President Joyce Hunter rang the opening bell at 12:30pm. Rotarians sang The Star Spangled Banner to Jody Tull’s accompaniment. Rosemarie Powney’s Inspiration urged us to “Join or Die”, noting that civic participation is critical to all aspects of our community life. Don Duquette recognized out speaker’s contribution to our young people and students and avoided political conflict, leading us in Sam Cooke’s Wonderful World, singing about not much book knowledge but a lot about living.
President Joyce regained the podium and recognized guests. Sarah Strader extended the Club’s congratulations to members for birthdays and anniversaries. President Joyce then thanked the people who make the meetings run smoothly.
Dennis Powers gave us a report on the many activities of Rotaract this year. Marsha Chamberlin updated us on the search for a new meeting space.
Dave Keren and Don Duquette invited us all to join the ARC/Peace Committee to discuss “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama” by Nathan Thrall. It is the story of a bereaved Palestinian father searching for his son who was on a school bus that collided with an 18-wheeler in Jerusalem. The historical context explains the physical and legal boundaries that shape the lives of Palestinians living in East Jerusalem. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 2024 for General Nonfiction. The book discussion will be on Zoom on Wednesday, June 25 from 6:30 – 7:30pm. Signup sheets are available on the tables at noon luncheons.
Notes from the Program
Our Speaker was Mohamad Qatu, Dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology at Eastern Michigan University. “The Role of Universities in Advancing Students and Communities”. Dr, Qatu is passionate about bringing higher education to the fingertips of learners in an enjoyable and rewarding manner and helping them achieve their goals. The program has five pillars that all engage the wider community. First, the program offers high performing academic and real world experiences to students by integrating participation of industrial, governmental and civic partners. Second, it provides the skill sets that employers are looking for in engineering and technology, aviation and construction, responding to input from 15 advisory boards of 180 representatives from all areas of the employer community. Third, the College engages in high quality research in robotics and cybersecurity. especially for cars. Fourth, it graduates successful students as measured by the academic and social supports available on campus, and the quality of the jobs they fill after graduation. And finally, they measure success by evidence of their graduates participating in their communities and giving back to the university, advances in national rankings, and international enrollment.
After questions to Dr. Qatu, President Joyce lead us in reciting the Four Way test, and closed the meeting.
