The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of listening to our 2021 – 2022 Club President, Steve Buie, at our Tuesday, July 6 meeting, as he provided the Club with a little history about his life, his family, his career path, and his passion for the Rotary Club of Akron.
Steve began his presentation quoting from Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Specifically, Steve quoted the first three habits of “Dependence, Independence, and Interdependence.” In some ways we can look at these three habits as our path to maturation.To put these words in perspective, think of Dependent as relying upon or depending on someone of something. Interdependence is mutually dependent; reliant on one another.
My Story - Dependence:
We all start our story from a place of dependence as we grow into who we are and what we do with our lives.
Steve joined the Akron community on March 17, 1955. He comes from Scottish roots. His grandparents settled in Buie Creek, North Carolina. His father and mother moved to Akron to work in the tire industry. Steve has been a long-time runner. He was captain of the Cross-Country team and holds a record time for running the Cross Country 2-mile event.
Steve’s career has seen some time working at the University of Akron as well as several years in the Northeastern part of Ukraine, where he became fluent in Russian.
Due to health concerns, in 2012 Steve and his family moved back to Akron to care for his parents.
His love for Ukraine did not end with his return to Akron. Steve assisted in the development of an Economic Development program that provided microloans for individuals in Ukraine along with securing medical equipment and supplies for hospitals in Ukraine. Steve estimates that he has assisted over 120 individuals traveling to Ukraine as part of his outreach efforts to partner with individuals in Ukraine to improve their living conditions.
In 2014 Steve had the opportunity to purchase LearningRX. LearningRx is a one-on-one brain training center in Akron that pairs students with their own brain trainers for challenging and fun mental workouts consisting of game-like exercises. For additional information on LearningRX check out their website at www.learningrx.com/akron-bath. Unique to the LearningRx -Akron/Bath Center is a pilot program named “Success4Rkids.”
Success4Rkids is a non-profit formed with the express purpose of working with schools to equip school-age children with necessary strong, foundational, cognitive learning skills.
Success4Rkids is currently conducting a pilot program with the I Promise School to help 10 students become skilled and confident readers.
Our Story – Independence:
As Steve stated during his presentation, we as Rotarians are all unique and bring unique talents and treasures to our Club. One of Steve’s goals for the coming year is to get the Club members to know more about each other as well as the City of Akron. He intends to introduce a new 90 second vignette at each Club meeting about a past Akron Rotarian leader.
THE Story, Akron - Interdependence:
We need to look at our individual impact within Rotary and our sphere of influence. Steve’s vision for the next year centers around three areas:
- Strategic Plan – specifically our Diversity and Inclusion initiative
- Service Projects – Services with a purpose
- Enhance Relationships – Relationships with the Club, Camp, and Foundation
We look forward to a great year with Steve’s leadership!
Terry Dalton
Club Secretary
