Steve Degenhardt graduated from Kansas State University in 2003 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He began his career at the City of Wichita and spent 21 years in the construction office.
In 2024 Steve became Assistant City Engineer and now has oversight of the development & design work on all public infrastructure projects for the City of Wichita.
Pimnara Ruangprom will join our meeting today and share a bit about the Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE).
NEW MEMBER INDUCTION: Welcome Chloe Graham
INTRODUCING CHLOE GRAHAM!Chloe was inducted to the Rotary Club of West Wichita at the August 18 meeting. Chloe, a Wichita-area native, is a CPA and Tax Supervisor at AGH, where she has worked for five and a half years. She currently specializes in state and local tax matters and occasionally presents on these issues through her involvement with the Kansas Society of CPAs. Chloe graduated summa cum laude from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a minor in Finance. While at Wichita State, she received the Frank A. Neff Memorial Award for Outstanding Senior and participated in Beta Alpha Psi and the Professional Edge program, connecting with local business professionals and serving the community.
Chloe shared that she joined Rotary for the fellowship and the opportunity to give back to the Wichita community through meaningful service. Chloe will join the Community Service Committee. Meliss Hamilton serves as Chloe's sponsor.
Chloe Graham (left) receives her Rotary pin as she's inducted into the club. Membership Chair Colby Reynolds(center) and President Rick Oglesby (right) welcome her.
BOOST GALA BASKETS WITH CASH CONTRIBUTION
CASH DONATIONS FOR SILENT AUCTION GALA BASKETS: Our silent auction baskets are always a highlight at this event and this year’s offerings are shaping up beautifully. To elevate each themed basket, we’re seeking cash contributions that help us add those perfect finishing touches. At today's meeting, if you would like to contribute, please give your cash donation to Mindy Wagner or Misty Jack.
BRING SILENT AUCTION ITEMS BY SEPTEMBER 15: Lots of busy Rotarians are collecting items for the Gala Silent Auction. Please plan to bring those items between now and September 15 so we can put them together and wow the crowd!
Reserve your seat now!
Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Gala presented by Rotary Club of West Wichita
Saturday, October 3, 6 pm, Newman University
Enjoy a fabulous Italian buffet, great silent auction items and some serious live auction items.
Proceeds benefit the charitable works of the club.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS UPDATE
A warm welcome to Shannon Bauer. She will be joining the Board and serving as co-chair for the Community Services Committee.
CLUB INFORMATION
VISITING ROTARIANS:
Tiffany Fisher
Transferring from Downtown Club
GUESTS:
Shari Hand
Guest of Cindy Hand
Rodney Sondergard
Guest of John Oswald
Last meeting on August 18:
Attendance: 70%
Membership: 74 (56 RCWW + 18 Satellite)
Last year:
Attendance: 69%
Membership: 72 (54 RCWW +18 Satellite)
HAPPY BASKET: $40
HOLIDAY RAFFLE:Lori Taylor won $7 in the raffle on August 11. The raffle this week will be worth $6 if the Ace is drawn. Proceeds from the raffle are used to fund our Monthly & Holiday Grocery project so thank you for supporting this effort! (Correction: The August 18 raffle was worth $16).
AUGUST STAR CLASS ATTENDANCE: Mark Hansen, Colby Reynolds, Chloe Graham, Roger Bowles. Next STAR Class is on September 15 at 11:30 a.m. with the topic of “Vocational Service.”
Satellite club members brought several donations for WAAL to last week's meeting. You can donate to the cause too! Please see details below:
WAAL COLLECTION WRAPS UP AUGUST 31st
The Satellite Club is sponsoring a collection drive to support the Wichita Animal Action League (WAAL), which is currently in urgent need of supplies. Requested items include Fancy Feast kitten food, dog or puppy food, bleach, and cotton balls or cotton rounds. Additional pet‑care donations are appreciated. Donations may be delivered through August 31 at the collection site: Edward Jones – 12111 W. Maple St., Suite 113. For those who prefer to donate online, WAAL’s Amazon wish list is available at waalrescue.org, where you can follow the prompts to contribute directly.
