10.8.20 - Phil Catlett
2020-10-08 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | ZOOM, MI, United States
Phil Catlett is the President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Western Michigan.
The BBB has served West Michigan for 83 years, covering 38 counties from the Indiana border to the Mackinac Bridge, including Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City.
BBB builds trust in West Michigan businesses and non-profit organizations. The team of 29 employees and some volunteers help consumers and businesses with dispute resolution, consumer education, business and non-profit reporting at bbb.org, and much more.
BBB’s Foundation provides consumer, student, business, and non-profit education programs, and its Charity Review Program provides transparency for donors of area charities.
Prior to BBB, Phil spent a majority of his career as Vice-President and General Manager of local radio stations including WLHT, WGRD, and The River. Phil’s community involvement has included leadership positions with many non-profit service organizations, including the Salvation Army, Walker Charter Academy, the YMCA, Rotary, Central Michigan University, and Shawnee Park Christian Reformed Church.

Phil and his wife Caroll live in Plainfield Township, and are fortunate enough to have their two children and their spouses and five grandchildren living nearby.

10.15.20 - Mike Jandernoa
2020-10-15 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Mike Jandernoa was CEO of Perrigo Company from 1988 to 2000, Chairman of the Board from 1991 to 2003, and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. Perrigo is a leading global healthcare supplier that develops, manufactures, and distributes over-the-counter (OTC) and generic prescription (Rx) 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 LBO’s 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 (BLM), the Van Andel Institute, Hopen Life Science Fund, Metabolic Solutions Development Company (MSDC), the University of Michigan President’s Advisory Board, Grand Valley University Foundation, and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. Mike is a member of other corporate advisory boards and is a past member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. Mike also serves/chairs on 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 of Grand Angels. Mike is the founder and Chairman of 42 North Partners, a family office focusing on investments, entrepreneurship, and community.

10.22.20 - Christina Keller
2020-10-22 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Christina Keller is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Cascade Engineering Family of Companies and a member of the board of directors. She assumed this position on September 1, 2018. Cascade Engineering is a family owned private business founded by her father, Fred Keller in 1973. As President and Chief Executive Officer for the Family of Companies, Christina is responsible for ensuring that Cascade Engineering continues its dedication to the community, accomplishes its purpose of being a Triple Bottom Line company and develops and executes Cascade’s strategic direction.
Most recently Christina served as President for the Cascade Business Team (CBT) from 2016 – 2018, overseeing five of Cascade’s nine businesses. These businesses included; Automotive Americas, Cascade Cart Solutions, Innovative Plastic Technologies, Noble Polymers and Decade Products. Christina also led the strategic integration of all Cascade Engineering’s North American operations, creating an alignment through best practices and standardized work to maximize operational, financial and human resources.
In 2013, Christina was named President of CK Technologies (CKT). CKT is the largest CE business unit headquartered in Montpelier, OH, with additional facilities in Mount Airy, NC, Brownsville and Grand Prairie, Texas. CKT manufactures large plastic exterior body components for large trucks. Parts include bumper systems, grills, chassis and roof fairings used on class 8 tractors. CKT offers over 10,000 colors with parts painted in-line sequence. Christina was also selected to participate as a member of Navistar’s supplier council. During her tenure CKT recorded two consecutive years of record revenue.
Christina has held a number of leadership positions of increasing responsibility since joining Cascade in 2009. From 2010 – 2013 she was the business unit leader for Triple Quest, which produced and distributed the HydraidÒ filter. A simple, low-tech bio-sand water filter that requires no maintenance – as a reliable means to deliver clean water. Over 75,000 HydraidÒ filters were distributed to 46 countries before the business was acquired by Native Energy in 2015. CE still manufactures the filter housing for Native Energy.
Previous to joining Cascade Engineering, Keller lived in New York, NY employed as a manager at Polaris Management Partners. Christina received her MBA from the SC Johnson College of Business in 2007 and also holds a BA from Boston College. She has accreditation in Economics from American University and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Villanova University.
Christina is a member of the board of directors for Independent Bank (IBCP). Serves on the board of trustees and is the former chair at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Keller is a member of the Grand Angels investment group as well as being active in the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and the Family Business Alliance (FBA). Christina was recognized in Plastics News as a “Rising Star” and the Grand Rapids Business Journal has twice named her as a “40 under 40” business leader to watch. Christina resides in Ada, Michigan with her husband Andy and their two children Aspen and Jackson.

10.29.20 - Sara Lowe
2020-10-29 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Sara provides mission based, collaborative leadership to Emmanuel Hospice in her role as Executive Director of Emmanuel Hospice. She has over fifteen years of health care experience working in both Hospice and Long-Term Care. Sara has served patients in a variety of settings, as well as provided leadership and education regarding end-of-life issues to healthcare staff and the community. In addition, she has collaborated with community organizations on initiatives to improve the quality of healthcare across the continuum in our community.
Sara serves on the Making Choices Michigan Steering Committee, is the Co-Chair of the Michigan Home Care and Hospice Public Policy Committee, a member of the Interfaith Service Council of the Kaufmann Interfaith Institute, President of the Northview Community Swim Team and has previously served as a Board Member of HIV/AIDS Services (Now the Red Project).
Sara earned her BSW and MSW from Grand Valley State University where she served as President of the BSW Student Organization and studied abroad in Durban South Africa at University of Natal completing a service learning project at an HIV/AIDS clinic.
Sara has called West Michigan home for her entire life growing up in Zeeland Michigan where she lived with her parents Mike and Kathy Torrey and her sister Kristin Torrey.
She currently lives in Northeast Grand Rapids with her husband Elliott (married 14 years) and their two children, Avery (10) and Hudson (8). As a family they are active in the Northview Community and in their faith community of Trinity United Methodist Church.

11.5.20 - Club 77 a virtual ZOOM meeting
2020-11-05 16:00 - 17:30 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Due to the uptick in COVID-19, our Club 77 originally scheduled to be held at West Michigan Community Bank and been postponed.
“Grab your favorite beverage and join fellow Rotarians for casual conversation on Zoom. After brief club announcements, Rotarians will be placed in 10-minute breakout rooms for conversation on a variety of topics. A repeat of the well-attended June Club 77, this format provides an opportunity to hear how other Rotarians have shifted their work and personal lives during these unprecedented times.”

11.12.20 - Kelly Springer
2020-11-12 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Kelly Springer Bio
Kelly Springer serves as Metal Flow Corporation’s President and Chief Executive Officer. She has served in this role since 2017. Metal Flow Corporation is a manufacturer of technically sophisticated custom metal components primarily to the global automotive industry. Her role oversees all operations at both their Holland, Michigan and Wuxi, China facilities. Kelly joined Metal Flow in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer after spending 22 years in public accounting serving manufacturing clients.
Kelly has made significant contributions to the community through her involvement in a variety of organizations including her current roles as a member of the Michigan West Coast Chamber Board of Directors, as a member of the Michigan Women Forward Advisory Council, and as the Executive Champion for Inforum’s Manufacturing NEXT group. She was recognized in 2017 as the recipient of the Lakeshore Athena Leadership Award.
Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University where she remains active in alumni activities supporting the Eli Broad College of Business.

11.19.20 - Dr. Hyung Kim
2020-11-19 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States

11.26.20 - No Luncheon - Thanksgiving
2020-11-26 08:00 - 17:00 | MI

12.03.20 - Club 77 - Tim Gleisner, along with a game of Trivia
2020-12-03 16:00 - 17:30 | MI
I am the Head of Collections at the Library of Michigan. In this role I am in charge of all of the Collections of the State Library, including the Law, Government Documents, Michigan and Rare Book Collections. I am also in head of all programming and much of the outreach of the library. This includes programs such as Michigan Notable Books, an annual list of the top 20 books produced by Michigan authors, or books on Michigan subjects. What is amazing about my current job is I get to travel the state to libraries of all types and sizes. And while out in the field I collect the stories and history of Michigan
Previous to the Library of Michigan I was the Head of Special Collections at the Grand Rapids Public Library, and Head of Local History and Genealogy at the Herrick District Library in Holland, Michigan. In both roles I collected and preserved the history of the West Michigan region. During this time I have learned everything anyone could ever want to know about the Dutch in America. Grand Rapids and Holland are the home of the largest Dutch enclave in North America.
I am a native of Wisconsin and have lived and roamed around Lake Michigan most of my life. Much of my compiling of library history centers in the Upper Midwest and the influence libraries have had in this part of the world. I love history of all types and read any history I can get my hands on. I also love cities. I am constantly in Chicago, Detroit or New York any chance I can get.

12.10.20 - K R (Ravi) Ravindran
2020-12-10 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
To attend this event please register at via the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rotary-zoom-meeting-featuring-ravi-ravindran-tickets-129532309625
K.R. Ravindran
Chair 2020-21
Trustee 2017-21
Rotary Club of Colombo
Western Province, Sri Lanka
K.R. “Ravi” Ravindran is a third-generation Rotarian, joining Rotary at age 21. As RI president in 2015-16, he introduced the Rotary Global Rewards program and led a delegation of about 9,000 Rotarians to the Vatican for an audience with Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square.
Ravindran was the first president of the Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics Association, which today is the leading agency fighting drug addiction in Sri Lanka. He headed a national committee consisting of Rotary, his country’s health ministry, and UNICEF for the eradication of polio, and worked closely with UNICEF to negotiate a cease-fire in the ongoing civil war with the northern militants to facilitate National Immunization Days. Sri Lanka became the first country in South Asia to become polio-free. He also headed a Rotary project to build 25 modern schools across the country to replace those destroyed by the 2004 tsunami at a cost of over $12 million.
Ravindran is the CEO and founder of a publicly listed company engaged in the print and packaging industry with worldwide clientele. His company, Printcare PLC, is a winner of national and international awards of excellence. He is the recipient of The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service, Distinguished Service Award, and Service Award for a Polio-Free World. His country conferred on him the title of “Jewel of Sri Lanka” and released a postage stamp in his honor.

12.17.20 - Holiday Luncheon
2020-12-17 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
More info to come.

12.24.20 - No Luncheon - Christmas Eve
2020-12-24 12:00 - 13:30 | MI
12.24.20

12.31.20 - No Luncheon - New Year's Eve Holiday
2020-12-31 12:00 - 13:15 | MI

1.7.21 - Club 77 hosted by West Michigan Community Bank and Derek Aten
2021-01-07 16:00 - 17:30 | MI
Join us for this fun networking ZOOM event hosted by our own Derek Aten and West Michigan Community Bank and learn a little bit too.
Derek will be introducing West Michigan Community Bank to our membership, along with a special presentation from Jay Smith, who owns a local business, Michigan Moonshine.
Jay and Michigan Moonshine provided a special holiday cocktail for this event.
Please feel free to reach out to the Rotary office for the ZOOM link and password at rotary@grrotary.org
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

1.14.21 - Ana Ramirez-Saenz
2021-01-14 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Founder and CEO of La Fuente Consulting, an organizational development consultancy, is on a MISSION: to bridge cultures and simplify communication in the workplace, in community and personal spaces. She guides executives through the cultural transformation process to develop inclusive, equitable and welcoming work environments. Ana believes that this can only be achieved through fostering an open, positive and respectful culture were all are accepted, valued and able to contribute to their full potential.
She is considered a thought leader with hands on practical experience in the field of organizational development, in particular diversity, inclusion, cultural intelligence. She has over 15 years experience in working with c-suite leadership of fortune 500 companies as a management consultant, strategist, executive coach, learning and development professional and cross-cultural communicator.
Ana is a …
• Is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and College of Literature Science & Arts (MBA Corporate Finance, 1985); BA Spanish and Linguistics/Literature, 1981); studied at the Ibero-Amerciana University, Mexico City, Mexico.
• Is bilingual/bicultural, fluent in Spanish and English.
• Is a featured speaker on the topics of: Diversity, Inclusion, Cultural Intelligence, Cross Cultural Communication, Leading Through Effective Communication, Cultural Competence in Healthcare, Role of Culture and Language in global companies and other business topics.
• Is a Ferris State University Trustee and Board Vice Chair; a Grand Rapids Community Foundation Board Member
• Most recent accolades include: 2020 Athena Leadership Award finalist, 2017 Hispanic Business Person of the Year; 2016 Most Influential Women in West Michigan Honoree; 2016 Alas Latina Women Owned Business of the Year
• Is a member of the Society of Human Resources, ITAP International, American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), American Translators Association, Interpreters/Translators Association (ATA) various Chamber of Commerce organizations and serves on several non-profit board and committees.
Ana has provided and facilitated across industries (healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial and manufacturing, retail, technology and education) comprehensive development programs for thousands of participants from the shop floor to the board room across North America.

1.21.21 - Birgit Klohs
2021-01-21 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Birgit Klohs is President & CEO of The Right Place, Inc., a position she has held since 1987. The Right Place, Inc. is the regional economic development organization in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Under her 33 years of leadership, The Right Place has created over 47,000 new and retained jobs and spurred over $4.7 billion in new investment. She is a leading economic development strategist, collaborating with local, State and national organizations on critical issues related to economic development.
A native of Germany, and a leading authority in international business and economic development, Klohs also leads the Right Place’s international business development strategy. She conducts numerous foreign direct investment missions to Europe, Asia and the Middle East each year, both independently and in collaboration with the State of Michigan and the Governor’s office. She is a frequent speaker on national and international economic development issues, having addressed audiences in France, England, Germany, Sweden, China, Australia and Israel.
She is involved in many local and state-wide boards because she is a strong believer that a community’s quality of life is as important as its quality of commerce. In 2014 she was appointed by Governor Snyder to serve on the International Crossing Authority, a joint authority between the State of Michigan and the Country of Canada for the construction of the North American International Trade Crossing (Gordie Howe Bridge).
Klohs’ economic development career began as an industrial consultant with the Berrien County Economic Development Corporation of Berrien County, Michigan. She later served with the Michigan Department of Commerce and then Grand Valley State University, where she was Assistant Director of the Office of Economic Development. Prior to her position with GVSU, she was affiliated with Prince Corporation.
She is a graduate of Western Michigan University, as well as a graduate of the Economic Development Institute; and completed the economic development finance program through the National Development Council. She also attended Harvard executive management programs, and has received an honorary doctorate of business from Davenport University.
She is the recipient of numerous awards, including
Business Person of the Year – Economic Club of Grand Rapids
E&Y Finalist – Entrepreneur of the Year
50 Most Successful Non Profit Executives
Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame
Peter C. Cook Excellence in Business Award from Davenport University
Jeffrey A Finkle Award for Organizational Excellence – IEDC
Crain’s 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan
Life Time Achievement Award for Best Managed Non-Profit
50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan
The Athena Award – Grand Rapids Chamber
Leadership Grand Rapids Distinguished Community Trustee
Junior Achievement West Michigan Hall of Fame
Newsmaker of the Year
She is married to her husband Greg Northrup and they reside in Grand Rapids with their cats Max and Moritz. She enjoys gourmet cooking, gardening, historical reading and traveling.
Professional and Volunteer Activities
Current
International Crossing Authority Kent County/Grand Rapids Convention
Gerald R. Ford Airport Authority Board Arena Authority
Macatawa Bank Board of Directors Michigan-Israel Business Accelerator
ADAC Automotive Board of Directors Michigan Workforce Development Board
Priority Health Board of Directors Grand Rapids Chamber Board of Directors
New Community Transformation Fund

Past Board Memberships
Spectrum Health Systems
Local Development Finance Authority (SmartZone), Past Chair
Western Michigan University Board of Trustees, Past Chair
Michigan Economic Development Corporation

1.28.21 - Rotary Club of Stockholm International, Sweden - RSVP
2021-01-21 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
This will be a fun interactive joint meeting with the Rotary Club of Sweden International and it’s members.
This will held via ZOOM and the ZOOM is provided in the Eventbrite RSVP link below.
Please RSVP for this joint meeting through the following Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/136424016907

2.4.21 - Club 77 - It's Super Bowl Time
2021-02-04 16:00 - 17:30 | MI
Your Club 77 Committee is hosting a Super Bowl celebration for this fun Club 77.
You are encouraged to wear your favorite team gear.
There will be a couple of Super Bowl questions around your favorite Super Bowl pastimes – snacks, halftime shows, etc. discussed during groups breakout sessions.
What would a Super Bowl celebration be without a beverage and squares?
To this end, a six pack of Founders beer will be provided to our Rotarians. You will need to RSVP for a 6-pack and be prepared to pick it up from 4:00-5:30pm, Tuesday, Feb.2nd at Custer, 217 Granville Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI. There may even be a game of cornhole available to participate in during pickup. Please plan to social distance and wear a mask.
Every Rotarian in attendance at the Club 77 event on Thursday, Feb.4th from 4:00-5:30pm, will have their name assigned to a square for the Super Bowl game and the winners of each quarter will receive a $50 Founders gift card. You will be sent a copy of the “Squares” so that you can follow along during the game.
Please plan on joining in on the fun.

2.11.21 - Dr. Leadriane Roby
2021-02-11 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Dr. Leadriane Roby was appointed superintendent of Grand Rapids Public Schools in February 2020.
Leadriane (pronounced Lee-dree-in) is an experienced and reflective educator with a 26-year history in public education. She began her career as an elementary classroom teacher, advancing to other roles including instructional leader, mentor, elementary and secondary principal and district leader in school districts in Michigan and Minnesota.
From school performance turnarounds to new strategic planning practices to promoting safe and respectful learning environments, while embracing 21st-century approaches with data-driven decision-making and more, Leadriane’s innovative leadership has impacted classrooms, communities, and cultures in urban and suburban districts alike. She has led school performance turnarounds, new strategic planning practices, and the promotion of safe and respectful learning environments – all while embracing 21st-century approaches. Dr. Roby ensures thorough and thoughtful decision-making by using many data points and engaging all voices.
Dr. Roby has always been determined to make a difference in the lives of students. She continues to be a strong advocate for educational equity, access and excellence for all learners. To this end, she has facilitated various groups, helping to create a roadmap to transform preK-12 education systems where all students benefit.
Dr. Roby earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s degree in Education Administration from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Research, and Technology from Western Michigan University. Dr. Roby’s research focused on the teacher mentoring experience. She deeply believes that teacher preparation and support shapes the academic experiences of students. She believes all students should receive the benefit of having caring, strong and engaged teachers who believe in them.
The mother of three adult children and a first-time grandmother, Dr. Roby and her husband, Steven are excited to be joining the Grand Rapids Community and calling Michigan home once again.

2.18.21 - SASy hosted by Community Engagement
2021-02-18 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Please join us at our 2021 SASy luncheon where we will provide insight and information into opportunities for “Future Fellowship”. In an effort to assist Rotarians in finding ways to stay active in the community during restricted time; we have enlisted speakers from three great organizations to share their initiatives as well as specific and safe volunteer opportunities that Rotarians can participate in over the course of the spring and summer!
Misti L. DeVries, BS
Prevention & Outreach Director
Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County
Misti holds a bachelor’s degree in child and family development from the University of Georgia. She has over 16 years’ experience working with children and families throughout Kent County. As the Prevention & Outreach Director, Misti’s goal is to engage the community in our mission through education and volunteer opportunities. Misti enjoys spending time with her husband, sons, and corgis.

Stephanie Adams
Executive Director
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
She is an avid outdoor enthusiast and lover of nature. She and her team are focused on empowering people to cultivate vibrant parks, green spaces, and trees in the Grand Rapids community.

Tiffany Carr
Director of Community Relations
Grand Rapids Home for Veterans

2.25.21 - Gleaves Whitney
2021-02-25 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Gleaves Whitney, who has served as director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University since 2003, was chosen to fill the role of executive director for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation (GRFPF) effective Sept. 1, 2020.
Credited with establishing the first sustained and comprehensive common ground initiative in U.S. higher education, Whitney received a National Endowment for Humanities grant for the program. Through his leadership, the Hauenstein Center has hosted major conferences that have helped revive the study of Midwestern history and launched the nation’s first presidential question-and-answer column, “Ask Gleaves.” He also developed the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy at the Hauenstein Center, which now has more than 400 alumni serving in communities around the nation.
Before joining the Hauenstein Center, Whitney served in Michigan Governor John Engler’s administration as senior writer, chief speechwriter, historian, and assisted in the creation of the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Colorado State University, Fort Collins; and a master’s degree in history from the University of Michigan. He was presented with a Doctor of Humane Letters from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Berkeley California; and was selected as a Fulbright Scholar to West Germany (1984-1985).
FOUNDATION REMARKS:
Opening Remarks at Hank Meijer and David Roll present “Gen. Marshall & Sen. Vandenberg” hosted by The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum

3.4.21 - Club 77 hosted by Pilgrim Manor and Alex Wilson
2021-03-04 16:00 - 17:30 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Club 77 this month is being hosted by Pilgrim Manor and our own Alex Wilson via ZOOM beginning at 4PM.
This is going to be a fun pre-St. Patricks Day Celebration, complete with Shamrock Shakes and Goodie Bags to those Rotarians that reserve one!
An RSVP is not needed to participate on Thursday, March 4th, but Rotarian’s wishing to receive the Goodie Bag and Shamrock Shake will need to RSVP to the Rotary office by Monday, March 1st.
For those of you that reserve the Goodie Bag and Shamrock Shake, you may pick them up on Wednesday, March 3rd from 3:30-5:00PM at Pilgrim Manor, 2000 Leonard St NE (under the blue awning).
Alex Wilson will be introducing Sean Riley, Regional Director of Operations for northern Ohio and Michigan, UHC. Sean will be doing a 10-15 minute presentation and then we will move to break out rooms for the remainder of our time together.
We look forward to seeing you!

3.11.21 - Dr. David Pilgrim
2021-03-11 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Please join us for a special presentation from Dr. David Pilgrim as he tells us about the Jim Crow Museum that he founded and curates, then takes us on a virtual tour via ZOOM.
Dr. David Pilgrim is a public speaker and one of this country’s leading experts on issues relating to multiculturalism, diversity, and race relations. He has been interviewed by National Public Radio, Time magazine, the British Broadcasting Corporation, and dozens of newspapers, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, and the Los Angeles Times. He is best known as the founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum-a 12,000 piece collection of racist artifacts located at Ferris State University. The museum uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice.
Pilgrim is the author of several books, including Understanding Jim Crow (PM Press, 2015), and Watermelons, Nooses, and Straight Razors (PM Press, 2017). His writings, many found on the museum’s web site (ferris.edu/jimcrow), are used by scholars, students, and civil rights workers to better understand historical and contemporary expressions of racism. The web site has been linked to hundreds of sites and has resulted in Pilgrim being invited to deliver public lectures at dozens of institutions, including Stanford University, Spring Arbor College, the University of Michigan, Smith College, and the University of North Carolina.
Pilgrim is an applied sociologist with a doctorate from The Ohio State University. He believes that racism can be objectively studied and creatively assailed. In 2004, he produced, with Clayton Rye, the documentary Jim Crow’s Museum to explain his approach to battling racism. The film won several awards including Best Documentary at the 2004 Flint Film Festival. Marc Haefele, a film critic at the Los Angeles Daily News called the documentary, a “grisly low-key masterpiece.” Jim Crow’s Museum is shown nationally on affiliates of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Pilgrim and Carrie Weis created two traveling exhibitions to take the Jim Crow Museum’s lessons to a national audience. Hateful Things is a 39-unit traveling exhibition of objects found in the Jim Crow Museum. The objects are accompanied by didactic panels that place the images in the proper historical context–offering insight into their past and present popularity–and effects. Hateful Things has traveled to many institutions, including Aquinas College, Delta College, Utah Valley State College, and the Black Holocaust Museum. Pilgrim and Weis, in 2005, created a second traveling exhibition, Them: Images of Separation, a 35-unit exhibition that deals with the stereotyping of women, poor Whites, gays, Jewish Americans, Native Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, and Asian Americans-and others. Pilgrim believes that Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was right when he said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Diversity is more than a black-white issue; more, indeed, than a racial issue.
In 2006, Pilgrim served as a consultant to Will Smith (directorial debut) for the UPN television show, All Of Us. Mr. Smith wanted to make sure that the episode-called “The N-Word”-dealt with issues of race and racism in a non-stereotypical fashion.
Pilgrim challenges audiences to think deeply about diversity and race relations. He is a Ferris State University Distinguished Teacher. Pilgrim has spent his adult life using objects of intolerance to teach tolerance. It works. His goal is to get people talking about diversity and race relations in meaningful ways-and, then, to go and do something positive.

3.25.21 - David Morgan, Ph.D.
2021-03-25 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
David Morgan is MSU Foundation Professor of Translational Neuroscience at Michigan State University and Director of the Alzheimer’s Alliance in the College of Human Medicine.
He received his PhD from Northwestern University and started his independent career at the University of Southern California.
In 1992 he moved to the University of South Florida and was CEO of the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute until 2017 when he relocated to Grand Rapids.
Dr. Morgan’s laboratory research investigates immunotherapy, gene therapy and small molecule drugs in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease.

4.1.21 - Club 77 - true. Women's Health hosted by Dr. Diana Bitner
2021-04-01 16:00 - 17:30 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Please join us for a fun and information filled Club 77!
Invite your friends, co-workers, prospect members and especially those interested in learning more about women’s health.
The Club 77 will take place via ZOOM beginning at 4:00pm. The ZOOM link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86348160639?pwd=[REDACTED]
Please contact the Rotary officer at rotary@grrotary.org or 616-459-5640 for the passcode for this meeting.
Goodie Bags will be provided to our Rotarians that reserve one to pick them up on Tuesday, March 30th, from 4-5:30pm. Rotarians need to contact the Rotary office by 3pm on Friday, March 26th to reserve a goodie bag.

4.8.21 - Spring Break - No Luncheon
2021-04-08 12:00 - 13:15 | MI
A time to Relax, Refresh and Renew.
A time to say good-bye to the dark grey of winter
A time to say hello to sunshine and new growth

4.15.21 - Andy Johnston
2021-04-15 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Andy Johnston serves as Vice President of Government Affairs for the Grand Rapids Chamber and is responsible for managing the Chamber’s public policy efforts on behalf of over 2,800 members to create a vibrant business environment and thriving economy that benefits everyone.
His responsibilities include developing and implementing priorities and strategies for issue committees and councils to advance Chamber priorities in the areas of tax, regulatory, education, environment, transportation, health and human resources policy as well as budgetary reform at the local and state level.
Andy serves as a member of the Chamber’s Executive Leadership Team, responsible for strategic planning and execution, organizational development, day-to-day decision making, marketing and communications.
He is involved in numerous community board and committees including the West Michigan Prosperity Alliance, US Chamber of Commerce Institute on Management, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Great Lakes Metro Chamber Coalition, Kent County’s Community Health Advisory Committee, the City of Grand Rapids’ Vital Streets Commission and more. He has been named a 40 under 40 recipient by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and the Grand Rapids Business Journal.
Andy is native of Grand Rapids and an alumnus of James Madison College at Michigan State University. He formerly served as Director of Legislative Affairs for Chamber and legislative aide for State Senator Jason Allen.

4.20.21 - Service Above Self Award Celebration
2021-04-20 09:00 - 10:00 | MI
The 2021 Service Above Self Award Celebration will take place virtually on Tuesday, April 20 from 9:00-10:00am.
Marge Wilson, the owner of Marge’s Donut Den in Wyoming, is an entrepreneur, community advocate and mentor. She is well-known for her sensitive and compassionate nature for those less fortunate. Marge Wilson’s mission is to put others first and make people happy. As her business grew, she expanded her shop to accommodate private gatherings, and space for local groups, organizations and clubs to meet. She has always been a hands-on giver to the community in addition to her philanthropic efforts.
Marge attended Davenport College and subsequently went on to work at in the Banking industry in California, Chicago and Grand Rapids for the next 20 years. She established her company, Marge’s Donut Den in 1975 and was the first woman chosen to be on the national board of the Retail Bakers Association. She served for many years as the Michigan Regional Director. Throughout the years she has collected an impressive number of awards, certificates and recognitions for her community service work and business expertise. These tokens of recognition span an entire wall in the back of Marge’s Donut Den reflect her love for the Grand Rapids community.
Some of Marge’s notable achievements are the establishment of the Samuel Omogo Foundation, a project designed to foster the responsible development of clean water sources for villages in southeastern Nigeria by building and maintaining new water wells. She received the Inaugural Marge Wilson Community Service Leadership award from AMBUCS, and Distinguished Service Award from the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce for her service to others and the community. Marge has always been immersed in multiple community efforts with cultural, arts, and charity organizations.

If you would like to support and honor Marge Wilson, please become a sponsor.
If you would like attend this virtual event honoring Marge on Tuesday, April 20th from 9:00-10:00am, you can purchase tickets by clicking on: Eventbrite
A special thank you to our Event Sponsor

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Press Release – March 30, 2021
ROTARY CLUB OF GRAND RAPIDS PRESENTS ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award honors community spirit of Marge Wilson
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Marge Wilson has been chosen to receive the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award, given by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids. The award is presented in recognition of Frederik Meijer’s philanthropic acts of selfless service to our community, which left a lasting impact on the lives of others.
“We are pleased and excited to honor Marge Wilson as the 2021 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winner for her contributions to our community. Her generous and gracious spirit embodies the true meaning of this award,” said Hank Meijer, Fred Meijer’s son and Executive Chairman of Meijer, Inc.
Marge is an entrepreneur, community advocate and mentor. She is well-known for her sensitive and compassionate nature. She established Marge’s Donuts in 1975 and as her business grew, she expanded the shop to accommodate private gatherings and space for local organizations and clubs to meet. Marge was the first woman chosen to be on the national board of the Retail Bakers Association and served for many years as the Michigan Regional Director.
Throughout the years Marge has collected an impressive number of awards and recognitions for her community service and business expertise. These tokens of recognition span an entire wall in the back of the bakery along with a timeline for her involvement in the community she loves so dearly.
“I am honored to receive an award that bears the name of Fred Meijer. I firmly believe that you should do all you can for others when you can and while you can, not expecting anything in return. I receive many blessings for giving back and I am humbled by this recognition which is truly an honor to me,” said Marge.
Some of Marge’s notable achievements are the establishment of the Samuel Omogo Foundation, a project designed to foster the responsible development of clean water sources for villages in southeastern Nigeria. She received the Inaugural Marge Wilson Community Service Leadership Award from AMBUCS and Distinguished Service Award from the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce.
Previous Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award honorees include Jackie Taylor PhD, Shelley Irwin, Rick DeVos, John and Nancy Kennedy and the late Luis Tomatis, MD.
Dr. Jackie Taylor
Shelley Irwin
Rick DeVos
Dr. Luis Tomatis
John and Nancy Kennedy

“The opportunity to humbly present this annual award to Marge is tri-fold in nature: it recognizes a local philanthropist leader that mirrors the impact Frederick Meijer had and continues to make on this community, while demonstrating the values and mission of Rotary,” said Jon Hankins, president of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids will honor Marge at the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Celebration on Tuesday, April 20 from 9-10 a.m. The virtual celebration will be hosted live from Marge’s Donut Den. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation. The Foundation exists to support the needs of individuals, non-profit projects and/or programs aligned with its primary focus areas of health, education and youth programs. The community is invited to attend. Tickets are on sale at grrotary.org or by calling 616.429.5640.
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4.22.21 - STRIVE Program featuring Joseph Metts
2021-04-22 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
This luncheon is to recognize the students and mentors that have or are participating in our STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education).
Please join us as we congratulate these students for their commitment to the program, some for one year and others for two years.

Joseph Metts, the assistant principal at Ottawa Hills High School will be today’s featured speaker.
Joseph has been a proud member of the Ottawa Hills High School community since 2012. He enjoyed teaching both history and physical education, and in 2018 he transitioned to administration. He has served as the assistant principal since 2019 and always looks forward to working on behalf of the students at Ottawa Hills High School.

Stephanie Davis-Johnson, Principal
Stephanie Davis-Johnson, an alumna of the Grand Rapids Public Schools, Ottawa Hills graduating class of 1991, has worked within the district for 20+ years. My illustrious journey started as an Earth/Physical Science and OHHS Ninth Grade Academy teacher and spans multiple career advancements culminating my current role serving as the Ottawa Hills High School principal.
I believe all children can learn, even if it’s at a different pace, provided structure, the opportunity, with demonstrated consistent effort and encouragement.
Over the years, I have been blessed to help create opportunities, by challenging students to bridge formal classroom instruction to real life experiences, expanding their knowledge and broadening their horizon and possibilities. This work could not be done without other devoted staff, retired educators, dedicated mentor and volunteer.
STRIVE is such a valuable part of the Ottawa Hills High School Community and the Grand Rapids Public Schools organization. Your dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated!
I will always be a champion for all students! We must always be champions for all students!
“Every child deserves a champion”- Rita Pierson
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STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education)
STRIVE is a motivational mentoring program working with high school junior and senior students who want to improve their educational status and expand their networks.
The mission of the STRIVE Program is to mentor high school students to achieve academic success, graduate from high school and continue their education in college, university, trade, technical or career school.
In pursuit of this mission, the STRIVE program provides positive role models for students to promote self discovery, the importance of High School Graduation, development of good values and life skills, and individual responsibility in STRIVING for excellence in life.
STRIVE is a partnership among students trying to make a difference in their lives, parents who are willing to support and encourage their students, high school administrators, faculty and counselors, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Attitude – Student must maintain appropriate conduct and a positive attitude.
Altruism – students must actively participate in two of the three volunteer activities called “STRIVE Days”.
Attendance – students need to maintain 90% attendance level (equals two excused absences).
Academics – Satisfy GPA requirements

How the Program Works:
High school administrators, and counselors select students they believe can succeed in the STRIVE program. A staff member is selected to help the STRIVE Chairs collect necessary information about the students during the year. Selected students sign a contract to participate. Parents sign an agreement that they will help and encourage the student. Parents also agree to attend the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids awards luncheon held in April. Rotary and community mentors host regular weekly meetings to increase student’s self-esteem, motivation and confidence.
REWARDS
Upon successful completion of the STRIVE requirements, the student will be entitled to the following:

Award Certificate – presented to the student at the April awards luncheon
Summer Work Premium – the student is eligible to be paid a $1.50 per hour, for hours worked from June 1-August 31, upon verification of employment, up to a maximum $750
Scholarship – A scholarship of up to $3,000** can be earned and will be disbursed over 2 semesters to a college, university, trade, technical or career school of the students choice

4.29.21 - Kyle Caldwell
2021-04-29 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Here’s what I can help you with:

Michigan philanthropy (volunteers, nonprofits, donors, grantmakers) has been my vocational home for more than 25 years. I started out as a public grantmaker and have led every nonprofit sector infrastructure organization in Michigan. With that background I can help in several areas including public/private partnerships, service and volunteerism, effective grantmaking, and public policy.
Leadership roles:
Kyle has served on a number of national boards, including Points of Light, Independent Sector, Nonprofit Votes and the National Council of Nonprofits. At the state level, he was a board member of the Michigan Community Service Commission, Michigan Association of United Ways, and Michigan Community Resources.
Kyle is a strong believer in community philanthropy and currently serves on the boards of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Kids’ Food Basket.

Kyle Caldwell began his tenure as president and CEO of CMF on November 1, 2018, bringing more than 25 years of government, and nonprofit and philanthropic sector experience. He has also been a supporter of CMF as a volunteer for many years and was formerly a member and co-chair of CMF’s Government Relations Public Policy Committee.
Prior to his appointment with CMF, Kyle, a Michigan native, was executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University, one of the country’s leading academic centers for philanthropy.
He previously served as an intern, and then later as executive director of the Michigan Community Service Commission in the Engler and Granholm administrations. A champion of public/private partnerships, Kyle helped launch and then lead the ConnectMichigan Alliance (CMA) that created a $20 million endowment to support volunteerism that engaged both state government and philanthropy in a one-of-a-kind statewide campaign. CMA merged with the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) and Kyle became its president and CEO. There, he championed the work of nonprofits and foundations to help build a stronger ecosystem for philanthropy.
Throughout his work in government and in foundations, Kyle has helped develop strategies and programming initiatives that strengthen the work of public and private grantmakers. Most recently, he led the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University. Prior that, he served as the director for the Pathways to Opportunity Program at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation where he helped evolve the Foundation’s approach to addressing poverty to focus on education.
He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication from Western Michigan University. Both WMU and Lansing Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in photojournalism, have bestowed Kyle with exemplary alumni awards.
