Rotarian of the Month

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