Congratulations to the District 5495 Graduates of the Arizona Rotary Leadership Academy’s (RLA), Class of 2022-23. Graduates were recognized and presented with their certificates and pins during this year's district conference held May 5-6. The following District 5495 Rotarians completed the intensive, six-month program that provides in-depth information on Rotary and its operations: Dan Coons, Mesa West Rotary Club Mike Flores, Gilbert/Queen Creek Rotary Club Angela Lopez, Phoenix 100 Rotary Club Lynette Prouty, Valley Verde Rotary Club Joe Sweeney, Prescott Rotary Club Michelle Holcomb, Fountain Hills Rotary Club Ruth Tan Lim, Mesa Sunrises Rotary Club Sean Green, Mesa West Rotary Club This accomplished and talented group of Rotary leaders have met and exceeded the program challenges and demonstrated the rigor necessary to complete the Arizona Rotary Leadership Academy’s academic program. They successfully completed the Academy’s course of study. Each month (September, October, November, January, February, and March) of this Rotary year, they worked both online and via Zoom to explore Rotary leadership through the Academy’s six courses. On the average, each course calls for 10-12 hours or cumulatively 60 to 72 hours or more of online, offline and Zoom learning activities for the completion of all courses. As you know from your own experiences, Rotary seminars, and workshops in and of themselves can be quite challenging given the time constraints of our busy lives. Their commitment is truly above and beyond and has called for a Rotarian’s personal tenacity, commitment, and determination. RLA is intended to be the Rotary graduate program follow-up to the three levels of Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) and follow-up learning opportunity for past club presidents. It is a source for linking talented Rotarians to the leadership needs of our district. The Academy explores in depth the areas of (1) How Rotary Works/Arizona Rotary Leadership, (2) The Rotary Foundation, (3) Working Collaboratively to Meet Fundraising Needs, (4) Pathways to Rotary, (5) Becoming a Branding Champion, and (6) Fiduciary Responsibilities and Youth Protection. Through these courses and conversations with one another and faculty RLA students deepen their Rotary knowledge and skills and enhance their leadership talents. District 5495 is truly fortunate to have leaders of their caliber providing Rotary leadership services now and in the future. When you see them at a club meeting or district activity/event, please be sure to congratulation them on their outstanding accomplishment. If you are interested in expanding your Rotary leadership knowledge, understandings and skills and learn about the Arizona Rotary Leadership Academy (RLA), a joint leadership learning partnership of District 5500 and District 5495, Check out the Arizona Rotary Leadership Academy’s website: arizonarla.org Photo: District Governor Larry Horton with RLA Graduate Joe Sweeney. | 