Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

5.27.21 - No Luncheon - Memorial Day observance
2021-05-27 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | MI
Taken from all about history…..
Memorial Day Meaning
Memorial Day Meaning – The History
Each May, the United States celebrates a day called Memorial Day. Does Memorial Day have meaning? What is the history of Memorial Day?
Memorial Day was first widely observed in May 1868. The celebration commemorated the sacrifices of the Civil War and the proclamation was made by General John A Logan. Following the proclamation, participants decorated graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers.
In years since World War 1, the day has become a celebration of honor for those who died in all America’s wars, as well as those who are Veterans and current members of the US military.
In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday. The United States celebrates this holiday the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day Meaning – Reagan’s Speech
President Ronald Reagan is credited with reviving the practice of honoring Memorial Day and its meaning. One of his famous speeches was given at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day in 1986.
“Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It’s a day to be with the family and remember.
“I was thinking this morning that across the country children and their parents will be going to the town parade and the young ones will sit on the sidewalks and wave their flags as the band goes by. Later, maybe, they’ll have a cookout or a day at the beach. And that’s good, because today is a day to be with the family and to remember.
“Arlington, this place of so many memories, is a fitting place for some remembering. So many wonderful men and women rest here, men and women who led colorful, vivid, and passionate lives. There are the greats of the military: Bull Halsey and the Admirals Leahy, father and son; Black Jack Pershing; and the GI’s general, Omar Bradley. Great men all, military men. But there are others here known for other things.
“Here in Arlington rests a sharecropper’s son who became a hero to a lonely people. Joe Louis came from nowhere, but he knew how to fight. And he galvanized a nation in the days after Pearl Harbor when he put on the uniform of his country and said, ‘I know we’ll win because we’re on God’s side.’ Audie Murphy is here, Audie Murphy of the wild, wild courage. For what else would you call it when a man bounds to the top of a disabled tank, stops an enemy advance, saves lives, and rallies his men, and all of it single-handedly. When he radioed for artillery support and was asked how close the enemy was to his position, he said, ‘Wait a minute and I’ll let you speak to them.’ [Laughter]
“Michael Smith is here, and Dick Scobee, both of the space shuttle Challenger. Their courage wasn’t wild, but thoughtful, the mature and measured courage of career professionals who took prudent risks for great reward—in their case, to advance the sum total of knowledge in the world. They’re only the latest to rest here; they join other great explorers with names like Grissom and Chaffee.
“Oliver Wendell Holmes is here, the great jurist and fighter for the right. A poet searching for an image of true majesty could not rest until he seized on ‘Holmes dissenting in a sordid age.’ Young Holmes served in the Civil War. He might have been thinking of the crosses and stars of Arlington when he wrote: ‘At the grave of a hero we end, not with sorrow at the inevitable loss, but with the contagion of his courage; and with a kind of desperate joy we go back to the fight.’
“All of these men were different, but they shared this in common: They loved America very much. There was nothing they wouldn’t do for her. And they loved with the sureness of the young. It’s hard not to think of the young in a place like this, for it’s the young who do the fighting and dying when a peace fails and a war begins. Not far from here is the statue of the three servicemen—the three fighting boys of Vietnam. It, too, has majesty and more. Perhaps you’ve seen it—three rough boys walking together, looking ahead with a steady gaze. There’s something wounded about them, a kind of resigned toughness. But there’s an unexpected tenderness, too. At first you don’t really notice, but then you see it. The three are touching each other, as if they’re supporting each other, helping each other on.
“I know that many veterans of Vietnam will gather today, some of them perhaps by the wall. And they’re still helping each other on. They were quite a group, the boys of Vietnam—boys who fought a terrible and vicious war without enough support from home, boys who were dodging bullets while we debated the efficacy of the battle. It was often our poor who fought in that war; it was the unpampered boys of the working class who picked up the rifles and went on the march. They learned not to rely on us; they learned to rely on each other. And they were special in another way: They chose to be faithful. They chose to reject the fashionable skepticism of their time. They chose to believe and answer the call of duty. They had the wild, wild courage of youth. They seized certainty from the heart of an ambivalent age; they stood for something.
“And we owe them something, those boys. We owe them first a promise: That just as they did not forget their missing comrades, neither, ever, will we. And there are other promises. We must always remember that peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance. We owe them a promise to look at the world with a steady gaze and, perhaps, a resigned toughness, knowing that we have adversaries in the world and challenges and the only way to meet them and maintain the peace is by staying strong.
“That, of course, is the lesson of this century, a lesson learned in the Sudetenland, in Poland, in Hungary, in Czechoslovakia, in Cambodia. If we really care about peace, we must stay strong. If we really care about peace, we must, through our strength, demonstrate our unwillingness to accept an ending of the peace. We must be strong enough to create peace where it does not exist and strong enough to protect it where it does. That’s the lesson of this century and, I think, of this day. And that’s all I wanted to say. The rest of my contribution is to leave this great place to its peace, a peace it has earned.
“Thank all of you, and God bless you, and have a day full of memories.”
Memorial Day Meaning – A Day of Honor
Does Memorial Day have meaning to you? Many communities around the United States have memorial day events at cemeteries where veterans and spiritual leaders speak. Other cities and towns host parades to honor the military. However, in many cities around the country, these events have been forgotten.
It is important for Americans to take time to remember the sacrifices that bought their freedom. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate this important American holiday:

Send a note of thanks to Veterans you know.
If you know someone who has lost a loved one in battle, offer to help with a household project or help meet a special need they have.
Visit a local cemetery and place flags or flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.
Fly the American flag at half-staff until noon.
Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 pm. Pause and think upon the meaning of Memorial Day.

6.3.21 - Club 77 - Presidents Social
2021-06-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Habitat Kent Workspaces & Learning Center, 425 Pleasant St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for this multi-purpose event that includes our President’s Social, our June Club 77 networking event and our Membership’s Committee recruitment event
Jon Hankins, our 2020-2021 Rotary Club of Grand Rapids President, is hosting this fun in-person event, that celebrates his year as our Club president, during our monthly Club 77 networking event.
We are also encouraging our members to invite guests to this event, to get to know our Rotarians and to learn more about Rotary. If you don’t know a Rotarian, but would like to know more, you are also invited to attend.
Please note that reservations to attend this event will be needed by Friday, May 28th. To RSVP, simply reach out to the Rotary office via email a rotary@grrotary.org and provide your name and the name of any guest that will be attending with you.
We look forward to having you join us.

6.10.21 - John Truscott
2021-06-10 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
John is one of Michigan’s most recognized experts in public relations.
Whether developing a message, assembling a strategy, generating publicity or building relationships, nobody does it better. John has consistently been recognized for his expertise, knowledge and ability to get the job done and was named the most effective public affairs professional in the 2019 MIRS/EPIC- MRA survey of Capitol insiders.
He started his own public relations firm after serving as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to Michigan Gov. John Engler, eventually becoming the longest serving press secretary for any governor. Early in his career, John led communication strategy for multiple campaigns for statewide office.  He served as spokesman for the Bush/Cheney campaign in Michigan, was a member of the Bush/Cheney recount team in Florida and took part in the Bush/Cheney transition office.
In 2011, he merged his firm with the Rossman Group, creating Truscott Rossman, Michigan’s largest and most respected bi-partisan public relations firm.
He has served as a speaker and panelist for many media and government related conferences. He also chaired the Emergency Public Information Committee by appointment of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.  To promote democracy, John volunteered as a trainer on communications and media issues with members of Parliament in Ukraine.
Active in volunteer and philanthropic activities, John is also a community leader. He is currently Vice Chairman of the Michigan Capitol Commission.  He chairs the Development Committee of the Sparrow Hospital Foundation, serves on the Board of Directors of the Grand Rapids Economic Club and is an At Large Board Member of the Ottawa County Ground Water Board. He has served on the Michigan Community Service Commission, the Michigan State University International Alumni Association, and as Governing Board Chair of Ele’s Place for grieving children.
He is a proud Michigan State University alumnus, earning a bachelor’s degree in communication and a major in political science.

6.17.21 - Natalie Stewart
2021-06-17 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Natalie Stewart is the VP of Government and Public Affairs for Switch. She brings extensive experience in political and public relations, campaign and ethics compliance, public policy development, and advocacy to her work at Switch.
Natalie is part of the Strategy team that develops and implements the company’s public policy work in the areas including technology, energy policy, environmental and sustainability initiatives, education and economic development. Natalie also directs Switch’s Michigan-specific government affairs efforts and works closely on client development strategies.
Prior to joining Switch, Natalie’s distinguished career included leadership positions with two Speakers of the Michigan House of Representatives, the Office of Michigan Attorney General, and the Michigan Secretary of State. Natalie also worked in the United States Senate and as a federal lobbyist for the Associated Builders and Contractors in Washington, D.C.
A native Michigander, Natalie is active in the community and serves on the key committees of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Energy Advisory Committee-City of Grand Rapids, and MICHauto. Natalie has a B.A. from Boston College and Masters work in public policy through Michigan State University.

6.24.21 - Presidents Passing of the Tiller
2021-06-24 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
6.24.21

7.1.21 - No Luncheon - Break for 4th of July
2021-07-01 12:00 - 13:15 | MI

7.8.21 - Paula Jastifer
2021-07-08 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us as our new Club President, Paula Jastifer, shares her plan and direction for her Rotary year. Look for updates from our Community Engagement Committee and what you can do to guide future volunteer opportunities, along with learning about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and why DEI is important.

7.15.21 - Scott Blakeney & Indian Trails Camp Visit
2021-07-15 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
Please join us for our annual visit to Indian Trails Camp, to learn about their history and our Club’s long-term support. Since the 1950’s IKUS/ITC has exclusively served individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, from across Michigan and neighboring states.
Scott Blakeney will be providing an update about programming, the impact of COVID and how IKUS/ITC has been able to adapt. Enjoy a tour of the campus and a delicious lunch prepared by the camp chef. If you’ve been to camp before, things may look a bit different, so come and see what’s been happening!
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Indian Trails Camp and IKUS Life Enrichment Services
Indian Trails Camp was founded in 1952 by the Kent County Cerebal Palsey Parents Club. These parents wanted a traditional camp experience accessible for children with physical and intellectual disabilities. Two teachers from Eastern Orthopedic School joined the club, along with medical professionals from Mary Free Bed. Tom Muller was president of the Club. Some financial aid was provided by the State of Michigan and Grand Rapids Board of Education.
In 1953 the first camp was held at Yankee Springs, and Wayne Muller was one of the camp counselors (and ITC Board President in 1971!). The second year camp was held at St. Mary’s Lake, and camp continued to grow. This success led the founders to search for a permanent camp home, and further organization. Grand Rapids Rotarian Fritz Meuller Jr contacted the Rotary Club regarding support, and that year the Club donated the money designated for their Christmas Party, to the camp.
Through the efforts of the GR Rotary, the City of Grand Rapids agreed to lease a parcel of land in Aman Park as the permanent home of camp. Indian Trails Camp became a reality, and the 1955 camp season was held in Aman Park (there was only one building at the park that year). Progress continued, and in 1956 ITC became a non-profit corporation. John Bertsch was the first president of the Indian Trails Camp Board of Directors.
Later, after receiving the gift of a pool, the GR Rotary conducted an $80,000 fund drive and built eight sleeping cabins. Next $115,000 was raised for renovations of the Ojibway Lodge, pool enclosure and a pontoon boat. The GR Rotary conducted another fund drive in 1980 chaired by Donald Porter. $130,000 was raised to build a sewage system, maintenance building, laundry, bathing facilities, and an outdoor chapel/ampitheater. As the kids aged Indian Trails began serving both children and adults, now 75% of campers are adults. Indian Trails continues to be the only fully accessible camp in Michigan, and one of a handful in the U.S.
Now fast forward about 30 years…
Indian Trails Camp recognized the need for year ‘round respite beyond the summer months, when campers came for a fun weekend and caregivers got much needed rest. Around 2010 we identified other service and program needs in west Michigan to further support the individuals we serve. Eventually these services grew to include: individual Community Living Support, group Community Living Support, Skill Building, and Supported Employment. Like camp, the majority of individuals that participate in these programs and services are adults.
Once these services became established, the Indian Trails Camp name didn’t accurately describe everything we had to offer. Camp leadership decided to create a “parent” brand to encompass the entire compliment of programming. IKUS Life Enrichment Services was born, using the word IKUS from the Indian Trails Camp song.
Scott Blakeney joined Indian Trails Camp/IKUS Life Enrichment Services as their Executive Director in October of 2018. Prior to ITC/IKUS he worked for the State of Michigan for 15 years, and spent 10 years in the for-profit world before being employed at the State. Scott joined the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids in 2019, and is excited to continue the longstanding tradition of serving people in west Michigan.

7.22.21 - Brad Garmon
2021-07-22 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
In September 2019, Brad Garmon was named director of the Michigan Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, a unique position that combines the resources of the Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Economic Development Council to support and grow Michigan’s outdoor recreation lifestyle industry.
Prior to this position, Garmon served as the interim CEO of the Michigan Environmental Council in Lansing, and throughout his professional career has worked build stronger alliances between outdoor recreation businesses, community-based economic development and natural resource stewardship.

7.29.21 - Mike Wall
2021-07-29 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Mike Wall serves as the Executive Director of Automotive Analysis at IHS Markit. He brings over 25 years of financial analysis, forecasting, consulting and manufacturing experience to the firm, with a primary focus on assisting financial firms and manufacturers in their evaluation and understanding of the auto industry, as well as in-depth analysis of vehicle markets and trends.
Mike has extensive experience working with both manufacturing and financial firms. With a knowledgebase established studying and covering the automotive industry as well as experience in financial analysis and banking, Mike is able to offer clients timely and relevant insight, thereby aiding their strategic planning or investment analysis processes. Moreover, he has a deep background in the area of vehicle forecasting and market trend analysis allowing him to assist clients in their assessment of near-term risks and planning scenarios.
Mike is quoted frequently in the media on a variety of automotive topics and has delivered presentations focusing on both macroeconomic and specific market outlooks to company executives and other interested groups, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Vienna, Austria.
Prior to joining IHS Markit, Mike was the Director of Forecasting at IRN, Inc. He has also held financial and analytical positions in the manufacturing and banking sectors. Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University. He later earned the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.

8.5.21 - Club 77 - Community Impact Grant Celebration
2021-08-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Varnum, 333 Bridge St NW - 17th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
The Club 77 Committee and the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation Community Impact Grant Committee would like to invite you and a guest to join them to celebrate the announcement of the grant recipient(s).
The event will be held from 4:00-5:30pm on Varnum’s rooftop deck at 333 Bridge St NW 17th Floor.
There will also be time for networking and socializing, while getting to know more about Rotary and our members.
Beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served and parking will be validated for the Bridgewater Place parking ramp.
Space will be limited, so an RSVP is necessary to attend and is due no later than Thursday, July 29th.
To RSVP, simply reply to this email and add the name of your guest, should you have one.
Please contact the Rotary office via email at rotary@grrotary.org or at 616-459-5640 should you have any questions.

8.12.20 - Jeremiah Gracia & Layla Aslani
2021-08-12 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Jeremiah Gracia joined the City of GR Economic Development Office in May 2020. He has 16 years of economic development experience working in the Columbus and Findlay, Ohio markets. His experience includes international business development working with companies from Japan, Germany, India, Netherlands, and many others. He is a member of the Michigan Economic Developers Association and is serving as an Annual Meeting Host Committee Member for the statewide conference that will be hosted in Grand Rapids on August 22-25.
His wife and four children enjoy visiting all the great West Michigan beaches.

Layla Aslani is a Planning Project Manager for the City of Grand Rapids Planning Department. In this role, she focuses on long-range planning and is currently working on a multi-year effort to update the City’s Master Plan. She is also active in the Michigan Association of Planning and serves on the statewide conference planning committee.
Layla holds a bachelor’s in communication studies and a master’s in urban planning, both from the University of Michigan. Prior to joining the City in 2014, Layla worked in the private sector and as a print journalist.
Originally from the Upper Peninsula, she spends her free time exploring West Michigan and beyond.

8.19.21 - Brian Calley
2021-08-19 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Brian Calley is a collaborative leader who combines the skills from an accomplished private sector career with a heart for public service and a record of getting things done. He is passionate about making the world work better for all people and uses an inclusive problem-solving approach to make a difference.
As President of the Small Business Association of Michigan, Brian is able to put his passion for Michigan’s small businesses to work. He serves on the board of directors of a community bank and on the boards of both Special Olympics Michigan and the Autism Alliance of Michigan. He is also a Trustee of Oakland University.
Calley had the honor of serving as Michigan’s 63rd Lieutenant Governor from 2011-2018 where his work focused on a wide range of issues ranging from major tax code revisions to autism, disability, and mental health policy improvements.
Prior to serving as lieutenant governor, Calley served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, two terms as an Ionia County commissioner and worked for over a decade in community banking. He holds degrees from Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Brian and his wife Julie live in Portland with their three children: Collin, Reagan and Karagan.

8.26.21 - Torrence Richardson
2021-08-26 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Tory Richardson, A.A.E., is the President & Chief Executive Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. He is responsible for leading a team of approximately 110 employees that
plan, organize, direct, and control all functions and activities of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport – the second busiest airport in Michigan.
Tory joined the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority in September 2019, bringing with him more than two decades of aviation experience. He served as the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority for the past seven years. Prior to his time in Columbus, Tory served as the Executive Director of Airports for the Fort
Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority in Indiana for more than eight years. He also had roles as Executive Director of Rapid City Regional Airport in Rapid City, South Dakota, and was an Airport
Operations Officer at the Dubuque Regional Airport in Iowa.
Tory is the past chair of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). He has served on the AAAE policy review committee and is a past president of the Great Lakes Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. He has also held leadership positions with the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) and is also the past president of the Ohio Aviation Association. Tory ee in Aviation Management from the University of Dubuque.

9.2.21 - Club 77 - hosted by Sheri & Asgi Fazleabas
2021-09-02 16:00 - 18:30 | MI
This fun event will be held at the home of the our own husband and wife Rotarians, Asgi and Sheri Fazleabas from 4:00-6:30pm…..(please disregard time on flyer).

A fun event for networking and socializing, while getting to know more about Rotary and our members.
Rotarians, please feel free to invite a your spouse, significant other, guest, friend, co-worker, or prospective member for a fun afternoon while enjoying food, beverages and friendship, with an international flair.
RSVP to the Rotary office by by Monday, August 30th. Please don’t forget to include the name of your guest.

9.9.21 - Gary Chenoweth
2021-09-09 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Spent early years growing up on a family farm in Bourbon, IN. After graduating from high school, attended Purdue University obtaining a BS in Food Science. While at Purdue, met my future wife Mary. Later God blessed us with 2 children, Rob and Amy.
For forty years, worked in the Refined Edible Oil (soy and canola) Industry for large Agriculture Corporations. Lived in either Fort Wayne, IN or Saint Louis, MO. for majority of those years.
After retirement in 2013, Mary and I relocated to our favorite vacation spot, Elk Rapids, MI. It was here where I started my Rotary journey. Organization with the motto “Service Above Self” was exactly what I was looking for in retirement phase of my life. Bonus has been, through Rotary, many doors were opened to the local Volunteer Network where wonderful people have been met.
For past two years, served as District 6290 Foundation Committee Polio Chair. What a special day it will be, for all Rotarians, when Polio is totally eradicated from the World!!

9.16.21 - Know Me Better
2021-09-16 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Info is pending

9.18.21 - Rotary GR Duck Derby
2021-09-18 13:00 - 14:00 | MI
The winners of the first annual GR Rotary Duck Derby have been notified!

Cash Prize Winners

$2,500 – Irene W.

$1,000 – Jason M.

$ 500 – Jim R.

Swag Bag Winners

Christina D.

David B.

Mary W.

Ed B.

Kevin P.

Carl V.

Nick W.

Thank you once again to everyone that participated in our event!

A complete list of Prize Winners can be obtained by sending a written request to Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation, 1345 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Event info can be found at: Rotary GR Duck Derby

Rotary GR Duck Derby

Race Day Excitement!
Adopt a Duck, or MANY DUCKS, for your chance to WIN BIG!
Every duck is individually numbered!

Each adopted duck comes with its own numbered adoption certificate!

All ducks are released into a special racecourse on the Grand River

The ducks will mix & mingle their way to a finish line!

Duck adoptions must be completed by 5 PM on September 17, 2021

You do not need to be present to win!
Prizes

First Duck Down the Chute to the Finish Line – WINS $2500
Second Duck to the Finish Line – WINS $1000
Third Duck to the Finish Line – WINS $500
Place 4 -10 – Receives a Sponsor Swag-Bag!

Adoption proceeds after event expenses support our local charity programs in West Michigan.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Grand Quacker

Consumers Credit Union

Quacker Backer

97 LAV-FM Classic Rock

NPF Investment Advisors

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort

Lucky Duck

Lake Michigan Insurance Agency

Mercantile Bank

Peter Albertini Properties – Keller Williams Realty

Sculley Statewide Moving

Miller Johnson Attorneys

Integrated Architecture

S. Abraham & Sons Inc.
Friend of the Flock

Christopherson Orthodontics

Service Express

Williams Kitchen & Bath

Paul and Nick Farr

Alan and Debbie Abraham

9.23.21 - Emilee Syrewicze
2021-09-23 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
A native of Northwest Michigan, Emilee Syrewicze previously served as the Executive Director of the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina. Prior, she was Executive Director of the Northwest Michigan Supportive Housing (NMSH) in Traverse City, Michigan.
Syrewicze, a classically trained pianist, earned a B.A. at Alma College, Alma, Michigan, in Political Science with concentrations in chemistry and music and a J.D. with a focus on nonprofit and environmental law/policy at Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont. During law school, Emilee clerked for the Center for Environmental Law & Policy in Seattle, Washington.
Emilee is currently on the Board of Directors for the Torch Conservation Center in Torch Lake, MI and the East Fulton Business Association in Grand Rapids.

9.30.21 - Tim Hileman
2021-09-30 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Tim Hileman is the President and CEO of Special Olympics Michigan, an organization that provides sports, health, leadership, and educational programing for over 20,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities across the state of Michigan.
In January 2021, Tim was appointed to the Protect Michigan Commission by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, where he serves as a committee member and chairs the disability workgroup.
Prior to Special Olympics Michigan, Tim served for 9 years as the Executive Director of IKUS Life Enrichment Services and Indian Trails Camp.
Tim lives in Caledonia with his wife Kristin and three children Aaron, Leah and Eli.

10.7.21 - Club 77 @ Aquinas College - hosted by Katharina Häusler-Gross
2021-10-07 16:00 - 17:30 | Aquinas College, 1700 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
A fun event for networking and socializing, while getting to know more about Rotary and our members.
Rotarians, please feel free to invite a your spouse, significant other, guest, friend, co-worker, or prospective member for a fun afternoon while enjoying food, beverages and friendship.
RSVPs are due by 12pm on Friday, Oct 1st – Please include the names of any guests in plan on inviting.
NOTE: MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL INDOOR SPACES
Tours are available for the new Albertus Magnus Hall and will be led by the Aquinas Advancement Staff.
Please let us know if you would like a tour when you RSVP to attend the event.

10.14.21 - Carol F. Robinson DNP, RN, CHPN
2021-10-14 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club
Dr. Robinson has had a varied nursing career in both clinical and administrative leadership positions. Her clinical specialty has focused on adults and children with life-limiting pulmonary disease. Her administrative leadership experience includes assisting in the development of an inpatient palliative care unit and one of the first adult cystic fibrosis adult clinics in the nation. Her passion for the care of seriously ill individuals and their families led to extensive experience with patient/family communication relative to quality of life and treatment preferences. Her scholarly work has focused on communication skills for health professionals, including advance care planning (ACP) conversations. Her friendly and open approach has helped many individuals create an advance directive reflective of one’s own personal values, beliefs, and preferences for end-of-life care.
Dr. Robinson holds an earned Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the GVSU-Kirkhof College of Nursing, specializing in health systems leadership. She has served as an Adjunct Faculty member at GVSU in the nursing program where she assisted with the development and co-taught in the post-graduate interprofessional hospice and palliative care certificate program. Dr. Robinson is certified as a hospice and palliative care nurse, a Respecting Choices© First Steps ACP Facilitator and instructor, an Advanced Steps ACP Facilitator, and is a trainer for the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC). She also serves as a Board/Steering Committee member of several health-oriented and interfaith non-profits.
Education:
DNP (2012) Health Systems Leadership – Grand Valley State University, Kirkhof College of Nursing
MS (’90) Nursing – Arizona State University (ASU), Edson College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation
BSN (’82) ~ ASU, Edson College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation
AA (’78) Respiratory Therapy ~ Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ
Certifications:
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) 2001-current
Respecting Choices® Advanced Steps® ACP Facilitator 2019-current
Respecting Choices® First Steps® Certified Instructor 2013-current
End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) Trainer 2012-current
Respecting Choices® First Steps® Facilitator 2011-current
Honors/Awards:
2020 Jerry O’Bee Award, For service excellence on behalf of the AAAWM Caregiver Resource Network
2011 Sigma Theta Tau Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Performance
2005 Michael B. O’Sullivan Award for Inpatient Clinical Nursing Excellence, Mayo Clinic Hospital, Phoenix
2005 March of Dimes AZ Nurse of the Year

10.21.21 - Jim Schipper
2021-10-21 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Jim has been officiating basketball games for over 25 years. He has officiated high school, small college and D1 games over his career. He is currently officiating in the Pac-12, Mountain West, West Coast, Mid-American and Summit League. He has had many great experiences during his officiating career, and he will share some of his keen insights as to why we are facing a severe shortage of high school officials.
Jim owns a successful wealth management firm in West MI – Schipper & Osterink.
He is married to his wife, Leah, and has two adult children – Joel and Carlyn.

10.28.21 - Mark Washington
2021-10-28 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Mark Washington has been Grand Rapids’ City Manager since October 2018. As City Manager, he functions as the municipal corporation’s Chief Executive Officer. He oversees a $540 million budget, a 1,600-person workforce and all city departments, operations, policies and programs related to public safety, economic development, community services, mobility, infrastructure, health, environment, recreation and community engagement. He is committed to making Grand Rapids a city that is nationally recognized for being equitable, welcoming, innovative and collaborative with a robust economy, safe and healthy community and the opportunity for a high quality of life for all.
Since arriving in Grand Rapids, Mark has led efforts to create a four-year strategic plan, reduce the overall cost of government services, create a performance management program, launch an equitable economic development and mobility strategy, create a public safety oversight and accountability office to improve community-police relations, establish both an equity office and innovation office, launch a homeless outreach team and reaffirm the City’s commitment to sustainability.
Mark has 26 years of experience in public sector service. Before becoming Grand Rapids’ City Manager, he served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Austin, Texas. In that role, he assisted the City Manager in operating a workforce of 14,000 employees and a $4.1 billion budget. He also provided direct executive oversight to several departments, including human resources, labor relations, fleet services, communications and technology management, building services, innovation, telecommunications, regulatory affairs and the Austin Convention Center. He provided executive leadership on labor contract negotiations, improving police oversight and community relations, hosting and planning large events such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and creating public-private partnerships to address community challenges such as equity, homelessness, digital inclusion, housing/tenant rights, right-of-way uses for disruptive technology and workforce development for marginalized populations.
Before that, Mark served as Director of Human Resources and Civil Service for the City of Austin. In that role, he led efforts that resulted in the City of Austin being recognized among the top 10 employers by Forbes Magazine thanks to efforts around strategic planning, talent management, employee engagement, labor management, risk management, equity, benefits and leadership development. He previously served as Assistant Director of Human Resources for the City of Fort Worth, Texas (6,500 employees), overseeing compensation, benefits, wellness, safety and workers’ compensation. He also served as Street Services Operations Program Manager for the City of Fort Worth, overseeing its in-house street maintenance and overlay program.
He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tarleton State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Amberton University and a master of arts degree and doctorate degree in education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Mark is a member of the International City/County Management Association and Grand Valley Metropolitan Council. He also serves on the Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Spectrum Health Community Commitment, National Forum for Black Public Administrators and Tarleton State University College of Business advisory boards. He is a Trustee of the Michigan Municipal League and Paul Quinn College. He previously served as State President of the International Public Management Association Texas chapter and is a former board member of the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association and Austin Area Urban League, among other organizations. He holds the following certifications: International Public Management Association-Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-HR-SCP), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), HR Certification Institute and Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and Certified Government Benefit Administrator certification from the state and local Government Benefit Association (CGBA), among others. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and he is an ordained minister.

11.4.21 - Club 77 @ University Club
2021-11-04 16:30 - 18:00 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Please join us for networking, appetizers and drinks at the University Club overlooking beautiful downtown Grand Rapids beginning at 4:30pm.
We will have a short welcome, followed by plenty of time to network with fellow Rotarian’s while enjoying the view of the city from the 10th Floor.
We hope that you will bring your spouses, significant other, friends, co-workers, clients and prospect members to this fun event.
Parking will be discounted.
Please RSVP to the Rotary office by 12:00pm on Monday, November 1st.

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University Club – Your Private Club
(taken from the University Club website)

A MEETING PLACE

The University Club is the perfect place for enjoying a business lunch with a new client, improving your stamina with a workout session, or networking over cocktails with other professionals. With reciprocal privileges at more than 100 private clubs across the country, membership at the University Club provides for a lifetime of personal and professional associations.

A little History
1891 – Charles E. Stearn of the Harvard Class of 1891 is due the credit of starting the University Club of Grand Rapids. Others had previously mentioned the possibility of such a club, but it was he, with his characteristic enthusiasm, who saw that the idea became a reality. Others shared his vision, gladly assuming their part of the responsibility in the proposed enterprise.

1923 – The first informal meeting was held in January, 1923, at the home of Lemuel S. Hillman, with representatives from Harvard, Yale, Michigan, Princeton, Amherst and Colgate. The conference ended at a late hour, the Club still in the embryonic state.

1923 – Less than a month later, the Club was actually brought into existence on the evening of February 6th, 1923. A list of potential members was informally selected by those present, limited by vote to one hundred. Dues were set at $25. Attractive and convenient quarters were established in the Pantlind Hotel with Clay H. Hollister serving as the first president.

1931 – In the brief period of six years, the Club grew from one hundred to two hundred and fifty members and in April 1931, moved to the top of the Michigan Trust Building. The Fifth Third Center (formerly Old Kent Bank building) became its present home in the Spring of 1966.

1989 – The University Club and the Grand Rapids Athletic Club, located in the basement of the Fifth Third Center, merged its membership in the fall of 1989. This transaction resulted in boosting Club membership to its current six hundred plus members.

2004 – The Press Club joined the University Club in January of 2004. Press Club members enjoy the same privileges as Social Members.

Today – Besides developing a congenial atmosphere and a spirit of good fellowship, the Club has established itself as a truly successful organization. The University Club is a tribute to its founders and its current membership.

11.11.21 - Carl Paganelli, Jr.
2021-11-11 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Carl Paganelli NFL #124
Carl comes from a long line of sports enthusiast. His father, fondly known as the “Godfather of Officials in West Michigan” began officiating in the sixties. His brothers, Perry and Dino are NFL officials and have officiated Super Bowl games. Carl started his officiating career in 1978 as a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. He has worked college football in Division III, Division II, the Mid-American Conference and the Big Ten Conference. His professional career started in 1987, when he was hired by the Arena Football League. Carl worked nine seasons in Arena Football and officiated two years in the Canadian Football League. Working his way to the NFL, he officiated three years in NFL Europe and in 1999, Carl was hired by the NFL.
His post season experience includes working high school playoffs, a Michigan High School Class A State Final, Division III and II Playoffs, two Arena Bowls, Canadian Football League Playoffs, and the 1999 NFL Europe World Bowl in Germany.
Carl has worked numerous playoff assignments in the NFL including Five Championship Games. His greatest accomplishments in officiating are his Four Super Bowl. His most memorable Super Bowl was Super Bowl 41, which he officiated with his oldest brother Perry, in Miami, Florida.
Carl married his high school sweetheart, Cathy who was the rock of the family and without her support, he never would have made it to the NFL. Cathy was his biggest fan and the love of his life. Cathy fought valiantly to beat cancer and after a 4 1/2 battle, the battle was over.
The pressures and stress of officiating a Super Bowl is intense knowing one mistake can cost a team the Super Bowl. For Carl, nothing compares to the to the pressure, stress, and anxiety of trying to keep his family together and continue life after Cathy’s death.
Carl lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and spends winters in Florida. He has two daughters, Carley and Crysta. He is a Retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer.

11.18.21 - John Ryder
2021-11-18 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
John Ryder is the Executive Director at the Michigan Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth Michigan and has been there for the last 8 years of the organizations 45 years in existence.
Mr. Ryder has reinvented himself many times and has worked in many fascinating careers, often holding several fulltime positions at the same time, from sales to leadership positions. John is
also a relentless volunteer for worthwhile causes. He has been a Cubmaster, a Scout Master, and is a Rotarian in Frankenmuth’s Sunrise Club.
John is always excited to share the amazing stories of our states many veterans and of our astronauts.

11.25.21 - Thanksgiving Day - No Luncheon
2021-11-25 08:00 - 17:00 | MI

12.2.21 - Club 77 @ Lighthouse an Alera Group Company
2021-12-02 16:00 - 17:30 | MI

12.9.21 - Dr. Anthony Chang
2021-12-09 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
As founder and CEO of BAMF Health, Dr. Chang is leading a growing global team to build a Bold Advanced Medical Future. Headquartered in the Doug Meijer Medical Innovation Building in Grand Rapids, Michigan and opening in 2022, BAMF Health will operate the world’s most advanced cyclotron-equipped Radiopharmacy and Molecular Imaging Clinic. This clinic will be the home to never-before-seen Theranostics treatment for cancer patients and patients suffering from various neurodegenerative diseases. Potential cancer applications include prostate, neuroendocrine, breast, pancreas, lung, gynecological, colon, and brain. Additionally, BAMF Health will pursue diagnostic and therapeutic applications in pediatric oncology, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Endometriosis, chronic pain, PTSD and depression.
Prior to founding BAMF Health, Dr. Chang was an accomplished scientific leader and educator. He successfully built his vision of a modern multimodality Small Animal Imaging Facility (SAIF), including an imaging suite and radiochemistry lab. He also brought a Laboratory of Translational Imaging (LTI) from concept to international recognition in the molecular imaging research community in three short years.
In the pre-clinical imaging ﬁeld, he has made efforts to advance the accessibility, throughput, and data analysis of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and other imaging technology to researchers for a wide variety of studies. He has taken considerable strides toward translating new PET radiotracer technology into the clinic by developing novel ways to apply information acquired from PET images with the efﬁciency and accuracy needed for drug development, disease diagnosis, therapeutic strategy, and prognosis prediction.
Dr. Chang received his B.S. in Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences from Chang Gung University in Taoyuan, Taiwan. He then continued as a Special Graduate Student working in the NMR Center of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, and the Institute of Imaging Science at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Chang was awarded his Ph.D. in Medical Physics with a specialization in Diagnostic Imaging Physics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
In 2016, Dr. Chang received the Outstanding Alumni Award from Chang Gung University, and is one of the honorees of 2016 Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 under 40 class. In 2017, he received The Henry Dunant Global Impact Award from the American Red Cross, inspired by his work on developing and promoting molecular imaging technology. He was also appointed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder as a commissioner to the Michigan Asian Paciﬁc American Affairs Commission in early 2017. Dr. Chang is currently appointed as adjunct faculty of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.
