Rotary Club of Charleston

July 28, 2026

Our featured speaker was College of Charleston‘s President Andrew Hsu, who shared the remarkable momentum underway at one of Charleston’s most historic institutions.

Under Dr. Hsu’s leadership, the College has:

• Increased annual applications from approximately 11,000 to nearly 34,000

• Prepared to welcome the largest freshman class in its history

• Expanded engineering, health sciences, nursing, and doctoral programs

• Secured significant philanthropic support for scholarships, facilities, and academic programs

• Continued investing in student success, career readiness, and the future workforce of the Lowcountry

Dr. Hsu also addressed the challenges facing higher education, including increased competition, demographic changes, artificial intelligence, housing, and the changing landscape of college athletics. His message was clear. The College of Charleston is honoring its 256-year tradition while preparing students and our community for what comes next.

We also honored one of our own with the Rotary Community Impact award: Congratulations to a very deserving past-president Alissa Leitzow.

To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “7/28: Dr. Andrew Hsu, President of College of Charleston”

July 21, 2026

We welcomed our fellow Rotarian and State Senator for District 20, Ed Sutton, to the podium this week. He provided an open and engaging recap of the recent legislative session.
Senator Sutton discussed several issues affecting Charleston and communities across South Carolina, including:
• Transportation infrastructure and SCDOT reform
• Flooding and congestion in the Lowcountry
• Affordable and workforce housing
• Data center regulation and utility costs
• Support for veterans
• Public safety and DUI reform
• Property tax relief for longtime residents
• Protecting young people from dangerous nitrous oxide products
• The importance of bipartisan cooperation

One of the most encouraging takeaways was hearing how a concern raised by a West Ashley mother became legislation in less than a year. It was a strong reminder that public service often begins with one citizen speaking up and one elected leader willing to listen. Thank you, Senator Sutton, for your service, transparency, and willingness to answer our questions.

To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “7/21: Senator Ed Sutton, District 20”

July 14, 2026

In our new President Marion Platt’s first spin on the podium, we welcomed Elizabeth Chew of the SC Historical Society.  Elizabeth reminded us that preserving our history helps us build a better future. Her passion for protecting South Carolina’s stories was inspiring and a great reminder that our community’s legacy deserves to be preserved for future generations.

We had a great wind-down to the Rotary year and start to the new one. It started with our Transition Social, including the introduction of the new board under President Marion, our annual member recognition awards, and a big thank you to outgoing president Karla. The following week our fundraiser/social event raised more than $7,000 for our RCCF.  Read on for more details.

 

To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “7/14: Elizabeth Chew, SC Historical Society”

June 23, 2026

In our last regular meeting of the Rotary year (thank you, President Karla!!), Dr. Anya Benitez of MUSC gave us a very insightful presentation on some of the research and progress being made to fight dementia and Alzheimer’s. She provided us an overview of new treatment options using electrotherapy that hold promise for slowing certain types of brain health issues, particularly in aging populations.

Please support our big fundraiser in the works – Far, Near, and Here raffle – our biggest fundraiser of the year. Buy tickets here and pack your bags. Check out the Keyway for details on these and other upcoming events and schedules.

To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “6/23: Dr. Anya Benitez, MUSC, on Alzheimer’s”

June 9, 2026

Taylor Jackson, who runs the South Carolina Maritime Association, gave us an overview of what her organization does. They work with all the major ports, both water-based and inland-based around the state, and are a key advocate for expansion of our key logistics hubs as an important cog in the economic wheel of our entire state.

Please support our big fundraiser in the works – Far, Near, and Here raffle – our biggest fundraiser of the year. Buy tickets here and pack your bags. Check out the Keyway for details on these and other upcoming events and schedules.

To join an upcoming Zoom meeting, use this link and the passcode: Rotary.

Continue reading “6/9: Taylor Jackson, Maritime Association”