RCB Honors 2024-2025 President Bruce Rogers

RCB Past President Billy Smyer toasts 2024-25 RCB President Bruce Rogers

During the June 11th meeting, RCB Past President Gordon Martin recognized President Bruce Rogers for an outstanding year of leadership and service, presenting him with the Past President's pin and reading a poem created with the help of AI. RCB’s oldest living Past President, Billy Smyer, joined in the tribute, mixing a martini for President Rogers and raising his glass for a toast.

President Rogers began the club’s 112th year in the midst of a search for a new Executive Director, but accepted the challenge in stride and welcomed the newly aligned team with unwavering support and openness to new energy and ideas. He maintained a strong club with a renewed emphasis on membership and fellowship, highlighting perspectives with member moment videos and providing lots of opportunities for Rotarians to gather together. He inspired members to give back to the community through service and support of Club and Foundation initiatives. He led meetings with humor, personal anecdotes, and a relaxed nature that put everyone at ease.  

“It is my distinct honor and privilege to congratulate President Bruce Rogers on an exceptional year of leadership and service to the Rotary Club of Birmingham,” said Past President Martin. “Bruce, in honor of your service as president of our Club, we are making a donation to the Rotary Club of Birmingham Foundation’s general fund to support the club’s array of important service-based initiatives. I offer a toast to you and a great Rotary year.” 

The Rotary Club of Birmingham greatly appreciates President Roger’s leadership and dedication to the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.

order in the club: a salute to president bruce
By ChatGPT with Prompting by Gordon G. Martin 

In Birmingham's halls of justice and lore, 
There’s a name that we all can’t help but adore. 
He’s settled disputes with wit and aplomb— 
And still finds the time to stay perfectly calm. 

Bruce Rogers, our guide through this Rotary year, 
With humor and heart, and lots of cheer. 
A lawyer’s lawyer—AV-rated and wise— 
Yet quick with a joke and a glint in his eyes. 

From probate to healthcare, he’s read every clause, 
And still showed up smiling for service with cause. 
When we lost our Exec, there was nary a frown— 
Bruce steadied the ship, not one soul let down. 

He welcomed new faces, embraced every change, 
Gave “Member Moments” a much broader range. 
He hosted with laughter, with stories well-spun, 
And somehow made board meetings almost fun. 

With farm-field weekends and ties to the Bar, 
From BSC boards to law reviews afar— 
He juggles his duties with elegant grace, 
While keeping a twinkle right there on his face. 

You’ve led us with wisdom, but never with fuss— 
A true Rotarian...and one just like us. 
So Bruce, take a bow—your term was first rate! 
(We’d sue to keep you, but we know you mediate.) 

So here’s to your year—a success, start to end— 
You’re our President, leader, and humorous friend. 
Though the gavel will pass and the title will shift, 
Your legacy’s lasting—our spirits you lift.