GSU grad named Rotarian of the Year

One of GSU's very own was recently honored for trying to make the world a more peaceful place.

Dr. Michael Townsend Sr. of Governors State University was recently named Rotarian of the Year by Rotary District Governor
Patricia Merryweather of Rotary District 6450, the northeastern Illinois district of Rotary Clubs. Rotarian of the Year is the highest
honor a Rotarian can receive. Rotary District 6450 is part of Rotary International, a volunteer organization that is dedicated to
making the world a better place through humanitarian efforts.

Townsend is a member of the Park Forest Rotary Club in Park Forest, IL. He is also a proud alum of GSU, having received his
Master's degree from the university in Human Resources Development. Townsend also serves as a Project Leader for GSU's Metropolitan Institute for Leadership in Education program, where he mentors new school principals. Townsend joined the
Park Forest Rotary Club because he wanted to help others.

"What I liked about Rotary Club is that they serve the community," said Townsend.

Townsend was named Rotarian of the Year for his leadership in the Rotary Club's first-ever Chicagoland Peace Summit. The
summit was held last fall to address the increasing amount of crime and violence on the streets of Chicago. Townsend created an exhibit called "Victory over Violence", which he presented at Rotary District 6450's district meeting. The exhibit, which features quotes from Ghandi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., promotes peace over violence. His exhibit won widespread acclaim from his
fellow Rotarians, and the district chose to use "Victory over Violence" in their campaign against violence.

While Rotary Club was founded with the intention of addressing humanitarian issues overseas, there have been enough problems in the United States that the organization chose to shift some of its attention towards domestic issues. Townsend advocated for his chapter to focus on the violence that has plagued the streets of Chicago.

"I wanted to see what we could do on a local level to create peace," said Townsend. "The violence has got to stop."

Townsend believes that all people need to work together to promote a better, more peaceful world. He also sees GSU as a place where the foundation for peace and respect can be laid. He encourages every GSU student to become an active proponent for peace by standing up to disrespectful behavior on campus.

"Ask yourself every day, what am I doing for the sake of peace?" said Townsend. "Remember the words of Ghandi: 'Be the change you wish to see'. Peace begins within. Understand that (GSU students) need to have more respect for (themselves) and other human beings. GSU is a community, and if we don't keep the community together it is going to run wild."

Not one to rest on his laurels, Townsend and his fellow Rotarians are hard at work on their next humanitarian initiatives. Upcoming events include a coat drive for homeless veterans, as well as the Second Annual Peace Summit.

Membership in Rotary Club is open to anyone who wants to make a difference in the world, and all are welcome to join. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of Rotary Club can reach Townsend at DrTownsend1@gmail.com. GSU students may also reach Townsend via his GSU email, mtownsend2@govst.edu.