June 16, 2024 | Issue 50

Rotary Remembers

Dr. John Sever

From Rotary.org -

John Sever, an infectious disease specialist and champion of Rotary’s polio eradication program, died on 25 April. He was 92.

A Rotary member since 1964, the Chicago, Illinois-born Sever worked for almost three decades as chief of the Infectious Diseases Branch at the National Institutes of Health. Later he served as a professor of pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, microbiology, immunology and tropical medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He published over 600 scientific papers in these fields.

On Sever's recommendation in 1979, Rotary would embark on its decades-long effort to eradicate polio globally, expanding what began as a vaccination campaign in the Philippines.

Because of his expertise and advocacy, Sever served on the International PolioPlus Committee (IPPC) from its inception in 1994 and was a member and vice chair. His tireless efforts were instrumental in driving the global campaign to eradicate polio.

Through his leadership, Sever, a member of the Rotary Club of Potomac, Maryland, USA, inspired countless individuals to join the ranks of Rotary members and partners. He helped forge a shared mission to immunize every child, reach every community, and leave no one behind. His guidance was influential in navigating complex challenges, overcoming barriers, and sustaining momentum in the face of adversity.

“His expertise in immunology was invaluable to both Rotary and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative," says IPPC Chair Mike McGovern. “In addition to the International PolioPlus Committee, John served on the US Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force for many years until his passing.”

Sever’s work to end polio spanned decades and was marked by unwavering determination and resolve. His pioneering contributions paved the way for groundbreaking strategies, innovative approaches, and unprecedented collaboration, bringing us closer than ever to the ultimate goal of a polio-free world.

“He was an inspiration to all of us, and his impact on the efforts toward a polio-free world were unequaled,” says McGovern. “While we will remember and celebrate John’s great work and service, the best way to honor him is to recommit ourselves to completing the task of ending polio.”

Sever served as a district governor and a member and chair of several Rotary International and Rotary Foundation committees.



Sever is survived by his wife, Gerane, daughters Kimberly, Beverly, and Valerie, and seven grandchildren.

John Sever (center) who was an infectious disease specialist and member of the Rotary club of Potomac, Maryland, USA, listens to fellow participants during Rotary Day at the White House in Washington D.C., on 4 April 2013.

Photo by Monika Lozinska/Rotary International

Source - Rotary.org

John Tabor

District Governor

DISTRICT CALENDAR

August 10, 2024

Rotary Learning Institute

Sante Fe College

Gainesville, FL

Together, we see a world where people unite

and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

South Jax Rotarians still smiling with only 20 plus hours to go!

Marina Bay Sands Convention and Expo Center

The Merlion, Singapore National Symbol

Parade of Flags Conclusion

Opening General Session

Keynote Speaker Graca Machał

PRIP Jennifer Jones in the House of Friendship

RI Pres. Gordon McInally, PDG Jeff Michelman and Friends

DG John with classmates DG David Kirkaldy, D7020 and DG Kerry Anne Schultz, D6940

Thank You DGN Dale Moe for organizing the District Dinner at Jumbo Seafood!

For more from the Singapore Convention including transcripts and video -

https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-international-convention-concludes-optimism

Congratulations to the following clubs who earned the

Zone Public Image Citation for 2023-24

RC Amelia Island Sunrise - Platinum

RC Downtown Deland - Platinum

RC New Smyrna Beach - Platinum

RC St. Augustine Sunset - Platinum

Rotaract Club of Deland - Platinum

RC East Arlington - Gold

RC Orange Park Sunrise - Gold

RC Deland - Silver

RC West Jacksonville - Bronze

This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and creativity of your clubs in enhancing Rotary's public image. Their commitment to service and the innovative ways in which each of them have communicated Rotary's mission and values to the community are truly commendable.

The impact of this award goes beyond the citation itself; it serves as an inspiration for other clubs to strive for similar recognition and to elevate Rotary's presence and influence in their own communities.

Meet your District Leadership

Dale Moe

District Governor Nominee

RC Northwest Jacksonville

Past President (North Jacksonville)

Rotarian 7 years

Dale Moe joined the Rotary Club of North Jacksonville in 2017 and served as President (2019-2020).  He also served as District Rotaract Co-Chair (2017-2021).

Dale’s passion for Rotary and his community continued to flourish as he saw a need to introduce the underserved communities of Northwest Jacksonville to the positive transformational power of Rotary. He became the Charter President of the Rotary Club of Northwest Jacksonville (2021-2022). He also became an RLI course facilitator in 2022.  Dale is a Paul Harris Fellow.

Dale is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer that served our nation for 21 years with pride and honor and now calls the First Coast home. After retirement he held supervisory positions as a government contractor and then transitioned into being a realtor.  He initially focused on residential sales, and currently is solely a commercial realtor.

In addition to his Rotary involvement, Dale sits on the Board of Directors for the National POW/MIA Memorial at Cecil Field, he is a Sunday school teacher and Deacon at Julington Baptist Church. He serves on the PAT for Northwest Legends Elementary School. Dale is also a member of the Rotary Action Group: Community Economic Development. 

  

Dale holds a certification in Transportation and Logistics management from the University of North Florida.  He and his wife Rejeanne reside in North Jacksonville with two of their five fabulous children.

Dale will serve as District Governor in the 2025-2026 Rotary year.