Rotary International 2021-22: Serve to Change Lives

Rotary Club in Marlin welcomed Rotary International District 5870 Governor Beverly Luedke to its gathering on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021. 

Her message, “Serve to Change Lives,” rang clearly and rallied Rotarians to examine and expand their projects.

Governor Luedke also announced Rotary International’s having added a new area of focus: supporting the environment. Supporting the environment becomes Rotary’s seventh area of focus, which are categories of service activities supported by global grants. It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.

More than $18 million in Foundation global grant funding has been allocated to environment-related projects over the past five years. Creating a distinct area of focus to support the environment will give Rotary members even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase impact.

Rotarians examine environmental issues and are prepared to undertake an increased  number of environmental service projects. .

Beverly Luedke was born and raised in Rosebud, Texas. After high school, she studied at Baylor University and the University of Texas Austin and received her BS Degree and Certificate in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Health Science Center of Dallas. Beverly practiced for 35 years, 25 years in private practice in Rosebud, Clifton and Rockdale, Texas specializing in orthopedic and geriatric care.

Beverly, a first-generation Rotarian, joined the Rotary Club in 2006. She has served as Club President, on numerous project committees, and the Global Grant Scholarship Selection Committee and the District Foundation Gala Committee. Beverly is a Paul Harris and Polio Plus Society member, a White Hat member, a Major Donor +3 member, a Bequest Society +4 member and has received the Citation for Meritorious Service Award from The Rotary Foundation.

Beverly married her high school sweetheart Larry who is a pharmacist and owner of a pharmaceutical benefit management company in Belton.

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at both the local and international levels. 

Rotary Club of Marlin meets each Wednesday at  noon at The Chicken Place, Marlin.