More than 100 Ann Arbor Rotarians and guests, including 16 via zoom, met to celebrate four STRIVE scholars on Wednesday, May 10. Dawn Johnson gave etiquette zoom reminders, and President Mark Ouimet rang the bell to start our meeting. Red bow-tied pianist extraordinaire Tom Strode, played My Country Tis of Thee, while the rest of us stood and sang along.
David Keren gave our inspirational welcome reminding us that today was a special because we were here to celebrates STRIVE: Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education. During the pandemic there were few in-person meetings, but this academic year, students and mentors met in-person regularly. He closed by saying, “No one can really predict to what heights you might soar. Even you will not know until you spread your wings.”
Our club’s little darlin’, Joanne Pierson, proved “It’s alright,” with us all singing George Harrison’s 1969 classic, Here Comes the Sun, accompanied by Tom Strode.
President Mark welcomed guests of Joanne Pierson, Carolyn Hiatt, parents and grandparents of STRIVE scholars, Justin Villaneuva, and the leaders at Pathways and WCC. He then thanked today’s team who helped to set up and run today’s meeting. Henry Johnson then came to the podium to honor birthdays for the week. A round of applause to all!
Super soprano Shelley MacMillan came to the podium to invite club members and their friends to Wine, Women and Song – in a special evening just for us – at Kerrytown Concert House on May 11.
Collyer Smith, fresh from this year’s District Conference in Windsor reported that there were 400 attendees who were inspired by President Jennifer Jones who spoke on her “Imagine” theme, and by writer Mitch Albom. Detroiter Albom is dedicated to the orphans in Haiti, visiting them each week. Collyer, who will be our next District Governor, said he shared a story about Bob Mull and the VITA program to thunderous applause of appreciation. Next year’s District Conference is May 17-19, 2024 in Ann Arbor!
Don Duquette came to the podium to recognize four Climate Super Heroes: Shirlee Kipp, John Sepp, Roy More, and Dennis Burke for their active participation in several projects caring for our local environment. Though the Environmental Action Committee will be less visible during the summer, it will be back in full flower this fall. In the meantime, Don urges that we do something this summer to up our environmental game. (He will be using vinegar and salt as a weed killer, for instance.) He concluded by channeling Red Green and Possum Lodge Man’s Prayer: “I’m a man but I can change. If I have to. I guess.”
Marlena Studer and Emily Conrady, bedecked in glam speakeasy garb, reported that “Jammin’ at the Gin Joint” raised $1,000 to host an incoming Rotary International Student Exchange. Marlena requested our help going forward: join the committee, host a Rotary Youth Exchange student for three months or an academic year, or invite a RYE student for dinner or outing.
David Keren returned to the podium to introduce the STRIVE scholars: Tra’Niyah Bullock, Donaeja Green, LaNisha Carey and Derrico Robinson. He introduced the scholars’ parents and grandparents in attendance; Dean of Pathways, Shaenu Micou; Student Counselor Kela Robinson; WCC Manager of Student Success Grace Fama; and Rotary volunteers Linda Carter, Ademola Osofisan, Cyril White, Bob and Jeannine Buchanan.
He then introduced our keynote speaker, Justin Villaneuva, transfer recruiting coordinator at the University of Michigan’s College of LSA, speaking on “Your STRIVE Scholarship – the Catalyst as your Embark on Your Future.”
Villanueva, a graduate of HFC, WCC, and the UM, moved the entire audience with his compelling life story including his concept of always pursuing “Academic Imagination.” He uses this concept as an educational tool to form new ideas, and to allow his mind be creative and resourceful. Paraphrasing the words of Maya Angelou, he believes that the more you use Academic Imagination, the more you have. He believes that it increases self understanding, an understanding society, and gives one historical context.
His second concept was “be curious.” He urged the STRIVE scholars to talk with people – and especially adults – to help understand the world around you. He advised that you can’t control others, but you can control your actions, and that can give you a sense of agency by deliberately choosing to make something better.
His third concept was to find your “fan club.” Find those people who support you and rely on them. The first fan base includes family and friends who will support you no matter what happens; surround yourself with your second fan base – people who understand you; the third fan base is those who inspire you and your passions – be they from the past or present.
In closing he told the STRIVE scholars that he wasn’t wishing them luck, not because luck is not needed, but that by developing your fan club, and constantly adding people to that fan base, you become the person society needs you to be. He urged each STRIVE scholar to shine their individual light and illuminate the world.
Villaneuva received a standing ovation.
Dean Micou came to the podium to thank Dave Keren and our Rotary Club in partnering with Pathways in the STRIVE program. He gave particular shout outs to his mentors Joyce Hunter and Linda Carter. He then awarded the WCC scholarships to:
There was a celebratory standing ovation to the STRIVE scholars.
President Mark closed the meeting with a quote from Dorothy of The Golden Girls, “It’s not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it.”
Submitted with joy on this STRIVE day,
Mary Steffek Blaske
