Are you considering studying abroad for a year-long exchange to earn high school credit or perhaps a short summer exchange of 2-3 weeks? Join us for an informative event on the Rotary Youth Exchange at the Rochester Hills Public Library, upstairs in Room A, on October 14, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This presentation is designed for students and parents to learn about the 2024 program and ask questions. A former student from Rochester Community Schools will share her experiences and insights to help you understand what to expect.
Our featured speaker, Michael Cicco, has been with FANUC America Corporation for 25 years and currently serves as the President and CEO. FANUC is a global leader in automation and robotics, providing cutting-edge CNC systems (Computer Numeric Controls) and factory automation solutions that help manufacturers maximize productivity, reliability, and profitability across the Americas.
FANUC is the world’s largest industrial robot manufacturer, having produced over 1 million robots in 2023. They design and manufacture over 200 different kinds of robots, with 31% of their business serving the automotive industry. Notably, their Rochester Hills site is the world headquarters for painting robots.
Beyond automotive, 35% of FANUC’s business comes from a variety of industries including textiles, electronics, pharmaceuticals, plastics, aerospace, cosmetics, construction, and more. FANUC’s robots handle tasks like "picking and packing" materials—whether it’s placing raw chicken breasts into packaging or fulfilling orders in large warehouses like Amazon's.
A key part of FANUC's success is its commitment to education. The company has certification programs in over 1,600 high schools, community colleges, and universities. With lifetime support for their equipment, FANUC ensures that customers are trained as technology evolves, much of which takes place at their Rochester Hills facility.
Mr. Cicco’s presentation was truly inspiring and highlighted the company's core values of PRIDE:
- People – both employees and customers come first
- Respect – respect is at the core of their work
- Integrity – acting with integrity in all they do
- Dedication – a deep commitment to their mission
- Excellence – striving for the highest standards in every area
Seventy years ago, on September 15, 1954, the Rochester Rotary was chartered as the 2,998th club of Rotary International. This long-standing history is a testament to its commitment to service. Rotary International, formed in 1905, was the first service club in the world. Although not the first service club in the Rochester area, the Rochester Rotary is the largest service club in the area today. Rochester Rotarians raise about $100,000 annually by selling poinsettias during the holidays, hosting a wine tasting at Bordine’s of Rochester Hills, and hosting an annual golf outing. This money is then distributed to local, national, and international organizations that help those in need and support a scholarship program for high school seniors.
“The Club’s motto is Service Above Self, and although financial contributions are always welcome by the organizations supported by Rotary, Rochester Rotarians are also interested in lending a hand,” said Rotary President-Elect Rachel Aviles. The club, along with the Rochester Hills Lions, the Rochester Lions, and the Rochester Kiwanis, is collecting underwear, socks, and pajamas for foster kids in the Detroit metro area. Drop boxes for donated items will be available at the Rochester Hills Public Library and Eugenia’s 3rd Street Hair/Gallery, both in downtown Rochester. Donation boxes will be available from September 3 through September 30.
Rochester Rotary, Rochester Kiwanis, Rochester Lions, and the Rochester Hills Lions Clubs are joining forces to significantly impact our community with a joint service event held September 3-20. Together, they will focus on collecting new underwear, socks, diapers, and pajamas for children in the foster care system, a cause that genuinely needs support.
"Imagine the difference we can make when we harness the power of our three service organizations, all of whom share a passion for taking action and creating lasting change," said Rotary President Christine Hage.
David Meyers, President of the Rochester Hills Lions, said, "This is the third year that our three service clubs have partnered to help foster children.”
Foster care is a temporary living situation for children whose parents cannot care for them and whose need for care has come to the attention of child welfare agency staff. While in foster care, children may live with relatives, with foster families, or in group facilities. Over 13,500 children in Michigan are fostered.
There is an urgent need for your donations. Drop boxes for donated items will be available at the Rochester Hills Public Library and Eugenias 3rd Street Hair Gallery, both in downtown Rochester. Your prompt action is needed. Donation boxes will be available from September 3 through September 20.
Ernie Schaefer thanked the 40 members and guests who attended our summer social for the Rotary International Foundation. Over $4,000 was raised, which will help the foundation in its work worldwide. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. Major projects have included the eradication of polio, clean water,A special thank you to our 17 sponsors Annette Werner, Barb & Roger Roller, Shirley Gofrank, Jay and Linda Eastman, Clara & Jerry Carvey, Greg Schaefer, Sharon & Ernie Schaefer, Alan McLellan, Tim Duncan, Christine Hage, Stuart Siegner, Trevis Harrold, Carol & Phil Lowman, Marcie & George Krozier, Connie & Tom Townsend, Mary & Steve Oehler, and Mo Sayed. Thank you to Frank Rewold for allowing us to hold the event at his office. It was a spectacular and fun event that helped the RI Foundation.
Welcome to the Rochester Rotary Club!Even though we are the largest service club in Rochester, we always welcome new members. If you are an individual who lives, or works, in Rochester, Rochester Hills, or Oakland Township, we invite you to consider membership in our club. We believe in inclusivity and diversity.
Formed in 1954 and composed of community leaders, our motto is Service Above Self. In addition to networking, our club hosts several fundraisers each year and donates tens of thousands of dollars to local, regional, national, and international charities. We sponsor Interact clubs in our local high schools and a Rotaract Club at Oakland University. Our commitment to youth is also demonstrated in our college scholarship program, involvement in the Rotary Youth Exchange programs, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
But it's not all about work. We believe in the importance of socializing and having fun. Our club hosts a variety of social activities, from happy hours to outings to ball games and holiday dinners to participation in the Rochester Christmas Parade. These events are a great way to unwind, connect with fellow members, and make lasting memories. So, if you are looking for fun and fellowship and believe in Service above Self, I urge you to consider membership in the Rochester Rotary Club. Membership information is available at https://www.rochesterrotaryclub.org/page/becoming-a-member. You can also contact us at jeff@whitbey.com.
Formed in 1954 and composed of community leaders, our motto is Service Above Self. In addition to networking, our club hosts several fundraisers each year and donates tens of thousands of dollars to local, regional, national, and international charities. We sponsor Interact clubs in our local high schools and a Rotaract Club at Oakland University. Our commitment to youth is also demonstrated in our college scholarship program, involvement in the Rotary Youth Exchange programs, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
But it's not all about work. We believe in the importance of socializing and having fun. Our club hosts a variety of social activities, from happy hours to outings to ball games and holiday dinners to participation in the Rochester Christmas Parade. These events are a great way to unwind, connect with fellow members, and make lasting memories. So, if you are looking for fun and fellowship and believe in Service above Self, I urge you to consider membership in the Rochester Rotary Club. Membership information is available at https://www.rochesterrotaryclub.org/page/becoming-a-member. You can also contact us at jeff@whitbey.com.
We look forward to having you join us as we serve our community.
--Christine Hage, Rochester Rotary President 2024-25
The Rotary Gateway Park is a hidden gem in downtown Rochester. Built by the Rochester Rotary Club in 1997, the park features beautiful flower beds, a cascading water feature, and benches to sit and enjoy a few quiet moments. The Rochester Rotary Club continues to upgrade and enhance the park through the volunteer efforts of club members and funding from the purchase of memorial bricks.
