1.27.24 - Kids Food Basket - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-01-27 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Kids Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity in collaboration with STRIVE for our Rotarians and friends!
Kids Food Basket – STRIVE Volunteer Day
Signup Here: Sign Up Link
Contact:
Paula Jastifer or Mary Slafkosky
Date:
Saturday, January 27th @ 9 am – 11 am
Location:
1300 Plymouth Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Details:

10-12 volunteers needed

2.1.24 - Club 77 hosted by Treetops Collective
2024-02-01 16:30 - 18:00 | Treetops Collective, 906 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Come join us for drinks, appetizers, and great conversation at our February Club by hosted by Treetops Collective!

2.3.24 - Village Water Filters - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-02-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Village Water Filters Build, 2064 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends!
Village Water Filter Builds
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-47450162-village
Contact:
Ruthann Schulte or Christine Lindeman
Date:
Saturday, February 3rd @ 10 am – 12 pm
Location:
2064 Division Ave S. Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Details:

15 volunteers needed
Assembling water filters
A wonderful time of service, teamwork, and conversation

2.8.24 - Darien Harris
2024-02-08 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Darien Harris – Assistant Athletic Director, Michigan State University
Darien Harris, who previously spent the past three years working with the football program, was promoted to Assistant AD/NIL & Special Advisor to the Athletic Director in July 2023, providing leadership in oversight and continued evolution of Michigan State Athletics’ award-winning NIL program, EverGreen.
Harris will spearhead the continued evolution of a best-in-class NIL model under the umbrella of the EverGreen program that is a resource for all student-athletes. He will serve as the primary NIL contact for internal and external stakeholders, including student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, corporate partners, collectives and local businesses in accordance with applicable university, state, federal and NCAA guidelines. He will champion strategic partnerships and resources to ensure the best possible NIL support for all of Michigan State’s student-athletes, while continuing the build on the educational support which is already considered the industry standard. Beyond his NIL responsibilities, Harris will serve as Special Advisor to the Athletic Director.
Harris spent more than three seasons on staff with the Spartan football program, serving as Director of Player Relations and Program Advancement, where his wide-ranging duties included NIL education for football. He was a member of MSU’s NIL committee, which developed the EverGreen program, and served as the football liaison to work with Advance (Anomaly Sports Group and TeamAltemus) on financial education. He was instrumental in the partnership between Spartan Athletics and the Michigan State University Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which educated student-athletes on how to sharpen their entrepreneurial mindset, master business basics and learn the process of creating new ventures. Additionally, Harris has served as host for MSU’s two innovative NIL events: the NIL Business Summit and NIL Awards Celebration.
A former captain on the 2015 Big Ten Football Championship team that reached the College Football Playoff, Harris was a four-year letterwinner for the Spartans from 2011-15, starting two seasons at Star (weakside) linebacker. He was voted a co-captain by his teammates in 2015 and was a part of the winningest senior class at MSU with 43 victories. Harris collected 154 tackles, including 13 for losses (28 yards), in 54 career games with 25 starts; the 54 career games played is tied for the most of any Spartan player in a four-year span in Michigan State history.
Harris joined the Spartan football staff in 2020, beginning as the Director of Player Engagement and transitioning to Director of Player Relations and Program Advancement in 2022, with duties including player development, alumni engagement, university outreach, community service, and NIL education to current football student-athletes.
Harris, 30, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2015 and his master’s degree in marketing research in 2019. He has extensive broadcast experience, serving as a frequent contributor on several radio and television shows, including the Big Ten Network. In 2022, he was presented with the Rising Star Award at the 50th Celebration of the Michigan State Communication Arts and Sciences Alumni Awards ceremony.

2.15.24 - Service Above Self - Community Engagement Luncheon
2024-02-15 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Come join us for our annual SASy Community Engagement Luncheon!
Rotarians and guests will work on the following projects during the luncheon to support the non-profits:
1) Encouragement Cards for Wedgwood
2) Kindness Cards for Community Food Club

2.22.24 - Sara Armbruster
2024-02-22 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Sara Armbruster – President & CEO, Steelcase
BIO
Sara Armbruster is the President and CEO of Steelcase Inc., the company trusted by organizations around the world to create inspiring, sustainable, and adaptable workplaces.
Sara became CEO in October 2021 after more than a decade with the company. Throughout her tenure with Steelcase, she has served in executive roles that have spanned strategy, innovation and technology, and business leadership. She is passionate about helping people do their best work by creating places that work better.
Before joining Steelcase, Sara led strategy and business development at Banta Corporation, a global printing and supply chain services company, and she previously worked for McKinsey & Company.
Sara currently serves on the board of directors of Winnebago Industries. She also sits on the boards of several non-profit organizations, and she is a trustee of the Steelcase Foundation. Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in Slavic languages and literatures from Yale University, a master’s degree in international relations from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University, and an MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College.

2.28.24 - Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-02-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends!
Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-47451113-ronald
Contact:
Jim Gilbert
Date:
Wednesday, February 28th @ 4 – 6:00 pm
Location:
1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

6 volunteers needed

2.29.24 - Alex Peric
2024-02-29 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Alex Peric – Chief Operating Officer, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
BIO
Alexander Peric, A.A.E., manages the daily operations of the Airport Authority by directing facilities, engineering and planning, public safety, business, information technology and operations functions. He is charged with being the catalyst for the Authority’s growth in business development, economic development, non-aeronautical revenue and innovation. He ensures that all Airport facilities and operations comply with federal, state and local rules and regulations. Additionally, Alex serves as President and CEO in Tory’s absence. As the integrator of the team, Alex works to hold the Authority accountable and helps each department work harmoniously while executing its high-level plans.
In 2019, Alex was named one of Michigan’s Most Valuable Professionals by Corp! Magazine, a reflection of his steadfast economic development ingenuity and innovative business modeling. In 2013, he was named to the Top 40 under 40 by Airport Business Magazine. Alex has also worked tirelessly to enhance the air service development program at the Ford Airport, which has been well received by airline partners, resulting in significant additions to the Airport’s route map.
Prior to joining the Ford Airport in 2017, Alex was Vice President of Business Development and Properties for the Allegheny County Airport Authority in Pittsburgh. While there, he was responsible for all business-related matters for the airport system, which includes Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, as well as management and development of 9,000 acres of land, 3.5 million square feet of commercial facilities, concessions and innovative revenue strategies. Additionally, he also served in business development and management roles for the cities of Cleveland and Phoenix airport systems and Continental Airlines.
Alex’s diverse background within the aviation industry includes strategic roles in airline relations, business management, real estate, operations, project management, revenue development, negotiations, risk management and data analysis.
Alex earned his bachelor’s degree and pilot license in aviation management with minor in management information systems from Kent State University and master’s degree in labor relations and human resources from Cleveland State University. He is an accredited airport executive with the American Association of Airport Executives and a member of the Airports Council International North America, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Club 77 hosted by Samaritas
2024-03-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Samaritas Child & Family Center, 2080 Union Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
More Info and Flyer Coming Soon!

3.11.24 -Village Water Filters - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-03-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Village Water Filters, 4064 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, 49548, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends!
Village Water Filter
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-48152437-village
Contact:
Ruthann Schulte and Paula Jastifer
Date:
Monday, March 11th @ 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Location:
4064 Division Ave S Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Details:

15 volunteers needed
Assemble and provide water filters, because everyone deserves clean and safe drinking water

3.14.24 - Charles Burke (Off-site Luncheon at Frederik Meijer Gardens)
2024-03-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States
Join us for an off-site luncheon at Frederik Meijer Gardens and a presentation by Charles Burke, President & CEO of FMG!
BIO – Charles Burke – President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Since 2014, Charles served as President and CEO of The War Memorial, a waterfront cultural campus in Grosse Pointe Farms that curates experiences focusing on arts, culture, film, patriotism, community connectivity, and leadership. His work has empowered the total transformation of The War Memorial as a regional impact organization welcoming more than 300,000 patrons with over 3,000 events annually, all while incubating more than 65 nonprofit organizations. The Nationally Registered Historic campus includes the new Fred M. Alger Center (opened in fall 2022), designed by the ROSSETTI architecture team; Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge Park and Gardens, visioned by famed international artist Anilore Banon; WM Community Foundation; Patriot Theater for arts, culture, and film; an Arts and Community Wing inclusive of multiple galleries and classrooms; and an Italian Renaissance-style estate home designed by American architect Charles A. Platt. Charles’ leadership has reimagined an institution now positioned to grow in all aspects of its diversified business lines while redefining the role of a nonprofit institution as a catalyst for a forward-thinking community.
Passionate about providing unfettered accessibility to the arts for all people, Charles spent a significant portion of his career as both an executive and orchestral conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. As Senior Director of Education for the DSO, Charles was responsible for the development of the Pincus Education Center in Midtown Detroit as well as programs such as the African American Fellowship program, a graduate-level training program to radically improve diversity in classical music; the DSO’s Civic Youth Ensembles, one of the largest youth training programs in the United States; and connecting Orchestral musicians with children from all communities and all ages through concerts, classroom interactivity, and technology-based learning. As an Orchestral Conductor and Music Director, Charles led more than 300 performances on the famed Orchestral Hall stage, specialized in working with young people and having the privilege of working with artists such as Leonard Slatkin, Itzhak Perlman, Midori, Emanuel Ax, Michael W. Smith, Marcus Belgrave, Rodney Whitaker, and George Shirley. His artistic leadership included 22 world premieres and commissions; multiple recordings; serving as a robotic computer model for ASIMO the conducting robot; and regularly working as a college instructor, adjudicator, guest conductor, and artistic consultant for organizations throughout the country.
Charles, a graduate of Leadership Detroit XXXV, enjoys several volunteer roles, including Board Director for Jefferson East, Inc., TechTown Detroit, Community Advisory Board for Beaumont Health Grosse Pointe, Editorial Board of the Grosse Pointe News, Executive Producer for Live Inspired Productions, and Michigan Youth Arts Festival. He holds degrees from George Mason University and West Virginia University, executive leadership training at the Harvard Business School and Columbia College, and as a Creative Alliances Fellow and Emerging Non-Profit Leaders Fellow for National Arts Strategies.
A Washington, D.C., metropolitan region native, Charles and his wife moved to Michigan last century to pursue graduate studies at the University of Michigan. Charles began his service-based career as a public school music teacher in Fairfax County, Virginia, earning a nomination for the National Sallie Mae First Class Teaching Award and, later, the International Network of Schools Community Partnership Award for his collaborative work between the DSO and the Detroit School of Arts. He has also been the recipient of the Grosse Pointe/Harper Woods NAACP President’s Award, which recognized his leadership and commitment toward healthy and connected communities. Today, Charles’ wife is an Executive with Mercedes-Benz North America Corporation, and together they are parents to two teenagers/young adults who constantly allow them to amplify patience as one of their top strengths.

3.21.24 - Dr. Mark Hamilton
2024-03-21 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Dr. Mark Hamilton – President, Versa Culture LLC
Presentation Topic: Remote work and its impact on organizational culture
BIO:
Dr. Mark A. Hamilton is President of Versa Culture LLC, a management consulting firm that helps Michigan businesses to solve people-related challenges in the workplace. Dr. Hamilton has spent the past 15 years managing and advising projects valued from $25-$180 million in the United States and overseas. His expertise includes manufacturing culture, workforce development, coaching, leadership development, performance management, and organizational development. He spent 7 years as a successful executive search specialist early in his career, helping companies in manufacturing, materials processing, and technology to attract and retain the best talent. Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Hamilton has a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and a PhD degree from Michigan State University, where he studied Education and International Development Studies. While there, he received a Fulbright Award to study organizational culture abroad, focusing on what makes organizations successful. Dr. Hamilton has won praise from colleagues and project partners for his ability to rapidly form trusting and productive relationships with clients and partners to achieve results. He has successfully supported projects in the United States, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and other countries. He is fluent in both English and French.

3.28.24 - Alejandro Quiroga, M.D.
2024-03-28 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Alejandro Quiroga, M.D., MBA – President, Corewell Health West.
Presentation Topic: Dr. Quiroga will explain how is guides a complex organization that impacts all of us.

BIO:

Ale leads strategy, operations, clinical oversight and financial performance for 10 hospitals, 120 outpatient locations, telehealth, a large continuing and home care enterprise, and a medical group with 2,000+ provider members in West Michigan. He also serves as a member of the system leadership team at Corewell Health™ — formed by the joining together of Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health in 2022.
As a catalyst for transformation, Ale identifies new, value-based models of care that improve health. He is passionate about enabling a culture that prioritizes what is right, humanity and simplicity.

A practicing physician, Ale’s primary specialty is pediatric nephrology. He was previously the senior vice president, chief medical officer, ambulatory care and population health, Corewell Health West. Prior to that, he was vice president, medical affairs for Spectrum Health Medical Group. He also held numerous leadership positions at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital including division chief of pediatric specialties and associate program director for the pediatric residency program after joining Spectrum Health in 2011 as a pediatric nephrologist.

Ale earned his medical degree from Universidad del Rosario – Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario. He completed his residency at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, and his fellowship in pediatric nephrology at Montefiore Children’s Hospital in New York. He earned his executive MBA at Grand Valley State University in Michigan.

3.30.24 -Ramp Build with Home Repair Services - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-03-30 08:30 - 13:00 | TBD
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp!
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-48310360-ramp
Contact: Dave Bulkowski and Andrea Nucci
Date: Saturday, March 30th @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Grand Rapids Area (locations TBA)
Details:

12 volunteers needed
Help build a ramp that provides needed accessibility to someone’s home

4.4.24 - NO LUNCHEON - SPRING BREAK
2024-04-04
There will be no luncheon this week in observance of Spring Break

4.11.24 - Interact Luncheon - Mark Peters - CEO, Butterball Farms
2024-04-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Each year our Interact students coordinate a luncheon and choose the speaker who will present at a luncheon. This year they have chosen the CEO of Butterball Farms Mark Peters!

BIO
Mark Peters is the Chief Executive Officer of Butterball Farms, Inc., which was nationally recognized as one of The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For from 2015 to 2022. The second-generation family business, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is America’s leading producer of culinary butter and margarine and creates custom butter flavors for some of America’s biggest brands.
Peters began as a factory worker in his father’s company at the age of 12: an experience that taught him first-hand about the challenges that frontline workers face. At 30, he took over the company determined to lead a financially successful business that would also enrich the lives of its workers.
In 2003, he organized a pioneering group of CEOs and community leaders to found The Source, a not-for-profit organization that has helped hundreds of workers navigate personal challenges that were interfering with their jobs and delivered an average annual return on investment of 200 percent to its partner organizations. In 2020, Peters published his first book The SOURCE: Using the Power of Collaboration to Stabilize Your Workforce and Impact Your Community highlighting his journey from concept to creation of The Source.
This West Michigan-based model has been replicated in nearly 10 states; and Peters is currently expanding its mission to help frontline workers not only maintain their jobs but progress into better positions within or across partner companies.
Recognized by numerous companies from Ernst & Young to McDonalds, and most recently Vistage, for his leadership, Peters is an engaging speaker and storyteller who has addressed TED-x and other audiences. He lives in Grand Rapids with his daughter and dog and is an avid diver, boater, biker, and skier.

4.13.24 - Indian Trails Camp: Spring Clean Up - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-04-13 09:00 - 12:00 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to clean, fix and paint at our long-time community partner Indian Trails Camp as they prep for another year of service to the community!
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-48152601-indian
Contact: Katharina Häusler-Gross and Ted Vecchio
Date: Saturday, April 13th @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm (lunch to follow)
Location: O-1859 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Details:

20 + volunteers needed
Indian Trails Camp has been a long-time community partner and is also an essential organization to our club. This is a great opportunity to work alongside our STRIVE students and lead by example to show them what it means to be an active member of Rotary and how Service Above Self can impact the community.

4.18.24 - Vonnie Woodrick - Founder, i understand
2024-04-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Vonnie Woodrick – Founder, i understand
Speaker Topic: Mental Illness and helping those who are enduring the same grief that she and her family have experienced, her story is powerful as she will share how we all can overcome the attitudes and stigmas surrounding the topic.
BIO:
After the loss of her husband, Rob, in 2003, Vonnie Woodrick’s life was forever changed, as she was forced to live a life without her loving partner and the father of their three children. Feeling as if no one understood suicide, the effects mental illness can have, and the judgment attached, Vonnie set out to change attitudes and the conversation. These efforts led to the formation of i understand in 2014. One of Vonnie’s first initiatives was to create a petition to change the definition of suicide – updating the stigmatizing definition about intentionally taking one’s life to one about suicide’s role as a terminal side effect of mental illness. Under Vonnie’s leadership, i understand continues to advocate for open conversations, better resources for loss after suicide and a stigma free society.

4.25.24 - STRIVE Luncheon
2024-04-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) student mentorship luncheon. We will celebrate and highlight all the progress and wonderful things the student mentees and mentors have been up to!
ABOUT STRIVE:
Strive is a motivational mentoring program that targets high school junior and senior students who want to improve their educational status and their life prospects. Students are paired with a mentor who is a caring, reliable, positive role model who meets regularly on a one-on-one basis. The goal is to build the student’s self-esteem and reinforce the student’s successes. Mentors also help the student set and achieve educational and personal goals, with grades, attendance, and attitude.

5.2.24 - Club 77 + New Member Recruitment Event @ Grand Rapids Ballet
2024-05-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Grand Rapids Ballet, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Come join us for our monthly Club 77 event at the Grand Rapids Ballet on May 2nd from 5 pm – 6:30 pm!
This will also be one of our New Member Recruitment Events, so bring a friend, colleague, or anyone you think would be interested in joining our club. If you are not a member and have been thinking about learning more about Rotary this is also a great opportunity.

5.7.24 - 2024 Frederick Meijer Service Above Self Award Dinner celebrating Sr. Mary Aquinas Weber
2024-05-07 18:00 - 21:00 | The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas, 2250 E. Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Join us May 7th for the 2024 Frederick Meijer Service Above Self Award Dinner celebrating Sr. Mary Aquinas Weber!
To purchase tickets, use this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/827413485007?aff=oddtdtcreator

5.9.24 - Aaron Nilsson - CIO & CDO, Jets Pizza
2024-05-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Aaron Nilsson – CIO & CDO, Jets Pizza
Speaker Topic: Digital Transformation & Use of A.I. in Labor Shortage and Operations
BIO:
Aaron Nilsson is the CIO of Jets Pizza. Nilsson joined the team in early 2019 to use his skill set to build Jet’s Pizza’s digital presence and improve online experiences for both customers and in-store operations. Under his leadership Jets saw more than a 300% increase in digital sales in his first three years. He has launched some of the most innovative digital products in the category.
Nilsson was previously associated with brands such as Carhartt, Domino’s, and General Motors. Nilsson has 25 years of experience leading, managing, and creating a vision for digital properties, both in-house and for agencies.
“The biggest shift we will see in technology within the next 10 years is going to be found in AI and alternative delivery options,” says Aaron Nilsson, Jet’s America’s new CIO. “I am capitalizing on this to ensure Jet’s customers have a convenient and positive experience with our digital platforms. Since 1978 we’ve had an advantage over competitors by having better pizza, so now I’m working hard to make our technology as good as our pizza”.
Jet’s Pizza, based in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is known for its Detroit-style pizza and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Since its founding in 1978, Jet’s has grown to more than 400 stores in 20 states. The company ranked 13th in Pizza Today’s 2018 list of the top 100 pizza companies in the U.S. by gross sales.

5.14.24 - AYA Youth Collective - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-05-14 15:00 - 17:00 | AYA Youth Collective, 320 State St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Volunteers will learn about A.Y.A. and lend their helping hands through this service project. We will tour the drop-in center, roll up our sleeves, and head outside for spring clean-up in the yards at the center and their neighboring Cherry St. home.
Let the raking, trimming, mulching, and planting begin. Let’s beautify these properties for this deserving organization and the young people they serve!
Volunteers Needed: 10
To Volunteer Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-48714309-ayayouth
Contact: Stacey Woods
Deadline: Friday, May 10th

5.16.24 - Kyle McGregor, PhD - Director of Health Innovations, Spartan Innovations
2024-05-16 12:00 - 13:15 | The 1530 Events, 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Kyle McGregor, PhD – Director of Health Innovations, Spartan Innovations
Speaker Topic: Innovation Strategies for MSU in Grand Rapids
BIO:
Dr. McGregor is a dynamic leader dedicated to bringing innovative technology and cutting-edge ideas to underserved communities. As the Director of Health Innovations at Spartan Innovations, a venture studio and venture capital group affiliated with Michigan State University Research Foundation, he leverages his passion for bridging academia, industry, and healthcare to develop impactful projects that address pressing needs. With a focus on machine learning, natural language processing, and medical devices, Dr. McGregor has helped more than 50 companies develop and implement high-impact products.
Before joining Spartan Innovations, Dr. McGregor held leadership positions at Thomas Jefferson University and NYU Langone Health, where he championed industry-community partnerships to deliver technological innovations to marginalized populations. With a PhD from Indiana University and postdoctoral fellowships in medical informatics and computational social sciences from Yale and Columbia, respectively, Dr. McGregor brings a unique blend of expertise to his work. He also holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge Judge Business School focused on innovation, tech, and venture capital.
Throughout his career, Dr. McGregor has maintained a commitment to the ethical advancement, rigorous testing, and effective implementation of technology for the betterment of marginalized populations. His unwavering dedication to this mission reflects his recognition of the profound responsibility that comes with working in this field. As such, Dr. McGregor endeavors to continue cultivating his skills and knowledge to better serve those in need, recognizing the ever-evolving nature of the challenges facing vulnerable communities.

5.22.24 - Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-05-22 16:00 - 18:00 | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends!
Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-49165642-ronald
Contact:
Jim Gilbert
Date:
Wednesday, May 22nd @ 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Location:
1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

6 volunteers needed

5.23.24 - NO LUNCHEON - Memorial Day Observation
2024-05-23
There will be no luncheon on May 23rd in Observance of Memorial Day

5.30.24 - Steve Wilson - CEO, Blandford Nature Center
2024-05-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, 49504, United States
Join us for an off-site luncheon at Blanford Nature Center on May 30th!
Steve Wilson – CEO, Blandford Nature Center
Speaker Topic: Blandford Nature Center is the only nature center in Kent County and its importance to the environment and West Michigan communities
BIO:
Steve has been with Blandford Nature Center since February 2023. He has an MBA from the University of Michigan and BA in Journalism from Michigan State University. His hobbies include fishing, golf, cooking, and drumming with a garage band. His favorite thing about Blandford is the incredible legacy of founder Mary Jane Dockeray, and how her vision advances our work into the future.

6.1.24 - Ramp Build with Home Repair Services- Volunteer Opportunity
2024-06-01 08:30 - 13:00
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp!
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-49852450-ramp
Contact: Dave Bulkowski and Andrea Nucci
Date: Saturday, June 1 @ 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Grand Rapids Area (location TBA)
Details:

12 volunteers needed
Help build a ramp that provides needed accessibility to someone’s home

6.6.24 - Club 77 @ YMCA Mary Free Bed
2024-06-06 16:30 - 18:00 | Mary Free Bed YMCA, 5500 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Come join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by YMCA Mary Free Bed.
Beverages and appetizers will be served for a night of socializing and connection!

6.13.24 - Jen Schottke - President, West Michigan Construction Institute - Annual Membership Meeting
2024-06-13 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
This meeting will also be our Annual Membership Meeting to elect Club directors (via ballot vote) and conduct other club business.
Jen Schottke – President, West Michigan Construction Institute
Speaker Topic: Updates Coming Soon!
Bio:
Jen Schottke is president of the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI), a leading commercial construction trade school located in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood near downtown Grand Rapids. WMCI serves a diverse student population from high school juniors and seniors to seasoned industry professionals.
Under her leadership, WMCI launched in January 2022 following a successful $6 million capital campaign and will be expanding its facility in 2024 to accommodate new labs and classrooms.
Schottke’s commitment extends beyond the classroom as she actively engages in student outreach, collaborates within the K-12 and higher education systems, and champions the commercial construction sector on a regional scale.
“At the entrance of WMCI, we have a hardhat donor wall thanking the over 150 contractors and individuals who made WMCI possible through their generosity. We were all aligned in the mission of celebrating the value of the trade professional pathway and that made the way for the work we do today,” she said. “In our two short years of operation, we’ve tripled our high school enrollments and received state approval to be a high school Career and Technical Education program, thanks to our partnership with Kent ISD. We’ve tripled our adult craft training enrollments and grew from instructing in two trades to now instructing in five trades and (are) adding more in 2024-2025.”
Schottke is a member of the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority and the workforce development board West Michigan Works!, and serves as treasurer of the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education.
