International President Addresses Rotarians

ROGERS — Rotarians from dozens of clubs in four states gathered Thursday to meet and hear Ray Klinginsmith, the Rotary International president.

Klinginsmith, from Kirksville, Mo., and a member of Rotary for 50 years, thanked Rotarians for their contributions to their communities and the world, adding the work has just begun.

Rotary has been involved in the battle against polio for more than two decades.

“Rotary members set a goal of raising $120 million to fi ght polio around the world. We raised $240 million to eliminate polio by 2005. We didn’t eliminate polio, but last year there were only 1,500 cases, a 99 percent reduction,” Klinginsmith said. Rotary has provided funding to inoculate more than 2 billion children.

He encouraged the 675 Rotarians attending the luncheon to remain vigilant against polio and, in the near future, Rotary would be connected with the eradication of the crippling and deadly disease.

He also told the Rotarians to act in an honorable way and have integrity as an example to the youth of the world.

“We have a wonderful opportunity to help others who haven’t had the advantages we have. Together we can and will make the world a better place to live,” Klinginsmith said.

Following the luncheon, Klinginsmith said Rotary is a big part of his life.

“Rotary is helping others, especially children, but it is also fellowship and gettingto know other people in your community, state and around the world. It’s an opportunity for those of us who have achieved so much to give back to the world,” Klinginsmith said.

Allison McElroy, a member of the Rotary Club of Rogers, said she enjoyed Klinginsmith’s speech.

“He motivated us to do good work and to be good leaders in our community,” McElroy said.

Mel Phillips, a member of the Fayetteville Downtown Rotary Club, called the meeting and Klinginsmith’s speech, “A great opportunity.We got to hear his vision for the Rotary Club. You can read it, but when you hear it in person you get a better understanding of Klinginsmith’s vision for the club. It was wonderful.”

Joe Tropansky, a Bentonville/Bella Vista Rotary Club member, echoed other attendees, saying it was a great opportunity.

“It was good for Rotarians to hear and meet the international president and have him talk about his theme of buildingcommunities and bridging continents. You don’t get to see the international president of Rotary every day,” Tropansky said.

Klinginsmith has held such Rotary positions as international director, member of the international executive committee, foundation trustee, future vision committee member and the legislation chairman. He is also a recipient of the foundation’s Distinguished Service Award.

He is a retired attorney and professor of business administration at Truman State University.