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June 12, 2025 - Impact Newsletter

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:

 

Speakers
Jun 26, 2025
Pass the Gavel Party
Jul 03, 2025 7:00 AM
Club Assembly
Jul 10, 2025 7:00 AM
The Making of a Movie - run.Wild
Jul 17, 2025 7:00 AM
Human Animal Bond in Colorado (HABIC)
Jul 24, 2025 7:00 AM
My Amazing Year in Argentina
Jul 31, 2025 7:00 AM
OFF SITE Visit Fort Collins Convention and Visitors Bureau, 7 Old Town Square, Suite 100
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Rotary International Conference
Jun 21, 2025 – Jun 25, 2025
 
Young Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (YRYLA)
YMCA
Jun 22, 2025 – Jun 27, 2025
 
Regular Club Meeting
Jun 26, 2025
6:45 AM - 8:00 AM
 
Pass the Gavel
The Barn at Rigden Farms
Jun 28, 2025
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
 
Foundation Fundraising Committee
Jul 01, 2025 7:00 AM
 
Regular Club Meeting
Jul 03, 2025
6:45 AM - 8:00 AM
 
Membership Committee Meeting
Mostly Zoom meetings
Jul 04, 2025
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
 
View entire list
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New Members
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Maria Elena Thomas

Lauren Brainard

Samantha Preuss

Visit Club homepage for more information on our newest members.