We are People of Action, Would you like to be?

Dale Schultz, District Governor 2018-2019

Dale Schultz
District Governor 2018-2019

Our Rotary International President for the Rotary year 2018-19, Barry Rassin, has selected the theme Be The Inspiration. At the International Assembly in January, President Rassin stated that “we’ve been given the responsibility to build on the work of those who have gone before us – build a solid foundation for the work yet to come – by serving as effectively and as efficiently as we can, keeping our work transparent and accountable; changing the lives of as many people as possible for the better; and ensuring that Rotary continues to provide the best possible experience to its members”.

As your District Governor I’ve been entrusted to carry out this theme by following the new RI vision statement – Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create a lasting change – across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. As your District Governor I plan on helping your club to carry out this vision statement, using the Rotary motto of Service Above Self to encourage clubs to plan local service projects, to consider getting involved in a global project and inviting community members to join in completing a local project. RI President Rassin is asking that clubs Be The Inspiration for our community through working with a transformational impact – taking the time to research the needs of the community, involving all the participants and to plan with an partner with those people. I appreciate our past District Governor, Jerry Milner, for formulating a 3-year District 5630 Strategic Plan, focusing on supporting and strengthening out clubs, increasing humanitarian service and enhancing Rotary’s public image and awareness. Th is strategic plan gives our district an outline to follow and coincides with what President Rassin’s goals.

I also appreciate the development last year of our district’s Trilogy team of PDG Don Peterson as our Foundation Chair, PDG Dian Edwards as our Membership Chair and Cheryl Bryan as our Public Image Chair. This team is working as one unit to grow the Foundation, build club membership and publicize our club and district achievements.

Our district is fortunate to have proven leadership serving in our District Committee Chairs, Assistant Governors and Club Presidents. I’m pleased to have DGE Scott McLaughlin and DGN Bob Taylor as our district’s future leaders. Through their involvement in various district leadership functions, Rotary knowledge and experience our district will be well served.

Mark your calendars for the District Celebration in Estes Park, Colorado on June 19-21, 2019. A destination vacation that you can come early or stay late and join the district to celebrate the Rotary year. We’ll have a golf tournament, service project day and close out the celebration with a business meeting, luncheon and magician for our entertainment. We have set aside part of a day that will offer several opportunities to participate in a service project to honor Rotary’s motto Service Above Self. Estes Park offers many activities for families and we’re working with the local vendors to offer reduced costs for them. Save the date and we hope to see you and your family there.

On a final note, I look forward to serving you as your District Governor. I hope that I’m able to Inspire you to get more active within your club, go on a trip to see first hand a global project that either your club or another club is involved and bring awareness of your Rotary club to your community. I pledge to do the best that I can as your District Governor.

In Service,

Dale Schultz
District Governor 2018-2019

Saturday, April 26

District Governor Elect Sarah Cathcart (Kearney Noon) began the morning activities with a powerful flag ceremony with our guests and RYE students parading their respective flag. Representing 11 nations were; Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Japan, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Ukraine, Nebraska, The United States of America and of course the flag that unites all of us, Rotary International. The US colors were presented by the VFW Color Guard Commander Gary Bush followed by the pledge of Allegiance and the national Anthem’s of Equador and United States.

District RYE Coordinator, Paula Witt (Hastings Sunrise) presented “Passport to Possibilities” to the two outbound RYE Students (25-26) with a gift for their upcoming exchange. Owen Phelps (Hastings) will be traveling to Brazil, while Mac Whitehead (McCook) will be traveling to Japan. Following we heard from the current inbound students themselves as Paula interviewed each of them about their exchange year in Nebraska.

Visiting DG Shawna Secker D-5390 (Montana) presented the “Exchange Effect: Changing Lives, One Journey at a Time” An inspirational story of how RYE is transforming lives across the globe, one student at a time.

Saturday Presentations

The Exchange Effect: Changing Lives, One Journey at a Time DG Shawna Secker, D-5390
Download (.pptx)
Rotary’s Secret Sauce: Attracting & Keeping Members, PDG Deb McCaslin, DMCE Toshia Jones
Download (.pptx)
Unlocking Growth: Transforming Rotary Membership in India, PAG Neeraj Bhatnagar, D-3011
Download (.pdf)
Branding Rotary: Making a Lasting Impact, DG Whitney Smith, D-5470
Download (.pptx)

Up next PDG Deb McCaslin (Broken Bow Area) and incoming District Membership Chair Toshia Jones (Cheyenne County) presented “Rotary’s Secret Sauce: Attracting & Keeping Members“, sharing fresh ideas and proven strategies to help grow and strengthen clubs.

Visiting Rotarian Neeraj Bhatnagar, PAG District 3011 (Dehli, India) presented his first of two presentations, “Unlocking Growth: Transforming Rotary Membership in India.” PAG Neeraj demonstrated how innovative strategies are driving incredible membership and engagement across one of Rotary’s most dynamic regions.

Visiting DG Whitney Smith D-5470 (Southern Colorado) presented “Branding Rotary: Making a Lasting Impact” teaching how to harness the power of storytelling, social media and visual identity to effectively share Rotary’s mission and amplify its impact in your community. 

Luncheon Keynote

Davanne Moul; Sr. Sales Director Mary Kay, delivered a powerful message of how passion, planning and perseverance has lifted her to tower above others. Ms. Moul intertwined messages of hope with her stories of growing up on a ranch in Aladdin WY.  Ms Moul described how she has lived a life of service to others and how that has empowered her to become a top sales leader for Mary Kay nationally for many years. Her message most certainly encouraged all to pursue their dreams.

Pride Points: 60 Years of Inspiration, Innovation & Impact, Davanne Moul Mary Kay
Download (.pdf)
Rotary’s Blueprint for Global Impact: The 7 Areas of Focus, PAG Neeraj Bhatnagar, D-3011
Download (.pdf)
How it Began... PDG Pedro Zanini & Elba Bernat D-4945
Download (.pptx)
Global Grants: Turning Vision into Action, PDG Dale Schultz
Download (.pptx)
CRMC Clinic: Honoring Life through Service, Dr. Kim Baxter
Download (.pptx)
PRIP TRF Trustee Chair-Elect Mark Daniel Maloney Bio
Download (.pdf)
PRIP TRF Trustee Chair-Elect Mark Daniel Maloney [Speech w/ cues]
Download (.pdf)
PRIP TRF Trustee Chair-Elect Mark Maloney
Download (.pptx)

PAG Neeraj returned to the stage to present “Rotary’s Blueprint for Global Impact: The 7 Areas of Focus“, a message of how one person with a single focus can drive meaningful change in communities around the world.

PDG Bob Mayber, DRFC (North Platte Noon) shared “The Heart of Rotary: Transforming Lives Through Giving.” Bob shared a hopeful message of how the simple act of giving can be a force multiplier in Rotary’s mission and provide immeasurable impact on the lives of people whom he thought he would never meet.

PDG Pedro Zanini D-4945 (Argentina) and his wife Elba Bernat presented “This is How it Began“, sharing how a chance meeting of two DG classmates PDG Pedro and PDG Don Peterson (Kearney Dawn) on ZOOM and later in Person in Atlanta, GA would lead to a lasting friendship, and a “Ripple-Effect” of many wonderful projects.

PDG Dale Schultz (Hastings Sunrise) walked everyone through four individual Global Grant projects between D-4945 and D-5630 totaling more than $140,000. Sharing how Rotary has made a lasting impact through the power of collaboration.

Dr. Kim Baxter (North Platte) presented “CRMC Clinic: Honoring Life through Service” A global grant in Kenya. Dr. Baxter shared the incredible work being done to improve healthcare and make a lasting impact in Kenya through this vision to honor his son, Craig Baxter.

Past President Mike McQuillan (Ogallala) served as the emcee for the Dinner and District Celebration. The event was held at the historic Haythorn Ranch Arthur, NE recognizing the efforts of everyone across the district. The Haythorn Family was so gracious hosting and providing a world class Nebraska beef dinner.  

Our most honored guests were Past Rotary International President, Mark Daniel Maloney and his lovely wife Gay. It was very special to have PRIP Maloney attend our District Conference because the PRIP is only allowed ONE official appointment from the current RI President each year. Having Lorena’s PRIP from her year as President of the Ogallala Rotary club accept her invitation was truly an honor. 

Mark delivered an inspirational message with a little humor tossed in for good measure.  “Marks Magical Markers” should be something that every Rotarian should strive to achieve. Download the speech and use the cues to view the Powerpoint and follow along with his message.  Mark’s Bio is also provided on the right.    

District Awards

Club of the Year (Small)
Arnold
Club of the Year (Medium)
Kearney Dawn
Club of the Year (Large)
Holdrege
Rotarian of the Year
PDG Deb McCaslin
District 5630 Conference | April 25-16, 2025

Photo Gallery courtesy of Rtn. David Fowler (Ogallala) … Click on the image above to visit the full gallery.

“THANK YOU” to our sponsors for their generous support to “The Magic of Rotary” Conference