Letter from the President
Leading with Vision and Heart: My Journey as President of Modesto Sunrise Rotary
As a lifelong resident of Modesto and a seasoned real estate professional with more than 35 years of experience, I am profoundly honored to step into the role of President at Modesto Sunrise Rotary. This city, with its vibrant community and endless potential, has always been close to my heart, and I am eager to contribute positively as we move forward together.
Throughout my career, I have held several leadership roles, including serving as Director of the Central Valley Association of REALTORS® and being recognized as REALTOR® of the Year in 2000. These experiences have not only honed my skills but have deepened my commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued.
As your President, I am committed to building on the solid foundation our past presidents have established, bringing energy, fresh ideas, and a strategic vision to our beloved club. My leadership approach blends enthusiasm with a touch of humor, because I believe that while our mission is serious, the journey should also be enjoyable.
My vision for our club is to create a space where creativity thrives, where ideas are shared freely, and camaraderie strengthens our collective efforts. I am passionate about initiating projects that enhance Modesto’s charm and livability, ensuring it remains a community worth celebrating and preserving.
I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am dedicated to making this year one of impactful change and significant achievements. With your support, dedication, and active participation, I am confident that we will not only meet but exceed our goals, leaving a positive legacy for future Rotarians.
Thank you for your trust and dedication. Together, let’s embark on this exciting journey, strengthen our bonds, and make a lasting difference in the community we cherish.
In Rotary Service,
Mike Kelly
209.554.1850
President 2024-25
Rotary Club of McMurray
Pennsylvania, USA
Stephanie A. Urchick has been an RI director and Rotary Foundation trustee and has served Rotary in numerous capacities, including as training leader, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and RI president’s representative. In addition, Urchick was a representative and member-at-large at three sessions of the Council on Legislation.
Urchick has also served as chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and The Rotary Foundation’s Centennial Celebration Committee, as well as a member of various Rotary committees, including the Election Review Committee and Operational Review Committee.
A Rotary member since 1991, Urchick has participated in a variety of international service projects, including National Immunization Days in India and Nigeria. In Vietnam, she worked with clubs to help build a primary school and traveled to the Dominican Republic to install water filters. A student of several Slavic languages, she has mentored new Rotary members in Ukraine and coordinated a Rotary Foundation grant for mammography equipment and a biopsy unit for a hospital in Poland. In its commemorative book, the Rotary Club of Krakow, Poland, noted Urchick as a key figure for helping the rebirth of Rotary in post-Communist Poland. Urchick has also helped to pair clubs and districts in the U.S. with Rotary clubs in Albania, Kosovo, and Ukraine for humanitarian and educational services.
Urchick’s professional background is in the higher education, consulting, and entertainment industries. She received her doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has been recognized by The Rotary Foundation and numerous community and international organizations.
Urchick asks members to champion Rotary’s Action Plan so they can improve their clubs and keep Rotary strong, find a balance between continuity and change, and work for peace. She also emphasizes the continuing importance of the effort to eradicate polio. She urges members to join or initiate PolioPlus Societies in their districts and do all they can to help end the disease. Urchick will lead the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, 20-22 February 2025, with the theme Healing in a Divided World.
Jane Winning
I joined Rotary in the second half of my life because I wanted to work in the community and internationally and help to make a difference even if a small contribution. Rotary has opened so many doors. I have been a Rotarian for 32 years, have had the privilege of being in three different Rotary Clubs, am a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Past President of Madera Rotary, and have worked in all areas of service at the club and district level.
I have spent my entire working career in health care as a nurse which has allowed me to be involved in Rotary international medical projects around the world assisting with Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate surgeries, Medical Clinics and Wheel Chairs. Working with Rotarians around the world is an experience like no other. You have friends wherever you go. I enjoy taking Rotarians, new to international travel, and exposing them to what a difference Rotary makes around the world.
I’m proud to be a part of Rotary and look forward to helping make a difference one step, one day at a time. It is an awesome team that allows us to move forward with the new Rotarians of the future.
The 2024-2025 RI Theme is The Magic of Rotary.