Longtime Rotarian Theresa Trucksis cherishes her education, children and Rotary friendships. Read about her interesting career path and current hobbies here.
Name: Theresa Trucksis
Preferred Nickname: Tess
Years in Rotary: 31
Resident of: Hubbard
Hometown: Hubbard
How long have you lived here? All my life.
What brought you here, or kept you here? I am happy and like it here.
Education: Following graduation from Hubbard High School I attended Youngstown College (now YSU) and completed a bachelor's degree in education. This led to employment as a psychometrist and later as a teacher. Following more than a dozen years devoted primarily to family responsibilities, I returned to school, obtaining a master's degree in library and information science at Kent State University. I had found my true professional calling.
Occupation: Retired director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, 1989 to 1997.
Who is in your family circle? Eight children; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren.
When you are not working, how do you like to spend your time? Reading, playing bridge, flower gardening.
Why did you join Rotary? Upon becoming the PLYMC director, I was expected to join Rotary. PLYMC has had representation in Youngstown Rotary for many years. It is a natural fit that a public institution that exists to serve the needs of the community should be active in an organization that has a similar focus. In Rotary I was connected to a network of business and community leaders and I developed valued friendships.
Which Rotary Project resonates with you and your understanding of our community's needs? Projects involving children.
What does Rotary's motto "Service Above Self" mean to you? The motto reflects in a few words a primary reason for Rotary's existence. The membership is made up primarily of persons who have known success and are now ready to contribute to improving the lot of others. This has manifested itself locally in many projects such as, Operation Warm, the local Boys and Girls Club, YSU scholarships and the renovation of the Wick Park Pavilion to mention a few. It has been an honor to be a long time participating member of such an organization.
What would you be doing on Wednesdays if you didn't attend the weekly luncheon meeting? Reading, playing bridge or gardening..
Which type of Rotary socials do you prefer - black tie affairs or casual attire? Casual attire.
A Rotary tradition is to have sing-alongs during meetings. Would you ever lead us in a song? Yes.
What do you think of Scott Schulick's Rotary pants, and would you wear a pair? Scott's pants are fine. No, I would not.
What's a story of yours that you don't get to tell often enough? You can lose everything you own. You will never lose your education.