As we step into a new Rotary year, I am deeply honored to serve as your President. July is always a time of transitional moment to look forward with renewed energy, but also a time to look back with immense gratitude.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our immediate past president, Heidi Ruster. Together with the steadfast support of her husband, Kevin Mack,Heidi provided exceptional leadership and guidance over the past twelve months. Our club is stronger, more vibrant, and better positioned for the future because of her dedication to Service Above Self. Please join me in thanking Heidi and her husband for their outstanding service to our Rotary family.
This July also brings a truly unique milestone outside our club. As we launch our new Rotary year, our nation is celebrating its 250th anniversary. This semi quincentennial is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on our shared history, honor the contributions of those who came before us, and look ahead toward the future we want to create. It reminds us that great communities are built by people who believe in something bigger than themselves.
This historic backdrop aligns perfectly with the call to action issued by Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola: Create Lasting Impact. Just as our nation's founders forged a legacy 250 years ago, this theme challenges us to focus on sustainable, long-term change that empowers our community for generations to come.
Creating lasting impact doesn't always require grand gestures; it begins with the everyday magic of our members. It happens when we welcome newcomers with open arms, support one another, and allow our Rotary experiences to transform us personally.
Our club has a rich history of service, and I am excited to see what we will achieve together this year. Whether we are addressing local needs or contributing to global initiatives, let us turn our strong connections into collective action.
Thank you for your continued dedication, your fellowship, and your commitment to making this a truly historic and transformative year.
Yours in Rotary service,
Don Weakley
President, Rotary Club of Salt Lake City
2026-27
Opportunities to Connect & Engage
Our Committees Need You.
Exciting things are happening in our committees and we need your expertise.
Franklin - School Partnership - mentors and Career Day - Mike Young, Chair
Interact & Rotaract - Engaging with the students and reaching out to the school counselors to encourage scholarship applications, RYLA participation and youth leadership development. - Charlie McLeskey (Rotaract) and Eric Thompson (Interact) Chairs
Acts of Kindness - members to help with admin of databases and public image - Rolayne Fairclough, Chair.
Public Image Committee representative- writing articles, taking pictures, helping to manage press releases and media contacts, connecting leadership with potential corporate partners. In addition, each committee will be asked to assign a PI designee on their committee.
If you have ideas for future social or service events,we’d love to hear them. Our goal is to increase engagement and service opportunities building our network and getting the Rotary Club of Salt Lake City back out into the community—living and sharing our message of Service Above Self.
Want to join the social or service committee? Reach out to Kristy Walker
This June, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my very first Rotary International Convention in Taipei, Taiwan. As a new member of the SLC chapter of the Rotary Club, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but the experience exceeded every expectation I had. It was also my first visit to Taiwan, making the trip even more memorable. I was especially grateful to share the experience with my two sons, Gio and Balam, who joined me and had the opportunity to see Rotary in action on a truly global scale.
Be part of Rotary’s growth Rotary International is dedicated to growing Rotary by increasing the number of Rotarians to 1.25 million by 2030 and keeping the number of Rotaractors above 125,000.
This goal coincides with a historic milestone: Rotary’s 125th anniversary.
We’re celebrating a century and a quarter of service, leadership, and friendship around the globe.
Have you utilized the Learning Center at My Rotary? A rich resource for club member professional development, club program essentials, all about our foundations work and special interest group opportunities.
You need a MY Rotary account to be able to log in. Need help contact Jacqui or myrotary.org
