District 5420 Newsletter - March 2026

Championing our president-elects

This past week I had the pleasure of attending the Southwest President-Elect Learning Seminar as a facilitator. As your District Governor, I have to admit I was bursting with pride and excitement to witness our incoming president-elects at SWPELS.

Surrounded by nearly 800 incoming leaders from eleven districts, the seminar celebrated their commitment to lead and serve. The energy in the room was inspiring — a powerful reminder that our clubs are filled with Rotarians ready to take bold, thoughtful action for their communities.

These remarkable leaders are preparing to take the reins on July 1st, and I have every confidence our district is in excellent hands. SWPELS delivered practical, hands-on training in club administration, membership growth, project planning, and effective storytelling — all essential skills for a successful presidential year. Peer-to-peer discussions and breakout sessions allowed participants to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and form partnerships that will strengthen their clubs throughout the year.

Rotary International President-Elect Yinka Babalola’s message, “Create Lasting Impact,” resonated throughout the seminar. He challenged each leader to not only be their best but also to strive to be better than their best — to deepen impact, build sustainable projects, and leave a meaningful legacy. With the Governor Line and Rotary International staff offering guidance and resources, our incoming presidents left equipped, motivated, and ready to lead with vision and purpose.

Please join me in celebrating and championing our incoming president-elects. Their commitment, passion, and readiness to serve signal a bright future for our district and the communities we serve. I look forward to supporting them as they turn ideas into action and create lasting impact across our clubs.

With Gratitude and Admiration,

Your friend and District Governor, Suzanne Leoneelli-Wilhelm

District Nomination

Egor Shulman to serve - District Governor 2028-2029

Rotary District 5420 has officially nominated Egor Shulman of the St. George Sunrise Rotary Club to serve as District Governor for the 2028–2029 year.

A dedicated Rotarian since 2000, Shulman brings over two decades of experience to the role, having previously served as president of the St. George Red Rock Rotary Club and currently presiding as the District Foundation Chair.

His deep commitment to Rotary’s humanitarian mission is further evidenced by his and his wife Beth’s membership in the prestigious Arch Klumph Society Trustee Circle.

As District Governor, Shulman will oversee clubs across Utah, bridging the gap between local service initiatives and Rotary International’s global goals.

Don't miss this training opportunity

Rotary Servant Leadership offered again

Rotary Servant Leadership, the cutting edge leadership course, will begin on Thursday, March 19.

Sessions run 90 to 120 minutes for five consecutive Thursdays at 7 pm on Zoom.
The program features videos and discussions by top people in the leadership field.
Our ask is to have participation from each club - President, President-Elect, Board member, or a club member.

To sign up or ask questions contact Ken Kennedy, District 5420 Trainer

kennedyken77@gmail.com

A powerful story

Utah Rotarians go there to help Ukraine

A lovely evening strolling through Lviv, an ancient town in western Ukraine, far from the war. Then every light goes out. The Russians have hit another power station. Somewhere in the dark a generator starts. A light turns on. As more generators start, the noise grows louder. This is the sound of war in Lviv.

Out of this darkness one light burns bright—Rotary clubs around the globe are organizing to deliver supplies to Ukraine. One such club is Budapest-City (RCBC) whose convoys have delivered supplies to Lviv for three years.

This February, Moab Rotarians Colin Fryer and Steve Getz joined the sixth convoy. Six vans and pickups filled with generators and medical supplies drove across Europe from London. Twelve volunteers from five clubs traveled four days to reach the Ukrainian border, then on to Lviv.

"Late that night, we arrived in our hotel just in time to experience a blackout," wrote Colin and Steve. "The next two days we delivered the supplies to different Rotary clubs. Generators went to schools, hospitals, and an orphanage located in Sumy, Kerson, Odessa, and Drabiv in the Cherkasy region. Medical supplies went to three hospitals.

"Within hours, we received messages from the facilities as they opened their presents—grateful nurses and doctors, kids and teachers who will be able to light and warm their school, all day long.

Thanks to the following Rotary Clubs

Budapest-City, Hungary

Kingston upon Thames, UK

Northwick Park, UK

Twickenham, UK

Lviv, Ukraine

Ukraine Rotary District 2232

Colin Fryer and Steve Getz, Moab Rotary Club

sagetz@aol.com

Use Your Voice to Change the World

- A TED Talk by Scott Leckman

TEDxUttara was held on December 13, 2025, at the BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Hosted under the prestigious global TEDx license, TEDxUttara brought together a dynamic mix of thought leaders, cultural icons, disruptors and dreamers from across Bangladesh and beyond.

One of them was Scott Leckman MD, surgeon and activist, who is a 65-year member of Rotary International and a long-time member of the Salt Lake City Rotary Club.

He spoke about his volunteer work with the advocacy group RESULTS, https://results.org/ and about the first time he met Muhammed Yunas, the pioneer of microfinance, whose Grameen Bank has lent billions to people with low default rates.

Spoiler alert. One of the most amusing of Dr. Leckman’s anecdotes is about buttonholing Robert Macnamara, President Kennedy’s Secretary of Defense, at a urinal in the Brussels airport to bend his ear about Yunas’ microcredit approach that he had just learned about in Bangladesh.

Click here to watch the TED talk.

“You may never know what will be the results from your action but if you do nothing, there will be no results.” Dr. Scott Leckman

Your club's space for news about your International Service projects.

You are invited to use this space to describe your club's experience going abroad to help people in need around the globe. Simply get on the bus and submit your story along with a few pictures to the Newsletter Editor lolabeatlebrox@gmail.com by the 27th of every month.

Let’s Celebrate District Grant Completion

Rotarians across Utah are getting it done — and it matters.

Congratulations to every Rotary club that has completed a District Grant project this year, and to those who are in the final stretch right now.

District Grants are more than a funding source — they’re a way to turn Rotary’s “Service Above Self” into real local impact. Because of your time, leadership, and hands-on work, Utahns are seeing lives improve through practical help: stronger schools, safer communities, support for families in crisis, and resources that bring dignity and hope to neighbors who need it most.

What makes this work special isn’t just the dollars invested — it’s the Rotarians behind them. Your volunteer hours, partnerships, and follow-through multiply every grant into something bigger: a community that feels cared for, connected, and uplifted. Thank you for representing Rotary so well and showing what’s possible when clubs take action.

Final Reports Reminder (Needed to Close Your Grant)

If your project is finished (or as soon as it is), please submit your final report promptly, including all required receipts and supporting documentation.
Send an email to DistrictGrants5420@gmail.com for a final report form and use same email address to submit the form and copies of receipts.

Complete reporting keeps our district in good standing, protects future grant funding, and helps us tell the story of your impact.

Let’s get it done!!!!

Egor Shulman

D5420 Rotary Foundation Chair 2025-2028

(435) 619-1317

drfc5420@gmail.com

Build Your Club’s Legacy with

Endowment-SHARE Named Funds

Endowment-SHARE Named Funds are one of the most powerful ways a Rotary club can turn generosity today into service forever.

When a club establishes a Named Fund—or when individual members direct their own Endowment-SHARE gifts and bequests into a club-connected Named Fund—that fund becomes a lasting source of annual support.

Year after year, the spendable earnings can generate District Designated Funds (DDF), helping clubs plan projects with confidence and expand their impact in our communities.

Imagine what that means for the future of your club--reliable support for scholarships, literacy programs, youth leadership, food security, school supplies, mental health initiatives, and other local and global projects that change lives.

Endowment-SHARE Named Funds help ensure that the good we do as Rotarians does not depend only on this year’s fundraiser or this year’s leadership. They create a permanent legacy of service.

Club members can also route existing bequests—or create new bequests—to benefit these Named Funds, aligning their personal legacy with the club’s mission and values. It is a beautiful way to honor a lifetime of Rotary service: planting a gift today that will keep serving families, students, and neighbors in perpetuity.

On May 2, 2026 generous Rotarians, like you, will join with The Rotary Foundation representatives to celebrate the foundation we are building for future projects through our generosity.

Egor Shulman

D5420 Rotary Foundation Chair 2025-2028

(435) 619-1317

drfc5420@gmail.com

Rotary Youth News

Youth Exchange goes to Capitol Hill & more!

in February we took our youth exchange students for another fun weekend experiencing different parts of Utah.

We began our weekend at the state Capitol where the students got a tour of the capital building, met with multiple legislators while the legislature was in session, and even got to go on the floor of the House of Representatives for a picture. We also attended a committee meeting to watch how bills are made.

Afterwards we drove up to Park City to attend a get together with the Park City Interact Club and other Park City Rotarians at the home of Christina Miller. While there we also watched the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics while each of the students cheered on their respective countries. One of our students is from Italy and grew up in Milan, so it was especially fun for him to see sights of his hometown.

The following day we toured the Utah Olympic Park, where the students got to see the bobsled, luge and skeleton tracks, as well as the Nordic ski jumps and ariel ski jump training areas. We then headed to Deer Valley where we hiked Empire Pass in the snow and went snowshoeing.

We finished our evening at Soldier Hollow, where we took the kids tubing. With the lack of snow this year it was interesting to see the tubing hill constructed out of man-made snow amidst the bare dirt surrounding the rest of the Olympic cross country skiing venue. Hopefully in 2034 we have more snow when we welcome the Olympics back to Utah.

Aaron Lowe District Chair Rotary Youth Exchange

transitreg98@gmail.com

Box trailer needed

Our District Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Rotary Youth Exchange, Interact, and Rotaract are seeking a box trailer that can be donated or sold to us at a discounted price. Each of these groups requires storage and transportation of banners, flags, and supplies throughout the district.

Currently, these items are being stored with individuals throughout the district. We would like to have a single trailer for these groups that can be wrapped with logos and information, serving as both storage and transportation, as well as advertising for these four programs.

If you can help, contact John Redd, District Governor 2023-2024

rotarypdgjohnredd@gmail.com

It's time to recruit students for RYLA

RYLA is four-day leadership experience where teens develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills. It’s not just a camp; it’s a life-changing experience where high school students discover their leadership potential and ignite a passion for service.

RYLA – Rotary Youth Leading Awards – is open to incoming high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Many local Rotary clubs provide student scholarships. All clubs can recruit participants through their Interact clubs and high schools.

RYLA will be held from Wednesday, June 24 to Saturday, June 27 at Wasatch Academy, Mount Pleasant, UT.

The deadline for students to apply is Wednesday, April 1^st.

Student applications are located at www.IsMyRotaryClub.org/App/?ID=346 or the above QR code

Adult facilitators are also needed. See the volunteer flyer below.

Sydney H. King, RYLA

Rotary District 5420, District Governor Nominee

5420.ryla@gmail.com

RYLA Facilitator Recruitment Flyer

Let's Talk Peace at your club.

The way we communicate with ourselves and others determines the inner peace we experience. And we cannot create peace in our world until we strive to make our own lives peaceful.

Kris Swanson, District Peace Chair, has created a follow-up session to the Create Your Piece of Peace presentation offered to clubs last year.

Invite Kris to speak at your club. Both Let's Talk Peace and Create Your Piece of Peace are available!

Email Kris@kristinaswanson.com to schedule your club presentation today.

Rotary International Peace Fellowships

Recruit candidates you know

Each year, Rotary International awards up to 130 fully-funded fellowships for dedicated leaders from around the world to study at one of Rotary’s peace centers.

Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.

Applications open in just a few short months, so it's time to start recruiting interested individuals.

More information may be found here or by contacting Kris Swanson, District Peace Chair. All applicants from our District will work with Kris and a District Committee to complete their application. Successful candidates start early!

Kris Swanson District Peace Chair

kris@kristinaswanson.com

Our District is on Facebook now!

Thank you, Tanner Manning (Spanish Fork Rotary) and Stephanie Velasco (Midvalley Rotary), for contributing to our Utah Rotary District 5420 Facebook Group page! We love seeing what’s happening in your clubs!

This Facebook page is for everyone—please feel free to share your Rotary activities, service projects, events, and celebrations. Let’s keep showing the great work you’re doing in your communities!

Keep the posts coming! Click here.

Upcoming Events in the District & the World

As a member of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, I thank you for your support and contributions you can make through the Virtual Auction! To schedule a club meeting presentation about the float you can reach out to me at velasco1036@msn.com

Martha Velasco, Midvalley Rotary Club

An Evening of Elegance March 14th

Almost sold out! Get your tickets today!

The St. George Sunrise Rotary Club invites our friends and family to come together in support of An Evening of Elegance, a night of fellowship, service, and impact. This year’s theme, “Unite for Good Around the World,” reflects Rotary’s shared mission and the power of clubs supporting one another.

Set in beautiful Southern Utah, this elegant evening will take place on March 14 at 5:30 PM at the Dixie Convention Center – Garden Room. The event will feature dinner and fundraising benefiting meaningful local causes, including Backpacks for Kids, PAWS, and Search & Rescue. Your attendance, sponsorship, or donation directly supports St. George Sunrise Rotary and strengthens the collective impact of our community.

When we unite, our impact multiplies. We hope you’ll join us for this special evening.

A special thank you to our major sponsors, Paramount Tax & Accounting, Infinate Solutions Inc. and AMS American Management Service

Tickets & donations: https://givebutter.com/c/StGeorgeSunriseRotary

Don't miss the 2026 Rotary International Convention!

Connect with Rotary members from around the world as we unite for good in Taipei City, Taiwan, for the Rotary International Convention, June, 13-17, 2026.

The convention is a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, and be inspired in a vibrant city rich in culture, iconic landmarks, and culinary delights. This transformative event is your opportunity to renew relationships made at previous conventions, create new ones, and share with like-minded changemakers the exciting work that your club is doing.

The Rotary International Convention is our biggest event of the year! Learn more and register today at convention.rotary.org.

The Club Hub

Get ideas, support other clubs! Send your service projects & fundraisers to

Newsletter Editor Lola Beatlebrox for this monthly section of the newsletter.

Midvalley Rotary Club began the new year with two new members to the club and there are efforts for further growth.

In collaboration with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), the club participated in another project of building and delivering single twin beds to three families.

The families expressed their appreciation of this labor of love that provided them with brand new sheets, pillows and blankets but most grateful were the children in those households.

February for Midvalley Rotary welcomed with three more new members to the club for a total of seven new members this Rotary year. Consistently there were also more bed deliveries with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP). Please contact our club President Savannah Bristol if you are interested in experiencing a bed build for SHP which will take place on March 29 from 10 am to 1pm at the Midvale Les Schwab. The club has started collecting shoes for “Shoes for Orphan Souls” and will beat the April 1 deadline established by the District.

On January 9 the Multicultural Rotary Club of Utah joyfully celebrated our annual Happy Little Faces Refugee Children's Christmas Project with a Christmas-themed pizza and cupcake party for 21 wonderful refugee children. The room was filled with laughter, smiles, and holiday cheer as each child received gifts, treats, enjoyed playing games, winning prizes, and had a couple of hours of pure fun and happiness. The project continues to bring hope, love, and a sense of belonging to children who have faced significant challenges. This marked our fourth year hosting Happy Little Faces, and once again, it was a heartwarming and successful event made possible through the generosity and dedication of our volunteers and supporters.

In February, the St. George Rotary Club donated $5000 for five vocational education student scholarships at Dixie Technical College then saw the placement of our peace rock - rather than a peace pole since we are “red rock country,” after all - at the new St. George City Hall in keeping with RI’s February theme of Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention. We also inducted our 8^th and 9^th new members in RY2025-26 but fell short of our goal to sell 250 cases of California oranges selling only 203! Still, we banked $6,700+ to provide more “service above self” in our community and the world!

The Vernal Rotary Club sponsored the Athenian Academy Vernal Literary Night held January 29. The club provided exciting door prizes, and gifted a book to 140 students! "We’re so grateful for community partners who help make learning fun and meaningful," said Ashley Batty, Director of Athenian. Students played literacy games, listened to stories, created writing reference folders, and shared snacks together. The photo features Rotary Club members Jose Reyes, Brian Gorum, Shannon Reyes and Cheri McCurdy who attended the event.

Park City Twilight Rotary members are keeping busy serving our youth and youngsters this month. Our literacy program is always a big hit with the first graders as we bring each of them a book to take home and we spend time reading it to them. We also had a crew at the Youth Resource Center serving the local homeless teens a hot meal earlier in the month. The Christian Center requested more rice and bean packets to be made so a number of members met offsite to sort and package over 1000 pounds of beans and rice.

On January 28 the Southern Utah University Rotaract Club hosted a Yahtzee game night with residents at Stonehenge. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to build connections as members engaged residents in conversation, asking about their favorite colors and listening to their memorable life experiences. Through laughter, storytelling, and friendly competition, the evening fostered a warm and welcoming environment for everyone involved.

Alberto Roma Ripol, who is participating in Rotary's Youth Exchange program, and is from the Canary Islands, spoke to the Spanish Fork Rotary Club recently. He is living with one of our club members and her family, and is attending Maple Mountain High School, where he hopes to help them bring home their third back-to-back volleyball state title. We are grateful to our club members who help coordinate these opportunities, as well as those who have hosted students in their own homes.

On February 11, Utah Valley University UVU Rotaractors Natalia Figueroa, and Louyoko Nianza joined the Orem-Lindon Rotarians to celebrate a longtime Rotarian Lynn Hillstead for establishing the Orem-Lindon Endowment Fund through a $25,000 contribution to the Rotary Foundation. The principal will remain intact in perpetuity, generating annual support for service projects for local communities in Utah county and beyond. This gift strengthens the long-term sustainability of the club and allows future contributions to grow endowment over time. This initiative will also have a lasting impact on UVU Rotaractors as a partner for the Orem-Lindon Rotarians by sustaining student’s services to mountain communities in the State of Utah and globally.

Late in the month,the Murray Rotary Club launched a food drive for the benefit of the Murray Children's Pantry.

Our goal this year is to raise $20,000 of food/cash. Murray Children's Pantry has seen a tremendous uptick in the need in the last six months as well as general growth over the five years.

Currently, we have 70 donation boxes out in the community—in high schools, businesses and neighborhoods—and have already collected over $2,000 in cash.

Sugarhouse Rotary continues to schedule great guest speakers, emphasize new member recruitment, and preparation for Sugarhouse Rotary’s 90th anniversary this spring.

The Park City Sunrise Rotary Club hosted Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village and the founder of the Utah Social Innovators Alliance. Rotarians were extremely impressed with his development of a peer-led democratic therapeutic community that empowers individuals to move beyond chronic homelessness through stable housing, personal accountability, and meaningful connection.