Our next Tuesday meeting , May 7
DOUBLETREE HOTEL -
$23 LUNCH/$5 PARKING STRUCTURE
1646 Front St – Click for Google Maps
(619) 239-6800
June 4, 2013
Program: San Diego Archaeological Center
Speaker: Anne Marie Cox
Chairman: Conny Jamison
Invocator: TBA
****SUMMARY OF NEXT WEEK PROGRAM****
The San Diego Archaeological Center is a curation facility and museum where visitors can learn the story of how people have lived in San Diego County for the past 10,000 years. In addition to its role as a museum, the Center serves as an education and research facility and is the only local organization dedicated to the collection, study, curation and exhibition of San Diego County’s archaeological artifacts.
The Center Museum has changing exhibits and hands-on activities that explore 10,000 years of history of the San Diego region through the archaeological record. Learn about the life-ways of early Native American hunter-gatherers who lived in our region and the many groups and immigrants who have contributed to our region’s archaeological record.
Learn the basics of archaeology, explore our hands-on research area or view our new curatorial vaults and research area through the viewing portal. The Center actively curates archaeological collections and you may have a unique opportunity to see staff and interns cataloging and researching artifacts during your visit.
There are activities for children including an artifact matching game, archaeological related crafts and equipment and games and exploration materials for budding archaeologists to expand their knowledge. You can visit our Virtual Museum to view our past and present exhibit panels.
****Notes from the meeting on April 30th:****
Our phenomenal 2013 meeting began a little early thanks to the stickler, Corrine LeCates, who had Brian Krause (our fake Prez for the day… we miss you, Ryan!) running through the agenda like a sprint, not a marathon.
We were thankful to have Micaela Clough, one of our scholarship recipients, give a very heartfelt invocation. Another recipient, Alyssa Darby, led us with her beautiful voice to the song of her choice, ‘God Bless America.’ We then proceeded to do the Pledge of Allegiance with an actual flag!
****SPECIAL GUESTS****
As for guests, we were graced with the presence of:
Susan English
The Executive Director of Larry English Foundation and mother to Larry English – came to cheer on Terrence Griffin for his induction
Alexandria Harris
A guest of Terrence Griffin, just graduated from nursing school and looking forward to potentially joining our club
Jeff Graham
Bob Graham’s son from Maine if anyone wants to go skiing or ice fishing!
- Brett Humphreys: guest of Charlie Coleman who he met on Sunday in a Kiwanis golf tournament and who will probably be joining our club…knowing Charlie!
- Mandy McKinley: the Assistant Athletic Director at SDSU who we’ve worked with for a few years.
****We had a lot of happy $$$$ Kiwanians today!****
- John Kizer: paid for being a “dummy” and his cell phone ringing during the speech last week
- Gene Auerbach: contribution to get us a flag (although I don’t think he saw the one we had!)
- Ethel Merriman: so glad to see Art Stillwell back with us!!
Art Stillwell is back!!!
- Ken Coley: happy to see Art Stillwill back however made the mistake of saying ‘Are you well’.. his response: StillWELL
- Heather Robinson: beat the La Jolla Marathon!
- Norma Trost: happy because husband was tipped off a fork lift and DIDN’T kill himself!
- Eldon Thompson: This Thursday is tremendous occasion… Gunner turns 2!!
- Tom Bauer: $4 paid political announcement – interclub at Coco’s on Thursday – Ethel, David, Marilyn, Doug, possibly Heather – could use a few more!
**** GENERAL BUSINESS MATTERS****
It’s a jam-packed Kiwanis week!
- May 2: Laurels for Leaders meeting at 4:30pm
- May 4: Miracle Mile of Quarters at Rady’s Children’s Hospital
- May 5: Concert in the Park
**** NEW MEMBER INDUCTION****
We were very happy to induct a friendly face that we’ve come to know, Terrence Griffin. He was recruited by Grace Chaidez who is a colleague of Terrence’s at the Larry English Foundation. Grace gave a hearty introduction and we were happy to hear from Terrence who said “pleasure to be honored as a new member and look forward to having an impact and adding value to this organization and throughout the community.” He also said he is “surrounding myself with the right people” and I would say that he hasn’t be around us long enough to know the truth! (kidding)
****JOKER DRAWING ****
- Gene Auerbach was an ACE! But didn’t find the joker
- Heather (surprise surprise) took home $8
**** AUCTION****
COLEY’S (BILL GIBBS) FLOWERS goes to …………………………………… 
Who can compete with Bill? He gave them to one of our lovely scholarship recipients, Iris Vildosola
****SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION ****
The presentation began and all of us were wondering, “Where’s John?” and we come to find out that he’s retired after 21 years from his position and now the lovely Corrine LeCates has stepped in to take his place for the next 21!
John Irons – Standing Ovation!!!!!!!!
She started off with a tribute to John Irons (who she calls weekly) to acknowledge all of the time and energy that he has dedicated to this committee. The committee also includes Charley Kakos and Chris Pare, and they’re always looking for more!
Some comments that were made regarding Mr. Irons that I thought we should note:
- Leal (SDSU): As for Captain John Irons there are no words to describe this man except maybe “Angel”. His kindness and passion to help those in need are not found in too many humans. In this my final semester at SDSU I decided to be ambitious and create a short film. When I needed funding for the film John Irons was one of the first people to contact me and said “where do I send the check”. His belief in my success makes me feel successful and motivates me to try my best in this world while guiding others who might need some inspiration.
- Jacky (Cal State): I don’t know very much about you, Mr. Irons, but I know that over the past years I’ve spent at Cal State San Marcos, we have touched base each year when you surprised me in between classes with a warm phone call asking me to update my accomplishments and achievements. You also have made sure that we, as scholarship recipients, feel welcomed and appreciated each year at the Annual Luncheons! It touched me when you started with a prayer and that you, too, give God thanks for all that He has done for us. May God bless your efforts richly.
- Blake (Pt Loma): I would like to thank Mr. Irons for the personal interest he took in not just me, but all of the students in which he encountered during his time leading the Scholarship Committee. He is so kind and generous and has always made us students feel so welcomed and honored at the luncheon.
- Micaela (Pt Loma): John Irons is a very warm and caring person. He immediately put me at ease and displayed an interest in me as a person. It was always a pleasure talking and interacting with him. I’ve been blessed to know him and I’m so thankful for the work that he’s done all these years on the scholarship committee.
In case you didn’t know, our Foundation’s scholarship budget this year is $93,200. $70K of that goes to 5 universities here in town. An additional $16K goes to SDSU’s athletic department.
21 students are receiving scholarship assistance from us right now at the 5 universities. Come the fall semester, those scholarships will increase to 25 students.
The Criteria necessary to get a SD Kiwanis Foundation scholarship are:
1. have graduated from a San Diego high school
2. attending one of the 5 major universities in town
3. maintain a min 3.3 GPA
4. have a demonstrated financial need
5. be of good moral character
The current Average GPA for all 21 of our scholarship recipients is 3.81 – talk about adding some brains to our bunch!
Now here’s a number that should definitely be noted and highlighted - $1,056,410 has been given in the form of scholarships from this committee!!
Mandy Mckinley up to the podium
The athletic scholarships that we have been giving to athletes at SDSU are changing this year. In the past, we have had a $6000 OW Todd football scholarship and a $10000 Don McKee baseball scholarship (which we often call the Tony Gwinn scholarship). There have been some changes to this and it has been decided that the Foundation’s money will now be used for a deserving athlete (of either sex) in ANY of the school’s sports. The name of this $16,000 scholarship will be The San Diego Kiwanis Foundation Don McKee Athletic Scholarship. Recipients must meet the same criteria as our other academic scholarship students, including the 3.3 GPA. We will still present a check at a sporting event, probably at either a baseball or football game. And SDSU will still send Tony, if possible, to speak with us each year. Also, from now on, we will have one of the athlete recipients at this scholarship luncheon. We then presented a $10,000 check which represents the remainder of the full $16,000 award this year to Mandy McKinley, Assistant Athletic Director at SDSU.
Mandy Mckinley introduced — Brian Krause??? or DJ Shields???. I can’t tell the difference.. Can you?
Mandy McKinley came and stated that she felt a lot smarter from sitting in the room today, as did the rest of us! She has been around for the past 3 years and thanked John, Corrine & Brian for a perseverance of sorts to get this sorted out. She then introduced this year’s scholarship recipient, who looked an awful lot like Brian Krause, except his stats say that he’s a football tight end, 6’4’’, 220 lbs. DJ Shields has the football teams highest cumulative GPA of 3.87. He has earned the Mountain West Conference All Academic, Scholar Athlete Honors from the last 3 seasons, Presidential Award for high academic achievement. He’s played in 46 games out of which only 5 were missed due to a broken foot. On top of that, he is a civil engineering student who is an active member of the Civil Engineering Honors Society and works for a prestigious civil engineering firm that is in charge of our airport renovations! He’s been acknowledged at the college Hall of Fame football banquet and is also the Valedictorian of the Civil Engineering School! He was unable to be with us because he can’t miss class – what a guy!
Then came the grand finale, the introductions of our student recipients. First starting with our UCSD students:
Thuan Nguyen
Thuan Nguyen, a Sophomore studying Human Biology with a 3.8 GPA
- First generation college student in her family
- Works at the UCSD Writing Center and also volunteers at both the Linda Vista library and Sharp Hospital
- Watched her grandmother die of lung cancer and her grandfather now has liver cancer. She wants to go to Med School to learn how to combat this awful disease. She hopes to continue at UCSD for Med School
Miriam Arrazola
Cal State Marcos was recognized after starting with Miriam Arrazola, who is a Senior studying Business Administration – Entreprenuerial Track with a minor in Spanish.
- First generation college student.
- Recently changed to business emphasis to help her dad start his own landscaping business and also hopes to own her own business someday.
- To help put herself thru school, Miriam babysits, has had a job at the Wild Animal Park, and is now working for Wells Fargo. Last semester she had an Internship at an Escondido middle school and taught beginner Spanish.
- Miriam still is able to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, the Escondido Humane Society, and other church projects. She just recently did the Walk for Autism at Balboa Park.
Jacky Fulup
Then we met Jacky Fulup who is a Senior studying Accounting with a 3.68 GPA
- Her parents emigrated from Hungary who wanted to provide a higher education but were not able to help her pay for it.
- Jacky put herself thru school by working as a dental assistant and she is now excited to get out into the world.
- She interned with Target in their Fortune 500 Management Program. From what I understand, this is a very difficult internship to get.
- Jacky volunteers in numerous ways thru her church group. She has also donated more than 250 hours of free dental assisting skills to soldiers at Camp Pendleton.
Iris Vildosola
After Cal State Marcos came the USD students beginning with Iris Vildosola, Bill Gibb’s love for the day.
- She is a Junior studying Finance (switched from the Architecture program) with a 3.9 GPA.
- Found some very entrepreneurial ways of paying for school, such as having a small business on eBay.
- Dedicates lots of time to volunteering – especially loves programs that help little children.
- Short term goal: graduate with a 4.0 with her sights on Columbia for Law School!
Alana Willis
Next is Alana Willis, who is a Sophomore studying Business Administration with a 3.7 GPA.
- Alana is the first generation college student.
- She works 15-20 hours every week tutoring and mentoring 3rd graders at Kit Carson Elementary. Also part of the AVID program that helps high schools prepare for the competitive college admission process.
- She studying abroad in Madrid this fall and hoping to intern at Qualcomm some day.
- Alana aspired career is to be an executive in the Skincare industry or luxury car industry.
Marcos Melendez
Following Alana, is Marcos Melendez who is a Sophomore studying Accounting with a GPA of 3.78
- He is a golfer (but he won’t reveal anything!)
- Lives on campus and studies are #1 but also finds time to volunteer.
- Marcos recognized in both Congress’s and the Senate’s “Top Volunteer” programs!
- Interned at Price Waterhouse Coopers last semester and going back this summer.
James Bennett
After Marcos was James Bennett, a Junior with a English Spanish Dual Major with a Religious Studies Minor and a 3.9 GPA.
- His family has had many challenges, including financial and our funding is critical to his success.
- He works two jobs to pay for school; on campus and as a lifeguard.
- His plans to join the Peace Corp and apply for a Fulbright Scholarship during his senior year.
- James dream is to go to law school and focus on international law to address the US-Mexico border relations and drug trafficking.
Alyssa Darby
Lastly, we acknowledged the students from Point Loma Nazarene, starting with Alyssa Darby (who also sang our patriotic song). She is a Junior studying social work with a GPA of 3.59
- Her parents were also with us – Jean & Dennis.
- She dream school was always Point Loma and because of financial help she’s been able to make that dream a reality.
- Alyssa works at a coffee shop on campus to make ends meet.
- She volunteered for Invisible Children; she has volunteered at a convalescent home, and thru her church, has been involved with programs to feed the homeless.
- Her ultimate dream help kids and shield them from harm so she would love to work for Child Protective Services
Nicholas Erze
Next came Nicholas Erze, who is Junior studying Business Administration and Accounting with a GPA of 3.99!!
- He loves accounting and works as a tutor on campus and a Teacher’s Assistant for one of an Economics teacher.
- Excited for internship this summer at Price Waterhouse Coopers.
- He is involved with a Junior Achievement program Students in Free Enterprise where they work with high school students the fundamentals of business.
- Nicholas has worked hard to become fluent in Spanish and is even doing some volunteering in Mexico now because of it!
Micaela Clough
Following Nicholas was Micaela Clough, a Junior with a Nursing major and 3.93 GPA.
- Family has had numerous medical issues which inspired her to become a nurse.
- She lives on campus, receives no financial assistance from her family, and works 2 jobs to make this all possible.
- She is tutoring students in such fun subjects as physiology, anatomy, and microbiology .. and .. working as a Research Assistant to one of her professors.
- Micaela recently hired by Sharp Hospital to be a Nurse’s Assistant!
Blake McGinness
Lastly we had Blake McGinness, a Senior studying Accounting & Business Administration with a 3.99 GPA.
- Says his dad is the most influential person in his life because he has seen how hard he works to keep the family going in tough times.
- Scares about losing some federal aid so he’s been interning at AMN Healthcare after previously working for Big 5 Sporting Goods.
- Volunteered with the Elderly Outreach Ministry and was a mentor and small group leader for a junior high youth group. This year he’s been mostly active with helping out at a weekly food distribution for the homeless.
- Got married last summer – wife is a pastry chef!
- After graduation, he plans on studying for the CPA exam, and hopefully passing as many parts as possible. In the fall, he’ll begin working for KPMG here in San Diego
What amazing talent and a fantastic luncheon to be able to honor each of these bright shining stars!
Art Stillwell led us in not the first, not the second, but the third verse of Anchors Aweigh which all our navy folk know by heart.
