7.18.24 - Tim Selgo - Assistant Vice President, Mammoth Sports Consulting
2024-07-18 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Tim Selgo – Assistant Vice President, Mammoth Sports Consulting
Speaker Topic: The Future of College Sports and NIL
Bio:
The author of Anchor Up: Competitive Greatness the Grand Valley Way, Make One Play: Impact Your Success, and Moms and Dads Eat the Brown Bananas, Tim Selgo had a career of thirty-five years as a leader in college athletics as a coach and administrator. From 1996 to 2016, Selgo served as the director of athletics at Grand Valley State University, leading the Lakers to become the dominant athletics department in NCAA Division II.
Selgo is a member of four athletic halls of fame: The University of Toledo Athletics Hall of Fame, the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame, and the Grand Valley State University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Currently, Selgo is a consultant with Mammoth Sports Consultants and a sought-after speaker on success and leadership.
Selgo and his wife Terry recently celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. They have three children, Jennifer, Rachel, and Daniel, and five grandsons, Tray, RJ, Tucker, Henry, and Burke.

7.25.24 - Annual IKUS/Indian Trails Camp Luncheon
2024-07-25 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
On Thursday, July 25th Rotarians and guests will gather at Indian Trails Camp for our annual picnic!
Since 1952, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has partnered with Indian Trails Camp, mentoring for at-risk high school students, reduction of childhood hunger, projects to reduce physical barriers for the disabled, support for the elderly in need, and educational scholarships. The motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self”.

8.1.24 - Club 77 hosted by Peter Albertini
2024-08-01 16:30 - 18:00 UTC | Club 77 – Heritage Hill, 540 Prospect Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for our August Club 77 hosted by our very own Rotarian Peter Albertini!
Appetizers, drinks, and historic Heritage Hill District walking tours will be provided!
Explore the beautifully curated gardens of Heritage Hill, a registered National Historic District, adjacent to downtown Grand Rapids. Representing Michigan’s largest collection of 19th and early 20th-century homes, Heritage Hill features nearly every style of American architecture, from Greek Revival to Prairie.
Join us on a guided stroll through the Heritage Hill neighborhood and discover new inspiration and expert insights for your gardens at home. Gaze at historic architecture and exceptionally crafted gardens that are currently in bloom.

8.8.24 - Charles Burke - President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens
2024-08-08 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Charles Burke – President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens
BIO –
Since 2014, Charles has 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.

8.15.24 - Sgt Justin Kribs - K-9 Unit Officer, Grand Rapids Police Department
2024-08-15 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker Topic: Sgt Kribs will discuss the duties of K-9 dogs including searching for drugs and explosives, locating missing people, finding crime scene evidence, protecting officers and other people, and attacking suspects who flee from officers. He will also describe the various dog breeds police departments use and why.
BIO:
Sgt. Justin Kribs has been with the Grand Rapids Police Department since the spring of 2008. He was assigned to Patrol and then joined the Canine Unit in 2012. He worked his first canine partner, Bobby, from 2012 to 2018. After Bobby retired, Officer Kribs trained his current partner, Eli.
In February of 2023, Officer Kribs was promoted to Sergeant and took over the Canine unit in July of 2023. Sgt. Kribs supervises 7 other canine teams, as well as still works K9 Eli. K9 Eli was injured in November of 2022 when he was stabbed by an assailant during a standoff. Eli was able to return to full duty only a couple of months after his injury.

8.17.24 - Joint Rotary Service Project w/ Muskegon Rotary Club
2024-08-17 09:00 - 13:30 UTC | Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon Lakeshore, 900 W Western Ave, Muskegon, MI, 49441, United States
Join us for the first Joint Service Project with the Rotary Club of Muskegon on Saturday, August 17th! A social gathering at The Deck will follow.
This is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity! Please invite family members and friends to join us.
Date: August 17th
Time:
9:00 – 11:30 AM – Service Project
12:00 – 1:30 PM – Social Gathering at The Deck
Address:
Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore
900 W Western Ave
Muskegon, MI 49441
Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-50309755-grand
Service Project Details: Clean-up of exterior grounds and waterfront to help improve the surroundings of the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore.
Social Gathering Details: Social Gathering at The Deck – located at the popular Pere Marquette Beach! The beach area has a children’s playground, a pierhead walk, and a channel walk. In addition, you can also take a tour of the lighthouse, the USS Silversides and the WWII museum! Brief tours of the B&G Clubhouse and the community fitness center will also be available.
Future Plans: A similar collaborative event will be scheduled in Grand Rapids in the Spring of 2025!

8.22.24 - Major Tim Meyer - Divisional Secretary of the Grand Valley Area Command, The Salvation Army
2024-08-22 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join us on Thursday, August 22nd for an off-site luncheon at The Salvation Army – Kroc Center!
BIO:
Major Tim Meyer was installed as the Divisional Secretary of the Grand Valley Area Command in Kent County, in June of 2022. He has been an officer for 32 years, serving as a Corps Officer, in Divisional Headquarters appointments, and on the College for Officers Training (CFOT) staff in Chicago. Major Tim was previously the Grand Valley Area Commander for the Great Lakes Division.
Major Tim holds degrees from Asbury College and Marian University and is a U.S. Air Force veteran. He is also an alumnus of the International College for Officers (London, ENG), Olivet Nazarene University, and has completed three Biblical Education Tours of Israel.
Before becoming an officer, he was employed as the Assistant Territorial Music Secretary for the USA Southern Territory (Atlanta, GA), and as the Business Administrator for the Genesee County Command in Flint, MI. Major Tim began music lessons at age five and has played in numerous brass bands, including touring England with the Chicago Staff Band (Flugelhorn soloist). He also sings in the Central Territorial Staff Songsters.
Majors Tim and Lori have three grown daughters and four grandchildren. He is an avid runner, having recently completed his 12th marathon to raise funds to fight human trafficking.

8.27.24 - Habitat Kent ReStore North - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-08-27 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | Habitat Kent ReStore North, 5920 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI, 49321, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for Rotarians and their family members and friends!
Date: Tuesday, August 27th
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Habitat Kent ReStore North (Alpine) – 5920 Alpine Ave NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-50263388-habitat
Details:

15 Volunteers Needed
This is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity. Please invite family members and friends to join us!
Volunteers need to be at least 14 years old, and those between 14-17 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Help with the following tasks: Receive and organize donations, Organize merchandise, Test donated items

8.29.24 - NO LUNCHEON - LABOR DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVATION
2024-08-29 | MI
There will be no luncheon on Thursday, August 29th in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

9.5.24 - Club 77 Hosted by Rehmann
2024-09-05 16:30 - 18:00 UTC | Rehmann, 2330 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Rehmann and Rotarian Erin Welker!
TIME: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
LOCATION:
Rehmann
2330 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

9.10.24 - 2nd Golf Affinity Group Outing
2024-09-10 15:10 UTC | Kaufman Golf Course, 4807 Clyde Park Ave SW, Wyoming, MI, 49505, United States
With the success of our last outing in July, President Eunice Lopez-Martin, Rotarians Alex Wilson and Derek Aten are excited to invite you to the 2nd Golf Outing on Tuesday, September 10th.
Golfers of any skill level are encouraged to participate.
Date: Tuesday, September 10th
Tee Times: 3:10/3:20/3:40 PM
Location:
Kaufman Golf Course
4807 Clyde Park Ave SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
RSVP: Simply email rotary@grrotary.com to lock in your spot. Limited to 12 golfers!

9.12.24 - Tim Cusack - Professional Speaker & Trainer, Laughter That Matters
2024-09-12 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Tim Cusack
Speaker Topic: Avoiding Long-Term Trauma
Bio:
Inspiring people to appreciate life, work and relationships, Tim Cusack tours nationally presenting his keynotes and trainings for corporations and associations, as well as education and health care organizations. When not presenting Tim is a professional actor and performs in TV and radio commercials.
Tim’s occupations have varied from Christmas tree trimmer to Alaskan fisherman and co-host of a CBS TV show, as well as a #1 morning radio show.
Tim has volunteered with Hospice, Gilda’s Club, Mary Free Bed Hospital, and other organizations. He currently works with a Critical Incident Response Team in West Michigan. He is married with two children.
In his spare time, Tim is an avid athlete, pursuing running, cycling, and extreme croquet.
Tim’s book, “Me Too: Extraordinary Everyday Stories That Connect Us,” is a best seller.

9.14.24 - WMEAC River Clean-Up - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-09-14 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Plaza Towers, 201 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
The Community Engagement Committee is excited to share a volunteer opportunity cleaning up the Grand River!
Date: Saturday, September 14th
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Location: Corner of Market & Wealthy Street
Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-50353457-wmeac
Details:

Family-friendly Volunteer Opportunity! Please invite family members and friends to join us!
15 Volunteers Needed
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, and a parent or guardian must accompany those between 14 and 17 years old.
Help with the following tasks:

Join your fellow Rotarian Trash Scouts to help with general River (bank) clean up of trash and debris

9.19.24 - 2024-2025 District Governor Brianna Scott, Rotary International District 6290
2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: 2024-2025 District Governor Brianna Scott
Speaker Topic: Rotary District 6290 Updates and Plans for the Future
Bio:

Brianna T. Scott was born and raised in Muskegon, Michigan, attended Michigan State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Marketing. Among the honors she received were the COGIC Center Aspiring Law Student Scholarship, winner of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc essay contest and making the Dean’s list in 1996.
Ms. Scott was chapter president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Executive Board member of Wonders Black Caucus and a member in both the MSU Prelaw and Marketing Associations as an undergraduate student. She attended Wayne State University Law School where she received her Juris Doctorate in May, 2000. She was active in variety of law school activities and she attained a final year grade point average of 3.57/4.0. She successfully competed in various law school competitions including, but not limited to Moot Court evidence competitions, acting as Article Editor of The Journal of Law in Society, Executive Board member of Moot Court (Director of Outside Competitions), working on the academic committee of the Black Law Student Association, and being an active student member of the Wolverine Bar Association. In addition, Ms. Scott received many scholarships and awards throughout her law school career.
Ms. Scott became an attorney in November 2000, and was immediately recruited and hired as the FIRST African American Assistant Prosecutor in the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office where her initial responsibility was handling district court cases, which included misdemeanors, ordinance violations and other hearings within the district court. However, after much success and proving herself a great trial attorney, she was promptly promoted to Circuit Court, where she handled many cases advocating for victims until she left the Prosecutor’s office in 2003.
Following her tenure at the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office, Ms. Scott was hired by the law firm of Williams Hughes Corwin & Sininger, PC (k/n/a Williams Hughes, PLLC), where she embarked on the journey of a different practice of law; namely the handling of cases for municipalities, civil cases for the county, family law, corporate law, real estate and social security disability matters. As part of her practice at Williams Hughes Corwin & Sininger, PC, she was also awarded a public defender contract handling one of the abuse and neglect dockets in Muskegon County. Ms. Scott remained an associate at Williams Hughes Corwin & Sininger, PC, until 2005.
In 2005 she decided that after five years of significant experience handling all types of cases, that she wanted to become an entrepreneur and start her own law practice. Becoming a business owner, in fact the first minority (African American and female) law firm in Muskegon County was exciting, challenging, and very rewarding. Her law firm has grown significantly over the years and she now employs a full time staff of five (5).
In 2018, Ms. Scott was elected to an 8 year term on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. A testament to the high regard placed on Ms. Scott for her professional accomplishments, ethical standards and peer recognition, Ms. Scott was recently named a 2019 Athena of the Lakeshore Award Recipient and 2021 Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club Woman of Accomplishment. In 2014, she became the FIRST person of color to serve as President of the prestigious Muskegon Rotary Club. Currently, Ms. Scott serves as President of the Muskegon Heights Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As well, she serves on the Boards for Access Health, Boys & Girl’s Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, Panel One of the Michigan Attorney Disciplinary Commission (County of Muskegon); and is also a member of the Muskegon Rescue Mission’s Personnel Committee. Ms. Scott is also the Chair of the Muskegon Rotary Club’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee, Retention Committee and serves as the Co-Chair for the Life Leadership Committee and the Community Service Council.
In the past she has served on the following boards: United Way of the Lakeshore, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Family Services Center Workforce Development Center. Additionally, she serves as Legal Counsel for the International Churches of God In Christ, which is the largest African American church in the world. She is also one of the only attorneys in West Michigan to be dually licensed to practice law in the state of New York. However, her proudest accomplishment is being the parent of her son.

9.26.24 - Dr. Paul Isely - Associate Dean & Professor of Economics, GVSU
2024-09-26 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dr. Paul Isely
Speaker Topic: West Michigan Economic Update
Bio:
Dr. Paul Isely is the Associate Dean and Professor of Economics for the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University, which he joined in 1995 after earning his Ph.D. in Economics from Purdue University. He also holds an M.S. in Economics from Purdue University and a dual B.S. in Physics and Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Isely’s research interests have led to many local articles and reports.
These articles have explored West Michigan’s economy including forecasts of growth, the state of entrepreneurship, health care costs, environmental clean-up values, economic impacts of various activities, and the costs and benefits of wind power. He has been interviewed extensively by TV, radio, and newspapers on the West Michigan economy and its relationship to the national and state economies.

10.2.24 - Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-10-02 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | 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 to prep meals at Ronald McDonald House!
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-51706493-ronald
Contact: Jim Gilbert or Andrea Nucci
Date: Wednesday, October 2nd @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: 1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

6 volunteers needed

10.3.24 - Club 77 Hosted by Rotarians Sheri & Asgi Fazleabas
2024-10-03 16:30 - 18:30 UTC | TBD
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Rotarians Sheri & Asgi Fazleabas!
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Location:
See Weekly Update for Address
Parking: Ample street parking on the street around their home

10.10.24 - Karen Sadler - President, Michael Sadler Foundation
2024-10-10 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
The Michael Sadler Foundation develops and supports programs that emphasize the combination of academic excellence, athletic achievement, character strength and leadership.
Our Inspiration

Michael Sadler’s extraordinary life was abruptly halted when he died in a tragic car accident in Wisconsin on July 23, 2016. At the time, he was volunteering at a kicking camp to mentor young players. His commitment to helping others, contributing to community and embracing his love of family, friends, and society was constant. He lived his life with impeccable character. Only after his death did we realize the tens of thousands of lives he affected because of his integrity and the way he chose to live life.

Michael earned unparalleled recognition in academics and athletics. At MSU he earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a master’s degree in Public Policy. He was an All-American as well as the first-ever, four-time Academic All American in MSU history. Michael was a member of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Class of 2014 and a William V. Campbell trophy finalist. He was awarded the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor in 2014 for outstanding athletic and academic achievement. Awards that Mike received are now being renamed in his honor. Michael was proud to be a Spartan and was excited to be entering Stanford Law School. Click here to read more about his outstanding achievements, both on and off the field.

10.12.24 - Ramp Build - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-10-12 08:30 - 13:00 UTC | TBD
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp for someone in need!
When: Saturday, October 12th
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: TBD (will be announced about a week before ramp build)
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-51048994-ramp
Contact: If you have questions please get in touch with Dave Bulkowski or Andrea Nucci

10.12.24 - "Zoo Goes Boo" Rotary Candy Handout - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-10-12 08:45 - 13:00 UTC | John Ball Zoo, 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
The Community Engagement is excited to announce a volunteering opportunity to hand out candy for the John Ball Zoo “Zoo Goes Boo” event!
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 8:45 am – 1:00 pm
Location: 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Volunteer Check-In: Volunteers will check-in at the front gate of the zoo
Volunteers: 20 needed (Rotarians will be working in groups of 2 to 4)
Rotary Family Members and Friends are Welcome!
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-51740704-zoogoes
Contact: Alex Wilson

10.17.24 - Steve Heacock - President & CEO, Grand Rapids Whitewater
2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Steve Heacock
Speaker Topic: Grand River Restoration Project
GRWW’s mission is to recreate the spirit of the iconic grand rapids; to make the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids a more natural river environment and to enhance the sustainability of fish, wildlife and natural resources and provide access to recreation and fitness opportunities to all. Specifically, GRWW’s mission is to:

Reduce public safety hazards generated by low-head dams by removing the dams,
Create diverse riffles, runs, waves, and pools to restore aquatic riverine habitat and diversity,
Improve fish passage,
Recapture the sight, sound, and spirit of the historic and iconic rapids, for which the City is named, and
Enhancing distinctive recreational opportunities such as wading, angling, and whitewater paddling sports, that are safe, interesting, and substantial enough to engage residents, attract tourists, and serve as a catalyst for local, regional, and equitable economic development opportunities.

10.24.24 - Dr. Bill Pink - President, Ferris State University
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dr. Bill Pink

Speaker Topic: Ferris State University – Now and the Future

BIO:

Dr. Bill Pink strongly believes in the power of education and is passionate about providing opportunities for students and furthering Ferris State University’s commitment to ensuring the success of all students.
Dr. Pink in July 2022 became Ferris State’s 19th president and is the first African American person to lead the university since it was founded in 1884.
Prior to guiding Ferris State University, Dr. Pink served as president of Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich. and was vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Campus in Oklahoma.
Dr. Pink is involved in governance and policy development at regional and national levels, sharing expertise and gaining experience to share at Ferris State.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed him to be a leader on the Growing Michigan Together Council to help grow the state’s population and serves on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation executive committee, working to grow the state’s industry and workforce.
He is a member of the Higher Learning Commission board of trustees. He also serves on the American Council on Education board of directors, working with leaders from across the nation to shape public policy and to help more students gain a quality education.
In West Michigan, he serves on the boards of Corewell Health West Michigan, is board chair for the Heart of West Michigan United Way and board vice-chair for The Right Place.
Dr. Pink was named Newsmaker of the Year in Education by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2019 and was selected for the MCAN Lighthouse Award for expanding access to students of all ages across Michigan.
He is a sought-after speaker for events across the country with presentations focused on diversity, leadership, career and workforce development, and faith.
President Pink earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, a Master of Education in Physical Education and Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Professional Education from Oklahoma Christian University.

10.30.24 - Women in Rotary - Fall Event
2024-10-30 08:30 - 10:00 UTC | Deksia, 49 Coldbrook St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

10.31.24 - Milinda Ysasi - Second Ward Commissioner, City of Grand Rapids
2024-10-31 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Milinda Ysasi
Speaker Topic: Grow Grand Rapids: Why Filling Financial Gapis is Vital
Bio:
Milinda Ysasi was born in Grand Rapids and grew up on the Southeast side of the city. She attended Catholic Central and Grand Valley State University. She has been married to her husband, Rafael Castanon for over ten years. They live in Creston.
Milinda Ysasi leads The SOURCE, an organization focused on reducing employment barriers and creating opportunities for mobility for employees that work for their partner organizations. The SOURCE began as an idea by local CEO’s who wanted to retain talent in their companies and understood that talent is a differentiator for success.
Prior to The SOURCE, Milinda worked in human resources at Cascade Engineering, Herman Miller and Spectrum Health. She received her executive MBA from Michigan State University in 2019. In November 2019, Milinda was elected to serve as a City Commissioner for the 2nd Ward of the Grand Rapids.
Milinda is a co-founder of the Latina Network of West Michigan, an organic collective focused on changing the Latina narrative in the region. She was a 2018 Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Job Quality Fellow. Milinda serves on the Chemical Bank West Michigan community board and the West Michigan Works! legislative committee.
Milinda has been recognized for her commitment and leadership with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award, the GVSU Alumni Service award, GR Business Journal 40 under forty, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-GR DoGooder and Exemplary Executive awards, GR Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and as one of 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan.

11.4.24 - Community Food Club - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-11-04 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Community Food Club, 1100 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Date: Monday, November 4th
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Location: 1100 South Division Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Volunteers: 6 needed
Rotary Family Members and Friends are Welcome!
SIGN UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-52470884-community
Details: We will pack fruits and veggies and stock the shelves. Light refreshments and drinks will be provided. (Some beer and wine and NA options)
Contact: Jon Roberts & Andrea Nucci

11.7.24 - CLUB 77 - Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
2024-11-07 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Warner Norcross + Judd LLC, 150 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids!
Appetizers & adult beverages will be served.
You are encouraged to invite guests to attend!
Parking Instructions:
Parking is available in the Warner Building lot for a fee or street parking is available.
The entrance to the parking lot is located on Ionia Ave (between Pearl St NW and Lyon St NE)
Once you enter the building attendees can take the elevator to floor 15R after parking

11.12.24 - Dégagé Ministries Dinner Service - Volunteer Opportunity
2024-11-12 17:00 - 18:30 (America/Detroit) | Degage Ministries, 139 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Date: Tuesday, November 12

Time: 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Location: 144 Division Ave S. Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Volunteers: 6 needed
Rotary Family Members and Friends are Welcome!
SIGN UP: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-52471652-dgag
Details: Serving dinner to Degage Guests! It is a wonderful time of service, teamwork, fellowship, and conversation

11.14.24 - Tarah Carnahan - Executive Director & Co-Founder, Treetops Collective
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Tarah Carnahan – Executive Director & Co-Founder, Treetops Collective
Speaker Topic: Treetops Collective and its mission to respond to refugees displaced by war, famine, or persecution
Bio:
Tarah received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Business from Lee University in 2008. Upon graduation, she settled in Asuncion, Paraguay where she started a small social enterprise with 17 women living and working in the city garbage dump. After moving to Grand Rapids, Tarah worked in several non-profits developing community programs and building marketing and fundraising campaigns. She also entered the stationery and gifts industry, creating products and doing sales and marketing. To fuse her two loves of community work and conscious brand production, she went on to complete a master’s in Sustainable Business from Aquinas College. In her personal life, Tarah has befriended local refugee families, walking alongside them through the resettlement process and connecting them with people and opportunities in Grand Rapids.

11.19.24 - Rotary Golf Affinity Group - Mini Golf Event
2024-11-19 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Big Mini Putt Club, 70 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Date: Tuesday, November 19

Time: 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Location: Big Mini Putt Club – 70 Ionia Ave SW Grand Rapids, Mi 49503
SIGN UP: No RSVP’s for this event

11.21.24 - J.C. Huizenga - Owner, Huizenga Group
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: J.C Huizenga – Owner, Huizenga Group
Bio:
J.C.’s entrepreneurial penchant appears to run in the family. His grandfather emigrated from the Netherlands in 1893. By 1971, the family had created the world’s largest trash collection and disposal company, Waste Management, Inc.
After studying economics at Hope college and earning his MBA at Michigan State University, J.C. continued to grow his manufacturing enterprises which range from commercial electrical contracting to supplying automobile instrumentation components.
Translating his desire to reform education into action, in 1995 J.C. founded National Heritage Academies (NHA) which achieved four consecutive years on Inc. magazine’s list of the “500 Fastest Growing Private Companies.”
J.C. gives generously of his time and resources to a wide variety of organizations within West Michigan and around the world.
