible.

The scholarship may be used for any field of study but cannot be used for unsupervised research, medical internship or residency, or for full-time employment in the host country.