West U Rotary Newsletter Week of Dec. 11th (Dec 08, 2025)

Stephen Smith

Happy New Year, West U Rotarians and Friends,

As we step into a brand-new year, I am energized by the optimism, momentum, and Unite for Good; Compassion in Action that continue to define the West University Rotary Club. The start of 2026 finds our club not slowing down—but flourishing—through visible service, strong partnerships, and an exciting pipeline of future leaders.

This past weekend perfectly reflected that momentum. West U Rotarians proudly hosted two community service events tied to the Houston Marathon. Our members unfurled American flags along the marathon route through West University Place and operated a hydration station on University Boulevard. These high-visibility projects showcased Rotary service in action while supporting one of Houston’s most iconic community events. Thank you to everyone who volunteered—you represented our club exceptionally well.

Our Youth Service programs are thriving, and Thursday’s breakfast meeting was a wonderful example. We were honored to host the officers of the Lanier Middle School Interact Club, including their President, Alara Romman. These impressive young leaders are the newest members of our Rotary family, and we congratulate them as we proudly mentor and support this growing Interact Club. In addition, we are excited to share that 10 RYLA campers have been selected to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp this February—an outstanding opportunity to develop leadership skills that will serve them for years to come.

At our Club Assembly on Thursday morning, we also highlighted the depth and reach of our ongoing community service initiatives. From the Bagel Program with Star of Hope, Second Servings pop-up grocery events, and YMCA youth and afterschool programs, to seasonal efforts including Lamar High School Scholarships, Challenger Baseball, and future projects such as a Buffalo Bayou cleanup and expanded service with the Community Family Center, our club remains actively engaged across all ages and needs. These projects are made possible by dedicated Rotarians who consistently step up to serve.

Our International Service work continues as well. On Tuesday, 13 Belize vagabonds from West U Rotary head toBelize City, partnering with the Rotary Club of Belize City to build our 7th house together. This hands-on project reflects the heart of Rotary’s global mission, and we look forward to sharing stories and updates from the field. Stay tuned for the latest update next week.

As we begin this new year, let’s carry forward the optimism of fresh beginnings, the pride of visible service, and the shared commitment that makes West U Rotary such a special club. Together, we are strengthening our community—locally and globally—one project at a time.

In Rotary Service,
Stephen B. Smith
President, West University Rotary Club
✨ Unite for Good; Compassion in Action ✨

Last Week's Breakfast Meeting

Great week of updates on all the amazing things our club is doing!

RAH Last Week Loved Their New Roost at OWL Bar!

Rotary After Hours had a fantastic meet up last Thursday evening at OWL Bar. The new start time of 6pm and location change worked great!

We had an amazing turn out, and there was a mini-update from the morning's session. This interactive crew had a fantastic time together with many staying until 8pm and sharing food and spirits. We're excited about this companion club and look forward to more great meet ups. If you plan to attend, keep in mind that the area is popular and parking can be a challenge, so arrive a little early for opening bell.

Jim D. did his classification talk, and had us all fascinated sharing his favorite vocational rabbit hole: Zoning & Historic Preservation. Everyone learned something new and useful.

Hito's Houston Adventures

Hitomi is making excellent use of her holiday time and practicing the giving spirit. She was recently spotted visiting with Santa and volunteering with Second Servings. Thank you again to Kim & Jay for hosting Hito in this interim period and showing what true holiday hospitality is all about.

West U Rotary Community Services Committee Update

Thank you Ralph for the Community Services Committee update! For any who couldn't attend this week's meetings, get caught up below-

Bagel Program to Star of Hope – Wally reports that we could use more volunteers.

Blood Drive – Ralph is trying to schedule dates for our semi-annual blood drive

Second Servings Pop -up Grocery – Pop up grocery event scheduled for 1/23/26 at MD Anderson (Cavalcade) YMCA

Camp for All/Easter Seals – Nothing to report

Lamar High School Scholarships – Program will gear up in spring 2026

YMCA Club Mid Afterschool Program- Carol reports that Weekly YMCA is working to combine YMCA program and Pershing Middle School programs offering tutoring and sports activities for middle school students. WURC financial assistance makes the programs affordable.

Kinetic Kids – Craig reports that the calendar is being finalized and will provide some volunteer opportunities in the current school semester and near the end of the year for holiday party

West U Challenger Baseball – Challenger Baseball in the spring. John reports that games haven’t yet been scheduled

City of West University Place – July 4th, volunteer at Senior’s luncheons
Buffalo Bayou Cleanup – Will schedule an event for the 2nd quarter. Would like to increase participation.

Community Family Center (CFC) – A new initiative. CFC is a community based social and educational services organization in Houston’s east end. Bently Sanford is a member of their advisory board. Ralph is coordinating a volunteer opportunity for 2nd Quarter that would be similar to a popup grocery.

Holiday Haircuts with Santa!

WURC Foundation project at Columbia Tap Trail update

Were you able to attend our breakfast meeting a few weeks back and hear from Chris Canetti, FIFA World Cup 26 (FWC26) Houston Host Committee President? If you did, you may recall in his introduction by club member Kimberly P-N the mention of an interesting tie-in with one of our WURC Foundation donation projects at the Columbia Tap Trail. A reminder that we are indeed part of something way bigger.

For a quick refresher: WURC Foundation was the first to collaborate with Friends of Columbia Tap (local non-profit) to commit funds to the proposed Kirk Jackson Memorial Farmer's Market Pavilion at the Blodgett node of the Columbia Tap Trail. Our club's commitment inspired architecture firm Perkins&Will to donate the design for the pavilion (images and plan below) to facilitate fundraising for the permitting and construction of the project. Because of these two commitments, Kimberly (in her role as FWC26 Green Corridors Columbia Tap Trail lead) was able to convince the host committee and major sponsor AirB&B to announce their further commitment to investing in the CTT at the Blodgett node this past week. While AirB&B's investment won't go to the pavilion itself, it is supporting the planting of an edible forest and pollinator gardens around the area of the proposed pavilion and along the 4 mile length of the trail. It also gave this node, and the new awareness and fundraising signage (with our and other sponsor logos) the ability to be featured in last week's press event. Link to the formal press release here: FWC26 PR

We'll be sure to keep WURC updated as the Kirk Jackson Memorial Farmer's Market Pavilion at the Blodgett node of the Columbia Tap Trail raises more funds. Thank you again, WURC Foundation and all of our club's members for helping to make the world a better place, both across the world and right here in Houston.

Club Board Meeting
Zoom
Feb. 10, 2026 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

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Jan 15, 2026

Eddie Nunez, UH Athletic Director

The possibilities of University of Houston Athletics...

Eddie Nuñez was named Vice President for Athletics at the University of Houston on
Aug. 17, 2024, after successfully holding leadership positions at the University of New
Mexico for seven years and several roles at LSU spanning 14 years.
A former college athlete, Nuñez played collegiate basketball at Miami-Dade CC and the
University of Florida, playing for Billy Donovan, then as a graduate assistant coach
under Donovan at Florida.
A native of Miami, Florida, Nuñez received degrees from Miami-Dade Community
College and the University of Florida. He and his wife Jane are proud parents of two
daughters, Elizabeth and Anna.