The Rotary Club of Beaumont, TX, is a large and diverse fellowship of inspired business, professional, and civic leaders with significant community connections that foster the ideals of Service Above Self and high ethical standards.
If you are attending in person, we ask that you use this link to make a reservation by Monday, July 21, 2025.
Kenneth Coleman is a native Beaumontian, and proud graduate of Beaumont Charlton Pollard High School. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1986 from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, with a desire to return to serve his community. That opportunity presented itself in March 1991, when Kenneth joined the Beaumont Health Department as the HIV Minority Educator. Prior to his promotion to Public Health Director in April 2021, Kenneth worked as the Community Services Specialist, Public Health Specialist, Strategic National Stockpile Coordinator, Public Health Services Coordinator, and Assistant Public Health Director.
As the Public Health Director, Mr. Coleman oversees preparedness and surveillance of diseases, immunizations for Beaumont’s most vulnerable citizens, tuberculosis in the community, nutrition and healthy eating programs, food safety and the dissemination of informative health messages. He works tirelessly with City officials to ensure Beaumont is a healthy place to live, work and play! Kenneth serves as chairman of the BISD Health Advisory Board, member of the Texas Association of County and City Health Officials, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, and the Sabin-Neches Chiefs Association.
Kenneth has been happily married to Natosha Coleman for over twenty years. They have two children, Summer and Kenneth Jr. and one grandson, Jace. Kenneth is an active member of Ebeneezer Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon, a mentor and a pretty good basketball player.
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July 23, 2025
Invocation
Jeffrey Richardson
Executive Director
McFaddin-Ward House
Pledges to USA & Texas Flags
Tyler Marceaux
Commercial Relationship Manager
First Financial Bank
Introduction of Guests
Stephanie Shoemaker
Attorney
Maida Law Firm
Introduction of Speaker
Jackie Gunner
Human Resources Manager
City of Beaumont
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the
Kenneth Coleman, City of Beaumont-Public Health Director
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Kayla White, SETX Non-Profit Development Center
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MEMORIAL RESOLUTION PRESENTED
Since the earliest days of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, it has been a tradition to record the passing of a member into Club history with the writing of a Memorial Resolution to document his/her service and contributions. The reading of the Resolution is an opportunity to reflect on the good deeds and significant impact the Rotarian had on the Club and the community. The formally printed document is given to the family members, added to the Club's archives, and entered into the records of the Tyrrell Historical Library.
On July 30, the Rotary Club of Beaumont will gather to recognize and celebrate the life of former Rotarian Charles Locke, a dedicated member of our club since 1958. Fellow Rotarian Floyd McSpadden will read a heartfelt Resolution in his honor.
The Rotary Classification for Charles was "Burial-Cemeteries-Retired." Throughout his years of service, Charles was a highly valued member, known for his commitment and unwavering support of Rotary’s mission. His contributions and presence left a lasting impact on our club and community.
Charles passed away on May 31, 2024. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him.
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Kerr County Donations
Our hearts go out to the residents of Kerr County as they face the devastating effects of recent flooding. As Southeast Texans, we know all too well the heartbreak and hardship that follow such disasters. Now is our chance to show support and extend the same compassion and generosity that so many have shown us in our times of need. If you are able, we encourage you to make a donation to help those affected. Every contribution, no matter the size, can make a difference in the lives of families working to recover and rebuild.
Rotary District 5840 is now accepting tax-deductible donations through their 501(c)(3) Foundation to support urgent disaster relief efforts following the devastating flooding in Kerrville and nearby areas.
As many of you know, the Guadalupe River rose over 30 feet—well above its major flood stage—resulting in tragic loss of life and severe damage. Kerrville is home to two of our own Rotary Clubs, and together we are committed to standing with the community as they begin the long road to recovery.
Your generous contribution will:
Provide some immediate relief to affected families
Support local Rotarians in cleanup and rebuilding efforts
Fund long-term recovery solutions within our communities
We are working hand-in-hand with the Rotary Clubs of Kerrville, who will guide us on how best to direct support and when it will be safe for volunteers to mobilize.
✉️ Check Make checks payable to: Rotary District 5840 Foundation Memo: Disaster Relief Mail to: Rotary District 5840 Foundation, P.O. Box 13, Boerne, TX 78006
💻 Zelle Payment Send using Zelle to: D5840floodrelief2025@gmail.com Memo: Disaster Relief Please add your email address and/or contact information in the comment section if you want a tax receipt.
A volunteer hotline will be available later this week - stay tuned!
This is our time to live Rotary’s values — to lead with compassion, serve with action, and Unite for Good.
Andrew Edwards
July 24
Roni Gillespie
July 26
Katie Celli
July 27
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Arne Almquist
July 27, 2002
23 years
Norma Sampson
July 24, 2014
11 years
Sheree Pierce
July 24, 2014
11 years
Deborah Tomov
July 21, 2021
4 years
Jamie Smith
July 25, 2023
2 years
Marcelo Molfino
July 25, 2023
2 years
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PROGRAM REVIEW
July 16, 2025
Dr. Sidney Valentine
President, Lamar Institute of Technology
By Sheree Pierce
The meeting was called to order with the ringing of the Rotary bell at 12:05 by President Uliana Trylowsky. She welcomed attendees and those on Zoom.
The invocation was led by Terri Potter, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, American Air systems. Pledges to the American and Texas flags were led by John Beaver, director of Tourism, Beaumont Convention and visitors Bureau. Guests were introduced by Lee Potter, owner and President, American Air Systems.
New members, Kennady Porter and Jamie Farren were welcomed into the club.
A new group, “Rotary Influencers” has been formed and will be led by Past President, Michael Perez. This group will meet monthly and work to increase member engagement.
The speaker, Dr. Sid Valentine, was introduced by Hannah Letulle. Dr. Valentine is the President of Lamar Institute of Technology.
Dr. Valentine was very engaging as he highlighted some of LIT’s recent accomplishments and plans for the future.
Among those accomplishments is record enrollment growth. LIT experienced an 11% growth from 2024. 53% of the students are traditional and 47% are dual credit students. That means they’ll graduate from high school with an Associates degree or a certification enabling them to get right into the workforce. The college has expanded to offering 81 degrees or certifications. In April of 2025, the Advanced Technology Center opened offering immersive classroom and hands on lab spaces. He also announced a new partnership with Northwest Lineman College which will offer an online Associates degree in Utility Line and Management Technology which is transferable to Texas State University.
According to Dr. Valentine, the goal of LIT is to become a world-class institution by focusing on new initiatives and acknowledging achievements. Recent improvements include new signage, buildings, and a new approach to hiring through endowed professorships. This is already attracting top talent in technical fields. A focus on the trades and “gold collar” work is essential to our region. An effort is being made to make the trades more acceptable in the eyes of students.
Highlighted successes include the early college program, nursing and welding. There is also increased interest in robotics and engineering technology.
Dr. Valentine encouraged Rotarians to visit the campus where he is the “head tour guide.”
Next week’s speaker will be Dr. Kenneth Coleman, Public Health Director for the City of Beaumont.
The meeting concluded with the recitation of the 4 Way test and ringing of the bell by President Uliana Trylowsky.
