Wednesday, July 9th 2025,

Dear Rotarians,

As we begin a new Rotary year, I’m filled with both gratitude, determination and excitement. It is a true honor to serve as President of the Rotary Club of South Pasadena for 2025 - 2026. I thank Past President David Morales for his musical and dedicated leadership, and I thank each of you for your presence, service, and heart. 

This year, I invite you to join me in embracing our local theme: Peace – Unite for Good. 

I chose to add Peace to our Rotary International theme because I believe peace is not just a dream. It is a daily decision.  As a French-Vietnamese woman, I carry the stories, complexities, and strength of two cultures shaped by history, conflict, and resilience. I know what it means for peace to feel both urgent and deeply personal. And I believe, with all my heart, that Rotary is one of the rare places where people come together across differences to create something better.

We live in a time when peace can feel distant and impossible to attain. Out of reach.  But in Rotary, we know that peace doesn’t start with grand gestures - it starts with how we show up, serve, and unite. It’s built through relationships, dialogue, and action.

True peace is active. It’s inclusive. And it begins in our homes, our schools, our communities.

This year, our club will officially be on our way to a Rotary Peacebuilder Club - a global designation that reflects our commitment to promoting peace, justice, and inclusion in our community and beyond. As Peacebuilders, we’ll support youth-led peer mediation at South Pasadena High School, plant symbols of peace in public spaces with our Peace Pole, and host events that foster dialogue, empathy, and unity. Peace begins with us -and together, we will unite for good. 

“Peace – Unite for Good” is more than a theme. It’s our mission this year. And a call to action.

Each Rotary theme month will be woven into this vision - from literacy to water, youth to health - always returning to our central commitment: uniting for peace through service. Pax Per Servitium

Our Rotary year begins with a special Kickoff Luncheon on Wednesday, July 9, at the Arroyo Vista Inn. Please join us to launch this journey together, reflect on what peace means to each of us, and set our course for a meaningful and vibrant year.

As your President, I will lead with heart, listen with intention, and support every member in bringing their best self to our shared mission. In Rotary we are not just volunteers. We are bridge - builders. We bring together people from all walks of life, and we channel our energy into doing good that lasts. And in a time of division, that work matters more than ever.

The world needs connection. Our community needs kindness. And Rotary is the place where all of that starts. 

This year, let’s be bold in service, generous in spirit and united in purpose. Whether it is supporting youth leadership, organizing uplifting community events, or addressing urgent needs, we are going to do it together. 

Let’s make this a year where we don’t just talk about peace - we create it. Together.

In fellowship and peace, 

Betty

Rotary Club of South Pasadena

Betty Bui, President 2025–2026

“Peace – Unite for Good”