Programs
Aurora Gateway Rotary Speaker Program
The Aurora Gateway Rotary has hosted speakers at our weekly meetings since it’s inception 25 years ago. Over that time we have heard speakers from numerous backgrounds, businesses, non-profits, government, and much much more. To give you an idea about the quality of speakers that we hear on an ongoing basis, I have provided their names and short bios for you to review.
We will work to update this list on this website and post the names and bios for upcoming speakers. If you want to listen to an upcoming speaker or would like us to consider you as a future speaker, please let us know on this website and we will reach out. As you will see, we have had some extremely knowledgeable and interesting speakers plus some fun, information programs over the past 6 months.
Upcoming and Recent Club Programs and Speakers
Justin Stephens, PhD – Metropolitan State University – Greek History – May 24, 2024
For most college students, a 5 a.m. start to the day is, well, pretty miserable. Yet last summer, a dozen students, including several from Metropolitan State University of Denver, willingly set their alarms for the predawn hour to take part in an archaeological dig in Larnaca, Cyprus. Most say they would willingly do it all again, said project leaders Brandon Olson, Ph.D., and Justin Stephens, Ph.D., faculty members in MSU Denver’s History Department.
Known as the Pyla-Koutsopetria Archaeological Project, the actual site is called Vigla. Amazingly, it sat nearly untouched for 2,300 years, leaving it in pristine shape for a dig. It served as a military fort from circa 325 B.C. to 275 B.C., and after that, there is no evidence of habitation.
The fort likely played an important role in the wars of succession following Alexander the Great’s death in 323 B.C. By studying the site and unearthing its treasures, the MSU Denver team hopes to make significant contributions to the knowledge base of the Hellenistic Period, which dates from Alexander’s death to 31 B.C., when the last of the Hellenistic kingdoms was controlled by Rome.
Paulette Fierle, Resident Realty – Senior Citizen Outreach – May 31, 2024
Paulette will put her 40 years of Real Estate experience to work in representing your interests in the sale of your most valuable asset, your home. Call Paulette for the experience, expertise, seasoned judgement and proven performance you expect in your Realtor.
Paulette is Fundraising Coordinator with Rotary Club Lakewood Foothills. She has developed a Senior Citizen Outreach program that she will share with us today.
APS Scholarship Winners – Robyn Hills, APS Foundation – June 7, 2024
We will introduce the scholarship winners and their parents plus hear a little from each student.
Robyn joined the APS Foundation in October of 2021. She has worked and volunteered for youth-serving nonprofits for over 7 years. These organizations include: the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, where Robyn was a volunteer director and grants coordinator, and Family Promise of Greater Denver where she served as Development and Marketing Manager. Robyn is also a Colorado native who received her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and is currently working on her Masters in Nonprofit Leadership, at the University of Denver.
Mike Grant – Local Artist - www.Michaelgrantart.com – June 14, 2024
My name is Michael Grant. Originally from Dunedin Florida, I migrated to New Mexico in the late 70s and on to Colorado in 1984, where I reside today.
Early in my childhood I discovered a talent and passion for drawing and painting. Although not formally trained in art, I was fortunate to have encountered several talented people who offered advice, critiques, and guidance to help me find my style and voice through art. I now spend most of my time exploring the world, celebrating nature's beauty, and honoring memories of people and places which have shaped me throughout my life with my paintings.
Over the past several years, Mike has started marketing his art online and in different venues around town. He does things ranging from your pet to your vacation to unique paintings of animals or beautiful sites. You can find numerous samples of his paintings on his Facebook page under Mike Grant or www.Michaelgrantart.com. At his website, Mike has posted numerous paintings for your viewing enjoyment or to purchase if you so desire.
Judy Ham - President & CEO at Ability Connection Colorado – June 21, 2024
Judy will present AGRC an award for our contribution to Ability Connection.
Judy is responsible for overseeing all agency programs. Over the last 29 years, she has overseen a transformation of the organization, leading pioneering efforts to place individuals with disabilities in inclusive, community -based jobs; growing the size of the early childhood program by more than 800%; establishing the vision and planning for a statewide family support initiative that provides outreach, services and advocacy for thousands of people with disabilities. Ms. Ham has participated in various local, regional and national committees related to issues such as disabilities, early education, children and employment. Mrs. Ham has been with Ability Connection Colorado since 1993.
Final Club Assembly for Year – President Barb & President Elect Kay – June 28, 2024
Outline the successes in 2024 and discuss our future.
Mike Rush - Final Club Discussion about AGRC Golf Tournament – July 5, 2024
The tournament is 6 days out and there is time for a final briefing on all activities for that day. Mike will lead the group in our final briefing before teeing off on July 11th.
Suggest Club goes Dark day after the AGRC Golf Tournament – July 12, 2024
Mary Stump - New Member in Fireside Chat – July 19, 2024
We will get to learn all of the intimate details about our newest member. Who was her first kiss. What was her first job. Where is her favorite place. And much, much more.
The Annual Christmas in July White Elephant Gift Exchange – July 26, 2024
Dig deep into that basement and find the perfect gift for a fellow Rotarian. Get rid of the ugly, embarrassing item and dump it onto a fellow Rotarian.
Club Assembly - Discuss the club’s Community and International Service plan in the upcoming year and into the future – August 2, 2024
The Club will discuss the plans for Community and International Service plans of the upcoming year and into the future. Bring your best ideas.
Gary Gilliard - Discussion of the Roman Empire – August 23, 2024
Club Member and Amateur Historian, Gary Gilliard, will provide a brief overview of the Roman Empire. He will show a timeline, discuss how long the Empire actually lasted, show some of the architectural wonders still remaining over 2,000 years after being built, review some of the great emperors, terrible emperors, famous enemies, and famous battles fought over a history that extended for centuries. The Empire lasted for so many years that the description of brief overview is a very accurate statement.