Why I Became a Rotarian..LaVerne Ragster

On December 22, 2010, Rotarian LaVerne gave her reasons for becoming a Rotarian.

Rotarian LaVerne counted it an honor to have an opportunity to tell her fellow Rotarians a little bit of a very long story in terms of her becoming a Rotarian. As a faculty member in the 1980’s, and an administrator in the 1990’s, she came to a number of meetings.  The first meeting she attended was held at Bluebeard’s Castle, and no women were allowed.  She was very annoyed at this and thought about banning the group, but needed the support at UVI.  Over the past 30 years she has participated on the periphery and was honored to tell Rotarians of UVI’s programs.  She was named as one of Rotary II’s Person of the Year, and was an honorary member for three (3) years when she was president of UVI.  Over the years, Rotarian LaVerne paid attention to two things:

1. Camaraderie: how we got along with each other; the fact that we supported one another
2. Community projects: community activities were things that made sense, not fluff, but projects that made an impact.

She is grateful to Y. E. Thraen for her support and encouragement. Rotarian LaVerne is even trying to convince husband, that there are groups which work effectively internationally; groups that make an impact, groups where you can network and have fun.  You couldn’t ask for more.  She looks forward to contributing in the future.