Rotary Program: 10/15/03

Speaker: Julie Boudousquie’, District Governor 6740, Rotary International

We are privileged to have as our guest speaker, District Governor, Julie Boudousquie’ from the Covington Rotary Club. Julie is a native of Mobile, Alabama and received her BBA, MBA, and PhD from the University of Cincinnati. She has taught at the University level until her retirement and now works in real estate with ReMax, Tri-State. Julie is a past president of the Covington club and has served as Chairperson of several committees as well as serving as Assistant District Governor from 1999 until she assumed the District Governorship in 2003. She enjoys the distinction of having perfect attendance in all the years she has been in Rotary. Julie was introduced to the club by the Assistant District Governor from the Prestonsburg Club, Eugene Blackburn. Eugene is a native Pike Countian who now serves as a program consultant with the State Department of Education.

Julie says that the greatest thrill of being District Governor is visiting all the Rotary Clubs in District 6740, and praised the Pikeville Club as one of the best in our District. She told us that when she assumed the position of District Governor and went to the training session in Anaheim, California, she found out she was one of 57 women out of the 546 who served in that position. There she learned that the function of her office is to encourage local clubs in her district to build and retain their membership and to promote service projects that will benefit both the local community and the international efforts as well. She emphasized that the goals of Rotary International are carried out on the local level and how gratifying it is to see the energy and commitment of Rotarians like us in the projects we do and the support of the Rotary Foundation. Julie says she is proud to see that our Rotary Club is committed to the goals of Rotary International (We were second in giving throughout all of District 6740). She also commented that it is the goals of Rotary International President, Jonathan Majiyagbe to alleviate poverty in the world, promote the Twin-Club project concept, include family members in club activities and projects, and continue to support the Rotary Foundation and its worthy causes. She explained that the Twin-Club concept is when two clubs from two different countries agree to team up to complete a special project or program. It could be an International Service Project, Matching Grant Project, Rotary Youth Exchange, Medical / Surgical Camps or Friendship Exchange and should enhance the understanding of other cultures and foster goodwill. Julie then presented our President, Brenda Maynard with Rotary Service flags to honor the accomplishments of our club. Thank you, Julie for visiting with us and we hope you will be able to get back again soon. Submitted by J. Morgan Chapman