President Cindy invited Past President Laura Rehrmann to the podium to set the stage for our program. She began by explaining that Gonzaga University opened in 1887 with seven students. Now president Thayne McCulloh, who is the first non-Jesuit president to lead the university, has a student population of 7,700. She praised the university for its regional health partnership with the University of Washington.President McCulloh explained that although he was born in Los Angeles, his family moved to Seattle in 1974. He admitted that he had been dismissed from Blanchet High School and finished his high school education in an alternative school. He also explained that he had been homeless for a time. He joined the Army and explained that that was a life-changing experience just as becoming a student at Gonzaga had been.
“I am uplifted by the potential of the human spirit,” he remarked. He provided a brief history of the university which was founded by Fr. Joseph Cataldo. When the former university presidents began to revision the university, their mission was to make education at Gonzaga as affordable as possible. President McCulloh explained that to be an important turning point in the university's current success.
He remarked that Gonzaga is “the little engine that could” because of its “secret sauce,” summarizing that the university has a scrappy tenacity, abundant faith, and the power of a true community that is accountable while striving for excellence.
President McCulloh likened the values of Gonzaga to those of Rotary and indicated that there has been a recent paradigm shift in higher education much like in the late 1800’s that has moved those institutions into the information/ technology age. He explained that a college degree now requires the thinking process that ensures that a college education allows students to thrive and survive. Companies look for skills that a liberal arts education delivers— the ability to work on a team, problem-solving skills, written communication skills, strong work ethic, and verbal communication skills.
He commended the nine other independent universities in Washington for their successes together by providing excellent education and closed by indicating that while public institutions receive public funding, private institutions must rely upon private sources. “We need the support of citizens.”
During the question-and-answer session, President McCulloh explained the international dimension of the university by providing information about its Florence, Italy, campus and stating that 55% of Gonzaga‘s students spend at least one semester abroad. He also spoke briefly about its other international campuses.
When asked about the university’s stance on free speech, McCulloh explained that the school is true to the mission-based values with open access and "demonstrated fidelity" to the school‘s mission. He commented, "We understand that exposing students to a broad spectrum of ideals is an important growth in their life, and we approach it from how do we provide broad experiences not if we should.”
President McCulloh closed the question and answer session by remarking that while there’s no doubt that the basketball program has provided great visibility for the school, all athletic facilities have been paid for by benefactors, which does not compromise the capital growth of the academic structures. As he left the podium, the attendees provided him a loud round of applause.
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President Cindy Runger stated the meeting and asked the members to share the name of their school mascot with someone whom they had not met before in the club. She then introduced Don Murphy and Marli Iversen who led the attendees in a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.Father Stephen Sundborg provided the inspiration of the day, asking us to pray for the students who need help in getting their education because that support benefits the public good. He remarked that commitment goes a long way in helping those students be successful. He also asked that we pray for the leaders in our educational institutions to continue with their vision of creating strong learning communities.
Krista Dalton and Daron Vchulek introduced visiting Rotarians and guests, and then President Cindy welcomed Joel Paget to the podium to introduce new member Dan Varghese. Dan, is a member of a family that has long been involved in entrepreneurial enterprises. He and his partner moved to Seattle to continue those ventures, and he now has a software development company. The graduate of the University of South Florida is passionate about dodgeball.
Virginia McKenzie invited club members to sign up for the District Conference which will be held in Spokane May 16-19. Bill Gates will be a keynote speaker.
David Bobanick, the director of Rotary First Harvest, provided the club with an update on one of the club's favorite projects. District 5030 is the most active participant and is vital to Rotary First Harvest’s continued success. He explained that 1.1 million individuals need hunger relief services. 60% of those needing assistance are children and senior citizens. The value of Rotary First Harvest is the ability to work directly with farmers to assist in the harvest and rescue of crops that cannot be sold at market but are still able to be consumed. 40% of the food grown would go to waste if not for these efforts. He remarked that the volunteers from Rotary work as pickers and packers, and he encouraged each club member to become involved and thank them for their past involvement. He closed by again thanking the group and invited Joyce Robertson to receive an award for the over 500 hours of volunteer work provided by the club.Former club president Nancy Osborne indicated that the February 27 program will be provided by Marilyn Strickland of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. That meeting will be held at the Westin.
President Cindy thanked the program's participants and closed with a Chinese proverb. "If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone."
