President Elect Ann Ackerman and Club 29 Rotarian Keith Oehlert attend the 2018 Rotary International Convention!
“A princess, 3 prime ministers, and a former first lady join 25,000 in Toronto to celebrate Rotary’s good work and plan more of it.” That is the title of the wrap up- article describing the recent 2018 Rotary International Convention that I had the honor of attending as the representative of our Club 29. – by Ann Ackerman
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, former first lady of the United States Laura Bush, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark and Haitian Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant address the convention. As wonderful as it was to hear all of them and the numerous other exceptional speakers, the real take away from the convention was the inspiration and pride that I felt for what Rotarians are doing all over the world. I encourage you to review the conference highlights at 2018 Convention Wraps
In addition to attending motivational sessions, I had the opportunity to visit with fellow Club 29ner Keith Oehlert as well as Rotarians from other Oklahoma clubs. In my photos you will see Keith plus John Rains from Downtown Tulsa Rotary, Lance Singleton from OKC Sunrise Rotary, Hal Pennington from Duncan Rotary, Gary Beadles and Phil Moss from Cross Timbers (Norman), Mike Ridgeway from Norman Sooner, James Chappel from Norman Noon and Jim and Patti Swink from Durant Rotary!
At the conclusion of the conference, Rotary International President-elect Barry Rassin laid out his vision for the future of the organization, calling on leaders to work for a sustainable future and to inspire Rotarians and the community at large. Rassin, a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, unveiled the 2018-19 presidential theme, Be the Inspiration. “I want you to inspire in your clubs, your Rotarians, that desire for something greater. The drive to do more, to be more, to create something that will live beyond each of us.”
Thanks for sharing Miss Ann! You will be an amazing president!