Texas A&M-Kingsville Scholarship Donation

President Albert Ruiz presents
check to Randy Hughes

Continuing a long-standing tradition, the Sunrise Rotary Club of Kingsville  recently presented Texas A&M-Kingsville with a $1,000 scholarship donation.  The funds are allocated to the university's general scholarship fund and receive a funding match, effectively doubling the amount of scholarship benefit to the recipient students.

The Sunrise Club has funded the scholarship since the beginning of its existence in 1999, and has gradually increased the donation to the current level.  Community members wanting to help the club may make donations to the club, or shop at Amazon.com, accessing the retailer through the link on the club's website (www.rotaryking.net).

District Governor - Gilbert Serna

Sunrise President Albert Ruiz,
Asst. Dist. Gov. Maxie Houser,
District 5930 Governer Gilbert Serna

 District Governor Gilbert Serna paid us our official Governor's visit last night and this morning.

Last night, the discussions varied from Sunrise Rotary's service projects, to our involvement with the Rotaract Club, participation in the Rotary Foundation, membership growth strategies, and leadership development plans, just to name a few.

Albert presenting DG Gilbert
with a Wildlife in Photos gift

This morning, DG Gilbert shared with us RI President Klinginsmith's vision for Rotary and a video on the various Rotary themes through the years.  Most inspiring was Gilbert's transformation from being a member of a Rotary Club, to becoming a true Rotarian.  A very inspiring story that demonstrates how we can improve our communities by improving one person's life.

DG Gilbert and Deya Serna

Gilbert's Bio (from the Dist. 5930 Website)
Gilbert’s involvement with Rotary began in May 1998. Only three years and several officer positions later, Gilbert served as President of the Laredo Gateway Rotary Club.

He has participated in and coordinated a number of local and international service projects and events during this time, including RYLA, book drive for South Africa, International Night with Mexico Rotary Cubs of District 4130, ceremony in Acambaro, Guanajuato, Mexico for a matching grant for a fire truck, and numerous others. Additionally, he has helped to maintain his club’s Presidential Citation for 18 years in a row. Gilbert served as Assistant Governor for District 5930 from 2004-2007 and then as the first Lt. Governor for his district in 2007. Other community involvement includes board member of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and board member of the Laredo Manufacturing and Logistics Association of Laredo.

Gilbert earned an Electrical Engineering degree from Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. He is currently employed as Sales and Operations manager for Mercy Health Plans, a group health insurance provider.

As members of the Laredo Gateway Rotary Club and Paul Harris Fellows, Gilbert and Deya participated in and chaired a Rotary Friendship exchange to and from Sweden. They have hosted a youth exchange students from Turkey and Switzerland and have also hosted professionals from Russia, also through a Rotary exchange project. Most recently, they hosted GSE team members from Chile and Spain.

Deya is the past treasurer of the Laredo Gateway Rotary Club. She also facilitated the start of an Early Act Club sponsored by the Laredo Gateway Rotary Club.

Gilbert and Deya have been married since 1990 and have been blessed with 4 wonderful children, Allyson Nichole, Daniel Allen, Andrew Douglas, and Gilbert III.

Travel and new explorations are on their list of goals every year. They have visited more than a dozen states and about another dozen countries including Greece, Turkey, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, London, France and more. They are certain that traveling is good for the soul and believe that learning the varied cultures is priceless!

Marilu Salazar

This morning's speaker was Marilu Salazar, Director for the Center for Continuing Education and Office of International Studies and Programs.

She gave us a great presentation on all of the courses available from the Center of Continuing Education.  (Link to Spring 2011 Schedule) Courses are diverse, ranging the gamut from dancing (belly dancing  or Salsa, Merengue and Bachata) to Financial Planning, Conversational Chinese, Spanish, French or Russian, Guitar Lessons, Drawing, Digital Photography, Web Design, Yoga, the Road Scholar program and many, many more.

She also informed us about the Office of International Studies and Programs (Link to website). The mission of the Office of International Studies and Programs is to internationalize all aspects of Texas A&M Kingsville and the System Center by involving students and faculty in international studies and research globally.  The office consists of four interrelated areas:  international studies programs and internships, student and faculty “exchange” programs, collaborative international research opportunities and International Educational Exchange Fund (IEEF) scholarships.  And best of all, scholarships are available to help offset costs to students wanting to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity.

A third program is also under her direction - the Intensive English Program (Link to website). The English Language Program is designed for students, business people, and professionals to develop English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, grammar and writing. The Program provides intensive oral and written communicative instruction and practices to facilitate a smooth transition into university academic programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The University and community environment provides students with excellent opportunities to practice English language skills and to engage in multi-cultural experiences.

Email links for additional information:
Continuing Education
International Studies
Intensive English Program

Sunrise Rotary Student of the Month

Rotarian Mike Desiderio, Rachel Robinson, and father Matt

Rachel Robinson is a senior at Kaufer High School. Her parents are Linda Dunn and Matt Robinson. She is ranked sixth in a class of 46 with a GPA of 99.125. Rachel is an athlete playing volleyball, basketball, track and softball. She hopes to play softball in college. She is also involved in UIL academic competition, the KEDT TV Challenge team, journalism, National Honor Society, FFA, FCA, HOSA, and BPA. She serves as a mentor for younger children not only at school as a PAL, but also volunteering for the Way Fun Wednesday after school tutorial and activity program. Rachel wants to major in biology and later become a physical therapist.

The Sunrise Rotary is proud to promote our outstanding local high school students. Those who are selected as Students of the Month are eligible to receive a $500 scholarship from Texas A&M-Kingsville for the 2011-2012 academic year. Students are chosen for high academic achievements as well as service to their communities.

Dr. James (Jim) Norwine - Professor of Geography

Our speaker on August 26 was Dr. James (Jim) Norwine.  Jim has been a professor at Texas A&M-Kingsville for almost 40 years, and  was named Regents Professor in 1997 by Texas A&M, becoming the first professor at Texas A&M-Kingsville to receive the honor.  In addition to his teaching duties, Jim has published numerous books, including Water for Texas and the Changing Climate of South Texas 1900-2100.  He is also a three-time Fulbright Scholar and been the recipient of numerous awards.

His topic this morning was "After Climate Change and Culture-Shift: Imagining a World".  Various aspects of climate change were discussed, as well as the dynamics of "dueling worldviews of postmodern, modern and traditional values".

Dr. Norwine's books may be purchased at Amazon.com.  Be sure to use the link on our webpage to enter the Amazon site - a portion of the sales come back to our club to be used for community service and scholarships.