District Governor Jose Velasco speaks before Orem-Lindon Rotarians and UVU Rotaractors
On August 24, 2022, Utah Valley University (UVU) Rotaractors Stephan Atkinson, Joshua Kooyman and myself, had the opportunity to meet with Jose Velasco, Utah District Rotary Governor, alongside our fellow Orem-Lindon Rotarians. During this meeting, District Governor Velasco discussed with us the route not only Utah Rotary, but also International Rotary, is hoping to take for the remaining Rotary 2022-2023 year.
During the meeting, we were able to discuss the new logo of Rotary. Created by an indigenous Australian artist, the new symbol embodies not only the foundation Rotary was created on, but also the recognition that our international organization is still working to build strong, sustainable connections to global communities and the earth itself. With the addition of our seventh focus, environment, we are finding ways as an organization to see how we can better the environment we all rely on. Utah Rotary clubs are spearheading a sustainable tree planting initiative throughout Utah, in which Orem-Lindon Rotarians are participating as well. Through this initiative, Rotary members will not only be planting sustainable trees, but also teaching the community how to plant sustainably. This seventh focus also connects us, UVU Rotaractors, much closer with the agenda of sustainable mountain development, which we implement in the State of Utah and globally through the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF), a coalition of student clubs at UVU. As UVU Rotaract president, I look forward to getting many students across campus involved to learn these needed skills and give back to our community. I have been able to work with Spencer Mack, Orem-Lindon Rotary President, on how we can make these events a large pull for UVU students.
We also discussed the importance of World Polio Day and the Rotary International’s initiative to eradicate polio globally. It was great to be able to talk to Jose Velasco about our efforts as Rotary and Rotaract Clubs to combat Polio, especially with the case showing up in New York. Now that it is in our backyard, it will be very important how we push the Rotary International efforts within the Utah and Utah County communities. After talking to District Governor Jose Velasco, we will now be hosting either him or one of District Rotary Lt. Governor at UVU World Polio Day event on October 19, 2022. Along with that, I and my vice president, Alitha Thompson, now have the opportunity to join him in his global effort and initiative for World Polio Day in Park City on October 15, 2022.
(L to R): Stephan Atkinson, UVU Rotaractor, Jose Velasco, District Governor, Tristin Smith, UVU Rotaract President, Joshua Kooyman, UVU Rotaractor and Spencer Mack, Orem-Lindon Rotary President after the meeting
After creating this connection, UVU Rotaractors are looking forward to work more with District Governor Jose Velasco this year. With our joint efforts, I personally hope to bring this same enthusiasm we have brought in our Utah communities to the communities of our two shared ancestries in Mexico; similar to his efforts he has done in the past in Mexican communities.
Tristin Juarez-Smith, UVU Rotaract President
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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22-10-06-Joshua Kooyman Attending an Orem Lindon Rotary meeting
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