Speakers

First responders are our everyday heroes, bravely facing immense physical and mental challenges. From firefighters to paramedics, dispatch centers, law enforcement, and search and rescue personnel, these brave individuals often confront extreme stress, PTSD, depression, and even suicidal impulses. First Responder Therapy Dogs provides trained therapy dogs that offer emotional support directly to on-duty heroes. Research shows they reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and elevate mood—helping first responders focus on their communities while caring for themselves. In 2025 alone, they reached over 70,000 first responders nationwide. The organization has more than 500 certified therapy dog teams, spanning 46 states, from Alabama to Wisconsin.

Michelle Detrick brings 17 years of experience working as a paramedic in Oakland and as a firefighter/paramedic for the Berkeley Fire Department and Central Marin Fire Department. She began her teaching career in 2004 as an EMT instructor for the College of Marin and has been an instructor for her peers throughout her career in the fire service.

A Rotary District or Global Grant scholar pursues graduate-level studies abroad in one of Rotary’s seven focus areas—such as peace, health, or education—while acting as an ambassador of goodwill. Scholars engage with local Rotary clubs, participate in community service, and bridge cultural gaps, aiming to create sustainable, long-term change.

Elizabeth will discuss her experiences overseas as the 2025 Global Scholar for our District 5150.

Bestselling author, historian and journalist

Susan Wels will present: An Assassin in Utopia: The True Story of a 19th-Century Sex Cult and a President'sMurder.

From 1848 to 1881, a small utopian colony in upstate New York—the Oneida Community—was known

for its shocking sexual practices, from open marriage and free love to the sexual training of young boys by older

women. And in 1881, a one-time member of the Oneida Community—Charles Guiteau—assassinated President

James Garfield in a brutal crime that shook America toits core. Sharing fascinating research from her latest

book, New York Times bestselling author Susan Wels will weave togetherthese explosive stories in a tale of utopian experiments, political

machinations, and murder.

Our esteemed member, Dr. Borge, will describe some of his great work in Panama over many years