By Jaqui O’Donohoe
Since the age of 12, Carol has volunteered at churches, schools and not-for-profit organisations. She really identifies with the energy and friendships that people show when they are “doing the right thing”. So, when she finally settled in Melbourne, joining Rotary was an easy decision, especially as she had grown up in a family where most of the men were Rotarians. She admitted being surprised when, in the 1980s, her Aunt was recognised with a Paul Harris Fellow, as she had not realised that women were able to join Rotary.
Originally from Chicago, Carol moved to Brisbane in 2007, Carol was a lecturer in Business Management at the University of Queensland, and completed a Doctorate in Philosophy. She then transferred to RMIT in 2019.
Carol’s father was Club President at Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Rotary in Illinois, and sponsored her induction into the Rotary Club of Melbourne, the clubs now having developed a close link.
Having settled in Williamstown, Carol really enjoys sailing and plans to introduce this pastime to her two children. She has fallen in love with Melbourne as it is, in her words: “a world-class city with so much to offer.”
Carol is grateful for the way Australia has managed the COVID pandemic through mateship and cooperation, especially when compared to many countries that are suffering heavy infections and death rates.
Keen to contribute to club activities, Carol has a particular interest in the new environmental area of focus for Rotary.
Interestingly, Carol says that when she talks to people about Rotary, they do not think she is old enough to be a Rotarian, which she views as starkly demonstrating Rotary’s image challenges.
“Not everyone has grown up in a culture of service,” Carol said. “Rotary needs to share the service culture, and we need to develop programs where everyone can be involved and active.”