Michelle is the President and CEO of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, a 7½-acre urban oasis dedicated to connecting people with plants and nature.
She began her career in the private sector, holding leadership roles in civil engineering, law, architecture, and media before transitioning to the nonprofit world nearly 35 years ago. Since then, Michelle has led organizations across the arts, culture, and science fields—including visual and performing arts centers, an air and space museum, and now, a major public garden. Known for transforming small organizations into thriving, sustainable institutions, she has been recognized as Southern Arizona Fundraiser of the Year and CEO of the Year in the large nonprofit category.
In 1999, Michelle and her family relocated from Michigan to Arizona, where she held leadership roles with the Arizona Theatre Company and the Pima Air & Space Museum before joining the Tucson Botanical Gardens in 2002. Appointed Executive Director in 2009, she has since guided the Gardens through a period of remarkable growth—expanding facilities and programs, attracting major exhibitions, and earning national recognition as one of the Top Ten Public Gardens in North America and one of USA Today’s Top 4 Public Gardens in America.
Michelle also serves on the Executive Board of the American Public Gardens Association and is a frequent speaker on nonprofit leadership and innovation.
A smaller crowd, a big dose of fun! On Wednesday, October 29th, Rotarians gathered at The District Bites & Brew for our October Social Mixer—and the Halloween decorations set the perfect festive mood.
Even with a cozier group, the energy was high. Laughter, good conversation, and tasty bites flowed all evening, proving that great fellowship isn’t about the numbers—it’s about the connections we share. Members mingled, caught up with friends, and enjoyed the spirited, slightly spooky atmosphere.
It was the perfect mix of food, drinks, and Rotary camaraderie—and a reminder that sometimes the best nights are the ones spent with a smaller, fun-loving group of friends.
The 19th Annual Tucson Classics Car Show on October 18th was another roaring success! Thousands gathered at The Gregory School to admire more than 400 stunning cars, enjoy great food, and take in the lively atmosphere.
Thanks to our incredible Rotarian volunteers, sponsors, and community partners, the event ran smoothly from start to finish. One lucky winner, Daniel Allen, took home a 2025 C8 Corvette Stingray Coupe 1LT, but the biggest winners are the local charities supported by Rotary.
What a day for cars, community, and making a difference in Tucson!
Tucson Rotary’s Elijah Ndoye shared his inspiring words and music in the Opening Ceremony of D5500’s International Project Fair on October 26, 2025. It was the perfect way to set up the theme of Peace that DG Bruce Monro had chosen for the entire District Conference. A YouTube video is included below for those who might have missed his masterful message – or for those who want to see it again! Enjoy!
If the hyperlink doesn't work, you can copy this link and paste it in your browser to view the presentation. https://youtu.be/ISPpjLYqF78
World Polio Day 2025 – Global Voices Unite for a Polio-free Future
“In a world that often feels divided, the fight against polio reminds us what is possible when humanity stands together.” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
Across every region, partners and advocates came together on World Polio Day 2025 to celebrate progress, renew commitment, and call for the final push to end polio for good. From Bill Gates and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros to frontline health workers and survivors like Ramesh Ferris, powerful stories reminded the world how far we’ve come—and how close we are to achieving a polio-free future. Events from Roosevelt Island to UNICEF HQ and beyond underscored a shared determination to finish the job, as governments, civil society, and Rotarians from around the world reaffirmed their support.
Let's Advocate, Donate & Educate to END POLIO NOW & FOREVER!
The Final Two Polio Endemic Countries
PakistanOne new Wild Polio case reported this week.Thirty Wild Polio cases reported in 2025. Seventy-four Wild Polio cases reported in 2024.Six Wild Polio Cases reported in 2023. The most recent case had an onset of paralysis on 9/19/25. Twelve WPV1 Environmental Samples and no cVDPV2 Positive Environmental Samples were reported this week in Pakistan.
AfghanistanNo new Wild Polio cases reported this week. Nine Wild Polio cases reported in 2025. Twenty-five Wild Polio cases reported in 2024. Six Wild Polio Cases reported in 2023. The most recent case had an onset of paralysis on 9/19/25. No WPV1 Environmental Samples and no cVDPV2 Positive Environmental Samples were reported this week in Afghanistan.
Advocate, Donate & Educate to END POLIO NOW & FOREVER! Over 3 billion Children Immunized
Over $3 billion raised by Rotary for Polio Eradication
21,000,000 Children Saved from the Paralysis of Polio
1.6 million lives Saved thanks to the Polio Vaccines
THANKS, everyone, who sold or bought your member tickets, sold at events or online or brought in non-profits/other Rotary clubs as partner sellers, or donated instead of taking tickets! As Dave would say, "THANKS for busting your butt!"
After selling 4,051 tickets at the Car Show, I'm delighted to announce that we're at 90% of our goal.
If you weren't able to turn in your ticket money or a donation or unsold tickets before the Car Show, please bring them to the Ticket Table at Wednesday's meeting or to the office this week. If you were going to ask Dorinna to charge your account, please do so this week. THANK YOU!
The Rotary Club of Tucson Cycling Fellowship will start up once again. The dates are November 8th and November 15th. The Ride starts 8 AM at the St Philips Plaza Campbell and River on the South side near the REN coffee shop. We will ride the loop going West. The ride is for all riders of any ability and the pace and distance is entirely up to the rider. This ride is meant to be a fun training ride in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson. Riders should wear Rotary jerseys if possible.
Please note that the November 9th hike will be on a Sunday, to accommodate, the numerous events & activities already scheduled leading into the Thanksgiving holiday. For this adventure, we will be giving “thanks” for one of the beautiful trails on the front of the Catalina range with a return visit to Pima Canyon after a few years, not on our schedule. Beginning from the Iris O. Dewhirst Trailhead the hike ascends from the Foothills neighborhood quickly leaving metropolitan Tucson behind as we will ascend the south face of Pusch ridge following the usually dry streambed until we reach the first dam. This hike is moderate in difficulty with a total distance of just over 6 miles and 800 vertical feet. Hike time will be advised as we get closer to the date and with the trailhead being in-town, offering sufficient parking, We will meet at the Iris O. Dewhirst Trailhead.
Upcoming Events Around Town (EATS) – Wednesday, November 12, 2025
It’s that time again—EATS week is just around the corner! We're looking for members to host our next round of Events Around Town at restaurants across the city. Interested in hosting? Let the Rotary office know your chosen location and how many guests you can accommodate. Just a reminder: each attendee will cover the cost of their own meal.
Prefer to attend instead of host? Great! Some locations are available on the home page of the club website under "Upcoming Events." So sign up! You’ll pay for your meal, but the connections and conversation are always on the house!
A huge thank you in advance to our wonderful hosts—and don’t forget, there will be no regular lunch meeting on Wednesday, 11/12/25.
Great news, Rotarians! Our next Tucson Clean and Beautiful Adopt-A-Road event is coming up on Sunday, November 16th. We’ll meet at 8:15 AM at the former Fiesta Lanes (now Pinz), located at 501 W. River Rd.
Be sure to wear a hat, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and gloves. We’ll provide bags, grabbers, and safety vests. Bring your Rotary spirit and a little morning energy — together we’ll help keep Tucson looking great!
The Rotary Club of Tucson members will participate in the El Tour de Tucson on Saturday, November 22, 2025, raising funds for Rotary International’s PolioPlus program. This premier cycling event features routes from 32 to 102 miles, all starting and finishing at the Tucson Convention Center.
Local Rotarians will ride as part of the "Ride to End Polio" team. Donations to support these riders are encouraged.
Community members can support the effort by donating to riders or joining the ride. Every dollar helps bring the world closer to being polio-free.
Lee Borzick, advisor for the Edge High School Interact Club, joined our recent Food Bank Service Project with two students, his Executive Director, and Head of Finance — marking about his sixth time supporting this Rotary effort!
The Edge Interact team is now organizing a community Blood Drive — see the included flyer for details and ways to help.
Thank you, Lee and Edge Interact, for your continued partnership and dedication to service!
Can you hear those bells jingling? The holiday season is fast approaching—just 50 days away, and we still need 20-30 of you to volunteer! Saturday, December 13thClick the link to Sign Up Here: https://bit.ly/47lOrw3
Last year, our amazing Rotary crew spread cheer across 8 locations, working 4 shifts at each location, and raised a fantastic $6,000 for the Salvation Army in just one day. This year, we’re ready to do it again—and maybe even add a 9th location in Oro Valley if enough festive folks join us! So, to all you holiday ding-a-lings, dust off your Santa hats and bring your brightest smiles! Join us for a two-hour shift on Saturday, December 13th—ringing bells, handing out candy, promoting Rotary, and spreading holiday joy while raising funds for local families who need a little extra warmth this season.
Here’s the game plan, “Noah’s Ark” style: two people, two hours, twice the fun. Bring your voices for singing, your cheerful spirit for chatting, or just your big heart. Every donation brings us closer to providing holiday dinners to those less fortunate. We need 64 helpers to fill all shifts—or 72 if Oro Valley joins. Many of you have already signed up—thank you! But we still need around 20 to 30 joyful Rotarians to make this day truly spectacular. So bring your family, friends, children, even your in-laws (if they promise to be merry), and be part of this fantastic holiday tradition.
If you’ve already signed up, you’re awesome—thank you! If not, send a quick note to your kettle captains, Tom & Dan, and grab your spot before the sleigh is full. Let’s ring loud, ring proud, and show our community the wonderful spirit of Rotary! Click the link to Sign Up Here: https://bit.ly/47lOrw3 Shifts are 9-11, 11-1, 1-3 and 3-5 at each location.
With holiday cheer, Tom Strasburg: 520-235-6163 & Dan Kalm: 520-300-1293 Your Kettle Directors of Festive Fun
At the Rotary Club of Tucson, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting causes that make a real difference. And now, it’s easier than ever to contribute to our efforts!
We’re excited to highlight a new way for you to make your donations directly to the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation – all from the comfort of your own home! Simply head to our website, where you’ll find the gold Donation button at the top right of the menu bar. Whether you're contributing to our Scholarships, making a General Donation, or supporting our Local Charities, your generosity will help fund important initiatives that uplift our community.
But wait, there’s more! If you're joining us for lunch at the next meeting, don’t forget to look for the blue scholarship cups on the tables. These cups now feature a QR code that will take you straight to the Donation Page with just a quick scan. No need for cash or checks – donate right from your phone!
We can’t thank you enough for your ongoing support of our Foundation. Your donations directly benefit our community and empower us to continue making a meaningful impact. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Rotary office.
Let’s continue to do good in our community – with a click, a scan, and your generous heart!
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Michelle is the President and CEO of the Tucson Botanical Gardens, a 7½-acre urban oasis dedicated to connecting people with plants and nature.
The following new Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
World Polio Day 2025 – Global Voices Unite for a Polio-free Future
THANKS, everyone, who sold or bought your member tickets, sold at events or online or brought in non-profits/other Rotary clubs as partner sellers, or donated instead of taking tickets! As Dave would say, "THANKS for busting your butt!"
The Rotary Club of Tucson Cycling Fellowship will start up once again. The dates are November 8th and November 15th. The Ride starts 8 AM at the St Philips Plaza Campbell and River on the South side near the REN coffee shop. We will ride the loop going West. The ride is for all riders of any ability and the pace and distance is entirely up to the rider. This ride is meant to be a fun training ride in preparation for the El Tour de Tucson. Riders should wear Rotary jerseys if possible.
Greetings fellow hiking enthusiasts,
Great news, Rotarians! Our next Tucson Clean and Beautiful Adopt-A-Road event is coming up on Sunday, November 16th. We’ll meet at 8:15 AM at the former Fiesta Lanes (now Pinz), located at 501 W. River Rd.
Lee Borzick, advisor for the Edge High School Interact Club, joined our recent Food Bank Service Project with two students, his Executive Director, and Head of Finance — marking about his sixth time supporting this Rotary effort!
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
At the Rotary Club of Tucson, we believe in giving back to our community and supporting causes that make a real difference. And now, it’s easier than ever to contribute to our efforts!
