On Tuesday, September 29th the Rotary Club of Akron had the privilege of hearing past Club Presidents share some of their experiences, not only as president, what Rotary has meant to the and a little about them personally.
 PAMELA KILTAU 1995-1996 Club President |  LANCE CHIMA 2013-2014 Club President |  DR. DOUGLAS HAUSKNECHT 2004-2005 Club President |  PATRICK O'NEILL 2019-2020 Club President |
Lance Chima is a 3rd generation member of Chima Travel.
Pam Kiltau has been a member of Rotary for 30+ years and was the first woman president of the Akron Club. She currently is employed at Baird Financial.
Doug Hausknecht has been a member of the Akron Club for 24 years. Doug is a “retired” professor at the University of Akron.
Pat asked the three panelists the following questions:
What impact has Rotary had on your lives?
Doug – ability to travel around the world through the friendship of Rotary.
Lance – where else can you go and brush elbows with so many professionals committed to performing service above self.
Pam – I found myself needing to find my place at 29 years of age as a female in the Akron Rotary Club – trying to fit in and stay the course.
What words of wisdom would you share with new and prospective Rotarians to get the most out of your Rotarian experience?
- Find someone to help you feel welcome.
- Get involved.
- Involve yourself in any and every thing to find where you are the most comfortable.
- Use Club Runner to become familiar with who other Rotarians are and what their interests/professions are. Reach out to someone you find interesting in the directory.
- Finding someone in the Club you can go to.
- Finding your passion.
- Having each other’s back.
What are your fondest memories from being a Rotarian?
Pam – After displaying a formal dress worn at the black- tie day for presidents, her fondest memory is the Poker Run that was held for several years. (Several Rotarians commented in the Chat room that they would like to hear more about the Poker run. It really was a fun time for all who participated, and it helped get Rotary’s name out in the community).
Lance – Watching my son Brian become a Rotarian. Club turning 100 years old and leading the Centennial celebration.
Doug – The family of Rotary. Meeting with Bill Gates.
