2.26.26 - Dave Logan - Content Strategist, Logan Media Consulting
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dave Logan – Content Strategist, Logan Media Consulting
Speaker Topic: Launching Satellite Radio
Bio:
Specialist in new product start-ups and turnarounds of underachieving media properties. Able to quickly and clearly define team goals and produce forward motion on complex creative projects. Hands-on nurturing of creative talent through motivational leadership. As a Content Manager with over 30 years of experience in media, with a proven track record of success in developing and executing content marketing strategies that drive traffic, engagement, ratings, and revenue.
Skilled in all aspects of content creation, from ideation to execution. In previous roles, was responsible for developing and executing the company’s content and marketing strategy while working closely with product teams to create engaging and informative content. That included helping users understand and favor our products. Also managed a team of writers and editors and oversaw the production of a wide range of broadcast content, including on-air programming, blog posts, white papers, and social media posts.

3.5.26 - CLUB 77 Hosted by Guiding Light
2026-03-05 16:30 - 18:00 | Guiding Light, 255 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

3.12.26 - Jon Ippel - Executive Director, Amplify GR
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Jon Ippel – Executive Director, Amplify GR
Speaker Topic: What is a Purpose Built Community
Speaker Bio:
A Grand Rapids native, Jon Ippel serves as the Executive Director of Amplify GR. Jon comes to the organization with 15 years of community development experience. Before joining Amplify GR, he worked in local government in the areas of city administration, sustainability, and community development. In those capacities, Jon launched a nationally-recognized and award-winning environmental sustainability program, developed several public-private partnerships that created over 300 affordable housing units, coordinated over $1 billion in City infrastructure projects, and served as the city director for the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Jon feels passionately about the momentum in Grand Rapids and is committed to ensuring more residents in our community benefit from community growth through a holistic approach focusing on education, housing, jobs, entrepreneurship, and community wellbeing.
Jon is proud of the partnerships Amplify GR has formed with neighbors, nonprofits, and local businesses alike. These relationships allow Amplify GR to provide additional resources to both residents and businesses in the community.
Outside of work, Jon enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and two kids.
For more information on Amplify GR and work in the community, visit: https://amplifygr.org/

3.19.26 - Troy Thrash - President & CEO, Kalamazoo Air Zoo
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Troy Thrash – President & CEO, Kalamazoo Air Zoo
Speaker Topic: Kalamazoo Air Zoo Impact on our Region & Inspiring the Next Generation Through Aviation, Space, and STEM
Bio:
Troy Thrash is the President and CEO of the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, one of the nation’s premier aerospace and science museums. Since joining the Air Zoo in 2014, Troy has led significant growth in attendance, educational programming, and community impact, while overseeing major capital projects and nationally recognized exhibits. With a background in nonprofit leadership, aviation education, and strategic development, Troy is passionate about inspiring future generations through aviation, space exploration, and STEM learning. Troy is also a proud Rotarian and a member of the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo.
To learn more about the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, visit: https://www.airzoo.org/

3.26.26 - Carla Moore - CEO, United Methodist Community House (off-site luncheon)
2026-03-26 12:00 - 13:15 | United Methodist Community House, 904 Sheldon Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join us for an off-site luncheon at United Methodist Community House!
Speaker: Carla Moore – CEO, United Methodist Community House
Speaker Topic: Expansion of UMCH’s Space and Resources in 2026
Bio:
Carla Moore serves as CEO of United Methodist Community House in Grand Rapids. In this role, she leads one of the community’s longstanding neighborhood-based nonprofits dedicated to empowering children, youth, and families through education, enrichment, and support services.
With a strong commitment to equity and opportunity, Carla oversees programs that provide early childhood education, after-school support, workforce development, and family assistance — helping neighbors build stability and achieve long-term success. Under her leadership, the organization continues to strengthen partnerships and expand its impact across the southeast side of Grand Rapids.
Carla is passionate about collaborative community work and believes lasting change happens when organizations, businesses, and civic leaders come together in service.

4.2.26 - CLUB 77 - Hosted by Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
2026-04-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 social event hosted by the Grand Rapids Presidential Foundation!
The event will be held at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

4.16.26 - Interact Luncheon
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual Interact luncheon, where our Interact students lead the luncheon, and we celebrate all the exciting things they have done this year!
More about Interact:
A Rotary Interact Club is a service and leadership club for students, typically ages 15–18, sponsored by a local Rotary club. Interact clubs empower students to develop leadership skills, build friendships, and make a positive impact in their school and community through hands-on service projects.
Supported by Rotary International, Interact members learn the value of “Service Above Self” while gaining real-world experience in teamwork, organization, and community engagement.

4.23.26 - STRIVE Luncheon
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual STRIVE luncheon, where we meet all the STRIVE students and mentors, and they share their experiences with our club!
More about STRIVE:
STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) is a Rotary mentoring program designed to support high school seniors in achieving academic and personal success. Sponsored by a local Rotary club, STRIVE pairs students with Rotarian mentors who provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance throughout the school year.
Through goal-setting, consistent check-ins, and recognition of achievement, the program helps students strengthen attendance, improve performance, and build confidence as they prepare for graduation and future career or educational opportunities.

4.30.26 - Steve Tibbe - Grand Rapids Business Broker & Entrepreneur
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Steve Tibbe – Grand Rapids Business Broker & Entrepreneur
Speaker Topic: TBA
Speaker Bio:
Steve Tibbe is a respected business and community leader based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With decades of experience in the manufacturing and automotive industries, Steve has built a career focused on innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth.
Throughout his professional journey, he has been committed not only to business success but also to community engagement and leadership development. Steve is passionate about strengthening West Michigan through collaboration, mentorship, and service.
In his presentation, Steve will share insights from his leadership experience, lessons learned in business growth and innovation, and perspectives on the importance of community involvement in driving long-term impact.

5.7.26 - CLUB 77 @ Grand Rapids Symphony
2026-05-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Grand Rapids Symphony, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

5.14.26 - Skot Welch - Founder & Principal, Global Bridge Builders
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Skot Welch is a nationally recognized speaker, author, entrepreneur, and community advocate based in West Michigan. He is the founder and president of Global Bridgebuilders, an organizational development and inclusion consulting firm that works with businesses and communities to strengthen leadership, engagement, and belonging initiatives.
Welch is also the co-founder and managing partner of the New Community Transformation Fund (NCTF), a venture capital fund focused on supporting entrepreneurs of color and advancing generational wealth opportunities in West Michigan.
A passionate advocate for youth development and storytelling, Welch founded the Mosaic Film Experience in 2012, a nonprofit organization that has introduced thousands of students to careers in digital media, filmmaking, and creative industries.
Known for his engaging and thought-provoking presentations, Welch frequently speaks on leadership, innovation, community building, entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating cultures of belonging. He is also the author of several books, including Unfractured and 101 Ways to Enjoy The Mosaic.

5.28.26 - Club Committee Update
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our Club Committee Update Luncheon!
Our club offers a variety of opportunities to serve, one of which is on committees that keep us engaged and allow us to grow and serve more in the community and beyond.
On May 28th, we will hear from the Membership, Rotary International Foundation, and Club 77 Committees!

6.4.26 - CLUB 77 Hosted by Beacon Hill at Eastgate
2026-06-04 16:30 - 18:00 | Beacon Hill at Eastgate, 1919 Boston St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States

6.11.26 - Lisa Perhamus, Ph.D. - Director, Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse, GVSU
2026-06-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
BIO:
Lisa M. Perhamus was the inaugural Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professor of Civil Discourse at Grand Valley State University and now serves as the inaugural director of the university’s Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse. In addition to her directorship, she is a professor in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies at Grand Valley.
Earning her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in Curriculum Studies, her Masters in Sociology from The New School for Social Research, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from William Smith College with a double major in English and Religious Studies, Lisa’s interdisciplinary background continues to inspire her current civil discourse work. She grounds herself in the idea that every person has a right to be understood, and through her teaching, scholarship, and service, Lisa seeks ways to elevate people’s stories in the face of societal barriers that often silence people.
Whether leading a civil discourse training in the community or facilitating group dialogue in the classroom, Lisa’s storytelling approach to civil discourse aims to foster mutual understanding through humanizing dialogue rather than divisive debate.
Originally from upstate NY, Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends; working in her intergenerational garden; and going on backpacking adventures.

6.18.26 - Michael Perry - Principal, Universal Design Consultant
2026-06-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
BIO:
Mike is a nationally recognized universal design expert helping organizations create inclusive, accessible, and safer environments across the globe. With the goal of bringing positive change to the world, he advocates for eliminating physical and social barriers in the built environment so all individuals can flourish, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
To help organizations reach their diversity and inclusion goals, Mike deploys a human-centered design approach. He works with companies such as Merck & Company, Oracle, Amazon, DHL, Pfizer, Nielsen, TruStage, Nationwide Insurance, MetLife, Bloomberg, T-Mobile, and Siemens Energy. He was instrumental in bringing the Mary Free Bed YMCA to fruition – the first building in the world to receive Universal Design Certification from the Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC).
As a recognized thought leader on the topic of universal design, Mike has presented throughout the world to leaders at the U.S. Access Board in Washington D.C., San Antonio Inclusion Summit, Disability:IN Chicago, Bloomberg Leadership Summit, CoreNet Global, and Zero Project in Vienna, Austria.
Mike co-authored a published research paper for the Disability and Health Journal titled “Participation by Design – Integrating a social ecological approach with universal design,” and authored a chapter for the National Inclusion Project Standards specifically applying universal design thinking to facilities and equipment, so that no child has to sit on the sidelines. In 2018, Mike led the effort to create a proprietary set of universal design assessment tools and strategies receiving registration from the US Copyright office.

6.25.26 - President's "Passing of the Tiller"
2026-06-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids on June 25th for our annual “Passing of the Tiller” Luncheon, a special tradition marking the transition of club leadership.
During this ceremony, outgoing 2025–2026 President Shannon Kolarik will officially pass the presidential tiller to incoming 2026–2027 President Joel Hondorp.
We’ll celebrate the accomplishments of President Shannon’s term and hear her reflections on a successful year. Incoming President Joel Hondorp will also share his vision and goals for the upcoming Rotary year.
This event is a great opportunity to honor our leadership, connect with fellow members, and look ahead to an exciting new chapter for our club.

7.9.26 - President's Message - Joel Hondorp
2026-07-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us as we kick off a new Rotary year and welcome incoming Club President Joel Hondorp. President Joel will share his vision and goals for the year ahead as he leads our club into an exciting new chapter.

7.16.26 - Russ Kavalhuna - President, Western Michigan University
2026-07-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas – Wege Ballroom, 1700 Fulton St E., Michigan, 49506, United States
Speaker: Russ Kavalhuna
Title: President, Western Michigan University
Bio:
President Russ Kavalhuna came to Western to serve as president with a distinguished record of public service, higher education leadership and a results-driven approach to student success.
Reflecting deep commitments to advocacy, accountability and collaboration, President Kavalhuna’s career spans aviation, law and education. A former commercial airline captain, collegiate aviation administrator and federal prosecutor, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to mission-driven leadership. In June 2025, he concluded a seven-year tenure as president of Henry Ford College, where he cultivated public and private partnerships, expanded college access and strengthened mentorship opportunities for students—efforts that underpin his educational leadership record.
Before leading Henry Ford College, WMU President Kavalhuna served as executive director of flight operations at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation, ranked among the top six aviation programs in the world according to Study International.
President Kavalhuna’s leadership vision is rooted in access, purpose and impact—values reflected in how Western empowers students to pursue a holistic, experience-driven education that prepares them for meaningful careers and fulfilled lives.
He takes the reins at Western in a pivotal period—for the University, for the higher education sector, and for the communities colleges and universities serve. Amid ongoing debates about the value of higher education, he is a clear and passionate advocate for its transformative power. As co-chair of the Growing Michigan Together Council’s Higher Education Workgroup, appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, President Kavalhuna helped shape state strategies to expand educational attainment and retain Michigan talent.
Broadly recognized for his thought leadership, he is frequently sought out at both the state and national levels to contribute to policy efforts in higher education and workforce development. In addition to co-chairing a Growing Michigan Together Council Workgroup, he has served governors of both major parties on boards focused on education, labor and aviation. He currently serves on the Michigan Workforce Development Board and the Michigan Aeronautics Commission.
President Kavalhuna’s principled leadership in aviation, law and academia additionally earned him a selection in 2016 by U.S. Presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush into the second class of their Presidential Leadership Scholars program—a program that continues to this day—enhancing his personal and professional leadership through interactions with former presidents, key administration officials, leading academics, and business and civic leaders.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in aviation science from WMU and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School.

7.23.26 - Annual IKUS/Indian Trails Camp Picnic (Offsite-luncheon)
2026-07-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
On Thursday, July 23rd Rotarians and guests will gather at Indian Trails Camp for our annual picnic!
Since 1952, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has partnered with Indian Trails Camp, mentoring for at-risk high school students, reduction of childhood hunger, projects to reduce physical barriers for the disabled, support for the elderly in need, and educational scholarships. The motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self”.

7.30.26 - Doug Lepisto - Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Sleeping Giant Capital
2026-07-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Doug Lepisto – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Sleeping Giant Capital
Bio:
Doug is co-founder and managing partner of Sleeping Giant Capital.
He stewards the firm’s distinctive mission and principles and drives the continued innovation of Sleeping Giant’s pioneering place-based model. Doug leads Sleeping Giant’s investment thesis development and underwriting, investor relations, and university partnerships.
He serves on the boards of Portland Products and ProStamp.
Passionate about life-changing education, Doug is co-founder and director of the Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) program at the Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business.
Prior to founding Sleeping Giant Capital, Doug worked in management consulting with Monitor Deloitte, advising clients on pricing strategy and at Young & Rubicam in strategic planning. He holds a BA from Kalamazoo College, an MA from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.
His research has won multiple awards and has been published in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals, including recognition for the best dissertation in the field of management.
Doug spends his free time mountain biking with his son and cooking for his family. He lives in Kalamazoo with his wife and two children.
