Week of January 12 - January 16, 2026
Home | Events | Contact Us

 
 

A Winning Vision for UTRGV Athletics

Our Friday, January 9th meeting in the Golden Palms Texas Room offered an especially timely and informative update on UTRGV athletics capped by a focus on Director of Athletics Chasse Conque. Conque’s leadership continues to shape Vaqueros athletics at a strategic level, reinforcing sustained competitive success and underscoring the program’s strong upward trajectory.

Conque also made headlines this past year for his expanded role as UTRGV’s Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics, a position that has overseen unprecedented growth in attendance, fundraising, and the launch of the university’s first football program.

Members left smiling, better informed, and warmly reminded of what this season and the broader future hold for Vaqueros athletics.

This Friday, we welcome Dr. Benjamin Clinton, Founder and President of Beacon Administrative Consulting, and a fellow Rotarian, as our featured speaker. Dr. Clinton brings extensive experience in organizational strategy, compliance, and operational leadership, working with public and private organizations to drive efficiency, accountability, and sustainable results. His insight is practical, grounded, and informed by a shared commitment to service above self.

Our fellow Rotarian John Topp is helping coordinate Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at First Methodist Church, alongside Scott Nelson.

This nine-week course is taught by Dave Ramsey and his team of experts and is open to anyone looking to better manage their finances. The class focuses on practical, biblically based principles for budgeting, eliminating debt, and building long-term financial stability.

Classes meet Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
More information and registration are available at www.fpu.com/A6B845.

Rotary New Year’s Resolutions 🌅

A new year calls for a fresh set of Rotary resolutions, some serious, some in good fun, all grounded in

Service Above Self ❤️

January is Rotary Vocational Service Month 💼, a time to honor the dignity of work and our responsibility to use our professions to serve others. The upcoming program will feature Rotarian Benjamin Clinton, Founder and President of Beacon Administrative Consulting, who will share insights on leadership, vocation, and service through one’s profession 🎤.

In the same spirit, Rotarian and Past President, John Topp will lead a vocational workshop on practical financial stewardship, turning vocational values into real-world action 📊. This workshop continues a proud tradition: the program was previously co-coordinated by Past District Governor, Eddie Bartnesky alongside John, and later by Scott Nelson, Past President of the Sunburst Club. As Past President of our club, John has been part of this effort from the start, and now Chris Bartnesky has taken the class, carrying forward the legacy of leadership and mentorship.

Rotary also recommits to serving with purpose 🤝. The second Rotary blood drive 🩸 will be hosted at Loaves & Fishes 🍞🐟, with a goal of collecting 100 pints across this Rotary year and the next—because meaningful service saves lives ❤️‍🩹.

And yes, the club will sell Shrimp Fest tickets 🍤—and then sell even more. Service is serious work, but fellowship and fun remain essential 😄.

A new year brings new opportunities. Let’s make this one a year of professionalism, generosity, and action, together 🚀.
Join us in supporting the Harlingen Hunger Coalition — a city-wide effort to lift up our neighbors when they need it most. We’re all one tough day away from needing a helping hand. Your donation helps ensure no family in Harlingen faces hunger alone.
 
❤️ United in Compassion. Driven by Community.
Donate today by scanning the QR code or click the link below ⬇️