FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2016, 3:00 p.m. CDT
Contact Jason Hogue, Peru State College Marketing and Communications, 402.872.2429
Camp Kitaki- The Peru State College Rotaract Club made history when they were chosen to develop
and deliver the first Rotaract Retreat in Rotary District 5650. Officers of PSC Rotaract
chose the theme “Building a Foundation for Success” for the Retreat, which was held
in conjunction with the district’s RYLA Event on Saturday, April 16 at Camp Kitaki
near Louisville, NE.
Hailey Benedict, president of Peru State Rotaract, said, "It was an honor to help
plan the first annual District 5650 Rotaract Retreat. It was truly a great opportunity
to meet with other Rotaract and Rotary members. I look forward to attending next year!
“
The day started with welcomes from Rotary dignitaries including 5650 District Governor
Rod Bates. Bates expressed his support for the conference at the beginning of the
conference. Bates also told the attending students that he continued to be impressed
by their many activities and enthusiasm for service
Breakout sessions on fundraising, public relations, service projects and recruitment
were followed by a Rotaract Panel facilitated by PSC Co-Advisor Brook Earnest. RYLA
members had the opportunity to ask questions to the panel members about choosing a
college, college life and service clubs. The day concluded with each club preparing
an action plan and a reflection on the day.
Tom Cardwell, RYLA director and district governor nominee, writes, “It was a historic
day in District 5650 Rotary to have all four Rotaract clubs convene together this
past Saturday.”
“The Peru State delegation led the way organizing this event. It is my hope and expectation
that these clubs will continue to meet and over time become a driving force behind
college youth engagement in Nebraska. Never have the stakes been higher! Well done!”
Elaine Hanson, co-advisor for Peru State Rotaract, said, “Designing the Rotaract Retreat
gave our members a hands on experience in professional development and an opportunity
to meet Rotarians and Rotaractors from around the district.”
“I am extremely proud of the creative skills, tenacity and hard work they demonstrated
in the process.”
Peru State Rotaract Club: (left to right) Haley Benedict - President; Nyla Witzel
- Secretary/Treasurer; Elaine Hanson - Co-Advisor; Aubrey DeBraal - Vice-President;
Brooke Earnest - Co-Advisor.
The four Rotaract Clubs in District 5650 are Wayne State College, University of Nebraska
- Lincoln, Omaha and Peru State College. Local Rotary clubs sponsor each Rotaract
club. Peru State College Rotaract is sponsored by the Rotarians of Auburn, Falls City,
Humboldt, Nebraska City and Pawnee.
Rotaract is a part of Rotary International. There are 8,754 Rotaract clubs and 20,342
members around the world. Individual Rotary clubs sponsor Rotaract clubs and offer
guidance and support, making the Rotaract club true “partners in service” and key
members of the family of Rotary.
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For more information, visit www.peru.edu or call 1-800-742-4412.
About Peru State College: Nestled in the historic hills of the Missouri River, the “Campus of a Thousand Oaks" is Nebraska’s oldest college and will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary in 2017. Peru State College’s constant commitment to academic excellence has resulted in a unique and innovative mix of online, traditional, undergraduate and graduate programs. Similarly, the college's ongoing student engagement promotes inquiry, discovery and innovation on-campus and across the region. Peru State College is committed to being a good steward of education, students, the region and Nebraska for another 150 years.