Inspiration: Michele Marquitz reminds us about the importance and value of community and the impact that can be accomplished because of your community (as in Rotary). Furthermore, take care of your community by letting members know how important they are.
IDEA quote: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” Mother Teresa, nun
Upcoming 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 so we can let them know we are thinking of them and provide whatever support we can. Sara.jane.murphy1@gmail.com
Guests: Amy Parsons, President of CSU June Griest, assistant to President Parsons
New Member Induction: Saira Hafeez was inducted into Rotary by Diane Knight, interim membership chair, with Gary Turner serving as her mentor. A recent CSU graduate and former Rotaract president, Saira grew the club's membership to 50 members during her tenure. She now brings her leadership and passion for service to her new role as Community Service Chair.
Program: Amy Parsons, CSU President ~Approximately 6,000 new students and transfers are moving into this week. One unexpected “guest” was a bear cub. He was sedated and safely removed from campus. ~The freshman class is one of the largest to enter CSU and the largest class of Colorado residents. ~One-third of the freshman class are “1st generation” students. ~Like other colleges, CSU is competing harder for students. Changing demographics are worrisome. To recruit students, CSU has partnered with FRCC, increased recruitment of adult learners and online students, and is working on affordable housing with the city. Denver students can attend classes in Denver at the “Spur Campus” and still be a CSU Ram. ~The class of 2025 was the largest graduation class in CSU’s history. ~The five most popular majors are Business, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Animal Sciences, Health & Exercise. There are 89 different majors. ~ This year, CSU added a five-year nursing program that lets students earn both BS and RN degrees, as well as a new Construction Engineering program. ~Students have access to RAMGPT via Microsoft as CSU views AI as a necessary tool. However, the use of AI in the classroom is professor dependent. ~The new Veterinary Teaching Hospital is open! Greater than 1000 animal visits per day are expected. The school is ranked among the top 3 schools in the nation. ~Degrees or projects for next year: Sports Management. ~Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is ranked number one nationally. ~The football opener is September 5 against Wyoming. Though not in our conference, this is a great tradition to keep up against our rival team. ~Jim Mora is the new football coach. Of the 110 players on the team, 70 are new to CSU. ~The Rams officially joined the Pac-12 on July 1, 2026. One of the benefits is that a new fan base will be introduced to CSU and Fort Collins. ~Women’s volleyball season opens on August 29. The team is expected to be ranked high. ~Canvas Stadium hosted 3 nights of PBR Rodeo which brought more exposure to CSU and Fort Collins. ~Canvas Stadium has been beneficial in the recruitment of faculty and served as an important element in CSU’s placement in the PAC 12. ~Amy asks all of us to welcome visitors from opposing teams. Fort Collins and CSU benefit greatly from the exposure to our campus and city. The economic impact is tremendous.
Announcements ~Curt Bear challenges all of us to sit at a different table than your usual table during September. This is way to get to know other Club members. ~Curt encourages members to consider signing up for Realities for Children RIDE & RALLY that will be held on August 28th & August 29th.More information at Realities Ride & Rally - Realities For Children ~Krishna Murthy shared that the global grant that provided smokeless stoves to 1,775 families in India has been a great success. The design of the stoves originated from research conducted by Professor Bryan Wilson at the CSU Engine Laboratory. ~Save the date, August 30, for Susan Peterson’s Steak Fry at her family ranch. Club members are asked to bring side dishes. Contact petersonsrp@gmail.com for directions to the ranch. ~Tony Catania reports that Peach Booth sales were successful despite the weather. Each year, Susan’s granddaughter, Dani, has paid her own way from Minnesota to help the club. Tony collected money for a gratitude gift. ~On September 12, we need volunteers to build an ADA accessible pathway at Camp Hope. Start time is 9am with plenty of time to get to the CSU game. Please contact geeturn@comcast.net for more information. ~Jeaneen Kappell reported that all 640 cases of peaches were sold! 34 cases given in the form of cash were donated to the Food Bank. $32,000 came from upselling. Thanks to everyone who helped and who dressed up! ~Dave Haase reports that despite the weather forcing the festival to shut down for a couple of hours, money was made. Next year’s festival is on the books: August 14, 2027!
Good News ~Keith White will have surgical plans when he meets with his physician on Sept 4. Overall, he feels good. ~Stephen Fowler and his wife are excited to have temporary custody of their two granddaughters. Stephen announced he is running for County Commissioner as a moderate. Contact him if you have any questions. ~Maria Elena Thomas’ two grandsons were able to attend CSU’s youth summer camps in lacrosse and basketball thanks to scholarships. ~Ron Catterson married his son and new daughter-in-law this past weekend. ~Marcy Woodland and her husband spent a couple of weeks in a South African reservoir assisting veterinarians shave rhino horns to prevent poaching. Marcy plans to share her experience with us in the future.
