This is the ninth in a series of member profiles based on discovery interview questions that were designed to help me fulfill the requirements of the Dublin Worthington Rotary Red Badge Program for new Rotarians and get an up close view of the traits and strengths of some of the members who provide leadership to this organization. Tell us about yourself.  Give us three facts that include information about your family, your career and your pastimes.
I have an international family.  My wife is from Mexico, my daughter is from Mexico but she lives in Germany, my son is in Brazil. I grew up in rural Wisconsin.  My undergraduate degree is from Notre Dame and I went to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin.  I came to The Ohio State University and became the associate dean for International Programs.  I first went to the Dominican Republic in 1979.  I lived in Worthington for 28 years.  My hobbies include exercising, playing golf and playing the guitar.

How long have you belonged to Rotary?  What’s the best thing about membership?
I joined Rotary in 1996.  While I worked at OSU I wanted to make some connections outside campus.  I got to know a little about Rotary when my daughter applied for a Rotary scholarship.  The thing I like best about Rotary is the international service.  I especially like to do the background work.

As you look back on your life and your career, where and when did you have the biggest impact on others?  Who was impacted and how?
I would cite two occasions, first early in my career and second late in my career.  Early on I joined the Peace Corps and became involved in projects in Uganda and the Dominican Republic.  Later, while at OSU I became acquainted with some of the young people I met there.  Some of them came to OSU to study then went back to their countries prepared to do important work. 

As you look back, which of the opportunities you’ve had has been the most fulfilling to you personally?  Why?
I would have to say it would be my experiences and opportunities with OSU.  It enabled my family to get involved with international opportunities.  The experiences extended beyond myself to benefit my family.

Describe the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on.  What was your role?  What was the result?
While in the Peace Corps I saw the lack of money and helped them organize cooperatives.  Savings and Loans brought in resources and targeted rice farmers. The S&Ls began giving loans to the farmers but also had to “help” some middle level autocrats who typically exploited the farmers.  Thankfully the marketing cooperatives were successful.

What are some things you are passionate about?  What really excites you? What gets your adrenalin flowing?  What makes your heart sing?
There’s no doubt it is education and educational opportunities for young people.  Young people today need help to take advantage of these opportunities.  Rotary projects in the Dominican Republic and Mongolia are focused on education.

What are you especially skilled at?  What is something that others often tell you that they think makes you stand out?
I believe I have good people skills and an ability to keep organizations going.  It involves latent tension management and integration (keeping people together.)

When you have a moment to sit back and think (dream) about your future, what do you think about?
Even though I am 78 years old, I look to the future.  I think about work and my family.  My grandchildren are always at the very top of the list.  I am taking a German class at OSU at the encouragement of my grandkids so I can better communicate with them.

If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with, who would it be? Why?
Given my Catholic upbringing, I have always been an admirer of John F. Kennedy.  I read and enjoyed his book, Profiles in Courage.  I think as president he laid out universal ideals.  I’d love to have the chance to talk with him over lunch.


Written By:  Paul Cynkar