Why I Joined the Rotary Club of Clarkston
By Matthew R. Senter, CPA
When I first learned about the Rotary Club of Clarkston, I was drawn in by one simple but powerful phrase: Service Above Self. As a business owner and resident invested in the well-being of our community, that mission resonated deeply with both my personal values and professional vision.
Joining the Rotary wasn’t just a networking opportunity—it was a commitment. A commitment to building a better Clarkston, to serving alongside neighbors who care, and to applying my skills where they matter most: solving real problems, right here at home.
The Rotary Club’s initiatives—whether it’s supporting local youth through scholarships, books for kids, shoes for kids, assisting families in need, or participating in international service projects—reflect a boots-on-the-ground approach to community building. It’s not about headlines. It’s about heart.
During the 2021–2022 term while I was president, I witnessed the impact our club had under the “Serve to Change Lives” theme. That year’s focus on compassionate leadership and hands-on service inspired me to go from admiring Rotary from the outside to stepping in and becoming a part of that change.
Professionally, I spend my days helping small business owners gain clarity and control over their finances through accounting, tax and consulting. But I believe that true wealth in a community comes from trust, relationships, and shared responsibility. The Rotary Club fosters all of that—and more.
For me, Rotary isn’t just a club. It’s a way to be present, be useful, and be connected. And if we each take that step toward service, together, we build something far greater than any of us could build alone.
