Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

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!

Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon
2015-12-22 09:00 - 14:30 UTC | Kuyper College, 3333 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids is collaborating with Senior Neighbors Inc. to host the Rotary’s Annual Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, December 22nd in the dining hall at Kuyper College.
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids members and volunteers will serve a delicious sit-down lunch to 200 low income seniors (many of whom are members of the Grand Rapids Senior Neighbors Center and local senior living facilities). Entertainment for the event will be provided by our own Rotarians; Tom Bylenda, Ken Estelle and Inge Whittemore. This annual Rotary Club of Grand Rapids service project is always eagerly anticipated by area seniors and is already completely “sold out” every year!
In addition to the lunch served by Rotarians, seniors are provided with a gift bag filled with basic essentials, treats, and items donated by long-time Rotarian Alan Abraham of S. Abraham & Sons. Seniors area also entered into drawings for gifts donated by Rotary members that are given to the lucky winners as holiday presents.
The Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon has been held annually for more than 25 years. It is one of the most anticipated volunteer events by our Rotary members, their families and friends. This luncheon fulfils the Rotary Motto of “Service Above Self”, but it goes much deeper. Making a difference in the lives of the these seniors is why the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and its members continue their participation, support, and hosting of the annual Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon.
The luncheon begins at 12:00pm, but volunteers will begin arriving at 9:00am to stuff gift bags and to set-up and decorate for the luncheon.

Anne Berquist
2015-12-17 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Opera Grand Rapids Executive Director Anne Berquist is an international arts administrator and a professional musician. Her extensive international experience in team leadership, expansion of organizational awareness, and relationship building has established a reputation for artistic excellence and innovation.
A native of France, Ms. Berquist moved to the United States in 2001 to become the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fontana Chamber Arts in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Under her leadership, the program flourished artistically and financially. In addition to earning the anchor organization designation by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs, Fontana Chamber Arts received National Awards for Adventurous Programming. In 2008, Ms. Berquist became the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Culture Center and was named President & CEO of the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts in 2010. In 2012 she became the Executive Director of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, a Florida based professional classical orchestra.
Previous posts include serving as Director of Administration and Director of Studies at the Conservatoire National de Region d’Amiens in France, serving in the Management Department at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, and as Professor of Cello and Chamber music at the Conservatory of Versailles and Saint-Malo.
An accomplished cellist, Ms. Berquist brings with her experience as a musician in addition to experience in managing arts organizations. She has won prizes in cello and chamber music at National Music Conservatories and the Ecole Normale of Paris, holds a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Missouri, and received an M.B.A. from the University of Paris, La Sorbonne.

John Barfield
2015-12-10 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
John W. Barfield is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of The Bartech Group, Inc., located in Livonia, Michigan. Bartech is among the nation’s largest independent human capital staffing and services firms in the United States, employing over 3,500 associates nationwide. The Company operates under five divisions: Bartech Enterprise Staffmg, Bartech Workforce Management, Bartech Search Group, Bartech RPO Solutions, and Bartech Managed Services and specializes in engineering, information technology and professional staffing services; business process outsourcing solutions; and vendor management solutions.
The son of an Alabama sharecropper, Mr. Barfield dropped out of high school to enlist in the Army, serving two years in Germany and France. Upon his discharge, he worked as a custodian at the University of Michigan. Together with his wife Betty, he formed the first of many companies, Barfield Cleaning Company, located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In 1969, he sold this company to International Telephone and Telegraph Company. He formed and sold several additional businesses, including Barfield Building Maintenance Company (sold to Unified Building Maintenance Services, Inc.) and Barfield Manufacturing Company (sold to Masco Tech Industries). In 1977, he incorporated John Barfield & Associates, which later became The Bartech Group.
Mr. Barfield is active in many business and community organizations. He is a member of the board of directors of Spaulding for Children and Parkridge Community Center, and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, University of Michigan. His past leadership involvement includes organizations such as the United Negro College Fund, Salvation Army of Metropolitan Detroit, State of Michigan Community Services Commission and Rotary International. He supports many humanitarian causes from eradicating polio, to saving a youth community center locally, to building wells and providing safe drinking water in developing countries such as Haiti and Africa. His concern for the growing dilemma of the hungry and homeless population led him to form Share Products. Share brand products were sold throughout the Midwest and the profits were used to provide :free meals and safe lodging for the homeless.
Mr. Barfield has received numerous honors and awards including the Tree of Life Award, the highest honor of the Jewish National Fund in America; The Laureate Award from Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan Business Hall of Fame; The George Romney Award, recognizing his achievement in volunteerism; Northwood University’s Outstanding Business Leadership Award; Olivet College’s Leadership in Individual and Social Responsibility Award. He received the Sapphire Award, a high honor for a leading volunteer who has made a demonstrable commitment to Michigan youth, created by the State of Michigan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; the A.G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award from Black Enterprise Magazine recognizing his achievements within the African American business community; and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion’s 2007 Humanitarian of the Year Award.
Mr. Barfield holds honorary doctorate degrees :from Jackson State University, Grand Valley State University and Cleary College. He and his wife, Betty have six adult children and reside in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Presidents Meeting - Cancelled
2015-12-10 11:00 - 12:00 UTC
This meeting is open only to the Club Presidents.

Holiday Social at Sietsema Orchard
2015-12-03 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | Sietsema Orchard, 8540 2 Mile Road, Ada, MI, United States

Mindy Ysasi-Castanon
2015-12-03 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Mindy Ysasi is a native of Grand Rapids, MI and attended Grand Valley State University. She received her B.B.A in marketing and management (Seidman School of Business) in 2003.
After her freshman year at GVSU Mindy began an internship at Cascade Engineering in human resources. Upon graduation she began her professional career with Cascade Engineering, serving in a variety of HR roles. Cascade Engineering encouraged strong engagement with the community which led Mindy to become a board member of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. In 2006 Mindy was selected as a fellow for the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State. Mindy achieved her senior human resources certification from HR Certification Institute in 2009.
Mindy joined Herman Miller, Inc. in 2011 as an HR Consultant role supporting the manufacturing operations. In 2012 Milinda joined the board of BL2END, a young professionals organization focused on retaining professionals of color in Grand Rapids. BL2END partnered with Cascade Engineering in 2012 for the first annual Young Professional of Color conference, which Mindy was an organizer.
Mindy began a new career in healthcare at Spectrum Health in 2014. In this role she worked with nursing leaders on performance management, leadership coaching and talent strategy. In fall of 2014 she was promoted to the HR Business Partner role working with both IT and Financial professionals across the health system. Mindy was appointed to serve on the GVSU School of Public, Non-Profit and Healthcare Administration board in 2014. Mindy started an organic collective with three friends in 2014, the Latina Network of West Michigan. A space for Latinas to connect one on one to provide support, mentorship and opportunity an uplifting environment.
In March 2015 Mindy accepted the role of Executive Director, The SOURCE. The mission of The SOURCE is to reduce barriers post employment for employees that work for the member organizations.
Mindy currently serves as the secretary for the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and is past President, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce – Center for Community Leadership board and the Varnum Diversity Council. She has been recognized with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award, the GVSU Alumni Service award, GR Business Journal 40 under forty and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-GR DoGooder Award.
She resides in the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids with her husband Rafael Castanon.

No Rotary Luncheon - Thanksgiving
2015-11-26 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!

Club Board of Directors Meeting
2015-11-24 07:30 - 09:00 UTC
NOT AN OPEN MEETING

Dr. Stephen Cohle
2015-11-19 12:00 - 13:15 UTC
Stephen Cohle is the Chief Medical Examiner of Kent County. He has been practicing forensic pathology in Grand Rapids since 1982.
He enjoys fishing and chess and is happily married to Mary, AKA Maria.
He is the author (with R. Byard) of Sudden Death in Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence.
Cause of Death: Forensic files of a medical examiner By Stephen D. Cohle, MD, and Tobin T. Buhk
Skeletons in the Closet: Stories from the Country Morgue By Stephen D. Cohle, MD, and Tobin T. Buhk

OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER
The Office of the Medical Examiner is mandated by law under Act 181, P.A. 1953, as amended, to investigate certain types of death. These deaths include sudden and unexpected deaths, accidental deaths, violent deaths, and deaths of children 18 and under without significant medical history. The Medical Examiner has the authority under Public Act 181, P.A. 1953, as amended and the Michigan Public Health Code, Act 368 of 1978, to order an autopsy to determine or confirm the cause and manner of death.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners appoints the county medical examiner, who must be a licensed physician, to hold office for a period of 4 years. Every 4 years, the position is reviewed by the board of commissioners.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners appoints a deputy county medical examiner, who must be a licensed physician, and approved by the county medical examiner.
The county medical examiner appoints medical examiner investigators who are responsible for gathering information, taking charge of the deceased person, and arranging for transport to the morgue facility for further postmortem examination as necessary.
The Office of the Medical Examiner is responsible for the issuance of death certificates for all deaths within the jurisdiction of the medical examiner. All cremation permits must also be authorized and issued by the Office of the Medical Examiner. Applications for cremation permits may be submitted by fax.
The Office of the Medical Examiner permanently maintains records (medical examiner’s case report and autopsy report, if ordered) pertaining to medical examiner deaths that were investigated in Kent County. For information regarding obtaining a copy of these reports, call the administrative office during normal business hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Programming Committee Meeting
2015-11-18 07:30 - 09:00 UTC
Open to Committee Members only, unless otherwise invited.

Community Engagement Committee Meeting
2015-11-12 13:15 - 14:15 UTC
Committee members only, others by invitation only
