President's Speech 2024-25

Rotary Installation

June 27, 2024

Carl Parker Multipurpose Center

Dr. Jesus Acosta

President’s Speech

First, I want to thank God for all the blessings he has bestowed on us. Thank you to my wife Arianna or as I will have to call her the rest of this year “The first Lady” for always being there to support me. I can’t leave out my wonderful daughter Emma my sons Junior and Luigi for all their support.  They get jealous if I don’t say something about them too.

If you are a current or past president of any Rotary Club please stand. Thank you for your service to the ideals of Rotary. Saying thank you is not enough for all the things Dana Espinal has done for the club. Dana has left some really big shoes to fill but I am glad that she has volunteer to continue to serve, guide and support me in the coming year.

I have to say thank you to Dr. Bobby Lopez CEO of Bob Hope School and Past President of the Nederland Rotary Club. He was the person who put me on this path to being a Rotarian and has been a great example for the values of Rotary and leadership. For the last 14 years Dr. Lopez has been a force of transformation for the community of Port Arthur by providing another choice of quality education. I’m proud that he has expanded that vision to Beaumont, Baytown, Pasadena launching from right here in Port Arthur Texas. Thank you Dr. Lopez. As Jeff Hayes often reminds me the Hughen Center which holds the charter was started by a Rotarian and member of this club. I am proud to be a part of that connection in this community.

I would like to thank Russel Buss for recruiting me to the Rotary Club of Port Arthur and being my sponsor. Russel has donated over 100 pints of blood via lifeshare.

Libby Arnold who also encouraged me to join the club. Libby is the first Hispanic Female President of this club and I am so proud to call her my friend.

The legend Dr. Johnny Brown who is the first African American Athlete to play at Texas State University go bobcats! initially nominated me or drafted me into the position of director and set me on this path. Before Dr. Brown nominated me I was just showing up and having lunch while listening to some great guest speakers. Then one day I see my name on a ballot for director. I’m confused by this, does that mean I need to campaign? What does a director do? So, now I’m thinking, wait this is not just a lunch get together? This is work! I don’t know if I’m going to thank Dr. Brown just yet. But we will see how my year as president goes. Dr. Brown has also promised to continue his support this year along with Carolyn Brown and I am truly grateful for their leadership.

A special thank you to Art Thomas who has been a great example of leadership for me and who is one of the great pillars of this club and the community of Port Arthur. Art was instrumental in making the Taste of Gumbo a success along with all the other Rotarians who participated. We were able to have the best fundraiser yet, by raising $18,000 for scholarships, but I know that our Queen Gumbo Sharita Gardner is going to lead us in surpassing what we did this year. She has already said her goal is $25,000 and I am going to help her do it!

As many of you in the audience know leadership is not about the position you hold, but the willingness to be of service by leading from where you are. We must all lead ourselves first if we want to lead others. The rotary club of port Arthur has great leaders and I am glad to be a part of this group. Thank you for your confidence and support this coming year.

My first act as President will be to present the Paul Harris Fellow to some wonderful Rotarians. Will the following Rotarians please join me: Libby Arnold, Dana Espinal, Judith Smith, Arthur Thomas.

Assistant District Governor Bobby Simon could not be with us today but he sends his regards.

Today we have the privilege of recognizing 4 of our club members for their wonderful support of The Rotary Foundation. In addition to their monetary support the club also earns points for supporting the foundation which they can contribute in the name of a Rotarian who has shown excellence in their support for the club to earn their Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Your contributions to the Rotary Club of Port Arthur, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International are allaying suffering, improving living conditions, and providing educational opportunities for young people somewhere in the world. Your gifts are truly selfless actions and demonstrate your commitment to our common goals of world understanding and peace. Therefore, on behalf of the President of Rotary International and the Chairman of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, it gives me great pleasure to present to you the Paul Harris Fellow lapel pin in appreciation of your generous contribution to the Annual Programs Fund of the Rotary and, on their behalf, to extend our sincere thanks.