06/24/16 2015-16 Year in Review, Bowen Depke

Posted by Julie L'Heureux
 
At the end of June in every Rotary year, the passing of the club's leadership gavel is always a time of reflection on the past 12 months. During Bowen Depke's Rotary presidential year, the retrospective has been even more impressive. His leadership was  a tribute to the past 100 years!
 
"The successful Centennial year we had would not have been possible without the help of our club leadership," said Bowen.  He thanked everyone who supported the Rotary club's growth and program success during the past year.

Here is President Bowen's farewell message, that he posted on our club social media page, reprinted with his permission:
"Our Portland Rotary Centennial year is coming to an end, with our final meeting today at noon. It has been my honor to be the President of the 177th club in Rotary International this 100th year. We have accomplished much. In 100 years, Portland Rotary has raised over $2.2 million (over $109k this year) in the support of hundreds of charities and people in need. This year we have volunteered 1,000's of hours for numerous charity services, events, and fundraisers, here and in the Dominican Republic. In addition, we have had wonderful special activities, such as our Jewell Island excursion, the Gala, Veteran's Breakfast (many have said this was one of the best Rotary programs in recent memory!) and our new BBQ & Beer Crawl. We completed another visioning exercise. We are turning one of our funds into an endowment, and starting a $1million capital campaign. Moreover, we scanned meeting minutes for 100 years for future generations. We have had our history minutes presented at each meeting, recounting tales of our forbearers. We have updated our Presidential pictures and took a full membership picture to recognize our Centennial. On the marketing side, our club improved public relations through traditional media and used new social media. Meetings were interesting because of great speakers, wonderful events, and an engaged membership who helped bring  25 new Rotarians to our membership! These are but some of your accomplishments this year. Well done Portland Rotary on 100 years of Service Above Self. Signing off...Bowen".
 
Rounding out his final meeting of the year, Bowen played a video tribute to the Club's Centennial. In the video, interviews from club members described the pride of being a Rotarian.
 
 
 
Past President Cy Hagge presented Bowen with an official Portland Rotary Club paddle.
(Should he find himself up the proverbial creek, he will have his paddle.)
 
 
 
Incoming President Laura Young ended the meeting by presenting a thank you gift of a plant to Bowen, given on behalf of the membership, so he can remember his leadership year while nurturing its growth.
 
She then pinned Bowen with his Past President's pin and Bowen transferred his President's pin to Laura, who will conduct her first official meeting on July 8, 2016.
 
 
 
Congratulations, Bowen,
on a successful 2015-16!