Thank you all for such a warm welcome. I am thrilled to be here at the University of Arizona. From the open house at Old Main on my first day, to lunch with students in the Union, and a stop at UAHS to wish our medical school transition students good luck on their finals, this is just the beginning.
The University has a legacy of creating big ideas and finding big solutions. With our history as a flagship institution of national stature, we are well-positioned to be leaders in a rapidly changing world. It’s your talent and persistence that make the UA a world-class institution. I am eager to learn more about all of you.
The backdrop for our strategic planning is the worldwide influence of the convergence of the physical, biological and digital sciences, known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We are ideally positioned to exercise true leadership in higher education at this time of unprecedented change. We are a top research university, and we offer a student-centered education. Our strengths include the arts and humanities, science and technology, interdisciplinary research and 100% Engagement. More than a dozen programs are ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News & World Report.
In undertaking the strategic planning for the University, it is equally important for us to understand those areas where we can improve. It is my intention for the UA to become a U.S. News top 100 university overall, and place in the top 50 among public institutions. Toward that effort, we will focus on student enrollment, retention and graduation rates. We will make thoughtful recommendations to the Board of Regents on our tuition and fees, recognizing both the environment of our competitive set of universities and the financial impact of the cost of higher education. We will increase our research activity and productivity
I have always strived to meet challenges in my life. When I look at what the University has accomplished while addressing its own challenges, I know I am in the right place. But I still have a lot to learn about the UA. I look forward to working with you as we continue to improve the lives of Arizonans and the world.
Thank you for a truly inspiring welcome, and for all that you do for the University of Arizona.
Most sincerely,
Robert C. Robbins President The University of Arizona
MIKE ORCUTT gave the inspiration which included a series of inspirational quotes around the theme of literacy. JAY GANDOLFI and the always sonorous GARY HIRSCH led us in the pledge and song: “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”.
We had a quartet of Birthday Rotarians:
DOT KRET rapped a toe tapping appreciation for the Club.
ASHLEY ELAINE YORK split her birthday donation to reflect the varied influences that Rotary has had in her life.
DON ROLLINGS remembered the wonderful SONNY SOLOT and JOE NEVIN, and thanked President CLIFF for his leadership and sense of humor.
And ELLEN WHEELER was recognized by President CLIFF for the excellent job she has done as Program Co-Chair.
Past President SCOTT VAUGHAN again did the heavy lifting with our many visitors followed by TED FORSBERG introducing the 10th new Rotarian he has brought to the Club: JAY GANDOLFI. JAY is a Professor Emeritus in the UA College of Pharmacy, which he pointed out means he keeps working… they just don’t pay him.
President Elect Nominee BOB LOGAN again joined Past President CHARLOTTE HARRIS to award Paul Harris pins to the following excellent Rotarians and family members:
Past President JIM MURPHY spoke about the power of Rotary to multiply the effect of our donations.
Tony Donaldson, JIM’S son-in-law has won the “First Responder of the Year” award.
DAVID PASHKOW noted he is old enough to remember polio and thus appreciates Rotary’s role in wiping it out.
BRUCE TUNZE appreciates Rotary’s world-wide influence.
JERRY HARRIS has sold over 10,000 Classics Car Show tickets, single handedly helping to support our deserving charities.
Sergeant at Arms FONDA INSLEY filled in admirably, organizing our raffle and the following announcements:
President CLIFF gave us an update on the Final Four of March Madness (look for the FINAL TWO next week).
DAVE GALLAHER reminded us of the two upcoming work projects - Community Food Bank March 24 and Triangle Y Ranch Project April 6-7.
JOHN LEWIS asked for further volunteers for Home Hospitality and at least two Rotarians stepped up.
STEVE PICKERING (he of “boutique distillery” fame or bootlegging, as clarified by President CLIFF) introduced our program: Jenny Volpe - CEO of Make Way for Books, the primary recipient of the Classics Car Show proceeds. Jenny spoke at length about the importance of early reading for brain development, pointing out that 90% of brain development occurs between age 1 and 5. Children who read at or above grade proficiency at age 1 to 5 graduate high school at a rate of 9 out of 10. In Tucson, where 39% of children live in poverty and only 40% achieve reading proficiency at grade 3, programs like Make Way for Books “Cover to Cover” make a huge difference, affecting 3,000 children a year. Ms. Volpe signed a book for the lending library: “Dinosaur vs. Library”.
President CLIFF closed the meeting with a toast in honor of all the children affected by Make Way for Books.
Jay Gandolfi was born and grew up near the San Francisco Airport. His father worked at the race tracks around the Bay Area so Jay developed an early interest in horses. He attended the University of California receiving a degree in Chemistry. Right after graduation he married his college sweetheart and they were married for 48 fantastic years. Jay went on to get a Doctoral degree in biochemistry and toxicology at Oregon State University and then post graduate training in Anesthetic Research at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. After a few years of sub-zero winters in Minnesota and constant hypothermia, he wanted to return to the West Coast but houses in Bay Area no longer cost $30k! So he made it as far West as Tucson. He joined the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Arizona in 1978 and progressed through the Professorial ranks eventually becoming Associate Dean for Research in the College of Pharmacy. He has published over 300 research articles, 50 book chapters, and an 8000 page – 14 volume Comprehensive Review of Toxicology. He loved teaching medical, pharmacy, and graduate students – and seeing them become the medical professionals of the future. Jay was an Editor for scientific journals, President of scientific groups, and on the Advisory Boards for Universities across the Nation.
Jay has three sons and four grandchildren. All residing in Arizona. His sons are all graduates of Salpointe High School and Northern Arizona University (sounds like Bob Logan clones!). Two are engineers (missiles and software) and another in the private sector of home security systems. His two granddaughters are off to College next year and they are ultimately wanting to be a Veterinarian and a Business Executive, respectively.
Jay is an avid sports fan and coached his three sons for 17 years in Soccer while his wife coached them in swimming. Jay’s passions are fishing, Senior Softball, and long rides with his horses at his home on the Aqua Caliente Wash in Tucson or underneath the Mogollon Rim at his summer home in Strawberry, Arizona.
Jay became an Emeritus Professor in 2013. With more spare time, Jay wanted to give back to both the University and Tucson – which had given him such a wonder life. He is active with the University of Arizona Retiree Association and will become an officer in the organization in Spring.
Last year he started looking at Service Organizations and saw all the activities that the Tucson Rotary does matched his interests. He has already enjoyed planting trees, selling Car Show raffle tickets at the Rodeo and the Street Fair, and reviewing Community Grant applications. He looks forward to continued service via Rotary to the community. Please welcome Jay Gandolfi!
Our Home Hospitality events are scheduled for the week of April 15th through the 22nd and we would still like to see a few more members sign up to be hosts. In the meantime, all the events are set up on our website, www.tucsonrotary.org scroll down the left side to "Upcoming Events" and click on Home Hospitality. There you will see the list of events and the number of guests each will accommodate. Please remember to sign up your guests and well. If you should have any questions, or you would like to host an event, please contact John Lewis or the Rotary office.
If you have a good idea for a speaker or program at our Rotary Club meetings, please send your idea to Ken Tucker, 2018-2019 Rotary Program Chair, at ken.tucker@scouting.org. We are always looking for good ideas for interesting and entertaining programs. Thank you!
Fourth Annual Rotary Days Service Project Triangle Y YMCA Ranch
APRIL 7 2018 ~ 8:30-4:00
Our fourth annual day of service at the Ranch is open to all Rotarians and friends and families of Rotarians. Please bring your friends and neighbors. The Ranch has been providing a one week camp experience to under privileged children from Tucson and southern Arizona since 1948 and they need our help. Please bring the following: sunscreen, hat, landscaping tools of your choice, protective goggles if you have them, weed eater if you have one, and a ladder. Please put your name on any tools you bring to the ranch. The maintenance supervisor will have plenty of tools but it always helps to bring some things.
Lunch is included for no charge and will be served at 1:00 PM. You will have a great opportunity to see all of the ranch facilities. This is a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to what Rotary is all about.
There is a “Cowboy Night” aka sleepover on Friday night at the ranch. Modern lodging is available and includes breakfast on Saturday for $35 PP. We will also have our usual steak and beans dinner for $10 PP. Thanks again to Chef Darrell Stewart who has helped provide a great dinner the past several years. You can register on Clubrunner at the Rotary Club of Tucson website or email Dave Gallaher at dave@tucsonindustrialrealty.com or call 520-907-4983. There will be carpooling available leaving from the parking lot of Trader Joes at the southeast corner of Oracle and Magee. Please plan to meet there at 7:30. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the Ranch from the lot.
Packing boxes of food on Saturday at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona was a huge success and not only a success, but 30 members and friends showed up and set a record of boxes packed! Thank you to all our RCOT Rotarians and Friends.
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