Events

Join Virtually ---> February 16, 2026

The Rotary Club of Houston is partnering with KIPP Academy for the Dictionary Project.  Ten Rotarians are needed to volunteer. The Dictionary Project is a literacy initiative that provides age-appropriate dictionaries to third grade students, helping strengthen reading, writing, and vocabulary skills at a critical stage of learning.  Rotarians meet with the students, talk about the importance of reading and learning new words, and explain how to use a dictionary as a helpful tool at school and at home. The visit creates excitement around reading, gives students a sense of pride in owning a book of their own, and leaves a lasting impression of community members investing in their education and success.

John Whitmire, the 63rd Mayor of Houston was sworn in on January 1, 2024, bringing decades of public service experience to the role. Before becoming mayor, he served as the longest-tenured member of the Texas State Senate, representing Houstonians for 40 years in the Texas Senate and 10 years in the Texas House. Throughout his career, Whitmire has been a strong advocate for criminal justice reform, public safety, and economic development. As mayor, Whitmire is focused on strengthening public safety, fixing the city’s finances and infrastructure, and improving Houstonians' quality of life. His leadership is shaped by his love for people, his vast understanding of government and his commitment to public service.

Join us for our monthly RCoH After Hours Social for fun and fellowship.  Get to know other RCoH members and guests in a relaxed atmosphere.  

No charge to attend and food and beverages are availalbe for purchase at the Restaurant.  

Jeffrey Rosenberg

President and CEO Tristar Productions

Jeffrey Rosenberg, our speaker today founded and has served as President and CEO of TRISTAR Productions, Inc. since its inception in 1987 which has grown into one of the leaders of the sports memorabilia industry. He was born here in Houston, Texas, attended the University of Texas at Austin for undergraduate and South Texas College of Law for his law degree. Rosenberg, decided to forego the practice of law and focus on his sports memorabilia business and is now in his 40' year of doing so. He developed and has put into practice a concept called the MegaShow, which brings together hundreds of the leading dealers of sports collectibles, the most famous athletes and thousands of avid collectors to a particular location on a given weekend. Under his direction, TRISTAR has grown to become one of the nation's largest producer of authenticated autographed sports memorabilia. Under his leadership, TRISTAR conducts more than 300 in-person autograph signings annually with the top sports and entertainment stars of yesterday and the brightest stars of today. He has forged close, personal working relationships with many of the best and brightest stars in sports, including Muhammad Ali, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Wilt Chamberlain, Sandy Koufax, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Joe Namath, Tom Brady, Barry Bonds, Bart Starr, Ken Griffey, Jr and many, many more.

Rotary Night at the Rodeo | Rotary District 5890

The Rotary Club of Houston will have an off-site event Thursday March 19, 2026

You are invited to a tour and conversation at the University of Houston-Downtown.  It is a separate University from the UH central campus with its own president, curriculum and facilities at the northern edge of downtown Houston in the old M&M building and many new facilities.  You’ll meet some of the leading administrators, faculty and students and tour the campus and its beautiful views of our City.  A box lunch will be provided.

The University of Houston-Downtown is a comprehensive four-year university offering bachelor's and master's degree programs aimed at career preparation.  Growing Strong Since 1974.  UHD has expanded to serve the educational needs of America’s fourth-largest city. Now, UHD offers bachelor's degrees in 45 areas of study and 12 master's degrees with over 13,000 students.  UHD creates an environment that welcomes and embraces students from all backgrounds.

With an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, UHD provides a unique hands-on learning environment for each student. They can choose from face-to-face instruction downtown or on our satellite locations, degrees and classes offered completely online and even a combination of the two.  Some of our Camp Enterprise students have enrolled there with great success. 

Best of all, UHD offers everything for one of the lowest tuition rates among state colleges and universities. Please join us to learn more about this dynamic University in the heart of Downtown Houston.  Parking and lunch are included in your reservation.  Carpools are encouraged.  Contact Martin Cominsky for more information, 713-705-4829.

The University of Houston-Downtown is located at One Main Street. Detailed parking instructions will be sent to all who register to attend.  Here’s a link to the area.  University of Houston - Downtown.  Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about higher education in Houston and tour this ever-growing campus.

Click, Send, Gone: The Global Fraud Machine TargetIng Americans

Daily, hourly---too often we receive calls, texts, emails, and solicitations from what may appear to be trusted sources. How can you be sure? The voice sounds like a family member so we respond quickly! How do you really know? What should you do? Who do you contact? Our FBI speaker will provide enlightening, frightening, and important information for you, your family, your company.

Connor Hagan

FBI Public Affairs Officer

As an FBI spokesman, Connor Hagan manages daily press inquiries, coordinates media

matters during critical incidents, and amplifies major FBI investigations for public awareness. In

this role, Connor enjoys building lasting relationships with law enforcement partners, journalists,

and community leaders across Texas while maintaining a dynamic FBI presence on social media.

In addition to his public affairs duties, he also serves on FBI Houston’s lifesaving Crisis

Negotiation Team.

Over a decade ago, Connor began his FBI career as a covert member of FBI Milwaukee’s

Special Surveillance Group. As part of that team, he conducted clandestine surveillance

operations targeting foreign intelligence agents, suspected terrorists, and corrupt elected officials.

He later transitioned into an investigative support role where he assisted counterterrorism,

counterintelligence, and violent crime squads with complex investigations.

In 2018, Connor accepted an FBI public affairs position in Houston. Two years later, he

transferred to serve as the sole FBI spokesman for Arkansas. During this time, he was selected

for the FBI’s elite Media Fly Team where he deployed to numerous mass casualty incidents and

special security events across the country. Following this assignment, he moved back to Houston

in his current role as an FBI spokesman.

In his free time, Connor and his beautiful wife love cheering on their Ole Miss Rebels,

discovering underrated Houston restaurants, and spending time with their dopey dog, Morty.

They are also thrilled to welcome their first child in just a few weeks. Originally from his

beloved hometown of St. Louis, Connor is a proud graduate of the University of Mississippi (Ole

Miss), where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Michael Nichols

Director of the City of Houston Housing and Community Deveolpment Department

Rotarians and guests are warmly invited to hear from one of Mayor John Whitmire’s most consequential appointments: Michael Nichols, Director of the Houston Housing and Community Development Department.  Mayor Whitmire selected Michael Nichols to take on some of Houston’s toughest and most urgent challenges, including:

• Tackling the city’s affordability crisis
• Developing strategies to end street homelessness
• Restoring public confidence in the city’s housing initiatives
• Creating a strategic plan to address long‑standing gaps in state legislation
• Reforming policies that grant large tax breaks to developers without meaningfully increasing affordable housing options

Michael Nichols will share insights into the administration’s vision, the obstacles ahead, and the bold steps required to ensure that Houston becomes a city where every resident has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

See You Thursday 

Michael brings over four decades of active participation in business and civic engagements in Houston. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Brown University and his Juris Doctorate from Emory University. Beginning in his career in law, Michael served two terms in the Georgia House of Representatives before assuming the role of General Counsel at Sysco Corporation in 1981. Following his retirement from Sysco in 2010, he assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer at Grocer’s Supply Company.

Following the sale of Grocers Supply, Michael transitioned into the non-profit sector by taking on the role of interim CEO at the Houston Parks Board, a significant public-private partnership pivotal in the development of over 150 miles of bikeway parks along Houston’s bayous. In 2019, he joined the Coalition for the Homeless, another impactful public-private partnership. During his tenure as President and CEO of Coalition for The Homeless (CFTH), he significantly improved its governance structures, promoted diversity within the organization, established new funding avenues for the homeless response system, nurtured strong collaborations, and showcased the positive impact of governmental involvement in societal welfare. Under his guidance, the Coalition and its collaborators successfully transitioned more than 10,000 individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent supportive housing.

Michael retired from his role on January 31, 2024. On March 4, 2024, he accepted Mayor John Whitmire’s Appointment as the Director of the Housing and Community Development Department for the City of Houston. In this capacity, Director Nichols is tasked with spearheading efforts to ensure all Houstonians have access to safe, affordable housing in communities where they can thrive. This appointment aligns with the Administration’s commitment to position Houston as the most affordable housing city in the nation.

Michael has shared a loving bond with Marcia Couch Nichols for more than 40 years, and together they have raised four wonderful children. His joy extends to embracing the role of a doting grandfather to five cherished grandchildren, a role that brings him immense happiness and fulfillment.

Pease join us for some Rotary FUN and create 50 Easter Baskets for the children at the Salvation Army Family Residence   

The Baskets, Grass, Cellophane Wrap and ties will be ordered by the Club.  Please bring items that fit inside an Easter Basket.  Please bring 50 quantity of each item to the event.  

Suggestions include:

• Candy
• Bubbles
• fun pencils/pens/notepads
• stickers
• small size toys/games
• small size books

Following the assembly of the baskets in the Conference Room at Magnificat House we will walk across the street to 13 Celsius to unwind and socialize with your fellow Rotarians and guest. Food and Drinks will be available for purchase.  

If you cannot attend but would still like to contribute items for the baskets, please bring them to the Club Luncheons on Thursdays, March 26th or April 2nd.  

Since 1986, the Rotary Club of Houston has proudly sponsored Camp Enterprise, an immersive business training experience for 80 Greater Houston high school juniors.

Every year, 60 students are provided with all-expenses-paid transportation to the beautiful Camp Allen in Navasota, TX, along with accommodation, meals, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience they will never forget! Additionally, thousands of dollars in college scholarships are awarded each year.

Join us to celebrate the scholarship winners and hear about their experience at Camp Enterprise. Additionally, we will share some of the highlights of the weekend and honor our sponsors.   

The 2026 District 5890 Club Leadership Training will take place at the Beckendorf Center - Lone Star College in Tomball. 

The Leadership Traoining presents a great opportiunity to learn about taking on  leadership roles within our Rotary Club or to deepen your Rotary knowelkdge while connecting and networking with Rotarians from across District 5890.  

Attendance is highly encouraged for all Club members.

Please click on the link below for more information and to register.  

2026 Club Leadership | Rotary District 5890

Rotary District 5890 is co-sponsoring the Houston Airports' Human Trafficking Awareness Symposium at the Wortham Center.  As part of a recently apporved Anti- Child Trafficking Global Grant, Rotary District 5890 will be debuting a new Social Media video citing the signs, signals, and threats to our children by Cartel-Driven Sex Traffickers in Harris and Surrounding Counites. 

 The Symposium is free of charge and a light lunch will be provided.  

Please click on the link pasted below to register.

Rotarians Unite Against Child Sex Trafficking | Rotary District 5890

join us for our monthly RCoH after -hours social. Enjoy good conversation and fellowship with your fellow Rotarians and guests.  Food and drinks available for order. 

Rhonda Kuykendall is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in social work, human trafficking advocacy, and legislative policy. In her current role as Task Force Director for the Fort Bend Anti-Trafficking Collective (Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office and United Against Human Trafficking), Rhonda leads efforts to combat human trafficking. Rhonda's most recent role was as the Anti-Child Trafficking Consultant at Texas CASA, where she collaborated with key stakeholders to develop best practices and protocols for the 75 CASA programs statewide. In this capacity, she worked closely with the Office of the Governor's Child Sex Trafficking Team, the Department of Family and Protective Services, and care coordination teams to enhance statewide efforts in combating child trafficking.

She is an active member of several key organizations, including the Texas Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Council and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault's Survivor Advisory Board. Additionally, Rhonda chairs the Legislative Advocacy Team on the Board of Directors for Child Advocates of Fort Bend.

As a TEDx speaker, Rhonda shared her insights on Familial Sex Trafficking: Healing Through Helping, discussing the importance of community-driven approaches to recovery and prevention. Her advocacy work continues to inspire change, drawing from her expertise and personal experience.

Our Service Day on April 23, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will include

Greetings & Tour of the facility

Presentation & Q & A by Walter Ulrich 

Service Project - you will be assisting with a short project.

Lunch (Jersey Mikes) If you make your reservervation by Tuesday the 22nd we will send you a menu to make your lunch selection. After that we will order a variety of lunches.

Walter Ulrich

Walter Ulrich is President & CEO of Medical Bridges, a life-changing and lifesaving nonprofit serving the global poor by providing desperately needed medical supplies and equipment to clinics and hospitals. In the last 24 months, Medical Bridges prepared, staged, and shipped 500 tons of desperately needed medical supplies and equipment valued at more than $24 million throughout the developing world including the Americas, Africa, and Asia, serving countries where the energy industry is active and countries in crisis including Ukraine.

Medical Bridges has served 107 countries in the last 28 years. Medical Bridges has also provided medical materials domestically in response to local emergencies including during COVID and in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

Walter is a member of the Texas Advisory Committee of the bipartisan US Global Leadership Coalition. He was awarded the Order of Merit by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for extensive medical relief to the people of Ukraine. Sigma, the international nursing honor society, awarded him its Archon “First to Lead” award at its international biennial event with participants from 40 countries.

He was recognized in 2023 as a Global Leader of Influence by the World Affairs Council at the 25th anniversary Jesse H Jones Luncheon and was honored with the Global Impact award at the HITDC 2022 G7 Annual gala. Previously he was awarded the prestigious NASA Silver Achievement Medal, and in 2013 the Texas Black Expo bestowed on him their Community Builder Award.

Formerly a management consultant, he provided executive leadership at Arthur D. Little including as a Senior Director in the firm’s Houston-based Oil & Gas practice. A graduate and former Trustee of Stevens Institute of Technology, Mr. Ulrich proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps. He lives in Pearland with his wife Beth, an author and nurse educator.

SAVE THE DATE:

Apr 23, 2026 - 52nd Lombardi Award NFL Draft Party

Apr 30, 2026 - No Luncheon - Rotary District 5890 Conference in Galveston

May 7, 2026 - Dr. Brandon Rottinghaus, UH - TEXAS POLITICS: SCANDALS, SCOUNDRELS AND SCALAWAGS

May 14, 2026 - Artemis M2M Missions: TX Role in Next Giant Leap

Come on out to Kirby Ice House to celebrate our 52nd Lombardi Award Winner and Finalists who have all entered the 2026 NFL Draft!

Winner - Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech)

Finalist - David Bailey (Texas Tech)

Finalist - Cashius Howell (Texas A&M)

Finalist - Kadyn Procter (Alabama)

We will have the Lombard Award trophy for photo opps as well as signed helmets and mini footballs for sale.

Bring your friends and ask for the Lombardi Award when you come in if you can not find us!

The Rotary District 5890 Conference will be held on April 30-May 3 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.

Please click on the link pasted below for Registration and Hotel Information.

Look forward to seeing you in Galveston

2026 District Conference | Rotary District 5890

Brandon Rottinghaus
Professor, Department of Political Science
University of Houston

TEXAS POLITICS: SCANDALS, SCOUNDRELS AND SCALAWAGS

Brandon Rottinghaus is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Houston.  He holds a Ph.D. in political science from Northwestern University.  His teaching and research interests include the presidency, political scandals, public opinion, and Texas politics. He is the author of the books Inside Texas Politics, Current Debates in the Lone Star State, Inside American Government (all Oxford University Press), Rick Perry:  A Political Life (University of Texas Press), and Scandal:  How Politicians Survive Controversy in a Polarized Era (Columbia University Press).  He is the co-director of the Presidential Greatness Project.  He is the co-host of Party Politics, a PBS TV8 program, radio show, and podcast on Houston Public Media, a political analyst for KHOU 11 in Houston, and the creator and host of Texperts, a political primer podcast and radio segment on Hello Houstonon Houston Public Media.  

Rotary District 5890 is hosting the 2026 Mental Health Wellness Summit.

In-person and virtual attendance options are avaialbe. 

Please click on link below for information and registration information.  

2026 District 5890 Mental Health Summit | Rotary District 5890

 

If you’re looking for an easy, fun plan the night before Mother’s Day, this is it.

 

We’re hosting a **Charity Game Night benefiting the Rotary Club of Houston** at Decant Urban Winery.

 

This event helps fund **Camp Enterprise**, one of the most impactful experiences a Houston high school junior can have and a program many of you have helped make possible. Come with friends, bring your mom, or just show up and join a table. It’s casual, social, and designed to be an easy way to do some good while having a great time.

 

**A quick preview:**

 

* 10 rounds of bingo (with prizes throughout the night)

* VIP option with early entry, sushi from Himari, and a paired wine flight

* Curated prizes perfect for Mother’s Day

* Wine, spritzes, and snacks available for purchase

 

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or Rotarian, this is a great way to stay connected to Camp Enterprise and help us continue offering it to future students.

 

Feel free to share the link with anyone who might enjoy a fun night out for a great cause.

 

please use registration link https://www.exploretock.com/decant-urban-winery/event/603918/charity-bingo-night-benefiting-houston-rotary

 

Hope to see you there

 

Join your fellow RCoH members and guests for an evening of fun abnd fellowship at our monthly RCoH Social.  Greatr way to get to know other members in an informal setting.

Drinks and food availalble for purchase

Artemis Moon-to-Mars (M2M) Missions: Texas' Role in the Next Giant Leap

On May 14, 2026 join us as we take a look at that giant leap and understand how Texas will be involved in this new venture.

Patrick C. Suermann, PhD.,P.E., F.ASCE, F.SAME
Professor, Construction Science College of Architecture
Texas A & M University - College of Architecture

For several years, he served as the interim dean of the college of architecture, head of Construction science department, and current professor of the topic. Suermann is a US Airforce Veteran and an author for Space News, Cadalyst and many others.

Highlighted in the recent September 2025 Texas monthly article by Joe Pappalardo, Texas U.S. leading a "LUNAR GOLD RUSH." Large startups like SpaceX, headquartered near Brownsville in Starbase, TX and smaller, burgeoning companies like Firefly in Cedar Park near Austin or Intuitive Machines.

You are invited to come be part of our End of Year Social and send off for our Youth Exchange student,  Bombay as he prepares to retrun to Thailand over the summer.  

We will be providng a main course or two.

Please complemement our buffet by bringing an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share.  

Wine and soft drinks will be avalalbe for purchase

Come out  to celebrate Bombay. 

Enjoy the fun and fellowship!

Jim Szczesniak, A.A.E.

Director of Aviation for the Houston Airport System (HAS).

Jim has more than two decades of management experience in both the public and private sector. He is responsible for the overall management of the Houston Airport System’s three aviation facilities: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD).

Previously, Mr. Szczesniak served as the Airport Director for the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). ANC is the world’s fourth busiest air cargo airport and gateway to Alaska. Jim also spent a decade at the Chicago Department of Aviation. Jim started in airport operations at O’Hare International Airport, became Director of Airport Planning and ultimately Deputy Commissioner of Aviation at O’Hare and Midway International Airport.

Mr. Szczesniak holds a MBA from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. Jim is a licensed commercial pilot and aircraft mechanic. Jim is an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives.

Please Join The Rotary Club of Houston with installing officer PDG Sunny Sharma as we celebrate the installation of our 2026-27 Officers and out 2026-2029 new directors

President Tom Vann

President Elect Mike Winckler

Secretary Kate Gabriele

Treasurer Shahla Mohammad-Hosseini

Sgt at Arms Martin Cominski

Treasurer Elect Jay Wilson

Directors

Paul Bonner

Connor Grill

Rosa Tang

Join RCoH for the the Installation of Dinner for our 2026-27 District 5890 Governor, Camille Hamilton.

Please click on the link below for information and registration Information

Spice It UP District 5890 Installation Dinner | Rotary District 5890

As we begin a new Rotary Year, join us to hear plans, meet members, voice your opinions, and learn some new secrets about navigating the world of Rotary.

We look forward to hearing the annual Kinder Houston Area Survey - The economy, the environment, and the Importance of Social Connection. Our speaker will present the 45th edition of the survey with a new component and several surprises. The data should interest anyone who lives or works in Houston and surrounding areas, wonders how Houstonians are doing in a changing economy, and those who have following this survey for so many years.

Ruth N. Lopez Turley, Director, Kinder Institute

Professor Turley is the director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University. Prior to her current right, she directed the institute's Houston Education Research Consortium during which time she raised over $30 million so school districts would not have to pay for research. She also founded the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships, which connects and supports over 70 partnerships between research institutions and education agencies throughout the country. She served on the National Board for Education Sciences which advised and approved priorities for the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education.

Flooding has certainly impacted Houston and understanding the Harris County flood maps and the current risks impact us all whether it is our homes, offices, commuting, or general stress level when we hear the severe weather reports. Hear directly from the executive director of Harris County Flood Control District.

The New Map of Flood Danger

Dr. Christina “Tina” Petersen, Ph.D., P.E.,

Executive Director,

Harris County Flood Control District

Dr. Christina “Tina” Petersen, Ph.D., P.E., is the Executive Director for the Harris County Flood Control

District in Harris County, Texas, serving the greater Houston region. She has served in this role since

January 2022, when she was unanimously appointed to the position by Harris County Commissioners

Court.

Under Dr. Petersen’s direction, the Flood Control District carries out its mission to plan, implement and

maintain projects that reduce the risk of flooding, ultimately improving the quality of life for Harris County

residents.

Dr. Petersen also represents Harris County on the board of directors for the Gulf Coast Protection District,

the Texas Water Conservation Association, as well as the executive committees of the National

Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies and the San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning

Group.