Athens Alabama Rotary Club

09/02/2026

Rotary International designates September as Basic Education and Literacy Month, highlighting one of its seven Areas of Focus: improving global access to education, reducing illiteracy, and empowering communities through learning.
Our fellow Rotarian Dr. Randy Shearouse, Superintendent of Limestone County Schools shared what they are doing to promote literacy in their schools!
Check it out!

08/31/2026

We will not be meeting Friday due to the Labor Day holiday! Have a lovely weekend!

08/30/2026

A very happy birthday to our members with August birthdays! The world is a better place with you in it!

08/28/2026

Our guest speaker, fellow Rotarian Dr. Catherine Wehlburg shared today about the impact of the Brown Hall namesake had on the Athens community in 1909, over 100 years ago. A student and then teacher, Florence Brown stepped in and served a community of students sickened by a Typhoid epidemic. Some were able to travel home, but the ones too sick to leave stayed behind. Ms. Brown saw a need and stepped in. Service Above Self is a motto we Rotarians live by. In this case, Ms. Brown showed exactly that. She cared for the ill until she too contracted Typhoid and passed away a hero. Let her story inspire us and let her memory live forever through the history and renovation of Brown Hall.
"In 1909, Florence Brown chose to
serve students. In 1912, Athens State built a building so that her service would not be forgotten. And in 2026, we gave that building new life so it can once again prepare people whose lives will be devoted to serving others. That is Brown Hall’s story:
service, remembrance, renewal – and Onward Eve"
-Dr. Catherine Wehlburg
Thank you Dr. Wehlburg and Mr. Brian Moore for sharing the details of this incredible woman, a beautiful piece of Athens history and the fun details that popped up while restoring it to its original glory.

08/28/2026

08/25/2026

Membership Month! Today in our Rotary In Action spotlight is Athens Rotarian, Roy Patton - Roy is involved in many Rotary group service projects but he also serves outside of club in a BIG way!
“Scouting has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t involved in scouting. My father was a Scoutmaster for many years, and I grew up going on campouts and hikes with his troop. I later became an Eagle Scout, started a Cub Scout Pack at Athens Elementary for my own sons, and restarted my dad’s old troop. Today, I continue to serve through the Eagle Scout Review Board, which I have chaired for nearly 10 years. This community has given so much to me throughout my life. Serving and giving back is my way of showing gratitude, and I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve.”- Roy Patton
Thank you Roy for giving your time and experience to such a worthwhile organization, and for being all-in with our motto," Service Above Self"
You inspire us to continue to serve and make a positive community impact!

08/24/2026

Meet our guest speaker! Friday we will have the pleasure of hosting Dr. Catherine Wehlberg at our weekly club meeting at Athens State!
Dr. Catherine Wehlburg serves as the 39th President of Athens State University, where she has focused on expanding opportunities for adult learners and transfer students while strengthening the University’s connection to the communities it serves.
Among the significant projects completed during her presidency is the renovation of historic Brown Hall, a landmark campus building dating to 1912.
Dr. Wehlburg championed the project as an opportunity to preserve an important part of Athens State’s history while creating a modern space to support the University’s future. Today, the renovated Brown Hall is home to Nursing and Health Sciences programs and academic leadership offices, bringing new life and purpose to one of the University’s most recognizable historic buildings. Her work reflects a broader commitment to honoring Athens State’s more than 200-year legacy while ensuring the University continues to evolve to meet the educational and workforce needs of Alabama.
Join us as we give her a warm Rotary welcome and learn all about the Brown Hall renovation!

08/21/2026

Lets go to Rotary club!
Today we had guest speakers Dr. Keith Ferguson, Vice President for University Advancement at Athens State University, Kim Dunnavant, Director of Operations at LaunchBox, and Larry Waye, Small Business Consultant at LaunchBox.
They shared the vairious programs in place that support local entrepreneurs and Nonprofits from start to launch. There are many free classes available as well! LaunchBox is truly making a huge effor to support local buisness owners and aspiring buisness owners so that they have an excellent shot at success. Thank you LaunchBox and Athens State for supporting our community!
Next week we will meet at Athens State again for special guests Dr. Wehlburg and Bran Moore as they share the history and restoration of Brown Hall.
See ya Friday!