Announcements:
Larry Lohman announced that the district’s in-person Banner Exchange and Awards Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, July 14 at 5 p.m. at the Keystone Shelter at West Creek Reservation in Parma. Watch for details on this and Polio Night at the Indians game on July 22.
Dave Myers announced that our return to in-person meetings is only three weeks away. We will meet in the gym at the United Methodist Church, but no lunches will be provided at this time. Also, the program will be available over Zoom for those not comfortable attending or for those who are unable to attend. A committee is working to make all this happen and will meet Monday, June 14. Call Dave for details.
Bill Childers announced the memorial service for Ken Wertz is Sunday at noon at the Methodist Church. He also said United Way is collecting donations to match a $10,000 grant before the end of June.
Lindsey Loftus, Executive Director of the Portage Foundation, outlined information about the Foundation and its work. In addition, Lindsey is running in an Ultramarathon on July 24 to raise money for the Foundation. Visit Portagefoundation.org for details.
Club history: Jim Myers talked about activities of the Club during World War II.
Program: Meet Randale Richmond, Director of Athletics at Kent State University
After an introduction by member Laing Kennedy, who was one of his mentors and teachers, Randale Richmond talked about growing up in Akron, getting his master’s degree at KSU and serving in the athletic department from 2004 to 2012. He then moved to Old Dominion University, where he most recently served as senior associate athletic director.
Then Richmond outlined his personal philosophy and outlook about college athletics. Richmond says the best athletic programs are “Student centered, coach led and administration supported.” He detailed recent KSU successes, including signing basketball coach Rob Senderoff to a five-year contract and the women’s teams winning the Mid American Conference’s coveted Jacoby Cup. A number of Rotarians asked questions, and Club President Elect Kathy Myers issued an invitation and encouraged Randale to join our Rotary Club.
The responder was Curt Stumpf.
Submitted by Mary Beth Harper