PASSING THE BANNER…
More than 100 Rotarians gathered the last weekend in June 2022 to celebrate the Installation of new District Governor Anita McDonald. In addition to a Saturday evening reception and a Sunday morning meeting of the College of Governors, the events at the University Marriott in Tucson culminated in the District Governor Installation Luncheon on Sunday, June 26th, 2022.
PDG Ellie Patterson welcomed attendees with highlights including:
- A beautiful thought for the day written and read by Anita’s granddaughter, Riley McDonald
- Enjoyable entertainment with impressive performances from:
--The cast of Arts Express Theater’s 2022 production of RENT.
-- A wonderful piano music tribute to DG Anita from David Pham. David was diagnosed at two and one-half years of age with autism. Now 14, David will attend Tucson High in the fall.
- A special Paul Harris Fellow presentation to Mary Muljadi, mother of David Pham
- A warm and entertaining special tribute to Immediate Past District Governor Hank Huisking by DG Anita, including recognition of her year-long Confidential Assistant and Chauffeur – complete with driving cap. (Yes, fellow Rotarian and husband, Peter, looking jaunty.)
- Introduction and celebration of the incoming Executive Assistant Governor (DGN Sue Archibald) and the new Assistant Governors, described by DG Anita as “a critical component of our District leadership.”
- AG Fatima Smith of Yuma who brought congratulations to DG Anita in the form of a beautiful large handmade banner (signed by all present) and a microphone takeover to lead the crowd in singing “Congratulations “ to our new District Governor.
The event was capped by PDG Al Chesser’s introduction and official installation of 2022-23 District Governor Anita McDonald.
DG Anita shared a moving description of her personal life and professional history in academia, challenges faced and overcome, and her thoughts and goals for guiding District 5500 through the coming Rotary year. In additional to her commitment to education and literacy, Anita discussed her focus on supporting and strengthening Clubs, active service, and fellowship.
Fellowship was in full evidence as Rotarians celebrated the first face-to-face installation luncheon in three years.
Joining in the festivities were many members of DG Anita’s family from across the U.S., including, from Washington D.C., Jennifer Jopling-McDonald, married to Anita's son, Rob, (who was not able to attend) and mother of Riley, Cameron and Desmond. And, from Denver, daughter Laura McDonald, along with son, Matthew McDonald, and grandsons, Max, Greg, Alex and Jax.
Grandson Alex closed the luncheon with a few well-chosen, energetic remarks.
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a workshop for youth ages 14 to 18 in grades 9-12. These young adults will be chosen for their leadership potential to attend an all-expense-paid training program designed to build, strengthen, and exercise leadership skills, self-confidence, and character.
Clubs may now reserve spots for their students today! Each Club can reserve up to five spots. Each student is $450.
Checks can be sent to: San Luis Rotary Club, c/o Marcos Ramirez, PO Box 13926 San Luis, AZ 85349
Please contact the RYLA District Chair, Jenn Wantz, at wantzj@cochise.edu, with any questions.
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