At the Rotary Club Andria Castelli Svevi the presidential collar passes onto the shoulders of Nunzia Porzio, psychologist, psychotherapist and teacher, after being worn by the school director Lilla Bruno. The ceremony is scheduled for Monday 1 July 2024 in the greenery of the pine forest of Borgo Sassi, in Corato. It will start at 8:00 pm. Porzio is the third member to hold the position in the last 4 years of activity of the Club – whose foundation dates back to 1987 – demonstrating the decisive change that Rotary has made in recent years to better valorize the female component. A path that is already being applied at the highest level of the association hierarchy, where on 1 July the American Stephanie Urchick takes office, the second woman to become International President in the last three years. The new president Porzio has been a member of the Andria Castelli Svevi Club since 2015 and, in addition to various managerial and organizational roles in the Club, she was Prefect of the Rotary District 2120 in the year 2019/2020 with the Governor Sergio Sernia.
“It is difficult to explain the tumult of emotions that I have been feeling for a few weeks,” admits Nunzia Porzio. “As the fateful date approaches, I have realized the extent of the responsibility that the members have entrusted to me. But I have a team that always transmits great serenity to me and supports with energy and conviction the programmatic lines that I will illustrate to all the members and our guests during the Passing of the Gavel ceremony.” The President does not reveal anything about the service initiatives that will be undertaken during the Rotary Year, but assures: “On a general level, we will continue to support the Rotary Foundation and the initiatives for the eradication of polio. On a local level, attention will be focused on some painful social emergencies that require adequate support. There will be no shortage of moments dedicated to reflection and debate on current issues, with guests of great caliber, both from the Rotary world and from outside the association.” Maximum attention is also paid to members: “Being part of a Rotary Club means having the goal of doing good, creating oases of peace inside and outside of us, inside and outside the Club. For a Rotarian, conviviality is an opportunity to meet other professionals, entrepreneurs, artisans who are leaders in their respective sectors of commitment, it is an opportunity to take stock of the activities, illustrate the paths taken and enhance the work of the members and, finally, it is a fundamental moment to welcome and integrate new members”. During the Passing of the Gavel ceremony, the theme of the year chosen by the International President will also be presented.
