Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

8.24.23 - Michael Jandernoa
2023-08-24 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Michael Jandernoa – Partner, 42 North Partners
BIO
Mike Jandernoa was CEO of Perrigo Company from 1988 to 2000, Chairman of the Board from 1991 to 2003, and continued to serve on the Board of Directors until 2017. Perrigo is a leading global healthcare supplier that develops, manufactures, and distributes over-the-counter and generic prescription pharmaceuticals.
Mike is a graduate of the University of Michigan and was a CPA, having worked at BDO Seidman for seven years prior to joining Perrigo in 1979. Hired by Perrigo as CFO, Mike was promoted to EVP of Sales and Finance in 1981, appointed President in January 1983, and became CEO in 1988. He was promoted to Chairman of the Board and CEO in November 1991, a position he held until May of 2000. During his career at Perrigo, Mike helped lead two LBOs in 1981 and 1988 and the IPO in 1991.
In addition to his service on Perrigo’s Board of Directors, he also serves on the Board of Directors of Business Leaders for Michigan, Hopen Life Science Ventures, Metabolic Solutions Development Company, the University of Michigan President’s Advisory Group, Grand Valley University Foundation, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and The Heart of West Michigan United Way. Mike is a member of other corporate advisory boards and is a past member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. Mike also serves/chairs numerous religious and community boards and committees as well.
In addition, Mike is the founder of Jandernoa Entrepreneurial Mentoring. He is a co-founder of Bridge Street Capital Partners, lead investor and Board member of Hopen Life Science Fund, and co-founder and Board member of Grand Angels.

8.31.23 - NO LUNCHEON - Labor Day Holiday Observance
2023-08-31 | MI
There will be no Rotary Luncheon on Thursday, August 31 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

9.7.23 - Club 77 hosted by Trinity Health
2023-09-07 16:30 - 18:00 | MI
Come join us for great conversation, drinks, and appetizers at our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Trinity Health!

9.9.23 - WMEAC River Clean Up - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-09-09 09:00 - 11:00 | MI
What: WMEAC Annual River Clean Up
When: Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 – 11:00 am
Where: Wealthy Street Bridge on the corner or Wealthy and Market
Why: General Grand River clean up of trash and debris
Event Contacts: Alex Wilson at alexandra.wilson@ucomgr.org
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-river

9.14.23 - Aron Sousa, MD
2023-09-14 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Aron Sousa, MD, FACP, is the dean of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. His appointment was approved by the MSU Board of Trustees on April 22, 2022, making him the seventh dean of the medical school.
Sousa served as interim dean for the medical school since November 2019 and, prior to that, from June 2015 through September 2016. Dr. Sousa also has held the position of senior associate dean for academic affairs for more than 13 years.
In his previous role as senior associate dean, Sousa was responsible for the medical education programs of the college in its community campuses across Michigan. During that time, he managed the doubling of the college’s class size and converting its two-year, 60 student Grand Rapids campus into a four-year, 350 student campus. He also led the creation of three, two-year clinical campuses in Traverse City, Midland and in Southeast Michigan. Since becoming dean, Sousa has led the establishment of the college’s eighth community campus in Detroit, at Henry Ford Health, in 2022.
The majority of Dr. Sousa’s work is in medical education and curriculum. He led the design of the college’s Shared Discovery Curriculum, which is characterized by robust clinical experiences in each year of medical school, promotion based on progress testing, and content organized by chief complaint rather than organ system or discipline. As the leader of the college’s $30 million expansion in Flint, Dr. Sousa was the PI on the C.S. Mott Foundation grants that led to the expansion of the Flint medical school campus and provided a building that enabled the college to center its public health division and degree program in Flint. In December 2022, the MSU Board of Trustees approved departmental status and announced the university’s first named department, the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health.
Dr. Sousa is a practicing general internist. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He then served as both a resident and chief resident in internal medicine and completed a primary care fellowship at Michigan State University.

9.21.23 - Alan Steinman, PH.D.
2023-09-21 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Dr. Alan D. Steinman is Director, Annis Water Resources Institute and Professor of Water Resources at Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI. His address will cover the current research and activity at the Annis Water Institute.
Dr. Steinman holds a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a Ph.D. in Botany/Aquatic Ecology from Oregon State University, and M.S. in Botany from the University of Rhode Island and B.S. in Botany from the University of Vermont. Alan Steinman has been Director of Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute since 2001. Previously, he was Director of the Lake Okeechobee Restoration Program at the South Florida Water Management District in West Palm Beach, Florida. Steinman has published over 120 scientific articles and book chapters, is on the Editorial Board of two scientific journals, and has been awarded over $50 million in grants for scientific and engineering projects, Steinman’s research interests include nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems, sustainability of water resources, restoration ecology, and algal ecology.

9.23.23 - Ramp Build - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-09-23 08:30 - 13:00 | MI
What: Ramp Build
When: Friday, September 23rd from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Where: 1011 Cooper Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Why: Helping to build a ramp to provide needed accessibility to someone’s home in the community.
Event Contact: Dave Bulkowski (dave.b@dakc.us)
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-ramp2

9.28.23 - Al Vanderberg
2023-09-28 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Al Vanderberg serves as County Administrator/Controller of Kent County, MI since August 2021. Previously Al served as County Administrator of Ottawa County, MI; Deputy County Administrator/Controller of Kent County, MI; City Manager of South Haven, MI; and Assistant City Manager of Greenville, MI. Al earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan and Master of Public Administration Degree from Michigan State University.
Al served as President of the Michigan Municipal Executives and Michigan Association of County Administrative Officials (MACAO), Chair of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (GVMC) Board of Directors, and Chair of the former West Michigan Strategic Alliance. He was appointed by Gov. Snyder to the Michigan Municipal Services Authority Board of Directors and Executive Committee and was appointed by Gov. Snyder and reappointed by Gov. Whitmer to the Michigan Child Lead Exposure Elimination Commission. Al is a member of the MI Department of Civil Rights Council for Government and Education on Equity and Inclusion, the NACo DEI Advisory Group and the National Association of County Administrators Board of Directors.
Al is a member of the adjunct faculty of Grand Valley State University where he teaches in the undergraduate and masters programs. He also writes and speaks frequently on local government management topics and issues.

10.5.23 - Club 77 hosted by Grand Rapids Chamber
2023-10-05 16:30 - 18:00 | MI
Come join us for great conversation, drinks, and appetizers at our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Grand Rapids Chamber and Rotarian Andy Johnston!

10.10.23 - Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-10-10 16:00 - 18:30 | 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://rmhcwm.volunteerhub.com/vv2/lp/rotarygr
Contact:
Larry Milks @ larry@themilks.org
Date:
Tuesday, October 10th @ 4 pm – 6:30 pm
Location:
1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

5 volunteers needed
Cooking and preparing meals
A wonderful time of service, teamwork, and conversation

10.12.23 - Christo Brand
2023-10-12 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us on October 12th for a special presentation by Christo Brand, Manager of Robben Island, South Africa. Brand is a former South African prison guard who was one of several who were responsible for guarding Nelson Mandela. He came to Robben Island, where Mandela was being held, in 1978 when he was 19 years old. In 1982 he was transferred along with Mandela to Pollsmoor Prison. Christo and Mandela developed a close friendship over many years.

BIO:
Christo’s early years were spent on a small farm outside Stanford where his father was the foreman. The farm was called “Goedvertrouw” – a Dutch word meaning “Good trust”. He went to a small school on a nearby farm from the age of 5 years. The nearest bus stop was five miles from his house. One of the farmworkers, a black man called Chocolate, would walk with Christo to the bus stop.
His schoolmates were all white boys – the colored and black kids went to another school. But before and after school these were his friends. They spent their weekends and free time playing together. They knew nothing of the cruel racial boundaries in the country. Life was tough – the family had no luxuries; no electricity. Evenings were spent listening to Christo’s dad playing the violin and Chocolate, the guitar.

At the age of 12, his father developed pneumonia and the family were forced to leave the farm and move to his uncle’s house in Parow Valley. Christo started working on the weekends as a builder. By the age of 17, he had saved enough money to buy an old Ford Cortina – which needed its engine overhauled and gearbox replaced.
Rather than join the army for National Service as was compulsory for every South African white male, Christo decided to join the prison service. After training for a year in Kroonstad, he applied for a post on Robben Island because he wanted to be close to home.
His application was successful and at the age of 19, he was sent to work on Robben Island in 1978. That was when Christo first came across Nelson Mandela who at that time was 60 years old. This was where they formed a relationship which was to become so much more. A close friendship built on trust and mutual respect for each other.
In 1982, Mandela was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison. On 13th March that year, Christo married Estelle. Soon afterward, Christo was transferred to Pollsmoor and was responsible for guarding Mandela for the next 6 years.
Later Mandela was moved to Victor Verster Prison and the talks about his release escalated.
On his release, Mandela organized a job for Christo as an administrative and logistics manager in the Constitutional Assembly. Once the Constitution was adopted, Ahmed Kathrada organized for Christo to start work again on Robben Island – this time as supervisor in the island shop. The wheel had turned full circle and Christo was back where he started his work career. But this time on an island free of prisoners – a place of healing and reconciliation. A place of endless fascination to international tourists, historians, political activists, and anyone with an interest in South Africa’s turbulent past. On 31st July 2018 after 20 years at Robben Island, Christo retired to pursue his story-telling on a full-time basis.

10.19.23 - Christopher R. Becker
2023-10-19 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Christopher R. Becker – Kent County Prosecuting Attorney
BIO:
Chris graduated from Michigan State University with a BA in International Relations in 1992 and from there went on to Valparaiso School of Law and graduated in 1995. Chris was hired directly out of law school into the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office, where he has been employed for 22 years. He has served as Chief Assistant Prosecutor from 2011 to 2016, and was elected Kent County Prosecutor in November of 2016. During his distinguished career for Kent County, Chris has handled over 170 felony jury trials with the prosecutor’s office.
Chris is on the Board of Directors of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County, Grand Rapids Boys and Girls Clubs, Mary Free Bed, YMCA, and the Thornapple Valley Baseball League. Chris was the 2015 winner of the Call to Justice Advocacy Award given by Elder Law of Michigan.

10.26.23 - Quentin L. Messer Jr.
2023-10-26 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
BIO – Questin L. Messer Jr.
CURRENT FOCUS
As MEDC CEO and President and Chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund, Quentin is charged with implementing and executing MEDC’s core mission of business development and attraction, community development, providing access to capital, and enhancing Michigan’s image and brand with a focus on building a solid and equitable economy for all Michiganders. His responsibilities include managing the administration of all programs, funds, personnel, contracts, and other administrative functions of MEDC.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Quentin is a member of Governor Gretchen E. Whitmer’s cabinet and serves on the boards of the American Center for Mobility, Michigan Israel Business Accelerator, International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) and is a member of the Michigan Council on Climate Solutions.
He was named by Financial Times as a member of the 2021 Agenda Diversity 100, Crain’s Detroit Business, 50 Names to Know in Government (2021), Biz New Orleans CEO of the Year (2020), Biz New Orleans Businessperson of the Year (2019), by Consultants Connect as one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers (2020, 2019) and by Ebony Magazine for its Ebony Power 100 as a Power Player (2018).
Immediately prior to joining MEDC, Quentin was President & CEO of the New Orleans Business Alliance which, under his leadership, became one of fewer than 80 accredited economic development organizations worldwide (AEDO). Quentin also previously served as the Assistant Secretary for Louisiana Economic Development, (LED) Louisiana’s Department of Economic Development.
EDUCATION/PERSONAL
Quentin is an alumnus of the Boston Consulting Group and O’Melveny & Myers LLP and a degree recipient from Princeton and Columbia Universities.

11.2.23 - Club 77 hosted by Downtown Market
2023-11-02 16:30 - 18:00 | Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Come join us for great conversation, drinks, and appetizers at our monthly Club 77 event hosted by the Downtown Market!

11.9.23 - Chris Etienne
2023-11-09 12:00 - 13:15 | City Flats Hotel Ballroom, 83 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Chris Etienne – Rotary International Director, Zone 28
Chris Etienne first joined Rotary in 1990 and has been a member of the Rotary Club of Petoskey since 1991. She served as club president in 1997-98. Chris has served Rotary District 6290 in many capacities including Assistant Governor, Membership Chair, District Trainer, Nominating Committee Chair, and Finance Chair. Chris served as District Governor in 2007-2008. She is currently District Rotary Foundation Chair and served on the Great Lakes Multi-District PETS Committee from 2003-2011. Chris was a trainer at the Zone 28-29 Institute in 2008, 2009 and 2010 and served as a Rotary Coordinator for Zone 29. She was assistant training coordinator for the Zone Institute in 2010 and was lead training coordinator for the Zone Institute in 2011 and 2012.
She was chair of the Zone Institute in 2013. Chris served Rotary International as a training leader at the International Assembly in San Diego in 2009 and 2010 and has served as President’s Representative each of the last four years. She also served on the Rotary International Membership Development and Retention Committee in 2011-12 and is served on the 2015 RI Convention Promotion Committee in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Chris is Director of Leasing for the Village at Bay Harbor as well as Community Relations Director for Bay Harbor, a resort development located on the shores of Lake Michigan. She is also Associate Broker for Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty located in Bay Harbor. She has served her community as a board member and volunteer for several organizations including Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Petoskey Rotary Club Charities Inc., Bay Harbor Foundation, Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, Northwest Michigan Industrial Association and Women’s Resource Center. Chris was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder in 2011 to serve on the Michigan Women’s Commission and was appointed vice chair in 2012. Chris received the Athena Award in 2007 and the Emmet Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year award in 2014.
​Chris has been married to Dennis Lindeman since 1995. They are Major Donors of The Rotary Foundation and members of the Bequest Society. They participated in an NID for polio eradication in Uttar Pradesh, India in 2004. They have hosted eight Group Study Exchange Team members. Chris is also the recipient of The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service.

11.14.23 - Dégagé Ministries Dinner Service - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-11-14 17:00 - 18:30 | Degage Ministries, 139 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends!
Dégagé Ministries Dinner Service
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-44870029-dgag
Contact:
Katharina Hausler-Gross @ grosskat@aquinas.edu
Date:
Tuesday, November 14th @ 5 – 6:30 pm
Location:
144 Division Ave S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

5 volunteers needed
Serving dinner
A wonderful time of service, teamwork, and conversation

11.16.23 - Paula Jastifer
2023-11-16 12:00 - 13:15 | The 1530 Events, 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Paula Jastifer – Assessor, City of Grand Rapids
Paula Jastifer is currently the City Assessor for the City of Grand Rapids. She has a Master of Arts in Economics from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University. Paula has worked in the Assessment Administration profession for over thirty years with various communities around the state, including Wayne County and the City of Allen Park. Paula served as President of the Michigan Assessors Association in 2019 and continues to teach and develop curriculum for the association. She has been a Rotarian for twenty years and is past president of the Rotary Clubs of Allen Park and Grand Rapids, and currently serving as Assistant Governor for District 6290. Paula lives in Grandville with her husband Michael.

11.23.23 - NO LUNCHEON
2023-11-23 12:00 - 13:15 | MI
There will be no Rotary luncheon on Thursday, November 23rd in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday!

11.30.23 - Charles Lepper Ph.D.
2023-11-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Charles Lepper Ph.D. – President, Grand Rapids Community College
Dr. Charles W. Lepper began his role as Grand Rapids Community College’s 11th president in January 2023. A creative and innovative leader in higher education, he has more than 25 years of experience at universities and community colleges.
Prior to his role at Grand Rapids Community College, Dr. Lepper served as vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), which serves more than 60,000 students across 10 campuses. During his time there, he developed and implemented the SLCC Promise, which has provided more than $5 million in free tuition since 2016. He co-led SLCC’s Guided Pathways program; re-engineered the college’s admissions, advising, and financial aid processes; and expanded the dual enrollment program.
Additionally, under his leadership, SLCC’s Division of Student Affairs established four food pantries and the Dream Center, which assists undocumented students. He also established SLCC’s Gender and Sexuality Student Resources Center, one of the many reasons the Campus Pride Index recognized the college as the most affordable “LGBTQ+ Friendly College” in the nation in 2021. Prior to his time at SLCC, he served as the vice president for Student Affairs at Tidewater Community College, a multi-campus institution in southeast Virginia serving approximately 45,000 students annually. He has also held leadership positions at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, serving as the statewide assistant vice president for Student Development Services, the statewide director of Faculty Development and Student Life Initiatives, and the system’s institutional liaison to the Higher Learning Commission.
Dr. Lepper has also been active with the National Academic Advising Association, serving as a consultant to two-year institutions around the country. Currently, he serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Community College Association, The Right Place, and West Michigan Works!.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources and Personnel Management from Ball State University; a Master of Education in Secondary, Higher and Adult Education from Grand Valley State University; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, Administration and Foundations from Indiana State University.
He also completed Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management in 2017 and earned a professional development certificate in trauma and resilience from Florida State University in 2021.

12.7.23 - Club 77 hosted by Mathison Architects
2023-12-07 16:30 - 18:00 | TBD
Come join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Mathison Architects and Rotarian Tom Mathison!
Club 77’s are a great opportunity to network and socialize with Rotarians and guests.

12.14.23 - Rick Baker
2023-12-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Rick Baker – President & CEO, Grand Rapids Chamber
Rick Baker is a career Chamber of Commerce professional, accountant, and visionary. His Chamber career began in Minnesota in 1988, where he served as Director of Finance and membership for the Rochester Area Chamber. Rick has also served as President of the Newton Iowa Chamber, home to Maytag Corporation, and President & CEO of the Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities Chamber, home to John Deere, before joining the Grand Rapids Chamber in April 2011.
Rick’s passion for the business community was ignited by growing up in a family with parents who were business owners. He is a graduate of Upper Iowa University and received his U. S. Chamber Institute for Organizational Management certification at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Rick is a Minnesota native and when not working, he enjoys time with his family. He and his partner have two children and four grandchildren. Rick spends his summers on his boat in Saugatuck and loves a small-town diner or a good dive bar.
Fun Facts:

Rick loves a stroll through Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on a beautiful day.
Rick is a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marines captain
Favorite Chamber program: Leadership Grand Rapids

12.21.23 - Holiday Luncheon Celebration
2023-12-21 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Come join us for our annual fun-filled Holiday Luncheon Celebration on December 21st!
The Rotary Band and other entertainment will promise to make this luncheon a blast!

12.28.23 - NO LUNCHEON - Holiday Observation
2023-12-28 | MI
There will be no luncheon on December 28th as we observe the Holidays!

1.4.24 - No Luncheon - New Years Observation
2024-01-04 | MI
There will be no luncheon 1.4.24 in observation of New Year’s Holiday

1.11.24 - Club 77 - President's Post-Holiday Open House
2024-01-11 16:30 - 18:00 | Grand Rapids Community Foundation, 185 Oakes St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Come join us for the annual President’s Open House hosted by President Shaun Shira at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation!

Parking Info and Map Below:

1.18.24 - Club Update - President & Committee Chairs
2024-01-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Come join us for our annual Club Update meeting. President Shaun Shira will present club updates and committee co-chairs will give updates and information on engaging as a Rotarian!

1.25.24 - Pierre van der Westhuizen
2024-01-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Pierre van der Westhuizen – Executive and Artistic Director, The Gilmore Piano Festival
BIO
With performances described as showcasing the “utmost polish,” “impressive control” with a “broad stylistic spectrum” (Beeld, South Africa), South African pianist Pierre van der Westhuizen has established himself as an accomplished and versatile musician, with critically acclaimed performances across South Africa, the USA, and Europe. Pierre graduated from Northwest University (Potchefstroom, South Africa) with a double major in Piano Performance and Composition. Pierre has received several prizes, awards and scholarships, which included the M.C. Rhoode Memorial Performance Prize, and a grant from the National Research Foundation. He made his concerto debut in 1998, performing with the National Chamber Orchestra of South Africa. His performances have been heard on WCLV (Cleveland), WYSU (Youngstown), ClassicFM, and WGTE (Toledo), and he has appeared as guest artist with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra under the direction of maestro Chelsea Tipton, as well as frequent collaborations with violinists Annette-Barbara Vogel and Ioana Galu.
Pierre is also part of the Westhuizen Piano Duo, with his wife Sophié. As duo, they have performed across the U.S. and South Africa, where they also teach master classes. Their performances were heard on WGTE (Toledo), Radiosonder Grense and ClassicFM. They were featured as guest artists at the Volksblad Arts Festival, Grahamstown National Arts Festival, Northwest University (Potchefstroom) and the University of South Africa/UNISA Concert Series in South Africa, as well as the Firelands Concert Series, Lakeside Summer Music Festival, and the Colorado International Piano Academy. They were featured on the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series in Chicago, which was broadcast live on NPR and PBS, and have recorded the complete works for two pianos by Poulenc, which has been released by AMP Recordings. The Westhuizen Duo has also been named international Steinway Artists, and recent highlights include a New York debut at Steinway Hall, as well as being the featured guest artists for concerto and recital performances at Baldwin Wallace University’s Bach Festival.
Pierre also enjoys teaching, and has previously served as guest artist and faculty member at the Colorado International Piano Academy, Cleveland Institute of Music’s Summer Sonata, Chautauqua Institute, and served on the piano faculty of Heidelberg University. Having previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cleveland International Piano Competition, Pierre was recently appointed as the new Director of the Gilmore International Keyboard Festival and Awards in Michigan. Pierre has received honors and recognition for his work as an arts administrator, including an honoree of Crain’s Cleveland “40 under 40” business and community leaders, and was named as one of the Top 30 Industry Influencers by Musical America Worldwide.

1.27.24 - Kids Food Basket - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-01-27 09:00 - 11:00 | 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
