The best is yet to come

Stephanie A Urchick

I have had so many wonderful experiences over the past year, but as comforting as it might be to dwell on the past, we must look toward the future.

1. RI President Stephanie Urchick gets up close with Florida’s wildlife while preparing for the International Assembly. 2. Stephanie hitches a ride on a float at the Rose Parade 2025 in ­Pasadena, California. 3. While in London to attend events of Commonwealth Day, Stephanie greets King Charles Ill.

We are closer than ever to ending polio, but that does not mean we can relax. We still have a promise to keep to the children of the world and their families, and we will only fulfil that promise through fundraising, advocacy, and the power of our collective action.

4. In Alabama at a Rotary Institute, Stephanie prepares for lift off at the US Space and Rocket Centre. 5. During a tour of Africa, she celebrates with participants at a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards event in Uganda.

 

I was amazed at the capability and commitment of peacebuilders at the Presidential Peace Conference earlier this year. Our Peace Fellowship programme and our many other peace initiatives bring healing to a divided world, but they need our support to remain effective and relevant.

6. Under snow in Istanbul, Stephanie dedicates a peace pole during the Rotary President Peace Conference 2025.
7. In her hometown, she prepares to throw out the first pitch at a ­Pittsburgh Pirates game. 8. On a visit to Peru, she explores Machu Picchu.

Amid a worldwide loneliness epidemic, Rotary offers friendship, purpose and belonging. If we hold true to our ideals — to The Four-Way Test and our spirit of inclusivity — we will remain a beacon of light even in the darkest times.

The Action Plan can serve as a guide to make our clubs and districts simply irresistible, but it is up to us to take that advice and put it to use.

9. Stephanie meets with Zeijko ­Komsic, the Croat member of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ­presidency. 10. While exploring the pyramids of Giza, Egypt, she indulges in some ­photographic fun.

Family of Rotary, there is nothing we cannot achieve when we come together and work toward a common goal.

You are The Magic of Rotary, and I can’t wait to see the lasting change you bring to the world.

Stephanie A Urchick
President, Rotary International

 

Photographs: Tom Gump