Inspiration:
Catherine Varra-Nelson inspired us with a PSA to acquire a car safety hammer that could have helped her grandson break the window and escape from his car submerged upside-down in water.
Curt Bear introduced guests:
- Jackson Fulkesta —Foothills Rotary Club
- Amy Hoeven - guest of Connie Sheltren
- David Sempala — guest of Louise Comfort Sempala
- Louise Comfort Sempala— Foothills Club exchange student
- Kira Tangney — application has been submitted
- Cris de la Torre - husband of Becky de la Torre
- John Weber - speaker, CSU athletic director
-Jennifer Whitacre - repeat guest of Laura-Jo Bhimani
IDEA (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awareness) Quote: “What divides us pales in comparison to what unites us.” - Edward Kenned
Future Programs: Please see the side panel for upcoming speakers and be sure to invite your friends.
Rotary Cares: If you are aware of a fellow Rotarian who is going through a challenging time (i.e., personal or family health, family death, etc.) please let Sara Murphy know Sara.jane.murphy1@gmail.com so we can let them know we are thinking of them and provide whatever support we can.
Announcements:
- Catherine Varra-Nelson has a need for help with Meals on Wheels. Call her at (970) 420-8208 today to put a smile on her face and a hungry senior.
- Let Diane Knight know 303-324-4337 if you are planning to attend the birthday celebration for Eva Sue Littleton on June 24 at 2:00 for one hour at Affinity at Fort Collins 4201 Corbett Drive.
- Mike Griffith gave a huge thank you to Dave Marvin for his awesome leadership on the successful Field of Honor fund raiser.
- We passed the hat for Margherita Poma, Inbound student from Borno, Italy to help her with cash on her West Coast trip after the District Conference.
- A sympathy card was circulated for Stacey Trewartha, whose mother passed away recently
- A get-well card was passed around for Bob Williams
New Member Talk:
Maria Elena Thomas has a heritage of Service above Self:
- Her grandfather was a freemason in Spain and a Rotarian in Cuba in 1950
- Maria Elana was an elementary school principal in Aurora, CO
- Director of a non-profit in Centennial, CO
- Maria Elana was a member of the Rotary Club of Centennial, Co that started a satellite club for younger members
- Hosted exchange students
- Served in the Peace Corps in Cambodia
- In 2020 started caring for 3-month and 18-month-old grandchildren no longer living with their parents
- Currently working as a Family Liaison for the Poudre School District
- Enjoys audio books, making homemade ice cream and items from upcycled denim products
Welcome Maria Elana!
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition:
The following Rotarians were recognized for achieving their first Paul Harris Fellow award:
Scott Fry
Cait Nase
Joe Wimmer.
The following Rotarians were recognized for achieving their subsequent Paul Harris Fellowships:
Lisa Boesch PH+2
Tim Cochran PH+7
Walt Grady PH+2
Steve James PH+5
Program:
John Hintzman introduced CSU Athletic Director John Weber. John is a 1991 graduate of CSU and was the executive director of the CSU Green and Gold Guard that supports CSU athletes
- CSU has 16 sports, and 4 conference champs last year and 3 women currently competing in the NCAA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon
- House vs. NCAA settlement allows athletic departments to distribute up to $20.5 million annually in direct revenue to student-athletes, which includes scholarship
- There is no longer a limit on the number of scholarships that may be provided to athletes
- Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals are still allowed but deals over $600 will be reviewed
- CSU will be joining the Pac-12 on July 1, 2026 to put student-athletes first, strive to compete at the highest level, and deliver amazing fan experiences
- There will be Professional Bull Riding at Canvas Stadium July 21
- There are 4 ticketed sports that support the remaining “Olympic Sports”
First Paul Harris Fellow awards: Joe Wimmer, Scott Fry & Cait Nase:
Achieving their subsequent Paul Harris Fellowships: Walt Grady, Lisa Boesch, Steve James & Tim Cochran:
John Weber, CSU athletic director:
