District Governor Mike Gibson addressed the Brookings Rotary Club on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, delivering a warm and candid message centered on the value of personal connection, the shared challenges facing Rotary clubs, and the organization’s far-reaching impact on communities around the world.
Opening with characteristic humor about his long banking career and his modest use of business cards, Gibson quickly turned to what he described as the heart of his service: the relationships Rotary creates. “I love Rotary, and I love the connection that it makes,” he told members. “I love meeting people, especially if they’re involved in service.”
Recalling his own start in Rotary in downtown Sioux Falls in the 1990s, he reflected on founder Paul Harris’s belief that clubs should remain small enough for members to truly know one another — a philosophy that continues to shape his approach to the role.
Gibson spoke frankly about membership challenges that clubs face not only across South Dakota but around the world. He noted that even large districts in Minneapolis, Texas, Kansas, and as far away as India report the same struggles of recruiting, engaging, and retaining members.
He praised the many volunteers who keep the district running, singling out Brookings members for their contributions, including several hours spent reviewing grant work. He also encouraged clubs to prepare incoming leaders through President-Elect Training, emphasizing the importance of building a network of people to call on for guidance.
Gibson highlighted the work of the district’s Youth Exchange Chair, noting strong interest from inbound international students while encouraging clubs to help identify American students willing to study abroad. He also reported that the overall district raised approximately $4,000 to $5,000 more for the Rotary Foundation this past year, reinforcing the district’s generosity and commitment to service.
Looking ahead, Gibson previewed the upcoming district conference, to be held at Crazy Horse Memorial, where he also serves as treasurer of the Crazy Horse Foundation. He invited Rotarians to attend for a behind-the-scenes look at the monument and its young artisans, whom he described as an inspiring example of being “part of something bigger than yourself.”
He announced two featured conference guests:
- Gemma Sisia, founder of the St. Jude’s school in Tanzania, which grew from a handful of students and a few thousand dollars of Rotary seed funding into a four-campus institution serving roughly 2,500 students.
- Muyatwa Sitali, a former Rotary Peace Fellow who now leads major water projects at NATO — work the District Governor called increasingly vital as “water has become the new currency in our world.”
On a personal note, Gibson shared that he and his wife, Vasthi Gibson, a longtime educator and Rotarian, have adopted a Maasai student through their connection with St. Jude’s, illustrating how education can transform a young person’s opportunities and future.
Responding to member questions, Gibson acknowledged that Rotary is an aging organization but pointed to encouraging signs of renewal — including younger clubs and expansion efforts often led by young professionals drawn primarily to hands-on service projects. He encouraged members to invite friends and family to join in service activities as a natural pathway to engagement.