Rotarian of the Month
September 2024: Henry Hail |
Nominated by Rodney Lee, HRYF Director
Mahalo Henry
August 2024: Josh Osegueda |
Nominated by Jeannette Corpuz, International Service Director
We honored Joshua Osegueda, our Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu’s 2023-2024 Community Service Director for the Rotarian of the Month for August. Coincidentally, August 2024 marks one year that Josh has been a Rotarian! He was inducted on August 11, 2023.
Shortly after Josh’s induction, two days to be exact, he sprang into action at our annual Back to School Supply Drive at Walmart that pivoted to a Maui Relief Effort. The devastating wildfires in Maui struck on August 8, 2023. You can bet that Josh was already thinking of ways in which he could help to restore the state and give back to all who had lost loved ones and/or possessions. Josh was quick to lend a hand and for almost five hours, he worked non-stop to make sure that his efforts and the efforts of our club were at its full potential. Josh was not only helping the Maui relief efforts on his spare time, but also through his work with the Aloha United Way.
He uses his social media platforms to get the word out and to promote Rotary as much as he can. You can count on Josh to deliver that community service in all aspect of his life. Some of Josh’s Rotary highlights include being the 2023 Fantasy Football Champion, Guest Speaker of our very own club to share his bucket list travel experience in Africa and coordinating a successful fundraising event at Orange Theory.
Mahalo Josh
July 2024: Sean Slentz |
Nominated by Nathan Kam, Immediate Past President
It is an honor to select my friend Sean Slentz as our Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu’s Rotarian of the Month for July 2024. He is truly a man who needs no introduction and would be the first to give credit to others before taking any for himself. But I’m going to bestow some praise on this fine gentleman who continues to do so much for our club and our Rotary district year after year…after year…after year.
Sean is a man who loves his community. Back in 2013, Michael Tsai of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser wrote a story titled “Tripler nurse helps youths build esteem, team skills.” No, the story wasn’t about Rotary but rather Sean’s involvement in coaching the mighty Ravenshawk in the i9 soccer league. The story goes on to say:
In the midst of it all, coach Sean Slentz, 39, keeps his tiny charges engaged with a steady stream of encouragement and instruction. In a league where scores go untallied and everyone wins because everyone gets a high-five and a snack pack in the end, Slentz and his fellow parent volunteers try to keep things simple and in perspective.
"The focus is boosting self-esteem through sports," says Slentz. "It’s about having fun, working together and starting to learn ideas of teamwork."
In coaching the RavenHawks, Slentz, a nurse practitioner in pediatric and general surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center, brings together his love of sports, his affinity for children and his lifelong commitment to community engagement.
I think it is safe to say that Sean also brings his passion for team building and having fun to our club as well. After all, he is a big reason I’ve gotten in to leadership at the club and district level. Mahalo for that pal…I think. ;-)
Mahalo Sean
June 2024: Henry Hail |
Nominated by Megahn Chun, Vice President
Paragraph forthcoming
Mahalo Henry
May 2024: Rose Chu |
Nominated by Alphonso Braggs, Youth Service Director
I nominated Rose Chu as the Rotarian of the month because she has been a standout since the beginning of my time with this club. Aside from her obvious many years of very faithful service to the club (over 15) she makes loyalty and commitment fun components of membership.
I cannot think of an event of meeting where we did not receive her intentional and passionate inspiration. Her permanent smile is a hallmark of our meetings. It is obvious that she loves Rotary and as she has shown time after time, she loves working in the community for Rotary. In all instances, she beamed of what Rotary means and did so without any expectation of recognition. This is her greatest asset – humility.
She continues to remind our club that our primary purpose is to serve. She promotes belief by personal exam. Her trademark monkey mask can always be seen our many service events. Even when we are out doing park cleanups.
Thanks Rose for inspiring me to personify what it means to be a true Rotarian. Well done.
Mahalo Rose
April 2024: Joe Passantino |
Nominated by Rob Welsh, Community Service Director
It is an honor to nominate Principal Joe Passantino for our April Rotarian of the Month recognition. Originally from Las Vegas, Principal Joe has been in Hawaii for 20+ years. Before joining Ke'elikolani Middle School in January 2021, he was at Alli'iolani School. Principal Joe's specialty is Special Education. His wife, Randi, also specializes in Special Education.
Principal Joe is described by teachers at staff as "Awesome all around" in his work ethic, his "can do" attitude, and his dedication to KMS. It's been said that Principal Joe doesn't know the word "no." If asked to help or do something at KMS, or asked for assistance, he always finds a way to the "yes."
He always looks forward to family nights at KMS and loves parent engagement. It's not uncommon to look out on the KMS grounds and see Principal Joe out there playing soccer with the students. He's been known to rent water slides, put on his baggies, and get "right in there" with the students.
Principal Joe has strengthened the school's partnership with the Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu. Through his time, commitment, and ideas, we have been able to support the school and student in new ways. We have worked with Principal Joe on longstanding projects such as Campus Beautification Day, and introduced new efforts like Family Feeder Night, Junior Achievement, Mural Sponsorships, and the newest efforts around Aloha Closets. We are honored to have Principal Joe a part of our club, and excited to present him with this very well deserved recognition.
Mahalo Joe
March 2024: Del Green |
Nominated by Rob Washington, Community Service Director
It is my honor to announce that the winner of the March Rotarian of the Month is someone who has done so much for our club and the entire district and is a true champion of the foundation and Rotary’s Biggest Cheerleader, Del Green.
Del has held many titles within Rotary, including being a charter member of our club, a former Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu President, and a District Governor in 2015, and played an essential role in getting us connected with our Sri Lanka sister club.
Currently, he is spearheading the international conference being held here in Hawaii in 2027 and recently won some pretty cool stuff at a recent Jr Achievement event while supporting a great cause.
Please join me in welcoming our March Rotarian of the month, Del Green.
Mahalo Del
February 2024: Kristy Nishida |
Nominated by Nathan Kam, Immediate Past President
Kristy leads by example by showing up consistently for our weekly meetings, is always willing to lend her time to join in on service projects, is a regular (along with her husband) at our social events, and is always inspiring us on Wednesdays with her motivational and inspirational emails filled with the most adorable memes. Where do you find the time, Kristy?
As we all know, she has been fiercely loyal to our Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu having been a member since 2007. This does not surprise me as Kristy has also been loyal to her employer First Hawaiian Bank which she joined in 2006 as an investment specialist in Private Wealth Management. In 2021, she was promoted to vice president and team leader in the Investment Services Department. You go woman!
It is with great pride and gratitude that I select Kristy Nishida as our Rotarian of the Month for February 2024. Thank you for all you do to make our club great and for inspiring us all to live our lives to the fullest.
Mahalo Kristy
January 2024: Derek Sayegusa |
Nominated by Jeff Loff, Treasurer
December 2023: Mary Fastenau |
Nominated by Pedro Haro, Professional Development Director
November 2023: Patrick Dugan |
Nominated by Sean Slentz, Membership Director
I chose Patrick Dugan as our Rotarian of the Month for November.
Pat Dugan has been a member of our club since 2020. He always makes time for club volunteer projects and meetings despite his busy schedule as the Senior VP of Public Relations at Anthology Group/Finn Partners. Patrick has served non-profit, corporate and government clients in Hawaii for over 25 years. In doing so he has made great connections within our community. He represents the ideals of service and represents our club well.
"He possesses a strong background in strategic planning and corporate communications, has led numerous public information programs, is an exceptional writer, and has cultivated solid, invaluable working relationships with members of Hawaii’s news media.” – taken from his official bio.
Patrick is a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he earned Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in communication. Patrick is not only a Rotary volunteer at Keelikolani Middle School and in our downtown Honolulu community, he serves as a volunteer board member of Duke’s OceanFest. and on the Steering committee of the Hawaii Bowl. He is also a dedicated father and grandfather.
He also found me wandering in the parking garage this morning and guided me into the meeting through the VIP garage entrance.
Mahalo Pat
October 2023: David Tsuda |
Nominated by Jeannette Corpuz, International Service Director
I selected David Tsuda as our Rotarian of the Month for October to recognize all that he does for Rotary and the community. David has been a devoted Rotarian for 23 years. He started his journey in Rotary when his colleague, Carl Yamamoto of First Hawaiian Bank, invited him to one of the meetings for the Rotary Club of East Honolulu. David served that very club as President in 2005, prior to, he held roles as Treasurer and Secretary of the club. He also served as the Treasurer for the District Conference and has attended numerous district conferences. David is also a Paul Harris Fellow.
Even on vacation, David still finds the time to visit a Rotary meeting such as in Manila Philippines, Singapore, and Shanghai China. David also serves the community as Board President of Po’ailani Inc, a substance abuse treatment center, Board President of Palama Settlement, Board Treasurer of Associated Builders and Contractors (Hawaii Chapter) and serves as Trustee on two family trusts. As you can see, David stands by the motto of “service above self.” With all that he does for the community, he still finds time to golf once a week and cheer on his favorite NFL team, The Cowboys. David attributes his passion for service from learning by those who he considers his lifelong mentors, Corbett Kalama, and Donald (Donni) Yannell. Both of whom he worked for at First Hawaiian Bank.
Mahalo David
I'm nominating Judy Kalbrener as our club's Rotarian of the Month for September because of her long term commitment and service to our club. Judy is not only a longtime club member, she is one of only 3 remaining active charter members in our club. As September is Foodland's "Give Aloha" month which benefits HRYF, this award is especially timely as Judy has always been dedicated to and super supportive of HRYF. As our HRYF chair, I have been very appreciative of all of the support Judy has given to our club and our district's HRYF efforts. Additionally, Judy has always been welcoming to all club members, has made all of our new club members feel welcome and right at home, and has served as a club officer for many years, helping advance and shape our club to be what it is today.
Mahalo Judy
I chose Wade as August's Rotarian of the Month for the many things he does for our club, many of which he quietly does in the background without any recognition. Wade is not only a past President that is still incredibly involved in the club, he is also involved with the Renaissance Program at Ke'elikolani Middle School, helps coordinate our club's annual Back to School Supply Drive, manages/coordinates our club "Rotarian at Work" t-shirts, and is involved & supports with many many other Rotary club & KMS initiatives and efforts. On top of all of this, Wade used to coach the After School basketball program... another great example of how Wade truly exhibits Service Above Self and his commitment to KMS and our community, day in and day out.
Mahalo Wade
This month I would like to honor Rose Chu. Rose has been a member of our club for 15 years – July is her Rotary anniversary month. She’s is a past president of the club and a Paul Harris Fellow +5.
I chose Rose for this award because of her loyalty and support for our club and the unflagging enthusiasm that she brings to every Rotary event she participates in – often dancing in her famous Monkey Mask. She is committed to our club’s success and can be counted to show up when there is a need.
Rose's service extends outside of Rotary. She is a loyal volunteer at the Pantry where she seems to have learned the entire operation and is happy to lend a hand for whatever needs to be done.
Finally, we know that Rose has a caring spirit. Those of us who have been with the club for a while will remember her support of our late member Tom Knoll, helping him to attend our meetings and events and keeping him involved in our club. And the long distance care she provided to her cousin in New York who battled cancer. She sincerely cares about people.
In all aspects, Rose lives the Rotary 4 Way test and we are fortunate to have her as a member of our club.
Mahalo Rose
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