A larger than normal crowd of 69 member and 40 guests gathered as President Dawn Johnson called the meeting to order.

Inspiration

Bryn Mickle began by reflecting on the recent space launch to the dark side of the moon, a trip to the movies to see “Project Hail Mary” and how he is reminded of what’s possible when people dream big and take on seemingly impossible tasks. He observed that in many ways Rotarians are like astronauts, they chart unknown territory, relying on teamwork, preparation, and courage while accepting the path ahead is not always clear. He closed with a quote from Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan, “There are no passengers on Spaceship Earth, we are all crew.”

Song

Don Duquette led us in singing “My Way” which he dedicated to three people, Ashish, Rob Northrup and all Rotarians.

President Dawn returned to the podium to thank everyone that helped make today’s meeting possible and she pointed out that our club has new poles for our flags. This week’s birthdays include Rob Shiff, David Prentice-Hyers and Fanfan Zheng on April 15 and Kofi Gyan and Dave Williams on April 18.

Distinguished Service Award

After a short video that shared the impact Girls Group has made on the lives of young women in our community Collyer Smith presented the Distinguished Service Award, our club’s highest honor, to Sue Schooner Executive Director and Founder of Girls Group. Sue accepted the award, expressing gratitude and humility at Girls Group being honored by an organization committed to service, integrity, and community leadership. She said the mission of Girls Group is both simple and urgent. To ensure that girls in our community facing economic hardship have access to the basic needs and supportive relationships that are essential, not only for success, but for dignity. Click here to learn more about Girls Group. The selection committee included Joyce Hunter, Susan Froelich and Collyer Smith.

Remembrance of Tom Conlin

Mark Ouimet began by introducing Tom’s son’s Steve and Chris Conlin. Tom was a member of our clubfor 64 years. Mark met the Conlin family in 1965 when the two families traveled together to the Rose Bowl. After Mark’s father died, Mark decided he needed to select some role models in the community and Tom was one of those. He sought someone who valued community, had faith, and cared deeply for family and friends. And clearly, Tom was all of that. Tom loved being a fourth-generation Ann Arborite. He took real pride in the history and heritage of this city that he called home. He was a graduate of Ann Arbor High School and the University of Michigan. After he served in the military, he met and married Carolyn, his wife of 70 years. In 1959, Tom founded Conlin Travel Agency which became a prominent player in the golden age of travel. Tom’s family, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the focal part of his life. He was very caring and kind, bringing people together. Knowing Tom made our lives better.

Robert S. Northrup Humanitarian Award

Dave Keren, chair of the Peace Committee explained this award was named in honor of the first recipient in 2018, Dr. Robert S. Northrup. Nominees for the award can be from any part of the world and do not have to be a member of Rotary. The individual must demonstrate personal, long-term sustainable contributions to humanitarian efforts in local, national, or global arenas.

Collyer then returned to the podium and asked the audience to applaud the 2026 Robert S. Northrup Humanitarian Award winner, Ashish Sarkar. The award plague reads “In recognition of your visionary leadership, unwavering compassion, and extraordinary dedication to humanitarian service across the world. Through your tireless efforts with Rotary and your instrumental role in advancing global initiatives, you transformed the lives of many underserved individuals, bringing critical healthcare and hope to communities in need. Service above Self.”

Ashish found his calling in coaching and mentoring our youth. He understood better than anyone we must engage our youth to take on leadership roles, not by talking down to them or dictating to them, but rather through guidance, coaching, mentoring, and patience. To develop them and see them blossom into our future leaders. That’s what we all need to remember about Ashish. Ashish’s greatest lesson is if you want to make a difference, you must step up to leadership.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm.