This Wednesday, Bob Meroney will introduce RCFC member James Cooper, Phd., who will share his impressions and experiences while living in Saudi Arabia. Jim taught at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals from 1998 to 2007. Jim will emphasize the Saudi cultural characteristics, and compare his university experience there with his work at the University of New Mexico, Portland University, University of Wyoming and the University of Nebraska.
Given the global outrage at the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Kashoggi by a team of Saudi agents, and the outcry about Saudi-led attacks against hospitals, markets and public gatherings during the now 5 year old conflict in Yemen (and the ensuing trade and weapons embargos on the part of many European countries) the subject of our program could not be more timely. This talk should form a foundation for contrasting the culture in the kingdom in 2007 with the culture today, under its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
After completing his undergraduate and Masters level work at Wyoming, Jim went on to his doctoral studies at Michigan State University. He is married to Sandra, and has three sons and four grandchildren.
The Community Grants committee awarded $3,000 to Off the Hook Arts. Their mission is to provide free and low-cost musical performance education for students in our community. Off the Hook will use our grant to assist in their new Meadowlark Music Program by providing free music performance education and instruments to young low-income children ages 6-10. Presenting the Grant for RCFC were Committee Chair Kathy Nicol, and Don Unger. Accepting the award was Jephta Bernstein, executive director.
Warren Wilson introduced Army Sargent First Class Larry Kelsey, who in turn introduced Ian Whittington as Cadet of the Month. Ian is a freshman pursuing criminal justice.
April 3, speaker was Dr Bryan Willson, Professor, Presidential Chair in Energy Innovation and Director of the CSU Energy Institute ( for a full list of his extensive credentials see the Rotogear published last week).
CSU's Energy Institutes’ mission is to “use science to find solutions and apply them to scale”. At least 30 faculty members contribute. Recognition of the Energy Institute contributed to Fort Collins selection by the Smithsonian as one of six places of innovation (clean energy) in the US. Dr Wilson discussed a number of potential definitions of innovation but believes that bringing people together to collaborate is the best way to define innovation. Colorado is unique in the collaboration of it’s best universities with one another and the private sector. This was on display at a recent symposium on energy held in Denver.
The acquisition of the old downtown power plant by CSU was the first step in establishing a footprint for the institute which has subsequently been expanded to integrate most of the colleges at CSU in energy research and application.
Specific areas of research and application were listed, including development of the natural gas engine. Access to simple low pollution energy has been a focus provided to the developing world. For example, low emission, 2 stroke engines have been developed and made available; cheap and energy efficient non polluting cook stoves have been distributed; microgrids, especially for African communities are being established ; safe methane extraction and use is being addressed and finally, energy ventures are being set up in and for the developing world.
All these contributions for better life and health far beyond our local community are reasons to be proud of our university and city.
Rotary Club of Fort Collins was chartered August 1, 1918, and this year celebrates 100 Years of Rotary In Fort Collins.
Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Meetings: Wednesday Noon
Drake Center (Lunch)
802 West Drake Road
Fort Collins,
CO 80526 United States
Last month, on the day of the 'cyclone bomb', the Rotary History Fellowship was cancelled for the first time in its fifteen year history. This Wednesday the Fellowship will meet next door or in the foyer immediately after the meeting. Our topic will be the same as the one proposed for last month: 'Reflections on the history of the American nomination process and the fate of third parties. Our favorite nominees for 2020 will also be discussed.' Everyone and all opinions are always welcome.
Jeanne Fangman reminded members that the April 17 meeting will be an evening affair - NO NOON MEETING - to celebrate our Service Above Self awards. Guests and satellite members are $20, noon members are free. Marty Bachman asked those who needed a ride to the April 17 meeting to alert her. She also asked for volunteers to drive the “stranded”.
After a one-year break for construction, the Highway 14 Clean-Up will take place Saturday, April 27. Meet at the Sundance Saloon parking lot on Mulberry, 8:00 AM. See Ron Stoops for details.
Larry Salmen gave an update from the Peach Festival Committee. They have identified 70 companies to contact for sponsorship. Ted Cluett said their goal is $100K in sponsors. Mara Johnson encouraged members to step up.
Sally Lee outlined the changes in using the King Soopers card. Members need to sign up online for the new KS loyalty card. Details next week.
Foothills Rotary is planning a Corn Hole tournament April 27 and are looking for players and sponsors. For details see https://www.fcfoothillsrotary.com/
Melanie Chamberlain announced the club now had its own storage facility. Members harboring appropriate materials for our archives should contact Melanie or Bonnie.
John Roberts announced the Global Village Museum‘s new exhibit, “Russia in Retrospect”. Six special programs are scheduled during the 3-5 month run.
Michael Stradt announced a planned Fellowship Committee outing to see “Wicked” in Denver sometime before Memorial Day. Interested, see Mike.
All members are encouraged to join the newly established Peace Fellowship. Remember—peace leads to solutions.
Sally Lee urged members to give King Soopers cards as gifts. Talk to her if interested.
Bill Schaffter urges participation in Fort Collins Read Aloud. For information, go to Fortcollinsreadaloud.org.
Marty Bachman reminds all to report special occasions/events/illness that the Care and Recognition Committee should acknowledge. Call Marty, Melanie Chamberlain, or JeanneFangman.
This Wednesday, Bob Meroney will introduce RCFC member James Cooper, Phd., who will share his impressions and experiences while living in Saudi Arabia. Jim taught at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals from 1998 to 2007. Jim will emphasize the Saudi cultural characteristics, and compare his university experience there with his work at the University of New Mexico, Portland University, University of Wyoming and the University of Nebraska.
The Community Grants committee awarded $3,000 to Off the Hook Arts. Their mission is to provide free and low-cost musical performance education for students in our community. Off the Hook will use our grant to assist in their new Meadowlark Music Program by providing free music performance education and instruments to young low-income children ages 6-10. Presenting the Grant for RCFC were Committee Chair Kathy Nicol, and Don Unger. Accepting the award was Jephta Bernstein, executive director.
Warren Wilson introduced Army Sargent First Class Larry Kelsey, who in turn introduced Ian Whittington as Cadet of the Month. Ian is a freshman pursuing criminal justice.
April 3, speaker was Dr Bryan Willson, Professor, Presidential Chair in Energy Innovation and Director of the CSU Energy Institute ( for a full list of his extensive credentials see the Rotogear published last week).
