What happens when you bring together longtime Rotarians and newer members for a casual coffee chat? More than you might expect.
Recently, four Bellevue Rotary members—Stu Vander Hoek, Dan Seydel, Frank Sosebee Jr., and Jemal Idris—met as part of our club’s Fellowship Coffee initiative. What began as a simple meet-and-greet quickly unfolded into something much deeper: a thoughtful, energizing exchange of stories, insights, and purpose.
The group shared personal journeys into Rotary, lessons from past service, and ideas for the future. Long-standing traditions were explored, and fresh perspectives were welcomed. It was mentorship, networking, and friendship—all in one.
Dan reflected, “Having veteran members take an interest in us is a tremendous privilege—and gives me real hope for the future of our club.”
Stu added, “When each of us had our elbow on the small table, I knew we were in a good place.” He shared how meaningful it was to learn Frank’s story and hear his honest questions about the Rotary experience.
Frank shared, “As a newer member, being invited into such an open and meaningful dialogue gave me real perspective—and a sense of purpose. I left knowing I’m part of something bigger.”
Jemal noted, “These moments are some of the most powerful ways to connect across generations in Rotary. Every time I sit down for one of these conversations, I walk away learning something completely new—and often profound—about a fellow Rotarian. That’s the magic of Rotary fellowship.”
In a world full of busy calendars and digital messages, this gathering was a reminder of what makes Rotary truly unique: the human connection.
