If you are attending in person, we ask that you usethis link to make a reservation by March 16, 2026.
Dr. James “Jimmy” Simmons is a respected educator, musician, and community leader from Beaumont, Texas, best known for his decades of service to Lamar University. A Beaumont native, Simmons began his career in music education and joined the university in 1970 as an instructor and director of bands. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, serving as chair of the Department of Music, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, and later as president of the university.
Simmons served as president of Lamar University from 1999 to 2013, leading a period of significant growth, including expanded academic programs, increased enrollment, and major fundraising efforts exceeding $130 million. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential presidents in the university’s history and was named President Emeritus following his tenure.
In addition to his leadership in higher education, Simmons is an accomplished musician, performing on clarinet, saxophone, and piano, and has remained active in the local music scene. He has performed alongside well-known artists and continues to contribute to the arts in Southeast Texas.
Throughout his career, Simmons has received numerous honors for his leadership, service, and contributions to education and the community. The city of Beaumont recognized his impact by renaming a portion of University Drive as Jimmy Simmons Boulevard in his honor.
Invocation
Craig Escamilla
Consultant & Owner
CAE Solutions, LLC
2025 recipient of the T. Kelsey Lamb Award
Pledges
Dana Timaeus
Managing Partner
The Timaeus Law Firm
2017 recipient of the T. Kelsey Lamb Award
Introduction of
Guests
Rebekah DeGarmo
Marketing Consultant
ReStep Marketing
2020 recipient of the T. Kelsey Lamb Award
Introduction of
Speaker
Floyd McSpadden
Retired
Lamar University
T. Kelsey Lamb Event Chair
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the
The Executive of the Year Banquet is scheduled to take place on April 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont. This event serves as a significant occasion to recognize and honor an exceptional executive who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in the field of sales and marketing. We are thrilled to announce that this year's Executive of the Year award will be presented to Mr. Robert Turner, President of JK Chevrolet-Subaru. Mr. Turner’s dedication, innovation, and exemplary performance have undoubtedly made a significant impact in our community and beyond.
Join us for an evening to celebrate the many accomplishments of Robert Turner, President of JK Chevrolet-Subaru, and honor his legacy in the Golden Triangle business community.
Meal Ticket Details:
Individual Tickets: $100
Rotary Club of Beaumont Member Ticket: $75
Sponsorship Opportunities Below:
To purchase tickets or a sponsorhip, please click HERE.
As part of the Subaru Loves the Earth® initiative, JK Subaru is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to give our community trees that are ready to be planted, free of charge. Planting a tree helps cool neighborhoods, improve air and water, and create habitat for wildlife. A variety of regionally appropriate trees will be available for you to choose from to enhance the beauty of our surroundings while making an impact on the environment. We are partnering with them to help distribute these trees, and we would love it if you would reserve a tree to have them planted locally!
The Rotary Club of Beaumont held their regular meeting at noon on March 18, 2026, at the MCM Elegante ballroom. President Uliana Trylowsky welcomed attendees, emphasizing the club's mission of fostering global and community change. She introduced the day's activities, including an invocation led by Stephanie Harris, pledges led by Desiree Peet, and introductions of guests by Diane Bass. She also highlighted the importance of community service and encouraged attendees to engage in meaningful conversations and decisions.
Lynn Hill, Rotarian of the Day, presented information about the 78th annual Neches River Festival, which celebrates high school seniors and provides scholarships. Emily Wheeler and Zach Stiles presented the festival details, including King's Arrival on March 25th and a golf tournament on March 27th. This year the NRF will have 80 Princesses and 200 participants.
The club welcomed new members Uvie Picomo, the new editor of the Beaumont Enterprise, and Mike Campbell, who runs Crime Stoppers.
Jay also encouraged members to sign up for the district training assemblies on March 28th in Huntsville or on April 11th in Texas City.
Dee Lane announced that Rotarian Robert Turner was named Executive of the Year, with an event planned for April 16th. She encouraged members to purchase tickets for the event.
Norma Sampson introduced the speaker, Myra Aquino from MD Anderson Cancer Center. She discussed Be Well Beaumont, a health initiative funded by ExxonMobil that focuses on cancer prevention through nutrition and physical activity programs in partnership with local organizations.
Myra Aquino, a registered dietitian with over 10 years of experience, introduced Be Well Communities, MD Anderson's place-based strategy for cancer prevention. She highlighted the program's focus on modifiable risk factors like tobacco use, poor diet, and physical inactivity, which contribute to up to 50% of all cancers. Myra explained that Be Well Communities works with local organizations to implement evidence-based strategies in five key areas, including school-based nutrition education and infrastructure improvements in parks. She also mentioned their collaboration with local food pantries to increase access to healthy food. The program received a generous gift from ExxonMobil in 2024 to bring Be Well Beaumont to the community.
Myra presented an overview of the Be Well Beaumont initiative, highlighting the 14 funded organizations implementing programs in active living and healthy eating. She discussed the steering committee, composed of 45 local organizations, and mentioned the various free programs available to residents, such as cooking classes and fitness activities. She also introduced Be Well Beaumont Day, a community-wide wellness event, and encouraged engagement by inviting attendees to participate in programs, share information, or join the steering committee. When asked about structural projects, she mentioned examples from other communities, including walking trails installed at schools.
The meeting discussed the successful installation of sunshades and fitness equipment in parks, funded by ExxonMobil, with plans to implement the CATCH program in Beaumont ISD to promote nutrition and physical activity. Myra highlighted the importance of community collaboration and the use of a shared calendar to coordinate events and volunteer opportunities. She also discussed the upcoming Be Well Beaumont Day event at the Sheila Humphrey Recreational Center, which aims to provide free healthcare services and promote wellness in the community.
After the presentation, Uliana announced that a gift would be made to Rotary International in support of disease prevention and treatment, and reminded attendees about the upcoming speaker event featuring Jimmy Simmons.
The meeting closed with the recitation of the Rotary 4 Way Test and ringing of the bell.
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