Makeover in the Rotary Club: Dr. Kolkmann relies on youth and democracy!

Makeover in the Rotary Club: Dr. Kolkmann relies on youth and democracy!

The Rotary Club of Brandenburg started the new presidential term with a ceremonial change of office. On June 27, 2025, after a successful year, Hans Joachim Krekeler handed over leadership to Dr. Michael Kolkmann. Krekeler can look back on an impressive balance sheet: He initiated 15 funding projects and managed a budget of around 30,000 euros, which was made possible through donations from individuals and companies. His projects particularly focused on the topics of democracy and youth work, which not only benefited the club but also the community. The highlights of last year were the celebration of German Unity Day and a traditional New Year's concert in which the Brandenburg Symphony Orchestra played a central role.

The popularity of the Rotary Club is also reflected in the additional offers such as lecture programs and joint excursions, including to Schwerin and Stettin. Since March 2011, the Rotaract Club, in which young people between the ages of 18 and 30 are active, has enriched the club's activities and is also involved in charitable projects in the region.

New impulses under Kolkmann

Now Dr. Michael Kolkmann, a 53-year-old political scientist from the Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg and living in Brandenburg an der Havel, is responsible for the 2025/26 term of office. Kolkmann brings seven to eight years of experience from the Rotary Club, where he was most recently responsible for media and public relations. He has lived in various cities, including Hanover, Bonn and Berlin, and is a native of the Sauerland. Kolkmann plans to actively shape his term of office under the motto “Strengthening Democracy – Promoting Youth”.

His focus is on supporting projects in the areas of cities, art, culture and music. A major concern is youth exchange, both the exchange of students abroad and the reception of international students in Germany. Unexpected projects will also be planned in the coming year in order to open up new perspectives for the members and the community.

Honors in the club

Another important aspect of the last meeting was the honoring of members with the “Paul Harris Fellow”. This award is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to The Rotary Foundation by donating at least $1,000 or for whom a donation is made on their behalf. This honorable title was awarded to the following members: Holger Siggel, Björn-Sirke Schwarz, Benno Rougk, Martin Scherbarth, Frank Robby Wallis, Stefan Tiemann, Martin Deichsel and Hans Joachim Krekeler.

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition was established in 1957 to recognize significant contributions to the Rotary Foundation and includes a certificate and a lapel pin. Each new member who is named a Paul Harris Fellow adds an impressive individual to the list of outstanding supporters in the service club. Most notably, the first woman to receive this award was Mrs. Adan Vargas in 1953.

Rotary itself has a long tradition that began in 1905 with the founding of the first club in Chicago. Since then, this global network has expanded to over 35,200 clubs in more than 200 countries and has more than 1.2 million members. Since opening to women in 1987, over 200,000 women have joined Rotary, further reinforcing the club's community spirit. The Rotary Foundation, founded in 1917, funds many of the projects implemented by clubs around the world with more than $100 million annually.

Not only in Brandenburg, but also worldwide, Rotary is valued for its willingness to work for society and develop sustainable solutions. The change at the top of the club promises new initiatives and a breath of fresh air in the promotion of community values.