Keynote Speaker: Dr. Oscar Arias, Nobel Peace Prize winner
Óscar Arias Sánchez was President of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990 and from 2006 to 2010. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts to end the Central American crisis. His solution? Dismantle the army and use the money to educate and care for the people of Costa Rica.
Watch the video below to learn more about Dr. Arias and his work before and since receiving the award.
Óscar Arias Sánchez was President of Costa Rica from 1986 to 1990 and from 2006 to 2010. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts to end the Central American crisis. His solution? Dismantle the army and use the money to educate and care for the people of Costa Rica.
Watch the video below to learn more about Dr. Arias and his work before and since receiving the award.
John Germ, Rotary International President 2016-17
John is Chairman of the Board of Campbell & Associates, Inc., Consulting Engineers. He joined the firm as an engineer in 1965 after four years in the US Air Force. John has been an active member of his local community and a very active Rotarian since joining Rotary in 1976, including as Chair of the International PolioPlus Committee. He has received R.I.’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife, Judy, are Benefactors and members of the Arch Klumph Society of the Rotary Foundation. They have four children and six grandchildren. With all that John has done, what is his Rotary moment? Watch this video to find out.
John is Chairman of the Board of Campbell & Associates, Inc., Consulting Engineers. He joined the firm as an engineer in 1965 after four years in the US Air Force. John has been an active member of his local community and a very active Rotarian since joining Rotary in 1976, including as Chair of the International PolioPlus Committee. He has received R.I.’s Service Above Self Award and The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award. He and his wife, Judy, are Benefactors and members of the Arch Klumph Society of the Rotary Foundation. They have four children and six grandchildren. With all that John has done, what is his Rotary moment? Watch this video to find out.
Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe
Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe is the second child and eldest daughter of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Public Health in International Health, Behavioral Sciences and Health Education.
Ms. Tutu-Gxashe lived with her husband and son in Atlanta, Georgia for over 19 years. There, she worked for Emory University. Her work with a number of Atlanta-based organizations encouraged a productive dialogue on the topic of race relations. In 2008, Thande Tutu-Gxashe returned to South Africa to conduct clinical research related to HIV/AIDs.
Ms. Gxashe-Tutu's primary involvement now is with the Tutudesk Campaign. The work of this campaign is to provide at least 20 million Tutudesks to children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Cindy Blackstock
Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe is the second child and eldest daughter of Archbishop Desmond and Nomalizo Leah Tutu. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Public Health in International Health, Behavioral Sciences and Health Education.
Ms. Tutu-Gxashe lived with her husband and son in Atlanta, Georgia for over 19 years. There, she worked for Emory University. Her work with a number of Atlanta-based organizations encouraged a productive dialogue on the topic of race relations. In 2008, Thande Tutu-Gxashe returned to South Africa to conduct clinical research related to HIV/AIDs.
Ms. Gxashe-Tutu's primary involvement now is with the Tutudesk Campaign. The work of this campaign is to provide at least 20 million Tutudesks to children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Cindy Blackstock
Cindy is an activist for child welfare, as well as the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada. She has become a very influential voice within the social work and Aboriginal community. She was a leader in pursuing a successful human rights complaint alleging that the Government of Canada discriminates against First Nations children by consistently underfunding child welfare on reserves.
Michael Caruso
Michael is a “lifetime Rotarian” and a member of the Rotary Club of Troy, Michigan. He will serve as Governor for District 6380 in 2016-17. Michael was introduced to Rotary as a member of the Group Study Exchange (GSE) program over 20 years ago. He has served in many positions at the club and District level, specializing in public image and leadership teaching presentation skills. He is a professional speaker and he often gives back to Rotary. His impressive Community Partner Program has raised over $500,000 and recruited dozens of new Rotarians for various clubs in North America.
Dr. Geetha Jayaram
Dr. Geetha Jayaram has dedicated her life to helping people in her native India and the United States overcome the torment of severe depression, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, and other mental illnesses. She is a psychiatrist and associate professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Dr. Jayaram has been involved with Rotary almost her entire life. She is a past Rotaractor and a recipient of a 2005–06 Rotary Grant for University Teachers. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Howard West in Ellicott City, Maryland, U.S.A and was honored with the 2014-15 Rotary Foundation Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award. This video discusses the Maanasi Clinic she founded in India.
Michael McGovern
Mike McGovern is a busy man. He has been the town manager of Cape Elizabeth since 1985 and is active in many community groups. Mike joined Rotary in 1986 and has served in his club, his District and both Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, including his current position as PolioPlus Chair.