The wonderful world of Rotary just acquired a new member.
On Tue., Feb. 12, the University of Calgary Rotaract Club was officially welcomed to the international Rotary community at the Westin Hotel during the annual Rotary Foundation Dinner and Integrity Awards ceremony. The 16 university delegates were inaugurated under the watchful eyes of an estimated 800 current members and special guests. The ceremony was also broadcast by satellite to groups in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
"This ceremony is introducing us to Rotary," explained the President of the U of C Rotaract Club, Adarsh Menon. "It is our induction to the world of Rotary in Calgary. This will be the first time that we will be seen in this context with the Rotary groups in the city."
The U of C Rotaract Club is a branch of Rotary International focused on community involvement, professional development and the promotion of international understanding and goodwill.
"We hope to join together and work with other groups within the city of Calgary," said Menon. "We try to work with other groups and clubs to foster our understanding of the community’s needs."
After participating some light-hearted banter with the members of the Rotaract Club, Rotary International President Richard King began the swearing in of the newest members of the Rotary community. Once past a small confusion between left and right hands, the 16 university delegates in attendance promised to be honest and enthusiastic members of the Rotaract Club. The presentation of the charter followed and as the president handed the Charter Certificate to Menon, the audience rose to their feet and applauded in support of their new young members.
"We are very excited," said Menon. "The President of Rotary is rarely able to make these events, so that makes this evening extra special."
The Rotaract Club is a new presence at the U of C, founded in October 2001. Presently, the club has 25 active members, although they expect to expand and strengthen over time. Menon explained that despite the small membership, the group hopes to impact the university and the entire city through their work.
"A challenge that we face is that the Rotaract concept is new," he said. "Twenty-five people is a base to get things going. We will continue to keep growing, which will allow us to do even more as a club in the future.
"My goal is to expand this throughout the university and other schools. Hopefully, other places will pick up on this and there will be Rotaract Clubs built at Mount Royal and other places around the city."