We are back to the Tucson Convention Center this Wednesday afternoon. PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN rang the bell at 12pm to get the meeting started. PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN called for a moment of silence for Ukraine.
We were led in the pledge and song by Past President BOB SHAFF. Today’s song was “America the Beautiful” with assistance on the keyboard from KHRIS DODGE.
The inspirational moment was given by KYM ADAIR. KYM shared how fortunate we are to have The University of Arizona here in Tucson. There is no better feeling then being somewhere outside our city, like an airport, and to see someone wearing a U of A shirt. KYM will most often lean in and whisper “Bear Down’ to which the response is also an enthusiastic ‘Bear Down’! We then broke for lunch.
After lunch of fellowship PRESIDENT MARK introduced SERGEANT AT ARMS, KHRIS DODGE, who then introduced our guests for this Wednesday.
PRESIDENT MARK reminded everyone to be sure to wear your Rotary Pin. A picture was shown on the big screen of other members that have been noticed to always wear their pins. If you don’t have one, please see Dorinna or Kari at registration.
Honorary member FLETCHER MCCUSKER took the podium to finally share with our club what his ‘real job’ is after presenting to our club about a dozen times. FLETCHER is the co-founder of UA Venture Capital along with his 26-year business partner Michael Deitch. FLETCHER shared with our club that around the time when Bobby Robbins came to Tucson, they decided to start a venture capital firm that would exclusively invest in U of A technology. So far, they have invested around 35 million dollars into about a dozen U of A related companies. There is a lot of connectivity between what’s happening in Downtown Tucson, at The University of Arizona, what’s happening in venture capital and, what’s happening in innovation at The University of Arizona. FLETCHER then introduced some of his facility partners. These partners took the mic for a brief introduction into the companies the UA Venture Capital has invested in and the amazing advances in technology these companies have created.
Today’s Program started with a video introduction by FLETCHER MCCUSKER; University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins; ‘The University of Arizona: Leading Through COVID”. Bobby then shared several slides with the club that highlighted the progress The University of Arizona’s colleges have made despite the pandemic and really how amazing this college is. If you didn’t already know. To view the full YouTube video of the presentation, click this link: https://youtu.be/vN51ilhDhdk.
After President Robbins presentation the book “A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School” was signed by President Robbins for our Make Way for Books Library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson.
Next up is our newest Paul Harris Award recipient presented by SCOTT VAUGHAN. SCOTT presented the Paul Harris Award to BOB ERNSTEIN. Lucky for us, BOB has great fashion sense and wore a ‘one of a kind’ shirt which happened to be the exact same shirt that was gifted to him from member TOM BROWNING who recently passed away! This shirt was made by The Catalina Rotary Club, and we hope that BOB will enjoy having a second shirt to wear. Our History Moment was presented by BOB SHAFF. BOB introduced PAST PRESIDENT DON SHROPSHIRE (1993-94). He then shared a few highlights of DON’s ‘Service Above Self’ throughout his life and, reminded us of how he always wore a bow tie. Then the Past President video of DON SHROPSHIRE was played for the Club.
The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE. The King of Clubs card was not drawn. Better luck to all club members next meeting.
Announcements:
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN gave an update on #Irv’s Fly-Fishing Fund and showed a picture of our very first vegan fish! FAYE MORSE and ERIC SMITH contributed the largest donation to the fund so far with a $1,000. Thank you to all those that have shared their pictures and donations.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN reminded everyone of the Time Capsule ceremony tomorrow evening at Hotel Congress, 4/21 at 5:45p.
KHRIS DODGE was back at the mic reminding everyone of the Triangle Y Camp work project on April 30th. Be sure to sign up on the website.
BRUCE JACOBS reminded us that Home Hospitality Week is next week. The events are filling up quickly be sure to sign up and join us for a great time. No lunch meeting on Wednesday, 4/27.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN closed with a final thank you to all our members, guests, and virtual attendees. He reminded us of the scholarship cups on the tables if you would like to contribute. PRESIDENT MARK gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting.
