By Kerra Whitmill, Rotary International staff
As thousands of visitors from around the world descend upon Calgary for the Rotary International Convention, I’m getting my bearings as a convention newbie. Rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of convention attendees on Saturday, especially at a special orientation for first-time attendees. I was glad to see this event, given one third of the attendees in Calgary were attending their first Rotary Convention. I caught up with a few to ask about their experience so far and their plans for the week.
Mena Dant
Rotary Club of Tualatin, Oregon, USA
“I’ve heard so many good things about [the House of Friendship]. Meeting all the people has been the most fun part so far. The [Rotary events] app has been really helpful to connect with people. You can search people by name, connect to them and send them a message. I think I’ll be able to carry that friendship on even after the convention.”
María Cristina Cifuentes
Rotary Peace Fellow and People of Action: Champions of Peace Honoree
Colombia
“My favorite part? Coming here to meet the other [People of Action Champions of Peace] honorees and be inspired by them. This has been an amazing experience. I had the honor to speak at the donor summit, and through this I had the chance to say thank you to those who are investing in [Rotary Peace Fellows]. Seeing thousands of people with the same purpose of changing lives has been wonderful.”
Jersey Magtangob
Rotaract Member, University of Calgary
Alberta, Canada
“I’m looking forward to seeing more of the House of Friendship. This is my first year at the University of Calgary, and we were very fortunate to have been sponsored by the Rotary Club of [Calgary] Downtown. We’re very thankful for this opportunity to attend the convention at a lower cost so that we’re able to form connections and be more in touch with Rotary as we build our careers.”
Abigail Abbe
Rotaract Member, University of Calgary
Alberta, Canada
“I’m looking forward to the Grandstand Spectacular and the Rotaract events: Picnic in the Park and Beyond Borders. It was nice to see a big convention [hosted] here. I love walking down Kensington and around Prince Island Park. They have great restaurants.”
Kevin Bowlby
Rotary Club of Wyandotte, Michigan, USA
“[I’m looking forward to] making as many connections as I can, trying to learn a lot of things that our club doesn’t do. We’ve been talking to a lot of people about projects we could try to get the club to be a part of. I’m not normally an outgoing person, but I stuck my hand out to as many people as I could today.”
Emmanuel Tonade
Rotary Club of Lagos, Nigeria
“I’ve always wanted to attend but haven’t been able to, either because of a job I’m doing or life gets busy. But this time, I decided to be in Calgary because I’ve been in Rotary for over 20 years now. I started in an Interact club, then a Rotaract club, then Rotary club, so I’ve been part of the family for decades.”
Miguel Higareda
Rotary Club of Aventura, Florida, USA
“[I’m looking forward to] learning about Rotary and meeting people from all parts of the world. It’s my first year in Rotary so I’m excited to be here. My club [focuses on] poverty alleviation projects in Africa. I’m part of the global passport club.”
Maria del Rosario Acevedo de Higareda
Rotary Club of Hallandale Beach, Florida, USA
“[I want to] learn more about the programs and be more involved. Also network, meet people, and be in contact with fellow Rotarians. [My club works on] scholarships for students that have such needs.”
Taiwo Olayeni
Rotary Club of Rumuomasi, Nigeria
“I missed the last [convention]. I had booked my ticket, only to be called back to work. I said this year, I have to be here. I want to experience what Calgary and Canada is like, visit scenic sites in Calgary, see the Grandstand [Spectacular], and meet Rotarians to make new friends.”
Osahon Iguodala
Rotary Club of Rumuibekwe, Nigeria
“I’m excited to connect with people (from all over).”
Jacqueline Cantu
Art Director, Rotary Magazine
“I was so excited to come to Calgary and work my first convention. I’ve always wanted to go to Banff. My husband, daughter, and I will be going to Banff for three nights following [the convention] and exploring all around the area. It’s our first time traveling together as a family.”
View all the online convention coverage and follow Rotary on WhatsApp for exclusive updates.
https://blog.rotary.org/2025/06/24/first-time-convention-attendees-share-impressions-of-calgary/