As I write this message on my final day as District Governor, my heart is filled with gratitude, emotion, and love.
Today is not only the end of a Rotary year. It is the closing of a chapter that began several years ago — a journey of preparation, listening, learning, growing, and serving. I gave this journey my heart and soul, but every step was made possible because of you.
To every Rotarian, Rotaractor, club leader, volunteer, donor, committee member, mentor, and friend, please know how deeply grateful I am. Your encouragement, support, friendship, and belief in service carried me in ways I will never forget.
Our district committees did extraordinary work this year. From youth programs to environmental service, from The Rotary Foundation to PolioPlus, from membership and public image to events, social gatherings, international service, and so much more — you brought our district to life. Much of that work happened quietly, but its impact was felt across our clubs, throughout our communities, and far beyond our borders.
To our 2025–2026 Club Presidents, from my heart, thank you. Your leadership, sacrifice, courage, and love for your clubs helped carry this district forward. You accepted the responsibility of this year with grace and brought “Don’t Miss the Bus” to life.
What began as a theme became something much deeper. It became a reminder that Rotary cannot wait behind closed doors for people to find us. Service asks us to go out, notice who is missing, make room, extend a hand, offer an invitation, and remind someone that they matter.
During this year of Unite for Good, I saw District 5340 answer that call with heart. Members volunteered, built projects, supported youth, served locally, reached beyond our borders, gave to PolioPlus, contributed to The Rotary Foundation, and stood beside one another in moments of celebration, challenge, joy, and sadness.
What I witnessed was more than service.
I witnessed love in action.
Serving as your District Governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The club visits, community projects, youth events, international connections, district gatherings, conversations, laughter, tears, and hugs will stay with me forever. Those moments reminded me that Rotary is not only found in meetings, reports, or events. Rotary is found in people — in the way we care, the way we show up, and the way we choose to make someone else’s life better.
That is why our work matters.
In a world filled with war, hardship, loneliness, division, natural disasters, and uncertainty, Rotary teaches us not to look away. Compassion moves us closer to those who are suffering. Service turns concern into action. Hope becomes real when someone chooses to help.
That is why we became Rotarians.
Not for titles. Not for recognition. Not for applause.
We became Rotarians because somewhere there is a child, a family, a neighbor, a community, or a person we may never meet who needs someone to care. We became Rotarians because service gives us a way to give without conditions, without expectations, and without needing anything in return.
Before I close, I want to share one final request from my heart.
“Don’t Miss the Bus” was always about noticing who is hurting and making sure they are not left behind. Unite for Good reminded us that compassion cannot stop at city lines, district lines, or national borders.
Right now, families in Venezuela are suffering after the recent earthquakes. Watching communities in pain has been incredibly difficult, especially knowing there are Rotarians there who need help. As Rotary continues working toward ways to support those affected, one immediate pathway is ShelterBox USA.
ShelterBox was founded by a Rotarian, and Rotary International has long stood beside ShelterBox in disaster relief efforts. Through ShelterBox, families who have lost so much can receive emergency shelter, essential supplies, and hope when they need it most. For those who feel called to help, you can learn more or donate at: www.shelterboxusa.org.
This is not separate from our message. This is the message.
When people are hurting, Rotary moves toward them. When families are suffering, our hearts make room. When communities feel forgotten, our service reminds them they matter.
That is Don’t Miss the Bus.
That is Unite for Good.
That is Rotary.
I remain here as your friend, your fellow Rotarian, and someone who will always believe in the heart of District 5340. May we continue to serve together, laugh together, support one another, and keep making room for others on this journey. Together, we lived “Don’t Miss the Bus,” answered the call to Unite for Good, and reminded one another that Rotary is not simply what we do. Rotary is who we become when we choose to serve with love.
I remain here as your friend, your fellow Rotarian, and someone who will always believe in the heart of District 5340. May we continue to serve together, laugh together, support one another, and keep making room for others on this journey.
With all my heart, I am grateful for the privilege of serving as your District Governor. Your trust, friendship, service, and love for Rotary will stay with me forever. Together, we lived “Don’t Miss the Bus,” answered the call to Unite for Good, and reminded one another that Rotary is not simply what we do.
Rotary is who we become when we choose to serve with love.
With gratitude, love, and a heart full of Rotary,
Luis R. Carranza
District Governor 2025-2026
A Glimpse of the Governor's Dinner, Banner Exchange, Pinning of Governor Line and the Induction of the 2026-27 Presidents. And one of the Highlights of the Evening - a violin solo!
Award Winners
