Over 800 Rotarians gathered at watch parties and online to watch Tom Gump’s installation as District 5950’s Governor on Thursday, June 25. Speakers emphasized Gump’s work in growing district membership, strengthening existing clubs and conducting visits to clubs within the district. According to Past District Governor Tim Murphy, Gump has attended more club meetings in the past two years than district governors are required to do throughout their tenure. “Anybody who's that willing to be a district governor has to be a little bit crazy,” said Murphy about Tom’s penchant for going above and beyond.
Edina mayor Jim Hovland was another installation speaker. “The purpose of life is to use it up,” Hovland said. “And for Tom Gump, the purpose of life is to use it up in service of others.” Tom Gump’s contributions to Rotary include hosting six exchange students, helping to found the world’s first Rotary club for veterans, and creating an initiative to end human trafficking.
On premiere night of this first-ever virtual installation, at least 430 viewed the event on Facebook, 276 viewed the event on YouTube and 110 people attended in-person viewing parties at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Edina, John Barnett’s home in Edina, DGE Marianna Khauv’s hotel in Monticello, Carol MacDonald’s home in Burnsville, and in Maple Grove. The Rotary Club of Minnesota Veterans also got together to watch the installation at Grumpy’s Bar & Grill in downtown Minneapolis. If you missed it, check out the installation event online.
Photo highlights (from top):
Outgoing District Governor Russ Michaletz receives his PDG pin from his wife, Jan. The Rotary Rooters (Minneapolis City of Lakes) serenaded fellow singer Michaletz. Catherine and Tom Gump and their son, Andrew, reacted during a watch party at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Newly installed District Governor Tom Gump addresses D5950 Rotarians. The many Rotarians involved in producing the virtual installation are thanked in the vertical box.