Jay Walker will help us to discover the wonder of the Great Lakes Aquarium, highlight the 20 years of success since opening on the Duluth waterfront in 2000, and share with us future plans.

 

 

By Marc Seigar

 

On the last day of April, Rotarians Zoomed in for another Club #25 gathering. President Michelle Buria called the group to order.  The reflection was given by Dan Maki, who spoke about ways to connect during this time of social distancing.  He also spoke about the need to connect with the younger generation (Gen Z) to build goodwill.

 

Past Assistant Governor Phil Strom gave the eulogy for Past President Jack Soetebier, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 91.  Jack was a member of Club #25 for 58 years and he was proud of his 52 years of perfect attendance.  Without a doubt, Jack led an incredible life.  He fought in the US Army in Korea, was an avid pilot, sailor and SCUBA diver. He never missed a Rotary social event and his motto was “always straight ahead”. A memorial service will be held at a later time. Memorials should be sent to the Rotary Club of Duluth Foundation.

 

President Michelle Buria introduced visiting Rotarian, Past District Governor, Don Cavalier, from Crookston. Tracie Clanaugh from First Witness accepted a $4,000 grant from Club #25.

 

Fellowship included Barb Perrella, who reported her husband came home with her fishing license this week. Jeff Bradt reported the NYS after school program has re-opened. Also, Jeff’s father-in-law passed away at the age of 95.  Holly Sampson, recently retired from the Community Foundation, reported that the Covid Response Fund received some heartbreaking proposals and has distributed $660,000.

 

Chair of the Day, Zach Walters, introduced our speaker Clint Considine on the topic “Generation Z: Motiving them to Lead”. Clint stated that Generation Z is about to enter the workforce.  As Rotarians we have an opportunity to connect and assist them to meet one of their goals which is to place service above self.

 

Generation Z are those born between 1997 and 2012.  They grew up with technology in the palm of their hands.  Their brain chemistry is wired for short attention spans. Due to rapidly changing technologies, it is unclear what careers lie ahead. They have lived during a time of terrorism and school shootings.  They do not know of a world before 9/11. They have wrestled with economic uncertainly due to the 2007/08 recession. With social media they are always connected. They have immediate access to global-scale information, but the potential dark side is online bullying.

 

So how is Generation Z different? Gen Z is socially aware and they want to make a difference. Gen Z want real connections, so the current social distancing is a real struggle for them. They want information to be interpreted. They have unlimited information but need and want interpretation. Gen Z lose their childlikeness earlier.  Because of technology and information they have a false sense of maturity so can be childish for longer. Gen Z are big picture thinkers and value honor, integrity and impact. They want a career that makes a difference.