President Tammy started the meeting, #5465 of Rotary Club of Everett & 13^th of the year, at 12:05 pm and led the members in the Pledge.

 

The “Thought of the Day” was provided by President Tammy. After reading the recent Rotary Magazine and imagining Rotary, it made her think about the partnerships we have and how we engage them. She thought about our community impact projects such as in the Dominican Republic (gardens, literacy, water) and our Scholarship programs. She also thought that we can re-energize our work with the Interact Club.

Announcements:  

Brian Hollingshead reminded all members about the Happy Hours being held at the Marriott once a month. Join your fellow members for conversation and beverages.

 

Ralph Quaas spoke to the Everett Faith in Action organization. Everett Faith in Action emphasizes positive movement and advocates for programs that have a real impact and success.

 

Kelli Thode emphasized the upcoming September 30^th blood drive at the Elks Lodge. Jerry Tucker will provide Bloody Mary’s after the event.

 

Anna Marie Laurence announced that the Student of the Month programs begin on October 18. She is looking for volunteers for the presentations.

 

President Tammy announced that RYLA and SnoCo Yes are seeking High School students.

 

Tammy also highlighted District Governor Raj’s visit to our club on October 11^th.

 

HAPPY BUCKS: 

Jerry Tucker gave the Oregon Duck football report as they won again BYU and WSU.

 

Larry O’Donnell paid tribute to former club member Allen Rittenmeyer with $100.

 

Kari Petrasek was happy to being appointed to the Board of Governors, representing local lawyers.

 

Ed Petersen also spoke to Allen as well as his upcoming flight to the Dominican Republic, the partnership with the Arlington Rotary to support our project there and the 35^th Anniversary of Housing Hope with a bellringer.

 

David Chan is proud to be a WSU Dad.

 

Dr. Paul Pitre is $100 happy to be back at the club meeting today.

 

Cathy Woods was also $100 happy for the schools back in session and her birthday.

 

Neil Angst conducted the weekly raffle. Congratulations to our winners this week (Ed Petersen – bottle of red wine, Jerry Tucker – puzzle and Steve Juntwait-free lunch).

Today’s program was presented by Dr. Paul Pitre, Chancellor for Washington State University Everett. Dr. Pitre is a club member who received his masters from NYU and his doctorate from Maryland U. Before coming to Everett, he was at Auburn University. Dr. Pitre stated that the long layoff of in-person education of students did have an effect, almost like a gap year.   The school does have an increase in freshman levels.

 

 Dr. Pitre spoke to the school’s commitment to fulfilling the promise of its mission to significantly expand access to high-quality baccalaureate and graduate degree programs in the North Puget Sound region and the state. It is especially focused on STEM undergraduate work. Its vision aspires to be one of the state’s leading public baccalaureate institutions, preeminent in STEM education and other in-demand programs, innovation, research, and application. They are achieving this through focus on six pillars of their strategic plan. Some of the programs they are focusing on now and in the future includes Computer Science and Engineering, Business Administration, Senior Living Management, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity careers and education.

 

Dr. Pitre is excited about their efforts in STEM/Engineering with the Rocket Team and the Wind Energy team. Also, they are collaborating with Boeing and Clemson University with a program call CATT. They recently received a federal grant to enhance Girls exploring STEM programs. Additionally, they recently held a fundraiser (Launching Futures Benefit) for student scholarships that went well.

 

President Tammy thanked Dr. Pitre with a donation in his name to the YMCA’s Esports program.