Greeter Steve Shrout introduced:

Robin Fox

Edith Hepburn, Sunrise club

Dario Alverez, guest speaker

Greg Weadick, Lethbridge Sunrise

Elsa Cade, Lethbridge East

Mike Demaniuk, Nisku

 

Frank, freshly returned from the District conference, brings thanks from Charles Pratt to Myles for his dedication and work to the District.  Frank was grinning from ear to ear to have newer members, Elisabeth Nelson, Loralee Burton, and David Cassidy at the conference as well as old guys like Darrell Alexander, Bernie Carriere, Dale Merchant and of course, Frank, "His Vasilness," all attending the conference.

 

Bill Cade brought back a pennant from Hawaii, at great personal expense and hardship.

 

Attendee Report

Elisabeth came back from the conference even more enthused than before.  She throws out a challenge to all mentors to get their new members' red tags off ASAP; just watch how quickly Loralee gets hers off.  Elisabeth and Loralee came back older and wiser about the global scope of Rotary.  Darrell Alexander is especially impressed with International projects like Polio Plus, and how ordinary Rotarians jump on a plane to help in projects all over the world. 

 

Bernie told of Lottie Austin and visitor Mike chairing break-out sessions.  He also told of Senator Tommy Banks' talk on pros and cons of an elected senate.  Lynda Haverstock spoke on service and her position as Lt. Gov of Saskatchewan.  She was presented with a Paul Harris fellowship, which caused her to collapse with happiness and surprise.  The highlight for Bernie was meeting his buddy, Richard D. King, who will be coming to Cardston and inviting Bernie into the inner sanctum.  Frank notes aloud that Bernie has a new shiny complexion.

 

Next Year

We have a lot of work ahead of us to get the District Conference in Lethbridge plans in order and implemented for 2004.

 

Bunco Squad

John Keenan will host the first club Bunco evening at his home on 23 Kings Cr, please bring some liquid and some solid refreshment.  Jamie, Ken Lewis, Wayne, Elisabeth,  Beatrice, Les and David Hughes signed up for the challenge.  We will follow (more or less) the Marquis of Petersbury rules of Bunco.

 

Guest Speaker

Myles introduced Dario Alverez who is the manager of the International Centre for students at the U of L.  He received degrees in Political Science and history from U of C, worked in a Columbian law firm, lived in India for six months, and worked at the U of A.  He and his wife Carolina recently purchased a house in Lethbridge.

 

Dario says his Grandfather was a chartering Rotary club member in Columbia, where he hardly ever missed a meeting.  When he could not attend, he listened to the meeting which was broadcast on the radio.

 

Dario explained the importance of multi-lateral trade to our economy as we move away from natural- resource-based to innovation and knowledge-based exports.  Since 1990, 1.8 million jobs have been created for people with higher education, while 1 million were lost to those who have high school or less.  Half of the Canadian labour force aged from 25 to 64 years have post-secondary degrees. 

 

Through internationalization we prepare students for the global economy.  Today, 1.5 million students today are studying outside their home countries. We enjoy a $516 million dollar benefit to the Alberta economy from international students studying here.  Dario estimates that the U of L brings $20 million to this region annually through international students.  Those 330 international students from 54 countries become ambassadors of the University, of the Province and of the Country.  They bring International perspective to our community. 

 

In answer to David Hughes:  The SARS issue is being addressed under the advisement of Dr. Paul Hasselback.  Thirty recently arrived students from China were checked by doctors in China, by airport personnel in China, and again in Vancouver.  They continue to have their temperatures recorded twice a day because a spike in temperature occurs before a SARS-infected person becomes contagious.  Nancy says an action plan is being submitted to the Minister of Health, as per request of Gary Mar. 

 

In answer to John Gogo: Yes, international students pay double the fees set for Alberta students, and students are from all economic backgrounds, but must pass minimum standards.  Some must attend and pass ESL classes before beginning university courses.    International students do not take spaces away from Canadian students.  Presently 6% of students are international, and Dario hopes it will rise to 7%. 

 

From the Sultancy of Oman

Dario transported a new student from Oman from the airport to the university.  Enroute, he asked if she would like to stop at the supermarket to get some food to take to her residence.  She replied that she would rather buy an iron, as her clothes were wrinkled from travel and she wanted to make a good impression on her first morning.  “What a difference from our Canadian students,” laughed Dario.  He says the perceptions of international students is truly remarkable and suggests that we get to know some of them.  Hopefully, says Myles, some of those University Rotarians will bring International students to Rotary meetings. 

 

First Day of Summer

The Pincher Creek “Passing of the Gavel” is on June 21.  Wayne has tickets, and you can date the cheque for June 21.  Only 160 tickets will be sold to this prime beef, evening of fellowship and entertainment at the Paul and Anna Eggert Ranch south of Pincher Creek.  Map on the back of the $25.00 tickets.

 

Dan, the Sergeant At Arms

Daniel says those who left early were expected to drop a loonie in the pot as they go out the door.

 

Happy bucks from Rotarians

Ed for 25 years of Lethbridge Nissan.  Mike was happy to get from Medicine Hat to Lethbridge in the snow.  Dale for the Millennium club charter, the excellent district conference, for our showing in attendance and awards, and glad to get back safely.  Dennis for his wife’s attendance last year and 14 years cancer-free living.  Nancy because her husband for page two copy and photo, and her son Matthew was top scorer.  Sam for our freedom to pause for a moment to think of Dar Hetherington who went missing in Great Falls on the weekend.  Ed paid an umbrella buck to invite us to a Thursday 10 AM City Hall Economic Development meeting about. . . sorry, we are sworn to secrecy.  Call him at 320-4997 if you wish to attend.  Doug McArthur is happy with the new aggressive tone of the SAA,  Elisabeth for her broader, international Rotarian horizons. 

 

Fines levied for David Hughes who calls for applause, suggests we will “get rid of guests,” and that he will be looking into Nancy’s mattress.  Bernie fined for being fit for a King, and all those who paid to meet the minister are entitled to pay a buck.