Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

Susan Shannon and Sheriff Larry Stelma
2016-06-02 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | University Club
Susan Shannon has spent thirty years in leadership positions in government and non-profits in Grand Rapids and Seattle. She is currently the Executive Director of the Children’s Assessment Center which investigates and treats children who have been sexually abused. Prior to that she served as Economic Development Director for the cities of Grand Rapids and Seattle. She has been a member of Rotary in both Grand Rapids and Seattle.

Lawrence A. Stelma – Sheriff Stelma is the Kent County Sheriff, where he is responsible for all law enforcement activities in the unincorporated area of Kent County, the operation of the Kent County Correctional Facility, security of the court houses and judges, and prisoner transportation. His responsibilities include investigating crimes against children, as well as securing suspects in jail and through the judicial process. He has served within the Kent County Sheriff’s Office for over 44 years, starting as a deputy and working through the ranks to Sheriff in 2000. He became a board member at the Children’s Assessment Center in 1999, where he has served on the board at large and the finance committee and also provides on-site investigators at the Center. He has also served on multiple local, state, and national boards for various law enforcement initiatives, the community, and school and faith based organizations.

In Honor of Memorial Day - No Luncheon Scheduled
2016-05-26 12:00 - 13:15 UTC

Reds, Whites & Brews 2016 - A Spring Celebration to Benefit Indian Trails Camp
2016-05-19 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit) | Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Reds, Whites & Brews, our annual Spring Celebration, will be held on Thursday, May 19th at the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids, benefitting our Camper Scholarship Fund. This fund helps us provide another best day to all who come to us, regardless of their financial ability.
Tickets are available at http://2016redswhitesandbrews.eventbrite.com or call us at 616.677.5251.

The 2015 event was held on May 21 at the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids, and our generous supporters raised over $17,000 for camper scholarships! Stay tuned for information on our 2016 event! With your help, IKUS will continue to provide enriched life experiences through recreation, advocacy, and meaningful relationships for individuals with disabilities.

Karl Nelson and S.T.R.I.V.E. Banquet
2016-05-19 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Karl earned is BA in Business Education and Mathematics – Ferris State University and his MA in Educational Leadership at Michigan State University. He is currently in the 3rd year as a doctoral student in the Education Leadership program at Michigan State University
Karl has been a teacher and coach at Creston and Ottawa Hills High Schools. The Athletic Director at Creston and Byron Center High Schools. He was also a Principal at Creston and Byron Center High Schools and is currently the Principal at Union High School.
He used to golf and run before the MSU program, but now just tries to find time to be with his two teenage daughters, Lexi 16 and Ally 14, and his beautiful wife Kristyn.
Today we also celebrate and recognize the students that have participated in the STRIVE Mentoring/Scholarship Program and their parents, mentors and schools for their support.
**********************************************************************************************************The mission of the STRIVE Program is to mentor high school students to achieve academic success, graduate from high school and continue their education in college, university, trade, technical or career school
In pursuit of this mission, the STRIVE program provides positive role models for students to promote self discovery, the importance of High School Graduation, development of good values, development of life skills, and individual responsibility in STRIVING for excellence in life.
STRIVE is a partnership among Junior and Senior students trying to make a difference in their lives, parents who are willing to support and encourage their students, high school administrators, faculty and counselors, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation

Kyle Caldwell
2016-05-12 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Kyle Caldwell is the executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Caldwell joined the Johnson Center in August 2015. In this leadership role, Caldwell is responsible for the administrative and development functions of the organization while providing vision, passion, and guidance to one of the nation’s largest centers for philanthropy.
Caldwell comes to this role having lead and worked in a wide variety of organizations in government, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.
As a champion of the nonprofit sector, Caldwell has been a staunch advocate for nonprofits and foundations to exercise the full expression of their rights and responsibilities. He has also taken on leadership roles in helping develop strategies and programming initiatives that strengthen the philanthropic sector. Most recently, he served as the Director for the Pathways to Opportunity Program at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation where he helped evolve the Foundation’s approach to addressing poverty to focus on education.
Caldwell serves on a number of national boards including Points of Light, Independent Sector, Nonprofit Votes, and the National Council of Nonprofits, which he currently chairs. At the state level, Caldwell serves as a member of the Michigan Community Service Commission. He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication from Western Michigan University. Both WMU and Lansing Community College (where he earned an associate’s degree in photojournalism) have bestowed Caldwell with exemplary alumni awards.
Personal Statement
I am a proud life-long resident of Michigan and have spent nearly all my life on the “West Side.” My wife, a retired teacher, and I relocated to the Grand Rapids area to join both our children who are currently Lakers studying communication and fine art. In a previous life, I was a professional photographer. This experience helped me to observe human behavior and better understand the power of story.

Birgit Klohs
2016-05-05 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Birgit Klohs is President & CEO of The Right Place, Inc., a position she has held since 1987. The Right Place, Inc. is the regional economic development organization for the retention, expansion and attraction of businesses to the West Michigan Area.
Ms. Klohs, a native of Germany, came to The Right Place, Inc. from Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where she served as Assistant Director of the Office for Economic Expansion. Prior to her association with GVSU, Ms. Klohs was affiliated with Prince Corporation in Holland, Michigan.
Her economic development career began in 1977 as an Industrial Consultant with the Economic Development Corporation of Berrien County, Michigan. Following her experience in Berrien County, she joined the Michigan Department of Commerce as an Account Executive for the West Michigan region.
She is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where she earned her B.A. degree in Corporate Finance. She is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute of the University of Oklahoma; and completed the professional economic development finance program through the National Development Council. She also attended Harvard University’s program on negotiation.
Ms. Klohs is a frequent speaker at national and international economic development conferences and seminars. She has lectured in France, Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, China, Australia and Israel. She is involved in numerous local and state-wide activities.
Ms. Klohs enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and travel.

Jim Jarecki
2016-04-28 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
With 21 years of experience in professional baseball, Jim Jarecki has helped make the vision of the West Michigan Whitecaps a reality starting with the team’s inaugural year (1994). As Vice President of Whitecaps Professional Baseball, Jim is responsible for creating and upholding the “Fifth Third Ballpark Experience,” which includes fun and exciting family entertainment-for each and every fan that enters through the gates. He has facilitated numerous events at Fifth Third Ballpark, including the 1995 and 2003 Midwest League All-Star Games, five Midwest League championship series, the Detroit Tigers exhibition game in 1999, Fantasy Camps and facility events. Prior to the 2006 season, Jim oversaw the $1.4 million dollar renovations at Fifth Third Ballpark of the suite level and outfield bleachers.
At the conclusion of the 2006 season, Jim received the Midwest League Executive of the Year award, which was voted on by league owners and General Managers. During the 2008-’09 off-season, Jim oversaw the $1.5 million renovation to the ballpark which included playing field, new box seats, ballpark roof, backstop netting, structural repairs to concrete and asphalt, and suite renovations.
The Whitecaps received the Bob Freitas Award for Best Franchise of the Decade from Baseball America in 1999. In 1998 and 2000, Jim and the Whitecaps were recognized with the Midwest League Stadium Operations Award. After the 2007 season, the Whitecaps were awarded the Midwest League’s Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy for best promotion of baseball and entertainment. Following up the Midwest League award, the Whitecaps took it one more step in December and accepted the Promotional Trophy for the entire Minor Leagues at the Winter Meetings in Nashville. In addition, the Whitecaps were named MiLB’s Team of the Year following the 2007 MWL Championship.
Jim’s experience in professional baseball and includes operations, marketing, ticket and sponsorship sales, promotions and media relations. He started with the Chicago White Sox in telemarketing and his minor league experience has included working with the Oklahoma RedHawks as an intern and the Beloit Snappers as Assistant GM. Jim is a 1989 graduate of Northern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. In 2003, and again in 2005, he was named to the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders” and is currently on the Comstock Park DDA board, Wolverine Worldwide YMCA board, Midwest League Schedule committee, and MiLB’s Licensing Committee.
A native of Woodridge, Illinois, Jim remains a Chicago sports fan to the end. He continues to play and coach youth basketball in the off-season and attempts the great game of golf when time permits during the season. Jim resides in Grand Rapids with his wife Christine, daughters Addison and Kelsey and son Carson.

William Coderre III
2016-04-21 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
William C. Coderre, III, CFRE
Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes
Committed to improving the lives of children in Michigan, Bill Coderre has served Junior Achievement with distinction for 33 years. Bill has been President of Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes since 1999. Bill’s early involvement with Junior Achievement began as a participant in the JA Company Program at Bishop Hendricken High School in Rhode Island in 1978. Wanting to give back to JA for all that he received as a student Bill joined the JA staff in Providence, RI in 1983. His passion for JA became both a vocation and an avocation. JA of the Michigan Great Lakes serves over 60,000 students annually and is one of the top performing JA areas in the country. Bill and his organization have received many awards for their performance including the Charles R. Hook Award as the top JA President in the United States in 2007. Bill has been active at the state, national and International levels with Junior Achievement most recently serving as a member of the JA Worldwide Member Council. Bill is actively involved in his community currently serving on the Grand Rapids Economic Club essay committee and as Treasurer of the Saint Thomas the Apostle Education Foundation. Bill was elected by his JA President peers to serve as Chairperson of the JA Presidents Roundtable for the next two years.
Bill is married to Cheryl Coderre a Kindergarten Teacher at Saint Thomas the Apostle School and invites JA into her classroom each and every year as well as a SLD Reading tutor.

Service Above Selfie Contest Winners and Celebration Event Announced
2016-04-16 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit) | Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Rotary is about helping our communities and families in need through community service – and created a fun way to put extra money behind those efforts.
We asked people in our community to take a “selfie” when participating in a community service project between January 1 and March 1, 2016, and then post it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn with the hashtag #serviceselfie or #rotarygr. Rotary – Grand Rapids will share the photos at www.serviceselfie.com and a list of finalists in were chosen in early March.
Those top three choices will receive a cash prize (1st Place – $2,500, 2nd Prize – $1,500 and 3rd Prize- $1,000) that will be donated to the nonprofit group hosting the community service event.
This years winners are:

1st Place – Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities

2nd Place – Help Pregnancy Crisis Aid

3rd Place – Habitat for Humanity of Kent County

The awards will be presented at the season Griffins season finale game on Saturday, April 16 at 7:00pm. Tickets will be $18, and there will be a post-game open skate included and may be purchased by clicking Griffins.
You may also purchase tickets:

Visit griffinshockey.com/promocode
Enter in the code: rotary
Select your seats and make your purchase!

Come cheer on the Club as we celebrate the conclusion of the Club’s Service Above Selfie social media campaign, which reached over 93,000 people and had over 50 entries. At intermission, the Club will present a check to Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities, the winning organization of the Service Above Selfie contest.
If you have any questions about the Service Above Selfie contest or Rotary Night with the Griffins, please contact Neil Marchand atmarchandn@millerjohnson.com or (616) 831 – 1764. See you at the game!

Service Above Selfie Contest - Winners Celebration with the Griffins
2016-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Van Andel Arena, 130 Fulton W, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids Griffins have teamed up to offer a special discount to the Griffins’ season finale game on Saturday, April 16 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $18, and you will be able to participate in the post-game open skate. To purchase tickets, please go to:
http://www.ticketingcentral.com/V2/Home.aspx?I=%2fUQKJwAAAAAWMs1kAQAAAAB2%2fv%2f%2f%2fwZST1RBUln%2f%2f%2f%2f%2fC2dyYW5kcmFwaWRzAP%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f%2f
Alternatively, you can do the following:

Visit griffinshockey.com/promocode
Enter in the code: rotary
Select your seats and make your purchase!

Come cheer on the Club as we celebrate the conclusion of the Club’s Service Above Selfie social media campaign, which reached over 93,000 people and had over 50 entries. At intermission, the Club will present a check to Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities, the winning organization of the Service Above Selfie contest. The finalists were:

Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities (first place) ;
Help Pregnancy Crisis Aid through the Aquinas Campus Ministry and the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids (second place); and
Habitat for Humanity (third place).

If you have any questions about the Service Above Selfie contest or Rotary Night with the Griffins, please contact Neil Marchand at marchandn@millerjohnson.com or (616) 831 – 1764. See you at the game!

Homer Mandoka
2016-04-14 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Homer A. Mandoka has spent his life dedicated to public service. After earning his Associate Degree in Law Enforcement from Kellogg Community College, Mr. Mandoka spent the next 15 years as a police officer for the City of Bronson, Michigan.
In 2002, he was elected to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribal Council and appointed as Sergeant-at-Arms. Over the years, Mr. Mandoka served as Treasurer and Vice-Chairman of the Tribal Council. In 2010, Mr. Mandoka was appointed at the Tribal Council Chairman and in 2012, was re-elected to his 5th term on the Tribal Council. He is one of five members on the Tribal Council.
As the Tribal Chairman for the Tribe and the FireKeepers Development Authority, Chairman Mandoka and fellow council members has guided the Tribe in strengthen self-sufficient through a number of economic endeavors including the expansion of FireKeepers Casino Hotel.
Chairman Mandoka guided the Mishkoswen Project, which added a recreation park and six homes as homeland development on the Pine Creek Reservation. At one-time, the Tribal lands only consisted of five dilapidated homes, an office and a church. Recent enhancements have included the addition of 26 homes, modern roadways, weather alert systems, and fire hydrants.
Chairman Mandoka also made significant contributions to land acquisition transactions. These included the purchase of a parcel of land in the City of Grand Rapids to better serve Tribal Members with a modern Health Clinic.
Other significant milestones met under Chairman Mandoka’s tenure included a $97 million early buy-out of the Full House casino management contract. Completion of the outside management agreement buy-out was part of a transformational $385 million refinancing package. The package saved the Tribe $100,000 per day. That particular bill was burned last year, 14 months early.
Chairman Mandoka facilitated the legislative passage of the State of Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA), which Governor Rick Snyder signed into law on February 20, 2013. It continues to be a historical achievement for those in Indian County.
The Native American Financial Officers Association honored Chairman Mandoka as the 2013 Tribal Leader of the Year and he received the Sara Simmons Advocacy Award by Safe Place.
Chairman Mandoka and his wife, Kathy, reside in Bronson, Michigan. They have five children, Austin, Haley Irwin, Phillip and Logan.

Spring Break - No Luncheon Scheduled
2016-04-07 12:00 - 13:15 UTC

Andy Page
2016-03-31 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Mary Free Bed YMCA, 5500 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
As an executive professional in the Health & Wellness Industry for more than twenty-three years, Andrew Page has drawn on two things that have been guiding forces throughout his career: helping people and working with kids. A passion for fitness combined with a concern about weight epidemics afflicting many young people in our country have fueled a career including eight years as the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland and the 2007 recipient of the Spirit and Vision award given by the Boys & Girls Club of America.
In August 2011, Andy brought his experience in fund development, program and service implementation, board development, community outreach and supervisory responsibilities to the David D. Hunting YMCA as the Executive Director, and was promoted to Vice President of Operations and most recently named the Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. He currently provides oversight to six YMCA branch locations, Camp Manitou-Lin and Activate.
Andy graduated from Spring Arbor University with a degree in Health Services Management and is married 26 years to his high school sweetheart, Karen. They have two children, Kylie and Jacob.

Service Above Self Award Dinner
2016-03-24 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | New Vintage Place, 889 Broadway Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
To become a sponsor please click here: Service Above Self Award Dinner Sponsorship
To purchase tickets by check: Service Above Self Dinner Tickets
To purchase tickets by credit card:

This award is given in recognition of Frederik Meijer, whose humanitarian acts of selfless service made an enduring difference in the lives of others.
The 2016 recipient of the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award is Dr. Luis Tomatis.
Luis A. Tomatis, M.D., FACS, FACC
Director of Medical Affairs for the Richard M. DeVos Family
Educated in his native Argentina, Dr. Luis Tomatis, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.C. received his Medical Degree at Rosario Medical School in 1954. He trained in General Surgery in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and then in 1956 he came to the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit to train in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. In 1965 he moved to Grand Rapids where he worked at Butterworth Hospital (now Spectrum Health) for thirty years as a Cardiovascular Surgeon. During that time Dr. Tomatis became Chief of Butterworth Hospital’s Thoracic and Cardiovascular Department and Clinical Professor of Surgery at Michigan State University.
In 1983 Dr. Tomatis received a four-year grant from the Kellogg Foundation to study “Cost Containment in Surgery.” Based in Grand Rapids, this study was done in conjunction with Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
On December 31, 1995, Dr. Tomatis concluded his surgical career to become the Founding President of the Van Andel Institute, and from 2000 to the present he has acted in the capacity of Director of Medical Affairs to the Richard M. DeVos Family.
Dr. Tomatis has given much of his time and talent to Aquinas College (where he served on the Board of Directors from 2002-2011) and he continues to be actively involved in the Grand Rapids community at large. He is presently serving as an Honorary Board Member for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, as a member of the Vice Provost for Health Advisory Board at Grand Valley State University, as a board member at Christian Living Services, Holland Home, and as a member of the MSU Ethics Director’s Council. He serves as secretary for the DeVos Medical Ethics Colloquy Planning Committee, is a member of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Leadership Advisory Committee and serves on Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson’s Organ Donor Advisory Committee. In 2012, he was appointed to the Certificate of Need Commission by Governor Rick Snyder.
He has been honored to receive such awards as the Galaxy Award of the National Kidney Foundation and the Recognition Award from the Michigan Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons. He is a member of Butterworth Hospital’s Distinguished Physician Society and was the first recipient of the Emeritus Lifetime Achievement Award at Spectrum Health. A member of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids since 1995, he has been honored twice as a Paul Harris Fellow. He has also been recognized as Ciudadano Ilustre de la Ciudad de Rosario, Argentina; as an Honorary Member of the Peruvian Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, the Argentine Vascular Society, Sociedad Venezolana de Angiologia y Cirugia Cardiovascular, and the Colegio Argentino de Cirujanos Cardiovasculares; as Doctor “Honoris Causa” of the University of Rosario; and as an Honorary Doctor of Science at Grand Valley State University.
In a recent tribute to Dr. Tomatis and his 10 years of service as Director of Medical Affairs to the DeVos family, Rich DeVos wrote, “…your professional and community leadership on health and research issues has been bold and visionary. Perhaps more than anyone, you’ve been the steward of what we now proudly know as the “Medical Mile.” Our community has been richly blessed by your extraordinary foresight, remarkable skill and sincere compassion.”
Thank you to our SPONSORS!
Frederik Meijer Award Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Roberto Torres and Carlos Sanchez
2016-03-24 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Roberto Torres is the Executive Director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. Since his arrival on January 20, 2015, he has hit the ground running while positioning the Hispanic Center to be a lead agent in the future development of Grand Rapids’ historic Latino communities. Together with the Hispanic Center Board of Directors, he leads an aggressive strategic plan with a vision for Latino inclusion in community, workforce & economic development in Western Michigan.
Previously, he served as Executive Director of the Northwest Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and served in four mayoral administrations in Toledo, Ohio and one term for Canton, Ohio Mayor William Healy’s administration. As Director of Economic Development for the City of Canton, Torres was instrumental in leveraging billions of dollars in public and private financing to support historic preservation and redevelopment projects, construction of industrial development parks, mixed-use facility development and the expansion of international investment.
He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he majored in public administration and political science. He is a Desert Storm Veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps.

Born in Mexico City, Carlos Sanchez is the Director of the Latino Business and Economic Development Center. His work at the Center focuses on developing Latino leaders and entrepreneurs.
Mr. Sanchez has over ten years of valuable experience in the areas of Diversity and Inclusion as well as Latino Entrepreneurship and is very active in his community, serving on several Boards and committees; Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Dyer Ives Foundation, the Downtown Improvement District Board and Chemical Bank Community Board.
A graduate of the International Business program at Davenport University, Carlos also holds an MBA level Certification in Design and Innovation Management from Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University.

Rick Rediske, Ph.D.
2016-03-17 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Dr. Richard Rediske is a Professor of Water Resources at Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI).
He has a Ph.D. from University of Michigan in Environmental Chemistry and has conducted environmental research at AWRI for over 20 years. His research areas include environmental chemical fate and transport, aquatic toxicology, water quality management, ecosystem restoration.
Prior to joining AWRI, Dr. Rediske was the Director of Environmental Services for local environmental consulting firms including WW Engineering and Science and Earth Tech.

Kevin Stotts
2016-03-10 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Kevin Stotts joined TALENT 2025 as President in July 2011. The organization is a CEO-led effort to create an integrated talent system to meet the needs of West Michigan’s employers. CEOs take a leadership role and act as an accountability partner in each segment of the talent supply chain. They convene working groups to facilitate collaboration and broker relationships to establish a shared commitment by employers, educators and stakeholders to drive improvement in key performance measures. TALENT 2025 is a process that illuminates performance gaps, evaluates solutions and advocates for leading practices to improve the talent development system.
Before that he served as Vice President of Community Programs with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for eight years where he directed the Center for Community Leadership (CCL) and launched HelloWestMichigan.com. Prior to this Kevin ran a statewide scholarship program and worked for Governor John Engler.
Kevin is originally from the Detroit area and earned his bachelor’s degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University. He serves on several non-profit boards and is an avid runner and cyclist. Kevin resides in Grand Rapids with his wife Stephanie and their three children Katie, Matt and Ben.

Dr. Rick Pappas
2016-03-03 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Davenport University, 6191 Kraft Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D., is president of Davenport University, a private, nonprofit university founded in 1866 in Grand Rapids, Mich. With an enrollment of nearly 10,000 at campuses across Michigan and online, Davenport specializes in innovative undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for in-demand careers in business, technology, health professions, and urban education.
Under the leadership of Dr. Pappas, Davenport has implemented continuous quality improvement measures through Vision 2015, elevating the University through enhanced academic programming, student support, market position and financial strength. Davenport’s graduation rate has increased 105% during that span, while retention, persistence and student satisfaction are at all-time highs.
Davenport was named a 2013 “Great College to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education and was honored by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce with the EPIC Award for Excellence in Business, recognizing the University’s innovation and quality initiatives.
Dr. Pappas has more than 40 years of experience in higher education, including 26 years as a college and university president. Prior to joining Davenport in 2009, he served as president of National-Louis University (NLU) in Chicago, Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Mich., and Harford Community College in Bel Air, Md. Among honors and achievements, Dr. Pappas received the University of Michigan’s Norman C. Harris Alumni Award and the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations’ Pacesetter Award.
He is Chairman of the board for The Heart of West Michigan United Way and also serves on the boards of The Economic Club of Grand Rapids and The Right Place, Inc. Dr. Pappas is a participant in the West Michigan Strategic Alliance’s Talent 2025 initiative and a member of the CEO Advisory Council for the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance. He also is a member of the West Michigan Board of Directors for Fifth Third Bank.
Dr. Pappas also serves as Chair of the membership committee and on the executive committee of the board for the American Council on Education, and he is on the executive committee and board of the Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities (MICU).
A native of Michigan, Dr. Pappas earned his doctorate degree in higher, adult and continuing education and master’s degree in higher education and business management from the University of Michigan. He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Pappas is married to Pam, who is a school social worker, and has three grown children — Brian, Lisa and Dana – and three grandsons, Charlie, Kaden and Ben

Rosalynn Bliss
2016-02-25 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss became the City’s first female Mayor when she took office on January 1, 2016. She previously served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years.
Mayor Bliss also is Director of Residential Services at D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s. St. John’s Home provides emergency shelter and residential services for abused and neglected children. In addition, Mayor Bliss is an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University’s School of Social Work.
She earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of South Alabama and a master’s in social work from Michigan State University.
Mayor Bliss is active in her profession and in the community. She is Vice President of the Michigan Municipal League and serves on the boards of the Interurban Transit Partnership, Kent County Land Bank Authority, Downtown Development Authority, Experience Grand Rapids, Grand Valley Metro Council and Dyer-Ives Foundation, among many other organizations.
She is a member of the Uptown Corridor Improvement District and the West Michigan Environmental Leadership Network. She also serves as Chairwoman of the Residential MIN for the Michigan Federation of Children and Families.
Mayor Bliss has been recognized and honored locally as well as statewide for her commitment, dedication and work in the field of child abuse and neglect and for her leadership in the community. Recognitions include:

Five-time recipient of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty distinction
Grand Rapids Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan
ATHENA Young Professional Award
Tim Pope Memorial Award for Outstanding Young Governmental Leader
Christine Nelson Professional Award for Service to Children
Michigan Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Special Recognition Award

Past Presidents of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids
2016-02-18 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

Dr. Aron Sousa
2016-02-11 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Aron Sousa, MD, is interim dean at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Prior to his appointment as interim dean in August 2015, Dr. Sousa served as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Serving in that role since 2006, he was responsible for the educational programs of the college across the seven community campuses across the state. During that time he managed the doubling of the college’s class size, and converting its two-year, 60 student Grand Rapids campus into a four-year, 350 student campus. He also led the creation of a pair of new, two-year clinical campuses in Traverse City and Midland.
Dr. Sousa leads the college’s accreditation activity and regularly serves as a site team member for the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. As the leader of the college’s $30 million expansion in Flint, Dr. Sousa was the PI on the C.S. Mott grants that led to the college establishing the CHM building and the creation of the Division of Public Health in Flint.
Dr. Sousa is a practicing general internist. He received his bachelor’s in chemistry from Indiana University and his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He then served as both a resident and chief resident in internal medicine at MSU and also participated in a Primary Care Fellowship at MSU.

Rotary After Hours - Harmony Hall
2016-02-04 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Detroit) | Harmony Brewing Company, 401 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Join your fellow Rotarians and Friends of Rotary for this great networking opportunity. Bring prospective members, your clients, co-workers, spouse and significant other for an evening of fun, fellowship and friendship.
This months event will be held at:
HARMONY HALL – 1401 Stocking Ave NW
Located on the Westside of Grand Rapids in the completely renovated Little Mexico building, we have crafted a menu and atmosphere with German beer hall influences. We brew small batches of well-balanced beer. Brewing this way allows us to react seasonally and respond the tastes of our Beer Lovin’ community.

Paula Cunningham
2016-02-04 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Paula D. Cunningham is the State Director for AARP Michigan which has more than 1.4 million members. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social welfare organization with a membership of nearly 38 million. They work to lead positive change and deliver value to all people 50+.
Prior to joining AARP Michigan, Paula D. Cunningham was the CEO of Capitol National Bank (CNB). CNB has been in the community for more than 32 years. She was the only African American woman in the country to be president of a majority owned bank.
Prior to joining Capitol National Bank Ms. Cunningham was the first woman to be President of Lansing Community College.. Lansing Community College has more than 30,000 students and is the State’s 3rd largest community college. As President of Lansing Community College, she successfully led a community millage campaign to generate an additional $9 million for the institution into perpetuity. Under her leadership, the college implemented a strategic planning process that resulted in five new buildings. The main building on the LCC campus was officially named the Paula D. Cunningham Administration Building in 2006. This is the only building named after a woman in downtown Lansing.
President Cunningham has also been a small business owner. She and her husband owned and managed an 18-hole golf course and she was the founder of an entrepreneurial academy for young people.
Paula Diane Cunningham’s dedication to education, small business and community have been recognized by many organizations. She has received numerous awards and recognition throughout her career, including being inducted in 2013 to the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, a former recipient of the prestigious Athena Award, featured in Ebony Magazine as a “Woman on the Move” and featured in Bridge Magazine as a woman who “Breaks Barriers”, as well as other featured articles.
Paula serves on numerous boards including, but not limited to Davenport University, McLaren Health Systems – Lansing, and she was the first African American female to Chair the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Board.
A favorite quote: “Only as high as you reach can you grow. Only as far as you seek can you go. Only as deep as you look can you see. Only as much as you dream can you be.” Karen Ravn

Meredith Bronk
2016-01-28 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Meredith Bronk has been with OST since 1998. She served as Chief Operating Officer for several years before being promoted to President in April 2014 and then becoming CEO in April 2015. As CEO and President, Meredith assumed responsibility for sales, business development, and marketing, in addition to her existing leadership of service delivery, finance and operations. Meredith understands the needs of a dynamic growing organization and leverages her strong leadership capabilities to bring creative solutions to clients while maintaining a strong organizational culture.
Meredith also earned her MBA from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business in 2014. Meredith’s career started in Accounting, but her compassion and insight quickly expanded her into Project Management, Recruiting, and Human Resources. She joined OST as a Project Manager, working closely with clients, partners, and employees to get the job done. Her diverse experience has created a unique combination of strong analytical and interpersonal skills. Meredith’s servant attitude and commitment to the success of others is an excellent representation of OST’s dedication to its employees and customers.
Meredith is married with three daughters. When she is not dedicating time to OST, she can often be found on the softball diamond teaching girls the fundamentals. She openly shares the lessons learned during her playing career and how they are applicable at work – and to life in general.

Raymond Beckering III
2016-01-21 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Raymond E. Beckering III is an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan, where he has served as the criminal health care fraud coordinator since 2006.
He previously prosecuted drug trafficking cases. Before joining the Department of Justice, Mr. Beckering was a criminal defense attorney handling a variety of state and federal matters including health care fraud.
He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Michigan.

Eva Aguirre Cooper
2016-01-14 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Eva Aguirre Cooper has been the Community Affairs Director at WOOD TV8/WOTV 4/WXSP since 1998, where her responsibilities include community outreach efforts, on-air reporting for 24 Hour News 8 and special station projects including the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program –Live healthy and our Safe Water campaign.
Her community involvement includes participation on various boards and committees such as the Experience Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Grand Rapids Sister City – Mexico Committee and ongoing participation in the Hispanic Community.
Prior to joining WOOD TV8, Eva worked at Trillion Post Production where she managed projects in Mexico City. From 1984 to 1994, Eva worked at three different Public Broadcasting Stations including WSIU in Illinois, SCETV in South Carolina and WGVU in Grand Rapids. Eva’s parents are both from Mexico and she is fluent in Spanish.

Bryan Klochack
2016-01-07 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
With more than 20 years of experience in teaching and administration, Principal Bryan Klochack leads the professional education team at Michigan Connections Academy (MICA). His background in both public and private bricks-and-mortar schools and his advanced degrees have equipped him to continue developing the school’s exceptional educational learning environment.
As an educational professional, Mr. Klochack is especially proud of MICA’s focus on individualized instruction delivered by exceptional, highly-qualified teachers who believe all students can learn! “The individual attention students receive, the efficiency with which they learn, and the flexibility of our program really raise the bar. This excellent education sets our students apart from the rest. MICA is on the verge of tremendous growth and achievement, and I hope the great students of Michigan join us for an amazing learning experience!”
Mr. Klochack earned an Education Specialist degree with an emphasis in executive level educational leadership from the University Michigan–Flint. He also holds an M.A. in educational administration with an emphasis in school principalship from Central Michigan University and a B.A. in Economics from Kalamazoo College. He has state certification in elementary and secondary administration.

Service Above Selfie Contest
2016-01-04 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
Rotary is about helping our communities and families in need through community service – Now there’s a fun way to put extra money behind those efforts.
Here’s how it works. When you participate in a community service project between January 1 and March 1, 2016, take a “selfie” and post it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn with the hashtag #serviceselfie or #rotarygr. Rotary – Grand Rapids will share the photos at www.serviceselfie.com and pick a list of finalists in early March.
The top three choices will receive a cash prize (1st Place – $2,500, 2nd Prize – $1,500 and 3rd Prize- $1,000) that will be donated to the nonprofit group hosting the community service event.
Winners will be announced at the Service Above Self Award Dinner event on March 24, 2016! Get more details at www.grrotary.org.
Please print the flyer and hand it out to any non-profit that you volunteer for or know, that could benefit from the participation of it’s volunteers. Service Above Selfie flyer

No Luncheon - New Year's Eve
2015-12-31 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year and a wonderful year ahead.

No Luncheon - Christmas Eve
2015-12-24 08:00 - 17:00 UTC
Wishing you and yours joy and peace throughout this holiday season!
