Dr. Erika Endrijonas began her tenure as President of Santa Barbara City College in August 2023. She'll be joining our club on Tuesday to provide an update on our local community college.
In addition to her extensive educational background and impressive positions in a variety of educational institutions, Dr. Endrijonas demonstrates an ongoing commitment to community service. She is a member and Treasurer of the Partners in Education Board, a member of the Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce Board, and a fellow Rotarian (with the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise).
Giving is not always easy. At times, our hearts encourage generosity while our minds question whether the effort is worth it. I’ve learned, though, that the true reward of giving is spiritual—it cannot always be seen, but it is always felt.
Growing up in a third-world country, what kept me dreaming, and ultimately helped my dreams come true, was the power of giving. When you have just a little more than your neighbor or schoolmate, sharing your single meal or even the only pen in your backpack is not a loss—it is healing. It is strength. It is self-contentment.
This is the quiet miracle of generosity: it uplifts others while transforming us. Rotary embodies this truth every day, reminding us that service above self is both a gift to others and a blessing to our own spirit.
Sese
New members enrich our club with fresh ideas and enhance our ability to serve the community. Our two most recent additions are Debbie Merlo and Dr. Eric Stahl.
We'll publish detailed Member Spotlight announcements on each of them in future newsletters. In the meantime, take a moment to introduce yourself at the next meeting and get to know these incredible individuals.
Larry A. Lunsford, a member of the Rotary Club of Kansas City-Plaza, Missouri, USA, is the selection of the nominating committee to become Rotary International’s president for 2027-28.
