Dr. Karulak delivered a comprehensive presentation on the wide-reaching impact of Rotary International’s youth programs, facilitated by Rotary-sponsored service clubs in educational settings from elementary through college. These initiatives are designed to cultivate future leaders by enhancing leadership abilities, broadening educational opportunities, and instilling a commitment to service. Below are the principal programs accessible to young individuals within District 5840:
Interact: This initiative unites youths aged 12-18 to foster leadership competencies and embrace the Rotary principle of “Service Above Self.”
Rotary Youth Exchange: Open to students aged 15-19, this program encourages the learning of new languages, exploration of different cultures, and the development of global citizenship. It includes long-term exchanges for an academic year and short-term exchanges lasting from a few days to three months.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA): Recognizes and rewards young individuals who demonstrate outstanding skills or achievements, leadership potential, and proactive engagement in their educational institutions and communities.
New Generations Service Exchange: A flexible, short-term program tailored for university students and young professionals up to age 30, providing opportunities for international service projects.
Rotary Club of San Antonio West Business Summary:
The following individuals will serve in the Club’s leadership positions for the Rotary Year 2024-2025:
- President: Dwayne Hopkins
- President-Elect and Projects Committee Chair: Dan Van Syoc
- Immediate Past President and Administration Committee Chair: Jerry Hardy
- Membership Chair and Executive Secretary/Board Director: Deborah Cox
- Public Image Chair: Rick Nollenberger (continuing)
- Foundation Chair: John Paul Sullivan (continuing)
- Treasurer: John Wendt (continuing)
- Secretary: Jim Goodenough
The Board of Directors has ratified the 2024-2025 Club Strategic Plan, which is now securely stored in the Club Runner Files Vault.
Upcoming Events:
- Club Leadership Training: Scheduled for May 11 at the UTSA RACE Center, San Antonio, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. [Click to Register]
- Installation Dinner for Incoming District Governor Kristen Salazar: Set for June 26th at the Old San Francisco Steakhouse, 10223 Sahara Dr, San Antonio, TX. The evening will commence with cocktails at 6 PM, followed by dinner at 6:30 PM. Arrangements for “Tables for 8” are being made for RCSAW Club members.
- Rotary Club of San Antonio West Installation Dinner: Organized by Paula Haley for June 20th, with further details to be provided.
Club Projects and Announcements:
- RI Foundation Raffle: John Paul Sullivan reported progress on the raffle ticket sales. The drawing is scheduled for June 1st during the Club Leadership training session in Uvalde.
- Next Club Meeting: Due to a scheduling conflict, the meeting initially set for May 7th will now take place on April 30th. Dwayne Hopkins, President-Elect, will be the guest speaker.
- Community Service Request: Jerry D. Allen Elementary School has requested RCSAW’s assistance in providing 500 lunches. Jerry Hardy and Dwayne Hopkins are coordinating with local Chick-fil-A franchises for potential donations.
- Alzheimer’s Research Project Update: The Alzheimer's Research Project Committee consists of the following team members:
- Project Manager and Research Collaboration: Dr. Dan Van Syoc
- Fundraising Liaison and Biggs Institute Collaboration: Jane Luke Hill
- Stakeholder Communication: Rick Nollenberger
- Accounting and Financial Advisor: John Wendt
- Project Technical Support: Jim Goodenough
- The Club Board approved the Project Charter, and a copy of it has been uploaded to the Club Runner Files Vault.
- The split-the-pot raffle has successfully raised $1,316.00 for the Biggs Institute.
- The project fund began the April 2 meeting with $1172. $52 was added on April 2, with an ending balance of $1224. $92 was added on April 16, with an ending balance of $1316.
- John Wendt deposited the total in our AFFCU account on April 16, half into regular savings and half into a new account designated for the Alzheimer project. The first half will be for the eventual raffle winner.
- Please note that all figures are accurate as of the latest update and are subject to change.
Meeting attendance was 70%.
We encourage all members to actively participate in these events and initiatives to further our Club’s mission and impact.
Dr. Karulak conducted the latest raffle draw, and Deborah Cox attempted to draw the winning card, the Queen of Spades. (Better luck next time!!)
