Dear Rotarians,
Dear Rotaractor
As the Rotary Club of Lausanne celebrates its 100th anniversary,
the Rotary Club of Köniz, the youngest club in our district, joins
the Rotary International family. A story of tradition, new beginnings
and values that connect generations.
Connecting Tradition, Culture and the Future.Rarely
do the past and the future come together as meaningfully as they have
this September. It tells a remarkable Rotary story: one of a hundred
years of experience, values lived through action, and the courage to
begin something new.
One
hundred years ago, the Rotary Club of Lausanne was founded. For a
century, the Rotary values of fellowship, integrity, diversity,
service and leadership have shaped the life and work of the club.
These values have brought generations of Rotarians together and
continue to provide the foundation for service to society, personal
growth and lasting friendships.
At
almost the same moment, we celebrate another important milestone: the
admission of the Rotary Club of Köniz, the youngest club in our
district, into the Rotary International community. At first glance, a
centenary and the birth of a new club may appear to represent
opposite ends of a story. In reality, they reveal something
fundamental about the strength of Rotary. The same values that have
sustained the Rotary Club of Lausanne for the past hundred years now
form the foundation of our newest club.
This
should not be taken for granted. At a time of rapid social change,
Rotary’s values have lost none of their relevance. On the contrary,
they continue to resonate with younger generations and provide
meaningful points of reference in an increasingly complex world.
Fellowship, responsibility, diversity, service and leadership remain
timeless principles. They bring people together and inspire them to
act.
One
of the most meaningful aspects of the creation of the new club has
been the symbolic connection between past and future. The Rotary Club
of Bern, the oldest club in our district, accompanied and supported
the Rotary Club of Köniz throughout its formation. This
intergenerational partnership demonstrates how knowledge, experience
and the Rotary spirit can be passed from one generation to the next
while remaining open to new ideas, new perspectives and new ways of
doing things.
The
result is a young and dynamic club that reflects the future of
Rotary. Particularly encouraging is the strong participation of
women, who from the outset are helping to shape the club’s
identity, culture and energy. Diversity is therefore not simply a
value we proclaim. It is a value being lived from the very beginning.
The Rotary Club of Köniz brings fresh perspectives, new ideas and
remarkable commitment to our district.
As
we look back on 100 years of the Rotary Club of Lausanne while
welcoming the birth of the Rotary Club of Köniz, we are reminded of
one of our organisation’s greatest strengths: Rotary honours its
roots, lives its values and shapes its future. Tradition and
innovation are not opposites. Together, they provide the foundation
for a vibrant Rotary that is ready for the future.
Let
us draw inspiration from this September. From the experience built
over the past hundred years, and from the enthusiasm and energy of a
new beginning. Every club, every project and every new friendship
helps ensure that Rotary will continue, for generations to come, to
connect people, strengthen communities and shape a better future.
As
a district, we can be proud not only to witness this meeting of
experience and renewal, but to play an active part in shaping what
comes next.
With Rotarian greetings,
René LoretanGovernor 2026-2027
