District Assembly, Denain, June 2000

When praising the virtues of a true professional, it is customary within Rotary to turn towards the "4-Way Test".

It is only fitting that the ideas of TRUTH, FAIRNESS, GOODWILL and BENEFICIENCE should come to mind when introducing the accomplishments of a good friend.

What kind of friend are we speaking of?

Indeed we speak of he who will represent Zones 11 and 12 (France, Andorra, Monaco, Italy, Malta, San Marino, and Albania) on the Board of Directors in 2004-2006:

• The board directly participates in the furtherance of the purposes of RI and the extension of its ideas throughout the world,
• and Exercises control and supervision over all officers and controls the affairs and funds of the organization.

• What characterizes Serge is his attachment, from birth, to international matters: Rotarians from Moscow, from St. Petersburg and from Narjan Mar would greet him with a traditional Slavic kiss, and would assert that he is The soul of Rotary's birth in Russia. Let us also not forget his involvement in Africa and the Middle East.
  
  
• Others would say he is "The Pilgrim of Peace": His most recent crowning success was the Presidential Celebration of Intercountry Committees in Antibes Juan-les-Pins on 25 October 2003. This event highlighted how the efforts of ICCs contribute to peace and was attended by 800 Rotarians from 30 countries.
  
  
• Thanks to Serge's dedication and that of his friends, a resolution to promote ICCs was supported and adopted by 82% of the delegates at the Council on Legislation.
  
  
• For many, Serge's great pride in Rotary's prestige is more than evident because today's society offers a number of cultural, charitable and humanitarian opportunities. We must choose those opportunities that we feel the best about.
  
  
• Finally, Rotary Friendship is a driving force within him. He is a true disciple of the Dutch philosopher Erasmus for whom, "friendship is the most desirable of all things, more necessary than either air, fire, or water; so delectable that he that shall take it out of the world had as good put out the sun."
  
  
• Like his wife Geneviève, who works professionally with the mentally disabled, Serge is on the board of "SOS Children's Village" and is President of the North Departmental Committee, and a board member of Ferme du Major, an association that focuses on reintegrating troubled youth. Prior to this, he worked as vice-president of a cultural association and a mutual benefit association.
  
  
• What little free time remains is spent with his 4 grandchildren, two daughters, and enjoying his modern art collection, literature and music.