Southtowne Leadership
A Message From President Sylvia
It is with great honor and gratitude that I step into the role of President of Eugene Southtowne Rotary Club. As we enter this new Rotary year, I am filled with hope, purpose, and excitement for all that lies ahead. Together, we will live out this year’s Rotary International theme-“The Magic of Rotary: United for Good.”
My journey with Rotary has been shaped by a passion for service, international connection, and community engagement. As a self-employed travel agent, I ‘ve had the privilege of connecting with people and cultures across the world. I am deeply involved in both local and global service, I believe in Rotary’s unique ability to bridge cultures, transform communities, and create lasting impact. From supporting youth empowerment to strengthening inclusive partnerships across our community, we will continue making a difference-united in purpose and action.
This year, we’ll focus on deepening our fellowship, expanding our reach, celebrating the vibrant legacy of Eugene Southtowne Rotary as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2025. I encourage every member to embrace this journey with renewed commitment and enthusiasm, knowing that when we are united for good, our impact is boundless.
On a personal note, I am proud to call Eugene home. I am married to my wonderful husband, who was born and raised in Billings, Montana. Together, we are blessed with four beautiful children. Our family values of service, compassion, and unity continue to inspire my leadership and dedication to Rotary.
Let us serve, lead, and grow-together. Eugene Southtowne Rotary is NOT Sylvia but rather it’s you and me!
Chris Waugh | District Governor 2025-2026
Southtowne’s own Christine (Chris) Waugh will serve 5110 as District Governor in 2025-2026. Upon selection in fall of 2022, Chris has been training, preparing, and learning all of the important facets of carrying out this role.
“District 5110 is like a big organization,” Chris said, “with 61 clubs, 3 satellites (2 are part of Southtowne Rotary Club,) 4 Rotaract Clubs and 15 Interact Clubs. Covering more than 60,000 square miles, we have almost 3,000 members.”
Her duties during her governor year will be oversight of all of the District committees – Administration, Finance, Membership, Public Relations, Training, Data Management, Youth Services, Finance, Foundation, Grants, Assistant Governors, Events, Youth Exchange, and Friendship Exchange (among others.)
The fun part, according to Chris, will be visiting every single club – from Lakeview to Lincoln City, and from Prineville to Brookings, and dipping into Northern California to visit Scott Valley (Fort Jones) to Tulelake. Big clubs and small, all with People of Action carrying out Service Above Self.
Chris joined Rotary in Newport in 1987. She was the first woman president there in 1992-93. In 2015, she moved to Cottage Grove to “retire,” but that didn’t suit her. In 2017, she joined Southtowne Club where she served as president in 2020-21 “the COVID year.”
During a visit to Newport in 2019, she heard about satellite clubs, so she worked with some Southtowne members who moved to the Springs At Greer Gardens and started a satellite there. After COVID ran its course, she identified a number of community members who were interested in service but couldn’t make Southtowne’s regular weekly meetings, so the Southtowne Service Network satellite was formed.
Kathi Hoffer | Assistant Governor 2025-2026
Past President Kathi Hoffer has been elected to serve as Assistant Governor for the five Eugene area Rotary clubs. Starting July 2025 she will serve in this capacity for Eugene, Eugene Delta, Eugene Emerald Valley, Eugene Metropolitan, and Eugene Southtowne Rotary clubs.
As Assistant Governor, Kathi will support, inform and strengthen the clubs, as well as serve as a liaison to the District Governor Line. She will meet regularly with the clubs, and with the 5 surrounding clubs with their AG, Gary Manly of Cottage Grove.
“District 5110 is lucky to have Kathi serve in this capacity,” District Governor Chris Waugh said, ” and since I know her well, I was very happy that she agreed to take on this important role.”
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