Program: Ezra Teshome, “Polio Plus: Rotary’s Mission to Eradicate Polio,” March 5, 2026

Join the University Sunrise Rotary Club for a program featuring Ezra Teshome.

The program will be presented in-person and on Zoom on Thursday morning.  The formal meeting including the program runs from 7:30-8:30 a.m.  No registration is required, and the program is free.

  • The in-person meeting will be at the North Seattle Church (2150 N 122nd St, Seattle). Doors open at 7:00 a.m. and the program begins at 7:30 a.m.

Click here to join the meeting on Zoom.  The line will open shortly after 7:00 a.m.

WATCH: How safe is America from polio? https://www.cbsnews.com/video/how-safe-is-america-from-polio/

Ezra Teshome emigrated from Ethiopia in 1971 and enrolled at Highline College shortly after coming to the United States. In 1973 he graduated from Highline and went on to Seattle University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and pre-law. Through the service organization Rotary International, Teshome, has spent nearly a decade leading volunteer teams to Ethiopia to help immunize children against polio.

In October of 2005, Teshome and his 35-member team were part of the national immunization campaign that reached 16 million children.

His dedication to the polio eradication effort led “Time” magazine to honor him as one of 10 global health heroes at the Time Global Health Summit, which pulls together public health experts and policy setters to address the world’ critical health issues. Other humanitarian projects include arranging delivery of ambulances to his home country, providing low-cost housing for the poor and establishing micro-credit programs to help families become self-sufficient. In 2004–05, he was one of the leaders of a comprehensive plan to bring safe water to the most critical areas of Ethiopia.

“As a student, Ezra was concerned about the human condition, and how he could help to improve it,” says Davidson Dodd, who has been teaching at Highline for 36 years and had Teshome in one of his political science courses.

“He wasn’t grandiose about his commitment. He was simply appreciative of his good fortune and hoped that others could have the opportunities he had been blessed with.” “What is so impressive about Ezra is how positive he has stayed, and how active he continues to be. He is fueled by energy, compassion, and I believe a strong religious faith.”

Ring Out Ye Bells!

Come join us to hear Ted Hunter and his Firelight Chorale presentation of Ring Out Ye Bells!

University Sunrise’s Member Ted Hunter will be presenting a zany, uplifting, and fun Christmas Show performance with the Northwest Firelight Choral to lift up your holiday spirit

Shows presented on December 12, 13, 19 & 20

Rotary Night is December 12 at 7:30 at our own North Seattle Church. 

When purchasing a ticket, attribute it to me, Ted Hunter, and I will personally rebate $5 of the purchase price to you or the Club – your choice!  It’s Rotary Night on December 12 with several members already there! 

Click here for tickets!

NOTE:  No solos for Ted this show; he wanted to give others a chance.  If you can’t make these shows, come hear Ted and the Seattle Symphony’s presentation of The Messiah on December 18, 20 and 21. 

Celebrate the holidays with the Northwest Firelight Chorale as we kick off our 15th season! This year’s program will delight audiences of all ages with sparkling seasonal classics, majestic carols, frosty favorites to fill you with joy, and a show-stopping gospel rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Filled with magical moments, our dazzling choralography, and plenty of surprises along the way, this spirited Seattle holiday tradition is sure to uplift and inspire. Let the merry music chime!

Click here for tickets!

Program Summary: Bruce Balick, “Black Holes,” November 20, 2025

Black Holes and Universe Role

The main speaker for the meeting was Bruce Balick, a University of Washington Professor Emeritus in Astronomy and a Club member, who gave a presentation on black holes and their role in the universe. Balick explained the concept of gravity and how black holes are formed, mentioning that they play a crucial role in the existence of planets and life.

Understanding Black Holes and Their Role in the Universe

Bruce delivered an in-depth lecture on black holes, covering their formation, properties, and the role they play in the universe. He explained how stars can become black holes and described the characteristics of different types, including stellar, intermediate, and supermassive black holes. Bruce also discussed recent research using the James Webb S

pace Telescope to study “little red dots,” which are believed to be supermassive black holes from the early universe. He emphasized that black holes formed before galaxies, resolving a long-standing question in astronomy. The lecture concluded with a brief overview of a new telescope in Chile designed to study supernovae and nearby asteroids. After the presentation, Bruce answered questions from the audience, including inquiries about his career and the telescope project.

Bruce Balick studied physics at Beloit College in Wisconsin and received his doctorate from Cornell University. He has been at the University of Washington since 1975, where he headed the department. He is now professor emeritus.

In 1974, he discovered Sagittarius A with Robert Hanbury Brown using the interferometer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). His research focuses on planetary nebulae, the final stages of most stars in the galaxy (including the Sun).

He is a user of the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope.

He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Program: Conor Bronsdon and Grant Bronsdon, “AI in Today’s Business World,” October 2, 2025

AI in Today’s Business WorldDownload

Conor Bronsdon is the Head of Developer Relations & Growth at Galileo, the AI reliability platform for enterprise GenAI evaluation and observability. He is also the host of the Chain of Thought Podcast, exploring AI with software engineers and leaders every Wednesday. Conor grew up in Seattle and graduated from the University of Washington. He is the son of Club President Ed Bronsdon and currently lives in Olympia with his wife, Katherine.

Grant Bronsdon is a Principal at Parker Remick, a retained executive search firm that advises & works with tech companies across size and stages. His 90+ searches in his time at PR have included early-stage clients, pre-IPO organizations, and large public companies like Google, Square/Block, and Walmart. Grant earned a B.A. in Political Science with honors at Yale University and later worked as a Yale admissions officer. After hours, Grant enjoys writing about the Seattle Mariners (lamenting their World Series drought all the while), serving as a Yale Alumni Schools Committee Director, and solving crossword puzzles. He and his wife Phoebe live in Beacon Hill.

Meeting Summary: Overview of AI and Its Impact on Business

Conor Bronsdon explained the history and evolution of AI, including large language models (LLMs).

Grant Bronsdon discussed the impact of AI on hiring and the need for AI strategies in businesses.

The presentation covered the use cases of AI, including software development, writing emails, and travel planning. Connor highlighted the challenges and benefits of AI, including its ability to generate new information and its reliance on training data. AI in Software Engineering and Hiring: Connor and Grant discussed the use of AI in software engineering, including code generation and testing. The presentation covered the impact of AI on hiring, including candidate assessment and digital interviewing. Connor explained the concept of AI agents and their role in automating tasks. The discussion included the importance of evaluating AI answers and the role of human experts in the process.

University Sunrise Rotary Service Foundation Makes Grant Commitments

The Club’s Foundation, in our September 2025 meeting, approved grant requests for the following:

  • Bukebero Health Clinic for $1000. This is a project that seeks matching grant funding and emanates out of the University District Club. It is to add solar power for a new health center in Uganda.
  • Hunger Intervention for $1000. This is a project that seeks matching grant funding and emanates out of the Lake Forest Park Club. The project aims to provid health meals to needy individuals in north Seattle and King County.
  • Makawnapur, Nepal, for $500. This is a project that seeks matching grant funding and emanates out of the Edmonds Club. The project provides tailoring and business training for girls.
  • Twegasha School for $1000. This is a project that seeks matching grant funding and emanates out of the Seattle International District Club. It will add harvesting and filtering of rainwater for cooking, drinking, hygiene, and agriculture in Tanzania. It will also add needed toilets for boys.

Program Summary: Jon Scholes, Downtown Seattle Association, August 28, 2025

Jon Scholes discussed the progress and challenges facing downtown Seattle, emphasizing the growth in residential population and the recovery of the visitor industry post-pandemic. He acknowledged the need for improvements in street safety and the ongoing issue of ground floor vacancies, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic and high operating costs. Scholes expressed a commitment to enhancing the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike.

Jon highlighted issues with local government performance, criticizing the fixation on tax revenue rather than outcomes that benefit businesses and residents. He pointed out that the city is set to collect record amounts of money but questioned whether it is providing adequate value in return. Scholes warned that increasing the B&O tax could drive businesses away, as they have alternatives outside of Seattle.

Jon reported strong visitor numbers to the new downtown waterfront park, indicating a successful local engagement with the space. He acknowledged the challenges of negative perceptions surrounding downtown Seattle and outlined strategies to improve its image, including a campaign aimed at locals to promote new attractions. Scholes emphasized the importance of local support for a thriving downtown.

Jon discussed the current office vacancy rate in downtown Seattle, which stands at over 30%, compared to lower rates in Bellevue. He noted that the decline in office occupancy is due to companies reducing their space and the need for a more appealing business environment to attract tech firms. Scholes also warned that falling office values could lead to increased tax burdens on residents.

Program Summary: “China Update,” Sam Kaplan and Spencer Cohen, August 21, 2025

The discussion focused on the current state of China and its implications for Washington State, led by Sam Kaplan and Spencer Cohen, who provided insights into the economic relationship between the two regions. Spencer emphasized that China is Washington State’s largest trade partner, detailing the economic advantages derived from exports, tourism, and foreign direct investment. He also addressed the challenges in the U.S.-China relationship, particularly the impact of tariffs on trade flows through state ports.

The conversation shifted to China’s manufacturing landscape, with a conference room participant highlighting the country’s efforts to advance its manufacturing capabilities amidst a contracting labor force. It was noted that China’s innovations in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar technology counter the perception that China primarily replicates foreign products. This discussion underscored the complexities of China’s economic evolution and its push for higher value-added manufacturing.

Sam Kaplan outlined several economic challenges facing China, including high youth unemployment and substantial local government debt. He pointed out that while advancements have been made in industrial robotics and supply chain development, significant structural issues remain due to the country’s political economy. A contribution to this discussion linked economic growth to political systems, suggesting that China’s growth could have been even more robust with political liberalization akin to that seen in Taiwan and South Korea.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the housing market’s role in wealth accumulation in China, as discussed by a conference room participant. It was noted that many Chinese households depend on real estate as a primary store of value, raising concerns about excessive leverage in the sector, particularly with companies like Evergrande. Sam also highlighted the U.S. administration’s concerns regarding China, mentioning ineffective tariff policies that have inadvertently benefited China and the decline in international students coming to the U.S. due to new regulations, alongside China’s efforts to attract talent from abroad.

University Sunrise Rotary Club: Trip Plans!

February 3, 2025

Seven of us met Friday afternoon to discuss the planning of a third annual club trip.

We have done a Club trip twice in the last two years and they have been fantastic fun (In fact everyone who has been on past trips is enthusiastic about going again).

Here is what we decided:

  • Destination: The Walla Walla area.
    • We plan to spend time visiting local wineries and breweries in the Walla Walla area.
    • TBD–While we are there, we are considering a one-day side trip to the Lewis Clark Valley (Lewiston, ID/Clarkston, WA area) to investigate the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center.
  • The proposed dates are September 4-7.  Please mark your calendar!
  • Please let us know your interest in participating.  We are investigating getting discount room rates and will likely look for a March 1 commitment from participants to get lower room rates.

The participants in the meeting were Bruce Balick, Steve Barton, Ted Hunter, Scott Jamieson, Mike Madden, Dave Mushen, Pam Mushen, and Tom Ranken.

Possible itinerary:

Day One (Thursday):

Depart Seattle in carpools leaving at 10am. Drive to Walla Walla with stop for lunch.  Arrive by 4 pm to check into the hotel.  Rendezvous for dinner and wine walk/tasting at 6pm. 

Day Two (Friday):

Wineries and breweries in the Walla Walla area.  Possible day trip to Clarkston for a Lewis & Clark tour.  Visit the Discovery Center, the Interpretative Center, the Nez Pierce Historical Museum, and the Confluence Campsite.  Lunch in Lewiston ID (beer available for those 19+!).  Leave Walla Walla at 8 am, return by 6 pm.  Visit a famous winery for a tour and dinner. 

Day 3:(Saturday):

Wine tour to three or four famous wineries in the area, led by Scott Jamieson.  May include a venture across the border to Oregon or into the Palouse. 

Day Four: (Sunday)

Return to Seattle or continue the L& C trail to Astoria or?  (Your own plan.  Could include Goldendale for an observatory visit or drive down Columbia Gorge with a stop in Hood River or myriad possibilities). 

Are you in??

-Tom

-Tom Ranken | 206.890.8387 | tom@usrotary.org