Events

Robert O. Ambrose retired from NASA in 2021 and accepted an endowed chair at Texas A&M, as the J. Mike Walker 66 Chair in Mechanical Engineering, with courtesy appointments in the Aerospace and Electrical Engineering Departments. He serves as the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) Associate Agency Director, TEES Project Office Director for Space, Strategic Advanced Research Unit, TEES Director for Space and Robotics Initiatives, and Texas A&M Space Institute Associate Director.

Dr. Ambrose received his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in Mechanical Engineering and his M.S. and B. S. degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. He has worked as a researcher in academia (UT Austin), as an engineer at an FFRDC (MITRE), and as a project leader at a small startup company (Metrica, Inc), then for over 20 years in government.

With NASA’s Johnson Space Center from 2000-2021, he served as a Project Manager, Branch Chief and later as the Division Chief for the Software, Robotics and Simulation Division. Dr. Ambrose’s Division supported the International Space Station (ISS), software and simulation for the Space X, Boeing and Orion Spacecraft, and the development of exercise equipment, wearable robotics and jetpacks used by astronauts in space. He led the design of futuristic machines like Robonaut, the Chariot rovers, Centaur, Valkyrie, MRV, Resource Prospector / VIPER rovers, and the LTV Rover that are paving the way for space exploration. Dr. Ambrose also served for 7 years at NASA Headquarters as the Principal Technologist for Robotics and Autonomous Systems.

He has built coalitions with dozens of commercial partners, universities and US government agencies. His work as a founding member of the National Robotics Initiative (NRI) with the White House has propelled the U.S. back into the lead for robotics. He has received three NASA medals for Leadership and Technical Achievement, two Government Invention of the Year Awards, and General Motor’s Most Valuable Colleague Award. Dr. Ambrose retired as a member of the federal government’s Senior Executive Service (SES), was elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and currently serves as the IEEE-RAS Vice President for Industrial Activities. He is married to Dr. Catherine Ambrose with homes in Texas and Colorado.

Honoring  Dr. Floyd Boze

Floyd D. Boze Fellows, please wear your pin or medallion!

Every year, a club meeting day close to Floyd's birthday (February 7th) is dedicated to honor the first member of our club to be elected District Governor (1981-82).  

Our beloved PDG Dr. Floyd Boze passed away on February 20th, 2014 at the age of 96.  Floyd was president of the Lubbock Rotary Club, then became a member of Space Center Rotary Club on August 20, 1973.  Floyd was elected Governor of Rotary District 589 (now 5890) in 1984.  Floyd had 63 years of perfect attendance, having made up missed meetings of his home club in more than 20 countries outside the U. S.

Space Center Rotary Club Endowment Foundation

John Watson (Club President 1989-1990) and the Board unanimously supported the idea of a local foundation and resolved to establish the Space Center Rotary Club Endowment Foundation (SCRCEF).  The corporate charter was issued on February 15, 1991 and 501(c)(3) status was granted on April 9, 1993.  

Floyd D. Boze Fellows

The SCRCEF has established a process to recognize each $1000 given to the Foundation.  It is patterned after the Rotary International Foundation‘s Paul Harris Fellow recognition program  The program is termed the Floyd Boze Fellow recognition program. The Program consists of a certificate, a label pin, and a neck medallion. 

I am a computer systems engineer with a master's degree in family science. Since 2018, I have been the founding president of a non-profit organization called "Familia Incluyente A.C." (Inclusive Family Association). As a person with cerebral palsy, I have become deeply aware of the importance of inclusion within families for the empowerment and full development of people with disabilities. I am passionate about my work and strive to contribute to this cause through solidarity and strategic initiatives, which is why I consider myself an advocate for people with disabilities and their families.

HAPPY FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY!

Rotary started with the vision of one man —  Paul Harris

After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. He envisioned a place where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships.

On 23 February 1905, Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting.

“I was sure that there must be many other young men who had come from farms and small villages to establish themselves in Chicago ... Why not bring them together? If others were longing for fellowship as I was, something would come of it.”

Over time, Rotary’s reach and vision gradually extended to humanitarian service. Members have a long track record of addressing challenges in their communities and around the world.

To learn more about  Rotary International click here. 

Space Center Houston Overview and Exhibits

by

William Harris, President & CEO 

Location: Space Center Houston 

Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058

Meeting Place:  Space Center Houston, Board Room, Second Floor. No admittance charge – Go to the counter inside next to turnstyles and tell them you are there for a meeting in the Board Room.  Take the elevator up to the second floor.  The room is next to the elevator.

Parking:  If you have a Space Center Houston membership, your vehicle is covered.  All others, please  go to the desk and get a QR code to scan and enter your car's license plate number. There will be no charge for parking.

Start Time: Our meeting will start at the regular time. Arrive by 11:45 am for the meeting to start promptly at noon.

Lunch:  Box lunches will be provided. Cost $20.00 Contact John Branch if you have dietary restrictions. 

SPACE CENTER HOUSTON HISTORY

Since opening our doors in 1992, we’ve welcomed over 26.6 million guests and continue to inspire nearly 1.3 million visitors annually within our 250,000-square-foot educational complex.

Discover over 400 space artifacts, immersive exhibits, and captivating experiences that celebrate the rich history and exciting future of America’s human space-flight program. Our offerings are designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages, sparking wonder and fueling dreams.

Dr. Ahmed Ali is a board-certified and fellowship-trained general, minimally invasive and bariatric surgeon who earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery internship and residency at Case Western University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Ali then completed his bariatric and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) fellowship at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.From 

"It’s truly a blessing to help others improve their health and quality of life and guide them through unforeseen ailments requiring surgery. The most satisfying accomplishment of what I do is building trusting, long-term relationships with every patient I have the privilege of working with."    Dr. Ahmed Ali

Megan E. Ortiz is a proud sixth-generation Houstonian hailing from Cut 'n Shoot, Texas. As a member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Speakers Committee, Megan proudly tours our local community year-round, sharing how everyone can make Rodeo Houston a part of their story. Speaking on the economic and community impact of this Texas tradition, Megan's speech gives an in-depth look at the history of the show and the role we all play when we support Rodeo Houston. By day, Megan is the Senior Director of External Relations at Axiom Space, an aerospace startup based out of Clear Lake, Texas. 

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Kat Castro Clemons is the Developement Director at Bay Area Turning Point (BATP)  in Webster, Texas, where she leads fundraising and community engagement efforts for the organization’s mission to serve victims of family violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. She has been with BATP since 2019, bringing over a decade of nonprofit and community development experience.

Kat’s career spans both for-profit and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on helping vulnerable populations. She has worked with seniors affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as younger adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her nonprofit experience includes roles at Hope Village, St. James House, and The Cottages, where she coordinated life enrichment programs 

She holds a degree from the New College of California and attended The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston.

National Space Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday of May (May 1, 2026) to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers in the aerospace industry.  Let's celebrate  Space Heritage Day for our Club.  We would like to have each one of our members in the space industry to briefly share why they decided to choose space exploration as a career, what kind of things they have done during their career, and maybe an amusing story.  

CPR/AED Training

Come and join us to learn about CPR and AED skills. You can save lives. 

Reducing Child Sex Trafficking in Metropolitan Houston Global Grant

Please join us to learn from Rhonda Kuykendall, Rotarian from Brazos River Rotary Club and Task Force Director of the Fort Bend Anti-Trafficking Collective and Stan Galanski, Immediate Past President and Anti-Human Trafficking District Chair, who will be making a presentation on the key attributes of GG 2579105, "Reducing Child Sex Trafficking in Metropolitan Houston".  

Rhonda will discuss the level and intensity of the problem in Harris and Ft. Bend Counties, as well as sharing her story as a recovered victim.  

Stan Galanski will explain of what The Rotary Foundation's Global Grant will be doing to address the problem. Mrs. Kristi Hayes, Communications Director with Unbound Now Houston will also be present. She will receive the Global Grant check on behalf of Unbound Now and answer any questions.

After the presentation, we will hold a Q&A session, which will be open to members, the media, and general public. 

If you have any questions regarding the Grant, please contact Stan Galanski. 

Please join us to be inspired by PDG Chris Schneider who will be installing Officers and Board of Directors for Rotary Year 2026-27.

Phil was raised in southeast Houston attending school in the Pasadena Independent School District. Growing up, Phil was very active in Future Farmers of America raising livestock to show in the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo. After graduating from Dobie High School in 1987, Phil attended San Jacinto College majoring in Criminal Justice. In 1990, he accepted a job with the Harris County Sheriff's Office as a civilian jailer. In 1991, Phil graduated from the Sheriff's Academy as a certified peace officer and was assigned to the Detention Bureau. 

He left the Sheriff's Office in 1992 and accepted a job with the Harris County Precinct 8 Constable's Office as a patrol deputy. Over the years, he rose through the ranks at Precinct 8, being promoted to Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. In February 2005, Phil was appointed to the rank of Chief Deputy of Precinct 8 where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the agency. On June 1, 2011, he was appointed Constable by Commissioner's Court before winning the 2012 election decidedly to keep the position. 

"I am proud to have served the citizens of this community for over 35 years, and I want to continue serving as Constable. Giving back to this community, keeping our families safe and protecting our streets are my top priorities. I have always striven to build a strong relationship with both the citizens of this community and with the various other law enforcement agencies in our area. As a result, our department receives calls on a daily basis from citizens who know they can count on Precinct 8 to respond quickly to their needs. It is also common for other law enforcement agencies to call on us when they need assistance. I am proud of these partnerships and without a doubt; we have a solid reputation in this community. I intend to keep it that way".

"I entered this leadership position with somewhat of a unique perspective on what the job requires and what is expected of me. This is certainly not the time for an inexperienced leader who does not understand the complexity of running an agency. I have dedicated my career to serving the citizens of Precinct 8 and I believe in leadership through honesty, integrity, professionalism and fiscal responsibility. These are not just words to me but rather are the principles on which I have built my career."

Fred Flickinger was sworn into office on January 2, 2024. He is serving his first term as the Houston City Council Member for District E and brings his skills and experience as both a business and community leader to create lasting change at City Hall.

Fred believes in focusing on the core responsibilities of city government by making public safety a top priority, enhancing flood mitigation, prioritizing infrastructure improvements, and restoring fiscal responsibility. Public safety is the foundation upon which all other aspects of our community are built. By working together to create a safe and secure District E, we can ensure that our neighborhoods thrive, and our families are able to live, work, and play without fear.

Fred is an owner of Flickinger Machine, a family business which has been in operation since 1978. Prior to managing the family business, he was an executive for a logistics corporation for 27 years. Fred’s business experience enables him to bring real work insights and solutions-oriented approaches to city council.

A strong believer in being civically engaged in his community, Fred recently served as President of the Lake Houston Pachyderm Club and spearheaded their voter education efforts. He currently serves on the Senate District 4 Advisory Board to be a proponent of grassroots initiatives. Fred is also a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Prison Entrepreneurship Program which connects business leaders with incarcerated individuals to instill business acumen and provide mentorship.

A proud Houstonian for over 50 years, Fred has been a part of District E since childhood. He grew up in the Sagemont area, lived in Clear Lake and now resides in Kingwood. Fred credits his involvement in the community and local politics for his belief in wanting to affect change. He is committed to prioritizing communication and transparency with all members of the district.

President Ute's Vision 

President Teri Crawford | Rotary Year Recap

Ann E. Hobing joined the Lone Star Flight Museum in June 2023 and brings nearly 20 years of management experience in government, nonprofit and museums including the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the National WASP WWII Museum at Avenger Field, Galveston Naval Museum and the Galveston Park Board of Trustees. Ann considers herself an avid advocate of military heritage, military veterans, and lifelong learning. 

The Up The Street Club is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to provide a "fresh air" meeting facility for recovery groups to use their daily/weekly meetings.  

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