Bill Dollarhide and Janet Pilcher cheerfully greeted wary taxpaying Rotarian’s on this bright and sunny but tad cool day. And what luck, it was Italian day as far as lunch – cannelloni for all my friends!
President Jerry, his tenure soon coming to an end, kicked off the meeting immediately forgetting the Four Way Test (told you he was getting short) but he remembered before inviting district “The Gov” P.C. Wu to the podium. PC was onboard today to thank a large number of our Club members who dedicated time and effort during the most recent RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards). Each member received a recognition certificate on genuine parchment, a hardy “PC” handshake, and a glorious round of applause from those in the crowd that felt guilty for not doing more to help.
Former Club President Jean Norman recognized our newest Paul Harris Fellow for his contribution to Rotary – Dr. John C. Cavanaugh. Congratulations.
Raffle? What Raffle? (If you didn’t attend we had our own little version of “Rafflegate” so it was cancelled halfway through). Sunshine came fast and furious provided courtesy of Henry Roberts who skillfully executed his duties.
Debbie Ford introduced the program: University of West Florida update provided by the newest Paul Harris Fellow—Dr. John C. Cavanaugh. A few initiatives were discussed – UWF’s STEM program increasing math, science and technology awareness in our school system and the merging of technology and history in support of Pensacola’s 450th anniversary next year.
John started by discussing the new “Green” building under construction and opening in 2010. This new campus building will generate its own power through solar panels and have a virtual reality capability for use at the undergraduate level – one of only 100 schools in the country doing this for undergrads. The STEM program is UWF’s attempt to get teachers and middle and high school students more interested and proficient in math and science in order for them to be ready when they get to the college level. One of the biggest issues facing technology companies in the United States is the lack of qualified talent. It is hoped that the STEM program will get students to embrace the subjects for the future.
The Doctor went on to discuss history and specifically “Next Exit Technology”. “Next Exit” was built using a grant from the State and will integrate multimedia and history for those that are traveling the interstate system. For example, traveling down I-10 close to Pensacola someone could pull up a multimedia history lesson on their mobile phone or GPS system based on what exit is coming up. He then showed a demo of a short Pensacola history lesson.
Tidbit: UWF enrollment for fall 2007 – 10,400 and that will hold for next year.
Respectfully submitted, Clark Merritt.
John Cavanaugh & Company are basking in the results following another successful Festival On The Green at UWF.
Give Wright Moulton credit for being one of those planning the legal profession’s long string of successful LAW DAY programs.
A special cheer for Nancy Maloy, who not only maintains her own attendance but also helps Bill be part of our regular meetings.
Sandy Ray and her WSRE-TV crew will be part of the Honor Flight action on April 30th, filming away to prepare a documentary on what befell 100 local WWII veterans on their visit to the memorial in Washington. Credit Pres Jerry for his fund raising role in this...and for his second assignment as a “guardian” on the trip.
Kramer Litvak and Ric Nickelsen have been named as board members for Hospice, and Nigel Allen vocal skills were evident once again as he performed as a choir member in a religious special at Randy Jackson’s church.
Eric Nickelsen – April 23 – Edmonton, Alberta Canada – 29 years
Jim Stolhanske – April 26 – Brainerd, MN – 20 years
Frances Yeo – April 26 – Norfolk, VA – 8 years
Buster Dulion – April 26 – Birmingham, AL – 24 years
Madison Currin – April 27 – Charleston, SC – less than 1 year
The Ethics in Business Award will be presented on Monday, May 5, 2008 at our Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola luncheon at New World Landing.