Events

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.

The monthly Board Meeting is at 2525 Murworth (77054) in Room 2A-17

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.

Join us for our monthly evening Social at Tumble 22 on Houston Avenue.  A great oipportunity for fellowship with other RCoH members and their guests.  Food and Beverage avaialble for purchase.  

Are we ready for an emergency Houston?

Join us on Thursday, June 11th to ask your questions.

Former County Judge and current TABC Chair, Robert Eckels, will chair this meeting.

Speaker:

Mark Sloan – Coordinator, Harris County Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Mark Sloan is Harris County, Texas’ Coordinator for Homeland Security & Emergency, serving more than five million incredibly diverse residents and covering more than 1,770 square miles. Because of Harris County’s large population, port operations, transportation infrastructure, and concentration of petrochemical plants, the Department of Homeland Security has identified Harris County as a Tier 1 region. To meet the growing expectations of emergency management, Sloan is streamlining regional emergency response coordination through the use of automated flood warning systems, traffic management systems, broadcast media capabilities, first responder and community alerting, GIS mapping systems, and regional interoperable communications.

As the director of Harris County Citizen Corps, an innovative, award-winning public preparedness initiative, recognized as a National Best Practice, he coordinates all aspects of the program. Working with a team of county technology experts, he developed one of the first websites devoted to the sharing of community preparedness volunteer opportunities and tracking of volunteer hours. The site links users to the most helpful and informative websites on citizen preparedness throughout the country. Since 2002, over 40 million individuals have visited the website (www.harriscountycitizencorps.com) and over 68,000 have completed the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course.

During the Katrina relief effort at the Astrodome, Sloan was assigned to the Unified Command to coordinate volunteers. During the 21 days more than 60,000 volunteers received various assignments that helped over 65,000 evacuees from New Orleans. On September 9, 2005, Sloan was recognized for his efforts by ABC Nightly News as the Person of the Week and received the Special Award: Texas’ Response to Katrina Evacuees at the 2006 National Hurricane Conference in Orlando in recognition of his leadership and coordination.  Mark was also honored with “The President’s Call to Service Award” in September of 2007 recognizing the accomplishments of the Harris County Citizen Corps and for coordinating the volunteer response during the Katrina relief effort.

In the fall of 2008, Sloan was also recognized by the Houston Texans football team on Reliant Stadium’s 50-yard line and later received the John C. Freeman Weather Museum’s Hurricane Hero Award for his exemplary leadership during Hurricane Ike.

In November of 2010 the Department of Homeland Security appointed Mark to serve on the State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Government Coordinating Council that coordinates critical infrastructure protection guidance and strategies across all levels of government.

He is a member of the San Jacinto Type III All-Hazards Incident Management Team.

Sloan is a board member on the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council, Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, and Big City Emergency Managers, where he serves as the Chair.

In 2018, the Emergency Management Association of Texas (EMAT) named Sloan the recipient of the “Lou Harrell” Emergency Management Coordinator of the Year award.

Sloan is also a member of the National Homeland Security Consortium and is serving as one of the Tri-Chairs.

Since 2008 as EMC, he has led the organization in over 270 EOC activations some of which include Hurricanes Ike, Bill, Harvey, Imelda, Laura, and Beryl, Winter Storm Uri, numerous floods and other weather events, Super Bowls, World Series and other special events as well as COVID-19.     

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 Dinner for our 2026-27 District 5890 Governor, Camille Hamilton.

Rotary Club of Houston

Planning Meeting for 2026-27

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Goodwill Industries
1140 West Loop North
Houston, TX 77055

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Coffee and continental breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Planning sessions

Fellow Rotarians,

First of all, I want to thank you all for your continued support and commitment to the Rotary Club of Houston and for your willingness to serve as officers, directors and committee chairs for the upcoming Rotary year. As we kick off this new year, it’s very important that we come together as a team to discuss where we are as Club currently and where we’d like the Club to be going forward. While I have lots of ideas about ways to improve the Club, this is OUR club and I want to hear from each of you about what’s working and what’s not, and any suggestions and concerns you may have.

There are so many areas that we could consider but, for our purposes on the 27^th, I’ve identified five critical topics that I want us to focus on:

1. Membership and engagement
2. Weekly Meetings
3. Legacy Service Projects
4. Community Service
5. Fundraising

We could spend hours discussing each of these, but I plan to keep to a very tight agenda in order to end the meeting by noon. In order for that to happen, I want to give each of you a homework assignment. I’d like for you to take a few minutes on each of these topics and consider:

1. Membership and engagement: What can we do to improve the new member experience? How can we improve the red-blue badge process? Do we even need a red-blue badge program? How can we get new (and existing) members more engaged?
2. Weekly meetings: What do you like and/or dislike about our weekly meetings? What impression of Rotary and our Club do guests and our speakers leave with? How can our meetings facilitate members getting to know each other better? What about the mix of speakers we have?
3. Legacy Service Projects: Are all of our legacy projects still viable? How do we measure the impact/benefit to the community of our projects? Do we have enough members to actively continue all of our projects?
4. Community Service: Rotary is a service organization. Should we be doing more local service projects to support our community? Would doing so potentially increase member engagement? How do we encourage (recruit) members to participate in our service projects?
5. Fundraising: In order to pay for our projects, we MUST do fundraising in order for the Foundation to be able to support us and our Community Service Budget. Should we abandon the Distinguished Citizen Award and find another major fundraising opportunity? Should we consider multiple smaller fundraisers throughout the year? If so, do we risk “fundraising fatigue? How do we get member “buy-in” on the importance of supporting our fundraising efforts.

Clearly, if we tried to discuss all of these questions in one sitting it would be impossible. So, what I’d like you to do is share with me any thoughts you have on any or all of the five topics. I’ll compile what everyone sends me and keep your ideas anonymous if you wish. My email address is rcoh2026Tom@gmail.com . Your input will be greatly appreciated.

I believe in Rotary and what it stands for and I love the Rotary Club of Houston. However, I personally don’t see our Club growing and being successful if we continue plodding along, simply doing things the way we’ve always done them. In some cases, it may just need a little tweaking here and there. But, in other areas, we may need to rethink, revamp and shake things up a bit. Times are changing and so is our membership and the Rotary Club of Houston must adapt.

Please make plans to join us in person on Saturday, June 27^th. I know your time is valuable, especially Saturday mornings. However, we have an important responsibility as leaders of our Club and this planning session is a critical step in working as a team to make the coming year a huge success. I look forward to working with each and every one of you.

Yours in Rotary Service

Tom Vann

713 824-4563

As we begin a new Rotary Year, there will be some changes to our meeting time. We will still open doors at 11:30 a.m. - the meeting will start at 11:45 a.m. and end promptly at 1 p.m.

Join us to hear plans, meet members, voice your opinions, and learn some new secrets about navigating the world of Rotary.

Committee Chairs will be available to share their goals.

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.

Join us for lunch and an opportunity to hear about the June 2026 book by Chemical Engineer, Retired NASA astronaut, entrepreneur, and author of Dinner with an Astronaut 

(Yes we know it's lunch, but you will have an opportunity to ask your questions, purchase his book, get an autograph, and read it while eating dinner!)

Leroy Chiao, Ph.D.

Our speaker flew on three Space Shuttle flights and was the commander of Expedition 10 during 6 months living at the International Space Station.

The inspiring journey of Leroy Chiao, one of the first Asian American astronauts in history, illuminating his remarkable path into space and the fascinating history of rocketry and space travel from its very beginnings
 
Imagine if you could sit down and enjoy a meal with an astronaut. What questions would you ask? What could you learn after a few courses? Leroy Chiao invites you as his guest for Dinner with an Astronaut, an insightful and witty deep dive into the world’s most unexplored realm: the cosmos.

At just 30 years old, Leroy was selected by NASA as one of twenty-three members of the thirteenth astronaut group. As the first full Chinese heritage professional astronaut, he flew four space missions-the Space Shuttle, Soyuz, ISS, and on spacewalks in both US and Russian spacesuits, and served as the commander of the International Space Station. 

Using his unique perspective from flying with fellow American, Japanese and Russian professionals, Leroy now answers your burning universe-spanning questions, such as:

• What is the new space race, and who are the next generation of competitors?
• What is NASA working on these days?
• What feelings did you experience looking out at Earth from space?
• What does the future of space exploration look like?
• Will we ever make it to Mars?

 
Sharing the wonders of space with those of us on Earth, Leroy details his astronaut training and otherworldly spaceflights. Gorgeously luminary and deeply profound, Dinner with an Astronaut invites readers to join Leroy Chiao and take a seat at the table, for fans of Scott Kelly, Chris Hadfield, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and for anyone who's been obsessed with the Artemis II moon mission.

Come beat the summer heat! Join your fellow RCoH members and guests for an evening of fun and fellowship at our monthly RCoH Social. It’s a great opportunity to get to know other members in a relaxed, informal setting.

Drinks and food will be available for purchase.

For those of you who heard our speaker previously, you know how engaging and knowledgeable he is about the world of AI. His presentation is new and reflects current highlights and cautions. What an educational treat!! 

Note to District 5890 Rotarians: If you missed the District Conference, this is your opportunity to hear this amazing speaker.

Dr. Vincent R. Solis, President of Brazosport College

Dr. Vincent R. Solis is a life-long educator with almost three decades of service in higher education.  He previously served as the President for Western Nevada College located in the state capital of Nevada.  More than half of the years he has in higher education have been in senior or executive roles.  He has served as Chief Academic Officer, Chief Enrollment Officer, and Chief Student Success Officer.  During his tenures in various roles, Dr. Solis has had the privilege of providing leadership for many other essential campus operations such as community outreach services, athletics, dual enrollment initiatives, auxiliary business services, special projects, construction, facilities management, and student success/engagement/graduation programs. 

Dr. Solis began his post-secondary education at Chemeketa Community College and later transitioned to Texas A&M-Kingsville where he received his Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Sociology (graduated with honors), his Master of Science in Psychology, and his Doctorate in Bilingual Education.

The units he has helped lead over the last three decades have received numerous achievement awards that include the Commitment to Excellence Award, the Innovation Award in Student Success, and the Team Effort Award.  Dr. Solis is a recipient of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development Excellence Award, and in 2014 he was selected to participate in and successfully completed the State of Texas Governors Executive Development Program (Class XXXIII).  At that time, he was only one of a handful of community college representatives to complete this prestigious leadership development program in the State of Texas.  Dr. Solis also served as co-chair when working with the Foundations of Excellence Institute which was a campus wide student success program.  Dr. Solis was selected to participate as one of 30 chief academic officers from across the country in the Digital Fellows Program sponsored by the Association of Chief Academic Officers.        

Dr. Solis is not only committed to his professional endeavors in higher education, he has also served his local communities in various service roles including the serving as Vice President and later President of the Community Boxing Club of Brownsville, Vice President of the Police Athletic League of Brownsville, volunteer instructor for Sexual Assault Prevention, Chair of the United Way State Employee Campaign, and has served as proud member of Rotary International where he was has received the distinctions of having been awarded the Paul Harris award, selected as Rotarian of the month twice, and was selected as the 2016 Ignite Member of the Year for his work in outreach for Rotary.  He also serves as a mentor in with the Big Brother/Sister organization in Reno, Nevada.  He also enjoys teaching and serves a volunteer adjunct psychology instructor for the Latino Leadership Academic at Western Nevada College.   

Dr. Solis frequently has roles as keynote speakers for various events.  Some of these include the Department of Education on the Impact of Executive Leadership on Student Success.  He also served as the keynote speaker for South Texas Hispanic Male Leadership Summit, guest speaker for the 2016 regional Rotary Conference, and keynote speaker on Student Services for Latino Millennial Students with the National Community College Hispanic Council.  He has also served as a keynote speaker and pod cast presenter for Workforce Solutions of South Texas. 

Dr. Solis has also been honored to share his own experiences and educational journey with many different audiences.  As the youngest of eleven children of migrant workers and a high school dropout, Dr. Solis shares his story of the transformative power that education can have on an individual.  He has been privileged to share his story and experience with different audiences that include the 2019 Graduating class of Great Basin College, TEDx Carson City, and for Regional Adult Educators in Las Vegas, and most recently was able to share his story with incoming freshman students at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.   

The August meeting of the RCoH Membership Committee will take place on August 11 from 12-1.

Please Click on "Membership Committee" on link on left to join the meeting.  The meetings are open to Club members interested in contributing.  

The Rotary Club of Harrisburg, the Rotary Club of Houston Heights and the Rotary Club of Houston are pleased to welcome Camille Hamilton, District Governor of District 5890, to a collaborative meeting on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Tony’s Restaurant. Please come join us as DG Camille shares her vision and goals for the year ahead, her role as our District Governor and how she can best support our clubs this year. DG Camille is also anxious to hear what’s on our mind and plans to leave plenty of time for questions and feedback.

We will begin gathering for fellowship at 11:30 a.m. and the meeting will start with the ringing of the bell at 11:45 a.m. It’s an honor to have DG Camille speak at this collaborative meeting and we look forward to seeing you there.

Be sure to register for the lunch at the link (member: for members of Rotary C of Houston) or for all others "guests."

HOSTS:

Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Rick Garcia, President

Rotary Club of Houston Heights

Leah Martinez and Cathy Peveto, Co-Presidents

Rotary Club of Houston 

Tom Vann, President

DG Camille Hamilton

Peter J. Hotez, MD, PhD, DSc (hon), FASTMH, FAAP

Texas Medical Center vaccine pediatrician-scientist, author, science explainer, history of medicine
 

Prof. Peter Hotez MD PhD DSc (hon) FAAP FASTMH is Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine where he is also Co-Director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, and Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine. He is also University Professor of Biology at Baylor University, Senior Fellow in Disease and Humanity at the James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Dr. Hotez is a vaccine scientist, biochemist, and pediatrician who has led or co-led the development of vaccines for parasitic infections-hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease-currently in clinical trials, and several coronavirus vaccines, including two low-cost COVID vaccines for global health so far administered to 100 million children and adults in India and Indonesia. He is also an ardent vaccine advocate and science explainer who combats anti-science and antisemitism in America, and globally.

Prof. Hotez has authored 6 single-authored books with Johns Hopkins University Press, including Vaccines Did Not Cause Rachel’s Autism, Preventing the Next Pandemic, and The Deadly Rise of Anti-science, and in 2025 will co-author Science Under Siege (Public Affairs) with the climate scientist, Michael Mann. Dr. Hotez obtained his B.A. (phi beta kappa) from Yale University, M.D. from Weill Cornell Medical College, and Ph.D. from Rockefeller University. He obtained his pediatric residency and fellowship training from Massachusetts General Hospital and Yale School of Medicine.

Prof. Hotez is the author of more than 700 scientific papers, and he is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received numerous awards. They include the Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award from AAAS, the Scientific Achievement Award from the AMA, the David E Rogers Award from the AAMC, the Science and Society Award from Sigma Xi, the Porter Prize in public health from the University of Pittsburgh, Winslow Medal from Yale School of Public Health, Mendel Medal in science and religion from Villanova University, Milton Popkin Award from the ADL Southwest, LBJ Moral Courage Award from the Holocaust Museum Houston, Walker Prize from the Boston Science Museum, and Smith Medal in Public Health from the NY Academy of Medicine. He was named TIME MagazineHealth100 in 2024 and one of 25 Global Leaders for U.S. News and World Report in 2025.

He has three honorary Doctor of Science degrees. Prof. Hotez served as US Science Envoy for the Middle East and North Africa in 2015-16, and he appears frequently on national media to explain biomedicine and pandemics.