Mauricio’s story, which he references as “life inside the beaker and life outside the beaker,” is one of dedication and achievement. Growing up in the mountainside of Medellín, Colombia during a time of turmoil and violence, he witnessed the cycles of revenge that could shape a generation. These days he educates against these stereotypes of his country. Mauricio became the first in his family to graduate high school, the first to attend college, and ultimately the first to earn a PhD. He came to the University of Akron to pursue a PhD in polymer engineering, and in 2012 began his professional career with Kent Displays through the H-1B Visa program (luckily before it cost $100,000).
Mauricio has built a rich and fulfilling life here in Kent. Growing up in a small apartment, he dreamed of one day having a home large enough to gather all of his friends - a dream he and his wife have realized! Surrounded by peers who share his love of intellectual conversation, Mauricio and his circle pursue personal growth by becoming “experts” in new areas. Today, their collective talents span painting, musical performance, Toastmasters, and more!
This week we will close out September with Brad Ehrhart!
Also, I sent out a survey on Thursday regarding this year's Holiday Party. It is only two questions so please take a second to share your opinion. *Check your spam/promotions folders.
President Amanda, called the meeting to order at 12:10
Our patriotic song was Battle Hymn of the Republic led by Mrs. Roeger on piano.
It was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation by Rebekah Wright Kulis
Dominique Bollenbacher led us in singing Let it Be
There were 0 visiting Rotarians and no guests
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Christie Anderson- end hunger crop walk this Sunday hosted by the Interfaith Alliance. The NAACP is sponsoring David Dix for community service and Anthony Horton for education excellence at their annual luncheon. October 18th at NEOMED and if you would like to sponsor the event, they are looking for people to do so.
Rhonda- dementia live from vista veranda event, oct 9th 3-6. It is free to come and see.
Doug Fuller – Kent Historic Society is presenting on the Depot downtown at the Kent Stage. Tues oct 7th at 7. Book signings before and after
Khalenna- Habitat’s event Homes for Holidays is November 8th
Bill Childers- Oct 1st food distribution with Salvation Army 8-11 at corner of summit and horning ksu parking lot
Thank you Sandy Roeger for playing.
Amandas team, the Panthers, got first touch down!
HAPPY BUCKS
Jim Meyers- granddaughter made them great grandparents. Is now working at the Rock and Roll of fame.
Paul Organ- 50 km in all 50 states. He did Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont.
Will Underwood- daughter got married this month. And went sailing in Boston.
Christie Anderson- Speaker for NACCP is Dr. Christine Collins.
Kathy Myers- Changing Destines is over! And for Mrs. Roeger
Laura Martin- daughters 6th birthday and she and hubby got to get away.
Mark Pennel- 2 blocked arteries now clear and has an upcoming surgery to keep him going!
Amanda- went to Las Vegas and went to the Grand Canyon!
TODAY’S SPEAKER/PROGRAM- Maruicio Echeverri- From the Mountains of South America
He is from Colombia and grew up in a small town, that was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It is sad, since Colombia has so many treasures, but they work to share the resources they have now. While to some, he is a success story, he shares how his government had given him many opportunities that helped him. Murders have gone down significantly too as the government moved to help support the people of his home. He is a chemist, and has had a successful career, starting early. He was able to have good and challenging conversations with his friends and met the love of his life in college too. He was the first in his family with a high school degree, all the way to getting a PHD. It was all new territory, and he had support from his parents, but it was still new for them all. He went to the University of Akron in 2009 and started to work in polymer engineering. He got his first patent during this time. He learned to drive in Ohio, saw snow, and was able to communicate with his family still. In 2012, he got connected to Kent Displays and became a Principal Scientist. Here is where he took advantage of having mentors. He bought a house and got married. After being able to adapt here in America, he has been able to enjoy his community. He was able to influence other college students to use time to become an expert in something and empower one another to push themselves and grow into new skills. He recently has been working in research and development manager with glass. During this time, he became more aware and thankful for all his parents had done for him and support his wife! Currently, he is a painter and doesn’t know exactly what is next.
Information in this eBulletin comes primarily from the Rotareminder, board meeting minutes, and stories submitted by members.
If you have any Rotary stories, events or speaker information to benefit the Club, please submit it to info.rotarykentohio.org@gmail.com. We will add it to the next appropriate eBulletin.
