If you are attending in person, we ask that you use this link to make a reservation by November 17, 2025.
We are excited to honor those in our community who consistently go above and beyond!
On Wednesday, November 19, the Rotary Club of Beaumont will host its annual Vocational Excellence Awards, celebrating individuals who exemplify the "service above self" philosophy in their profession and daily lives. This special event allows us to recognize and applaud those who demonstrate outstanding dedication, integrity, and kindness in their work, making a positive impact on our community.
These prestigious awards are presented each year to community members known for their exceptional service and professionalism. Many past recipients have described the honor as "a treasure," "incredibly special," and "a unique recognition" in their career. If you visit local businesses, you may even spot a Vocational Excellence certificate proudly displayed as a reminder of their achievement.
We look forward to celebrating these remarkable individuals and their contributions to our community!
Invocation
Jamie Strawther
Executive Director
The Symphony of Southeast Texas
Pledges
Terri Potter
Vice President of Marketing &
Public Relations
American Air Systems, Inc.
Introduction of Guests
Chad Blanchard
Business Development Executive
Industrial Speed Group
Introduction of Speaker
Dena Hughes
CEO
TAN Healthcare
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the
Board of Directors Meeting | 11:30 AM | Edison Plaza Board Room
19
Vocational Excellence Awards
26
No Meeting- Thanksgiving Week
December
3
Jeffrey Richardson
10
Elections
16
Board of Directors Meeting | 11:30 AM | Foundation of SETX Auditorium
16
Holiday Party | 6:00 PM | AMSET
November 11, 2025 Delivery
Thank you to each Rotarian who volunteered to place flags for Veterans Day. Your service, dedication, and commitment to honoring our veterans reflect the true spirit of community and gratitude. Thank you to Pat Anderson and Lane Olson for always chairing up this committee with excellence.
Daniel Jeans
Kym Johns
Steve Shoemaker
Pat Anderson
Phil Dunlap
Amanda Ellis
Eddie Arnold
Chuck Heare
Shawn Javed
Diane Thompson
Michael Perez
David Hynes
Stephanie Shoemaker
Mary Pat Jones
Tim Sudela
Jacques Gagne
Dana Timaeus
Cheryl Bilyeu
Terri & Lee Potter
Lane Olson
Brad Brown
Robert Kocot
Carolyn Fernandez
Harvey Zernial
Kevin Reed
Paul Koester
Dee Lane
John Lee
Jennifer Gregory
Gigi Mazzola
Raymond Begnaud
Nate Jennings
Jeff Beaver
November 19
Jim Broussard
November 20
Jeffrey Richardson
November 22
David Locke
November 23
Eddie Arnold
Nov. 20, 2019
6 years
November 12, 2025
Charlie Davis
Instructor, Lamar State College Orange
Program review by: Josh Davis
President Uliana Trylowsky officially called the meeting to order. Serving at the head table were James Guzman, who delivered the invocation; Lee Potter, who led attendees in the pledges; and Caralee Thompson, who introduced the club’s guests.
The meeting featured a special video tribute for Veteran’s Day, which played the music of the different branches of the armed forces. Members and guests who served in each branch were encouraged to stand and be recognized during their service’s anthem. Jay Wilson introduced two new Rotarians to the club: Chenoa Stark and Donnie Gonzalez. Announcements included the upcoming Vocational Excellence Awards, which will be presented at the November 19th meeting. Plans for the club’s Holiday Party, scheduled for December 16th, were also shared, with more details to follow. Additionally, Van Greer informed the club about the upcoming board member elections, directing everyone’s attention to the sample ballots available on each table. The election is set to take place at the December 10th meeting.
We had the high honor of hearing the debut of Four Voice Harmonies singing "America, the Beautiful", led by Dr. James Han. Singers included Bruce Lancaster, Brad Brown, Robert Kocot, Dana Timaeus, Arne Almquist, James Han and accompanist Betty Duncan.
Charlie Davis, a history instructor at Lamar State College Orange, spoke about his journey into history and his research on Texans held as prisoners of war by the Japanese during World War II. He highlighted the resilience of these veterans and the importance of remembering the Pacific War, announcing plans to publish a book on their stories. Davis described the U.S. military’s unpreparedness in 1941 and recounted the hardships of the Bataan Death March and other POW experiences, sharing stories of perseverance and service over self. He closed by honoring the unique spirit of Texans and urging all to remember and learn from veterans’ selfless sacrifices.
President Uliana reminded that next week’s program will be the Vocational Service Awards. She announced making a contribution to Rotary International on behalf of our speaker Charlie Davis, in the area of “Peace and conflict resolution”. After reciting the 4-way test, the meeting was adjourned.
