A Message from the Club President

Patrick  Tobin

President, 2008-2009

For nearly a hundred years, The Rotary Club of San Antonio has exemplified the very best in leadership and service to our community, nation and the world!  I have been fortunate to have the perspective of being a third generation member of our Club.  The hopes and challenges of today are different than those in the 1930’s when my Grandfather was President of our Club or in the 1960’s when my Dad was the President of our Club.  Yet, in the midst of a changing world the principles and ideals of Rotary have remained constant – a dedication to serving others and a commitment to the highest standards of business and professional ethics. 

On the foundation laid by earlier generations in our Club, and with an eye toward the future, we are committed to a renewed focus and purpose.  As we count ourselves among the most esteemed clubs in the world, we understand that much is required of us in return.  Without a lot of fanfare, our members are selflessly providing valued leadership in their business or organization and serving in many ways and in many places. This is attracting others in San Antonio with proven records of leadership and service to join our ranks as Rotarians. We are also reaching out to the young emerging and diverse leaders of tomorrow and welcoming them to our Club.  I believe this is enhancing the quality of our Club, creating even greater value for our members, and providing new and creative avenues of service to others. 

This year’s Rotary International theme is to “Make Dreams Real.”  Dreams have inspired us to explore space, invent new technology and cure some of the world’s greatest diseases.  Dreams have inspired us to find new and better ways to serve others.  Whether in San Antonio or around the world, every day we are awakening dreams in others who thought they had no hope for a better future.  We continue our work to eradicate polio and to improve the quality of life in some of the world’s poorest regions.  In San Antonio, we continue our work to provide children with exciting Kingdom for Kids playground equipment, with a Diploma Plus program to reward them for staying in school, and with a variety of scholarships for college.  Our challenge is to continue serving others — not only to Make Dreams Real for them, but, in some measure, to return the blessings we have so richly received.