The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown welcomed Rotarians and guests from across Rotary District 7360 to the Bavarian Inn on Saturday, June 27, to celebrate the installation of Sean Murtagh as District Governor for the 2026–27 Rotary year.
The ceremony brought together past district governors, district officers, club presidents, Rotarians, family members, and friends to mark the beginning of a new year of Rotary leadership while recognizing the volunteers who make Rotary’s work possible throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia.
The afternoon began with the Pledge of Allegiance, the recitation of Rotary’s Four-Way Test led by Past President Cara Keys, and an invocation by the Rev. Gethin Wied.
One of the day’s memorable moments followed as eight-year-old Evelyn Keys, daughter of Cara and Greg Keys, delivered a beautiful and confident rendition of the National Anthem. Her poised performance earned enthusiastic applause and set an inspiring tone for the celebration, reflecting the values of patriotism, service, and community that define Rotary.
Serving as master of ceremonies, charter member and Past President Bill Howard reflected on what he recalled as “the magic of Rotary” and the transformative power of Rotary service.
“Rotary doesn’t just change communities,” Howard observed. “It changes the people who choose to serve.”
That sentiment was reflected throughout the ceremony as Past District Governor Dana Orsini administered the oath of office to Sean Murtagh, who accepted the District Governor’s chain of office and officially began his year leading District 7360.
The ceremony also recognized outgoing District Governor Dawn Linn for her outstanding service, as well as the incoming district leadership team, including assistant governors, district officers, committee chairs, and incoming club presidents whose volunteer leadership will support more than 60 Rotary clubs and nearly 2,000 Rotarians throughout the district during the coming year.
A retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain, Murtagh has devoted a lifetime to service. Following more than three decades of military leadership, he continued serving military families as a financial advisor, pursued graduate studies, volunteered with numerous nonprofit organizations, and embraced Rotary with the same passion that defined his military career. Since joining the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown eight years ago, he has served as club president and now becomes one of the club’s own to lead Rotary District 7360.
In his inaugural address, Murtagh challenged Rotarians to embrace Rotary International’s 2026–27 theme, “Create Lasting Change.” He encouraged clubs across the district to honor Rotary’s past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future by strengthening membership, supporting The Rotary Foundation, expanding Rotary’s public image, and continuing to improve lives through service.
Reflecting on the support he received from fellow Rotarians during a difficult year for his family, Murtagh reminded those in attendance that Rotary is far more than a service organization, “we are a family.”
“Our greatest impact is measured by the lives we touch.”
He concluded by encouraging every Rotarian to move forward together—“United for Good”—creating stronger clubs, stronger communities, stronger friendships, and lasting impact.
The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown also expressed its appreciation to the Asam family and the staff of the Bavarian Inn, the club’s home since its charter in 1987, for their decades of hospitality and friendship. The club congratulated the Bavarian Inn on its continued recognition as a AAA Four Diamond property, a distinction that reflects the same commitment to excellence that has made it a gathering place for Rotary fellowship for nearly four decades.
As the ceremony concluded, Howard recognized the district’s newly installed leadership team, reminding those in attendance that Rotary’s success has always depended on volunteers willing to answer a simple question: “How can I help?”
“Today we’ve celebrated a changing of the guard,” Howard said in his closing remarks. “Tomorrow, together, we continue the work of creating lasting change.”
The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown congratulates Governor Sean Murtagh and the entire District 7360 leadership team and wishes them fair winds and following seas as they begin a new year of service above self.
