PRESIDENT ELECT BOBBY LARSON welcomed us to the meeting. New member, as of last month, LORI SCHROEDER led the Pledge and song, “Star Spangled Banner” in A cappella.
BOBBY LARSON shared a video from our fellow Rotarians who are currently traveling in Senegal, led by our member ELIJAH NDOYE. They were watching our meeting in Africa and we all stood up and waived.
Unfortunately, there was a moment of silence for the passing of STEVE OCHOA. STEVE was a pilar in our community and will be deeply missed by many.
ALAN ROGERS offered the Inspiration. He asked “Why are we Rotarians?” Then, he offered the answer. Doing and completing one thing beats starting 10 things. We get things done in our community and around the world.
DAN KALM introduced lots of guests. MARGARET HIGGINS highlighted the Board Candidates for 2026 – 2028 and we all voted for our top three of six choices. The ballots were collected.
JONATHAN WALKUP and his family sponsored the cookies this month. He rode very fast around the 62 mile course of El Tour de Tucson and I hope that he was able to enjoy more than one, well deserved cookie.
DEBBIE SHEPPARD who attended The Ohio State University introduced our Speaker, Alison Flynn Gaffney.
Alison is the CEO at Banner Univ
ersity Medicine, and they are celebrating 10 years in partnership with the University of Arizona. Alison is all about her family and is a Wife, Mom and Daughter. She’s also a calculated risk taker who was born and raised in the Bronx of New York City. She knew many members in our club and said that she may be interested in becoming an honorary member of our club someday. She’s been the CEO for one year at Banner University. Banner University, an organization of 8,200 employees, had an economic impact of $1.1 Billion in 2024. She was welcomed by the CEO of Tucson Medical Center and has since become good friends with Jennifer Mendrzycki who also grew up in the Bronx. She said that they are people taking care of people and focus on service above self. Alison highlighted the Chief of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Liechty and his work with fetal surgery. You can watch a highlight about it here: https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/banners-fetal-care-center-works-miracle-for-tucson-couple-and-their-baby. She ended her talk with a quote by Hamilton Wright Mabie, “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” Then she signed the book “The Hospital Book” which will go in the Make Way For Books library as we continue to focus on literacy.
ersity Medicine, and they are celebrating 10 years in partnership with the University of Arizona. Alison is all about her family and is a Wife, Mom and Daughter. She’s also a calculated risk taker who was born and raised in the Bronx of New York City. She knew many members in our club and said that she may be interested in becoming an honorary member of our club someday. She’s been the CEO for one year at Banner University. Banner University, an organization of 8,200 employees, had an economic impact of $1.1 Billion in 2024. She was welcomed by the CEO of Tucson Medical Center and has since become good friends with Jennifer Mendrzycki who also grew up in the Bronx. She said that they are people taking care of people and focus on service above self. Alison highlighted the Chief of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Liechty and his work with fetal surgery. You can watch a highlight about it here: https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/banners-fetal-care-center-works-miracle-for-tucson-couple-and-their-baby. She ended her talk with a quote by Hamilton Wright Mabie, “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” Then she signed the book “The Hospital Book” which will go in the Make Way For Books library as we continue to focus on literacy.ERNIE MONTAGNE was celebrating his birthday. Ernie was the District Governor and made the Ride to End Polio happen with the leadership and inspiration of Mike Harris. BOBBY LARSON was celebrating his birthday and noted that his company, The Villas has been voted best in assisted living and memory care for the past 10 years. TOM LICKLITER was also celebrating his birthday. TOM is the only professional axe thrower in Pima County which makes him one in a million. Finally, GARY SCHEER was celebrating his birthday. GARY has been a Rotarian for 48 years. Happy Birthday all!
BRUCE JACOBS introduced our new member LORI SCHROEDER. LORI worked for BRUCE at two different times in her career. She has two sons, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. JENN DELANEY presented AUTUMN HUFAULT with her blue badge and CHUCK SAWYER presented WINSTON WELCH with his blue badge.
DAN KALM read the winning raffle ticket number and CHUCK SAWYER was the winner. He didn’t win the jackpot however. DAN also announced that we had 75 volunteers on the previous Saturday ringing bells for the Salvation Army and raised over $8,500.
BOBBY LARSON had a few announcements:
- He noted that upcoming events are listed on our tables as well as on our website.
- The Rotary office will be closed 12/24, 12/25, 12/26 and 1/1.
- NANCY GUNGOR and LORI SCHROEDER were photographed for a Red Badge Selfie.
- DIANA MADARAS announced the Service Project Winner for November & December.
- ALAN SCHROPE offered a Membership Minute and noted that Fellowship is where it’s at when it comes to a happy and successful membership.
JEN HOFFMAN then announced the new Board members for 2026-2028. JOHN DUVAL, CAMI EVANS and BILL TONG are the incoming, new Board Members. Congratulations and thank you.
BOBBY summarized the meeting and ALAN RODGERS offered the toast, “Service above self.”
