UNIMASTERS CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY
AS MISSION VIEJO TOASTMASTERS CLUB
A Who’s Who of Toastmasters International dignitaries headed by Daniel Rex, Toastmasters International executive director, was on hand to help the UniMasters Toastmasters Club of Mission Viejo celebrate its 10th anniversary in mid-November.
Also in attendance were Lauren Kelly, past international director; Bob Hudack, Founder’s District governor; Lyle Wiedeman, Division G governor; Jeanne Cassidy, Area G-4 governor; Colette Gardner, past district governor; and Stephen Hendricks, past division governor.
Founded as a closed or company club at Unisys Corporation in 1998, UniMasters transitioned into an open club in 2006 to bolster declining membership. Today, UniMasters has returned to charter strength and beyond, with a current roster of 24 members.
“A closed club typically lasts only three to five years, so it is gratifying to see UniMasters reach its 10th anniversary as a thriving, growing club,” said Rex, who presented Toastmasters’ 10-year ribbon to Cliff Shimizu, UniMasters president. “Toastmasters is as much about leadership as it is about public speaking, and UniMasters’ success is due to the strong leadership of a dedicated group of core members who went out into the community to expand their numbers.”
Added Shimizu, one of the club’s charter members, “This is an exciting milestone for UniMasters, made all the more meaningful by the attendance at our anniversary party of so many Toastmasters International dignitaries and a number of our charter members. Our club’s success would not have been possible without the support of Unisys over the last 10 years, which allowed us to continue meeting at the company facility even after we became an open club.”
Shimizu said that he and his fellow UniMasters look forward to another 10 years of improving their speaking, listening and leadership skills in the friendly and supportive environment of Toastmasters.
Among the UniMasters membership are residents of Mission Viejo, Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo and other Orange County communities. The club meets at Unisys Corporation, 25725 Jeronimo Road in Mission Viejo from 12
Today, UniMasters has returned to charter strength and beyond, with a current roster of 24 members. The club meets at Unisys Corporation, 25725 Jeronimo Road in Mission Viejo from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Mondays. Visitors are welcome. More information is available at http://unimasters.freetoasthost.us or www.toastmasters.org.
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