Welcome to District 5495 Club News

Building connections over breakfast: Maricopa Community Colleges and Rotary gather at GWCC

On Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, GateWay Community College was proud to host the Maricopa Community Colleges & Rotary Breakfast, a collaborative event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Paradise Valley. 

Held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the Copper Room of the IE Building at GateWay’s Washington Campus, the breakfast brought together education and community leaders with a shared goal: creating opportunities that strengthen our communities.

The event served as a welcoming space for conversation and connection between Maricopa Community Colleges and Rotary clubs from across the district, including Rotary district leadership. By gathering on a community college campus, the breakfast highlighted the important role colleges play as hubs for leadership development, service, and workforce preparation.

Creating Opportunities Through Collaboration

At the heart of the breakfast was a focus on partnership. Participants discussed ways Rotary and community colleges can work together to expand Rotary’s presence in the community, engage emerging young leaders, and encourage more Rotary events at local community colleges. Conversations also centered on future collaboration through community service projects, support for youth-focused programs and events, and the expansion of vocational scholarship opportunities.

These shared efforts reflect a mutual commitment to service, education, and opportunity—values that both Rotary and the Maricopa Community Colleges proudly uphold.

All Ten Colleges, One Shared Mission

Representatives from all Maricopa Community Colleges were in attendance, eager to connect with Rotary members and explore opportunities for collaboration. Their participation reinforced the systemwide commitment to building strong community partnerships that support student success, workforce development, and service learning.

Rotarians recognized for philanthropic gifts

  

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) recognized several members for their gifts to support the Club's educational programs and community and global outreach projects.  Ann Diamond,above left, received her initial Rotary International Foundation's Paul Harris recognition and pin.  Dr. Diane Bruening and Dr. Ed Lamers, above photo on right, were acknowledged for their legacy gifts to RCSL's Foundation 2000 Endowment Fund.  All awardees are Sun Lakes residents.   

Rotary Club of Surprise-SC West takes part in Veterans Day Parade

  • A BIG thank you to the Rotary Club of Surprise-Sun City West Parade Crew for participating in the 2025 Surprise Veterans Day Parade!  The Rotarians met at 7:30 a.m. and by 9 a.m. we had Glenn Schmitt's pickup decorated.  Then by 9:30 a.m. Jeri Robertson arrived with over 40 Junior Interact students and some of their parents.  The parade started at 10 a.m. and was done by 11 a.m.  For the Parade Crew: Glenn Schmitt drove his pickup, Robert Evans & Jim Schlenvogt marched in the parade and carried the Surprise & SCW Rotary Club banner, Jim Rumpeltes was in the back of the pickup and in charge of handing out the bags of candy to the parents, and Jeri Robertson organized the students & parents and rode shotgun in the pickup.  The parents were in charge of marching with the kids, monitoring their safety and keeping a full supply of candy to handout to the kids and the eager crowd.  Along the parade route, there was a huge enthusiastic crowd, with their lawn chairs 2-3 chairs deep.  At the end of the parade, we were greeted by the Surprise Mayor and we were thanked for participating.   When we got back to the parking lot, I asked the students if they had fun.  They gave a big YES!!

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Laughlin Chamber recognizes Rotary efforts in Laughlin, Bullhead City

The Laughlin Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of its 28th Annual Community Achievement Awards, held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Aquarius Casino Resort inside the Pavilion.

Presented by the Laughlin Chamber and hosted in partnership with Golden Entertainment – Laughlin, this year’s black-tie gala honored outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, service, and dedication make the Colorado River Region a better place to live, work, and thrive.

The Rotary Club of Bullhead City was well represented at the event, as several of its members were award winners or finalists for an award:

Chris Morgan received the Humanitarian Award for his leadership roles with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue team and Bullhead Regional Food Bank (which he founded and now chairs).  The Food Bank served more than 40,000 individuals in 2025.

Loke Lau Brigoli was named as a finalist for the Communications Award for her role as owner of her own DJ/KJ business (founded in 2008).  She also co-hosted Cameron Broadcasting's "The Knack 107.1" morning show.  Music is Loke's passion.

Amanda Melander was named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Award representing Voodoo Cove restaurant. (known for their creative meals and fun dining experience).  Voodoo Cove is a proud sponsor of many events in our community.

In addition, the Rotary Club of Laughlin won the Community & Social Service Organization Award, and the Laughlin High School Interact Club won the Outstanding Youth Group Award.

Three members of the Rotary Club of Laughlin were also honored in several categories: Heidi Zenefski (Education Professional Award), Jackie Wallin, President, (Lloyd Shires Tourism Award), and Renee Yepez, President Elect (Spirit of Nevada Award).

 

Congratulations to all our Rotarians for their well-deserved recognition at the Community Achievement Awards.

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Rotary Club of Sun Lakes recognizes Teachers of the Month

Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director 

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) named Kat Hendricsen August 2025 RCSL Teacher of the Month. Coach Hendricsen is Physical Education teacher at Chandler Unified School District's Carlson Elementary School. Coach Hendricsen has over 13 years teaching experience after earning her Bachelor of Education degree at Northern Arizona University. 

RCSL named Stacy Sher September 2025 RCSL Teacher of the Month. Ms. Sher is a Physical Education teacher at CUSD Riggs Elementary School. Ms. Sher has 25 years’ teaching experience after earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in Educational Leadership. 

Both teachers’ dedication, heart and impact made them ideal candidates for RCSL's Teacher of the Month honors. Becky Kerr, RCSL Education Committee member, thanks RCSL corporate members Earnhardt Automotive and TrustBank who jointly sponsor the $700 check given to each RCSL teacher of the month. Additionally, each teacher was presented with the opportunity to be a RCSL club-funded Rotarian for one year. 

For more information about RCSL - http://www.sunlakesrotary.com.

Rotarian Learn About CUSD's Semiconductor CTE Program

Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director
 

Thirty of Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) members met at CUSD Hamilton High School to learn about CUSD’s Semiconductor CTE Program.  RCSL Club President Ed Anderson introduced RCSL Rotarian Janet Hartkopf, CUSD’s Emerging Technologies Coordinator/Cyber Security Program Director, who provided an informative overview of CUSD’s Semiconductor CTE Program—the 1st Semiconductor program in a public U.S. high school. 

 

Janet was instrumental in building the program’s 25-member business advisory board and curriculum. Janet shared information about the program’s history; business and academic partnerships; program’s $1million lab center; camps; curriculum; student diversity; and her recent attendance at New Taipei City Taiwan—SEMICON Asia’s premier industry event as part of a 55 Arizona academic and business member delegation. 

 

RCSL attendees felt the enthusiasm and excitement Janet experiences being part of this innovative/state-of-the-art program. Janet has been a RCSL Rotarian since 2014 serving as club’s webmaster and past editor of club’s newsletter.

 

Janet is a life-long learner - having earned her Master of Education from Grand Canyon University and currently attending UofA’s Cyber Security Masters Program. Also attending meeting was Cori Christenson, Past Rotary Club of Gilbert President/Rio Salado Community College Student Services Manager, who has supported Janet in her efforts.


For more information about RCSL - see http://www.sunlakesrotary.com

 

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