10.10.23 - Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-10-10 16:00 - 18:30 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!
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

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

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

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

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

6 volunteers needed

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

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

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

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

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

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