NSU Athlete Director Marty Miller with Rotarian Jim Kitz
The Program:
Jim Kitz introduced speaker Marty Miller, Norfolk State University Athletics Director.
Miller described his life as a dream from the time he departed his hometown of Danville with a “bat and bag” to attend NSU and play baseball. He was first Spartan to be selected as NCAA College Division All-American in late 1960s. After playing the the pros, he returned to NSU as the baseball coach. Over the past 40 years he became winningest baseball coach in CIAA history and has served NSU in numerous capacities.
He was named athletic director in 2004. Miller has been one of NSU greatest ambassadors. His recruiting skills have attracted and nurtured world class athletes at NSU, including 10 Olympians. Most recently he cited Martha Bissah, international track star; Devin Hemmerich, LA Dodgers; Alex Mauricio, NY Yankees and Brehanna Daniels, NSACAR.
During his tenure there have been numerous upgrades to campus athletic facilities. But Miller is most proud of achievements by NSU student athletes.
Since 2004 their graduation rate has increased from approximately 36% to 67%, which now meets the national average.
From the day he departed the “Big D” on a Greyhound bus bound for the NSU baseball diamond, Miller has “lived a life of no regrets.”
The Meeting
President Pam opened the meeting. Musical accompaniment was provided by Bob Heely and Frank Whitman. Ray Norton offered the invocation.
Visitation Report: Bob Powell’s visitation report indicated that Jane Dembert continues in her recovery from brain cancer, Anthony Mia had hip replacement surgery and Jim Allison has been sidelined by a pulmonary embolism.
Visitors: John Searing announced guests: Julie Keesling introduced her sister, Ruth Claseman, and Kelly Stefanko introduced Brad Smith, Deputy City of Norfolk Auditor. Konner Pritchard was attending as a prospective member.
Gary Boswick announced the 2019-2020 Board of Directors slate: Walt Sobczyk, president 2022-23, Rachel Bellis, Angela Kerns, Jason Drane, Michelle Nettles, Chick Robison, Joey Rothgery and Ed Ware. Nominations from floor are also welcomed. The election will be held on February 5.
Ashley Molinaro described volunteer opportunities to include: January 23, Good Mojo; February 6, Seatack Achievable Dream Academy; and ongoing Jaycox homework club.
We said goodbye to long time member and former president, John Lynn, who is moving to Maryland. John joined the club in August 1981 and was president in 1992-1993.
Pints for Polio, the regional Rotary fundraiser, will be held from 6 to 10 pm, February 23 at O’Connor Brewery.
Fines/Happy Bucks: Bob Ash in for upcoming 50th wedding anniversary, Bob Kuhlo for a recent Guatemala trip, and Linwood Beckner for Bob Latimer’s hot dog day.