Rotary President DOT KRET called the meeting to order at 12:10 pm from the Tucson Convention Center. The opening of the meeting featured the Pledge of Allegiance by DOT and the Rotary Business was pushed back due to time constraints of today’s speaker.
The lunch featured delicious tri-tip and chicken and fresh greens. As always TCC banquet staff were attentive to the hungry Rotarians.
President DOT kicked off the formal part of the meeting by introducing the Cookie Monster Sponsor, ALAN SCHROPE from Camp POW WOW (was absent from meeting) along with the meeting sponsor, the Arizona Bowl CEO and Rotary member KYM ADAIR who gave a few remarks about the upcoming Snoop Dog AZ Bowl on December 27 at the new Casino Del Sol Stadium, formerly the UA Stadium. Tickets are now on sale at thearizonabowl.com.
Today’s speaker featured the new UA President, Suresh Garimella, who shared his vision for the University of Arizona. He assured the Rotarians that the financial crisis is over, and the UA is back with a firm grip on its finances. President Garmella gave a nice overall of the goals of the University including remarks about serving its students, research and community collaboration. A candid Q&A followed his remarks.Club Business resumed with GORDY SIEWERT sharing some inspiring remarks followed by our SAA DAN KALM, doing a collective introduction of guests due to the large turnout to hear the program.
Today’s birthdays included JUDY KEAGY (10/30), GREG DURNAN (12/18) and KEVIN BOYLE (12/15).
Kevin Boyle was given his Blue Badge by KEN LIGHT and JOE DANISZEWSKI presented a Blue Badge to member LUIS HERNANDEZ. Congratulations to you both!No one won the big pot again as Sergeant at Arms DAN KALM kiddingly mentioned that DIANA MADARAS was banded from the drawing due to her outstanding luck winning the pot two weeks in a row. Worth mentioning, DIANA donated her winnings back to ROTARY each time. Way to go DIANA and the winner of the pot this week, LIBY LENTZ donated her winnings to our Scholarships! Thanks to you both.
Following this excitement, President DOT announced a full series of announcements to club members of note see below.
- Events Around Town on 12/10 (No Lunch Meeting)
- Holiday Party on 12/11 and 2026-2028 Board Vote on 12/17.
- Next meeting is December 17.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:20 pm with a toast by GORDY SIEWERT.
