The Rotary Club of Kirkland held its regular weekly meeting online on September 14, 2020.
Attending were James Nevers, Dave Aubry, Gary Cohn, Dan Bartel, Joanne Primavera, Terry Cole, Rich Bergdahl, John Pruitt, Rick Ostrander, Margie Glenn, Mike Hunter, Don Dicks, James Meneketti, Bella Chaffey, Dave DeBois, George Anderson, Kristin Olson, Patti Smith, Rick Walter, Dave & Amy Mutal, Monica Fratiti, and Scott Becker. Let me know if I missed anyone.
President James Nevers rang the bell at 6:15 p.m.
Dave DeBois recited the Pledge of Allegiance, while the rest of us stood, mostly mute, in order to avoid ‘out-of-sync-problems’ with our audio.
Guests were Jessica Nevers and Anna Aubry.
We next had a short presentation from Carol Ryan, development director for Attain Housing. Attain has provided transitional housing to families in need in the Kirkland/Bellevue area for over 30 years. 94% of families who spend 6 or more months in Attain housing have moved into permanent housing; families are limited to two years with Attain. Attain has solicited and incorporated input from folks who have been through their program in order to make the program more successful. Besides monetary contributions, opportunities are available for volunteers to contribute time in 2-hour segments.
Gary Cohn introduced our speaker Gary Locke, former Washington governor, King County executive, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Ambassador to China, and now Interim President of Bellevue College. [The theme this month is ‘Back to School’.] Mr. Locke was assisted in his presentation by Alicia Keating.
Mr. Locke began by demonstrating a bit of knowledge about Rotary and the Rotary Club of Kirkland, including such Club projects as Reading Buddies, Miracle League, Warm Coats, etc. He then gave us a short overview of Bellevue College, as well as information on its future evolution towards an even more student-responsive school.
Bellevue is now Washington’s largest college, obligated to accept all applicants, whose successful students can transfer to another Washington 4-year school. Additionally, the Running Start program allows high school students to get college credits while finishing high school, at no cost.
Bellevue College is already efficient, with a low percentage of its funds being spent on administration as compared to money spent on teaching. Work is being done to improve efficiency even further, while also making the school more responsive to minority communities.
COVID-19 has had a big effect on government revenues and so also on revenues available for education. As the economy recovers, we must ensure that education is prioritized.
Rotarians had several questions relating to ensuring that Bellevue College is getting support from the businesses that receive school graduates. There was also discussion about matching the college’s services to the needs of the student market.
On another subject, Mr. Locke was asked about U.S./China relations, especially the trade relationship. Mr. Locke discussed the pitfalls of trying to engage with China while also protecting our interests.
We adjourned at about 7:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
David Aubry - Acting Scribe
David Aubry - Acting Scribe