Rotary President KURTIS DAWSON called the meeting to order at 12:15 PM from the Tucson Convention Center. He shared member KEITH WIEGAND recently had neck surgery and passed some cards around for the members to sign.
The opening of the meeting featured the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag lead by THOMAS GOMEZ and the rendition of “America the Beautiful”. A heartwarming Inspiration was given by JASON FLAX. The lunch featured delicious chicken and fresh greens. As always TCC banquet staff were attentive to the hungry Rotarians.
President KURTIS kicked off the formal part of the meeting by introducing BRITTANY BATTLE who thanked our guests for coming to the meeting. A very large group from Pima Community College including some students were in attendance.
MARY EULER, a Rotarian, and part of the Pima Community College Foundation, who sponsored the meeting, introduced today’s speaker, PCC Chancellor, Jeffrey Nasse, PhD. Being new to his position, Dr. Nasse’s program consisted of him talking about his first “100 days and Beyond”. His entire presentation can be seen on the Rotary Club of Tucson Rotary Channel on YouTube. Dr. Nasse signed the book “Time for School Mouse” to be placed in the Make Way For Books library.Today’s only birthday featured MICHAEL DEEHAN from Loews Ventana Resort. Happy birthday MICHAEL!
STEVE PICKERING was called upon to introduce our newest member, THOMAS GOMEZ. THOMAS is involved in Banking and currently works at Southwest Heritage Bank. Congratulations THOMAS on being our newest Rotary Club member.
CHAR HARRIS honored BILL HARLOW and JOE DANISZEWSKI with their Paul Harris honor. Congratulations and thank you for your generous donations to Rotary.Filling in for Sergeant at Arms KRIS DODGE, BRITTANY BATTLE launched into the Rotary raffle and the winner received around $90. The big card wasn’t pulled, so the pot continues to jump ahead.
Following this excitement, President KURTIS shared the Rotary Announcements with everyone and directed all to see the sheet on the table. Of course, we were reminded by seeing a platter full of cookies and the author of this recap couldn’t resist. He reminded everyone that Wilbur is still missing from the recent trips and gave a rather passionate plea for all the Wilburs to return to Tucson. KURTIS asked the members to donate to EREY. MATT BLAIR gave an update on the Membership Derby. DAVE WHITE asked members to sell car show tickets at the upcoming events. We need those ticket sales.
PE DOT KRET introduced the 2026-2027 Rotary Club of Tucson President, BOBBY LARSON. Congratulations BOBBY. Thank you for your service to the Club and we look forward to your leadership during your Rotary year.Our next lunch meeting is March 5 featuring TMC Health CEO, Jennifer Mendrzycki and all were reminded to view and sign up for the Events Around Town on March 12th and save the date for the April 30 Event at the MO Club.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 pm with a toast by JASON FLAX.
