At a ceremony equal parts tradition, emotion, and Rotary pageantry, Garrett Capobianco of the Scarsdale Rotary Club was officially installed as District Governor for Rotary District 7230 for the 2025-2026 year. The event took place at the elegant Scarsdale Woman’s Club, a fitting venue for a moment both ceremonious and personal.
Though his term officially begins on July 1, Garret Capobianco’s journey to District Governor kicked off two and half years ago. His installation ceremony began with a heartfelt moment: reciting the oath of office, administered not by a random dignitary but by his daughter and fellow Rotarian, Victoria Capobianco. The incoming Governor, visibly moved, called her “the most important person in my life,” setting the tone for an evening filled with warmth and a palpable sense of community.
Following the oath came Rotary’s symbolic handover rituals. Outgoing Governor Syed Alirahi of the Westchester Rotary Club placed the storied District Governor necklace—a weighty chain bearing the engraved names of all past DGs—around the newly-minted Governor’s neck. “It’s like wearing the history of Rotary 7230 around your neck—and maybe a few pounds of stainless steel,” one attendee quipped.
Then came the passing of the ceremonial Rotary gavel inscribed with the words, “The best is yet to come.” It’s more than just a tool for calling meetings to order—it’s a baton in a relay of service and leadership.
The new DG’s remarks, however, were less about pomp and more about purpose. “Membership will be our North Star this year,” he declared, echoing Rotary International’s global focus. “But more than that, I want to ensure that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion remain the bedrock of our district.”
True to Rotary spirit, Garrett Capobianco wasn’t shy about asking for help. “I've asked members across the District to tell me if they want to serve—and 30 have already raised their hands,” he said. “And unless someone’s told me otherwise, the incredible team from DG Syed’s year will continue. Why mess with a good thing?”
In a moment of gratitude and continuity, Garrett thanked outgoing DG Syed Alirahi and the long line of Past District Governors (PDGs) who came before him. And they were present in force, too—offering brief, sage words from the podium. Among the veterans of service were PDG Mahbub Ahmad, PDG George McKinnis, PDG Marty Schulman, and PDG J. Loren Russell. Each welcomed the incoming Governor and praised Syed Alirahi for his dedication, leadership, and diplomacy during his term.
Outgoing DG Syed Alirahi, never one to shy away from humility, lavished praise on his team and pledged unwavering support to the new leadership, which includes incoming DG Garrett, incoming District Governor-Elect (DGE) Maksud, and incoming District Governor-Nominee (DGN) Serkan. “It’s a relay,” he said, “and I’m proud to have passed the baton to Garrett.”
Garrett returned the favor by presenting Syed with the official Past District Governor pin—Rotary’s version of a gold watch—and a bouquet of flowers to First Lady Shazia Alirahi, whose behind-the-scenes support had clearly not gone unnoticed.
Before dinner was served, Syed reciprocated with recognition medals for all PDGs, his District Executive Secretary, Bina Ahmad and incoming members of the so-called “DG Chain,” proving that in Rotary, gratitude is never in short supply.
The evening wrapped up with dinner and fellowship, a tradition perhaps as sacred as the necklace itself. Over clinking glasses and shared laughter, the Rotary District 7230 family toasted to service, leadership—and yes, to the best that is yet to come.