We are having a club social today! It might seem like Social Monday's are good days to miss, but let's not forget that one of the founding principals of Rotary is fellowship. The opening statement on the "About Rotary" page on Rotary.org states "Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad." That lasting change begins at club meetings and building fellowship and trust among members. Plus, Geoff Manis and the Social Committee does a really, really great job of entertaining us on Social Monday's. We'll see you on Monday!

 

ps- Do you know about Rotary Fellowships?

 

Rotary Fellowships are groups of Rotarians, Rotarian spouses, and Rotaractors who join together to

There are at least 56 different Rotary Fellowships established today. We'll have flyers on the tables this Monday to give you a more in-depth introduction to the fellowships. 

We had the honor of having Dr. Bettie Truitt, President of Black Hawk College join us last Monday. Dr. Truitt provided an update on what's happening within the College including the Budget, the Art Program, and the Facilities Master Plan. She began her presentation by showing a three year review of the Budget and most notably, how the College's budget is impacted by the inconsistent funding from the State of Illinois. From FY 2016 to FY 2018, the College has had to decrease their dependence upon State funds and find ways to manage without. The College has done so successfully. Each year Dr. Truitt and her team have had to take a look at all expenses and determine what can be eliminated to help the College sustain. Two of the primary ways to save funds have been small but necessary tuition increases and layoffs of staff, primary within staff looking at retirement in the near future. Dr. Truitt pointed out that while the operating budget is tight, the College has the opportunity to expand on the buildings and make repairs and updates where needed due to the Bond investments (which are designated to be used for these purposes). The upcoming facilities upgrades include a Student Success Center (Q1), a Forensics Lab, and renovation to the East Side of the Moline campus. This remodel will help expand classroom sizes in building 3 and provide a larger front entrance, larger lobby, and additional classrooms in building 1. The third part of her presentation last Monday was the announcement that the Art Programs will stay. As mentioned, the budget considerations meant cutting back on two faculty members of the Art Department, but nonetheless, as Dr. Truitt has proven, Black Hawk College places value on the education they provide and aim to continue to offer high quality education at affordable prices to those who desire it. Arts included.