6.12.25 - Rotary Youth Exchange Program (RYEP) Relaunch Luncheon
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids is excited to announce the return of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program (RYEP)! After a pause in recent years, we’re bringing this life-changing opportunity back for local students and families. Join us to learn how the program works and how you can get involved—as a student, a host family, or a volunteer. We will also have a past RYEP student give a testimonial on how the program transformed their lives.
What is RYEP?The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is an international exchange program for high school students, sponsored by Rotary International. Students aged 15–19 spend a school year living with host families in another country, attending school, learning a new culture, and becoming global citizens. At the same time, our community will welcome an inbound student from abroad, offering them a home-away-from-home experience.
This Program Involves:

A full academic year abroad for outbound students
Hosting an international student here in Grand Rapids
Cultural exchange, language learning, and leadership development
Support and guidance from Rotary clubs at home and abroad

6.18.25 - Women in Rotary Event - Walk, Talk, & Tacos
2025-06-18 17:00 - 19:00 | Luna – Downtown Ada, 7471 River St SE, Suite 120, Ada, 49301, United States
Women in Rotary Event: Walk, Talk & Tacos!
Date: Wednesday, June 18th
Location: Luna in Downtown Ada – 7471 River St SE Suite 120, Ada, MI 49301
Time:
5:00 -5:30 PM – Walk
5:30 -7:00 PM – Talk @ Luna
Join your fellow Women in Rotary, guests and Rotary wives for a fun and casual 30-minute walk through beautiful downtown Ada! After our walk, we’ll meet at Luna for some refreshments.
It’s the perfect way to connect, recharge, and toast President Eunice. Lace up your sneakers and bring your smile—we’ll walk, we’ll talk, and we’ll cheers!
RSVP by June 13 to chelsea@deksia.com or 616.430.2523

6.19.25 - Kevin Guskiewicz - President, Michigan State University
2025-06-19 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Kevin Guskiewicz – President, Michigan State University
Bio:
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, a neuroscientist, academic leader and concussion researcher, was appointed president-elect of Michigan State University on Dec. 8, 2023, by the MSU Board of Trustees and started as president on March 4, 2024.
A member of the University of North Carolina’s faculty since 1995 and founding director of the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center and the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes, Guskiewicz was appointed UNC’s Chancellor in 2019. He is a nationally recognized expert on sport-related concussions and maintains an active research portfolio, serving as co-principal investigator on two multi-center research grants. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers in the areas of sports medicine and neuroscience.
His team’s groundbreaking work has garnered numerous awards and has influenced concussion guidelines in the NFL and NCAA. In 2011, Guskiewicz received the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship for his innovative work on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sport-related concussions. In 2011, he convinced the NFL and NCAA to change the kickoff rule, which resulted in a 50% reduction in concussions on kickoffs. In 2013, Time magazine named him a Game Changer, one of 18 “innovators and problem-solvers that are inspiring change in America.”
Guskiewicz earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from West Chester University, a master’s in exercise physiology/athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate in sports medicine from the University of Virginia.
Born and raised in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he and his wife Amy have four children: Jacob, Nathan, Adam and Tessa.

6.26.25 - President's "Passing of the Tiller"
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids on June 26th for our annual “Passing of the Tiller” Luncheon, a special tradition marking the transition of club leadership.
During this ceremony, outgoing 2024–2025 President Eunice Lopez-Martin will officially pass the presidential tiller to incoming 2025–2026 President Shannon Kolarik. We’ll celebrate the accomplishments of President Eunice’s term and hear her reflections on a successful year. Incoming President Shannon will also share her vision and goals for the upcoming Rotary year.
This event is a great opportunity to honor our leadership, connect with fellow members, and look ahead to an exciting new chapter for our club.

7.3.25 - NO LUNCHEON - 4th of July Observance
2025-07-03 | MI
There will be no luncheon on July 3rd in observance of the holiday.

7.10.25 - President's Message - Shannon Kolarik
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual President’s Message luncheon where new 2025-2026 Club President Shannon Kolarik will share her club goals and plans for the year!

July 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd - Readers Needed for GRPS Purposefully Playing Towards Kindergarten
2025-07-15 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-07-16 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-07-22 10:00 - 10:30, 2025-07-23 10:00 - 10:30 | MI
We invite you to participate in our Purposefully Playing Towards Kindergarten summer program by being a guest storytime reader for children ages 4-5 in one of our nine classrooms across four schools.

We especially encourage guests to share their profession, culture, or identity during storytime! Doctors, wear your white coats! Basketball players, sport your jerseys! Spanish speakers, share a story in Spanish! Feel free to bring props to make your storytime even more engaging.
Dates: Various July dates are available (July 15, 16th, 22nd, 23rd)
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Location: Various GRPS Elementary Schools, see sign up for specific location
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45A8AE28ABFDC34-56872665-beaguest#/
Volunteers Needed: 10-15 each day
Contact: Rotarian Maggie Lancaster

7.17.25 - CLUB 77 - Grand Rapids Children's Museum
2025-07-17 17:00 - 19:30 | Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
You’re Invited! Rotarian Maggie Lancaster and 2025-2026 Club President Shannon Kolarik invite you to a special event to kick off the 2025–2026 Rotary year.
Bring the whole family—kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews are all welcome. Please join us for a fun-filled and memorable evening together. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please Note: This event replaces our regular weekly luncheon. We will not be meeting at Kent Country Club at noon that day.

7.24.25 – Annual IKUS/Indian Trails Camp Luncheon
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
On Thursday, July 24th Rotarians and guests will gather at Indian Trails Camp for our annual picnic!
Since 1952, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has partnered with Indian Trails Camp, mentoring for at-risk high school students, reduction of childhood hunger, projects to reduce physical barriers for the disabled, support for the elderly in need, and educational scholarships. The motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self”.

7.31.25 - Randy Thelen - President & CEO, The Right Place
2025-07-31 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Randy Thelen – President & CEO, The Right Place
Bio:
As President and CEO of The Right Place, Randy Thelen leads the economic development strategy for the Greater Grand Rapids Region. To achieve the region’s vision of being one of the leading growth economies in the nation, Randy collaborates with business and community leaders to focus efforts on strengthening three strategic pillars: People, Place, and Prosperity.
Since taking the helm at The Right Place in 2021, the organization has supported the creation and retention of 4,000+ jobs and $1B+ in new capital investment for the region. Under Randy’s leadership The Right Place has grown to support an 8-county collaborative in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. Randy has expanded the organization’s initiatives to include community development and placemaking, along with increased talent retention, expansion, and attraction services. Randy also championed the launch of a 10-year regional tech strategy that will position the region as one of the leading tech hubs in the Midwest.
Past Experience
Randy joined The Right Place team in 2021 after serving as Senior Vice President of economic development at the Downtown Denver Partnership. There he led efforts to attract investment, recruit and retain business, and advocate for housing, retail, and public policy initiatives. He supported downtown projects totaling more than $1 billion in investments.
Prior to his role at the Downtown Denver Partnership, he led the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, a two-state, eight-county regional economic development effort. Randy executed a $24 million Prosper Omaha strategy which brought $3.9 billion in new capital investment and 13,000 new jobs to the area.
Randy’s career began at economic development organizations in Evart and Monroe, Michigan before he moved to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). From there, he was hired as the first President of Lakeshore Advantage, where he led attraction of $1.2 billion in investments and 8,000 jobs during his 10-year tenure.
Education

Master of Art in Applied Economics | Binghamton University
Bachelor of Arts in Economics | Alma College

8.7.25 - CLUB 77
2025-08-07 16:30 - 18:00 | MI
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event, more details to come!

8.14.25 - Eugene "Gene" Khorey - WWII Veteran - U.S. Army, 86th Infantry Division
2025-08-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for a remarkable opportunity as 99-year-old World War II veteran Eugene “Gene” Khorey will share his first-hand experience from the battlefield. Gene is one of the last living members of the Greatest Generation right here in Grand Rapids. He will share personal insight into pivotal moments of WWII—from combat in France to the post-war aftermath in the Pacific.
His reflections on humanity, conflict, and reconciliation resonate deeply in today’s world.
Gene will be joined by Joel Westphal, Deputy Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, for a special discussion-format program exploring history, service, and the personal cost of war.
A Glimpse into Gene’s Story
• Drafted at just 18, Gene first set foot overseas in January 1945, landing in France as part of the U.S. Army’s 86th Infantry Division
• Over a grueling span of 70 days in combat, he witnessed the devastation of war—“buildings destroyed, huddling with fellow soldiers for warmth, often hungry and freezing”
• Reflecting on his combat experience, Gene shared: “War is hell and I hope in the world that we never get into another war”
• After Victory in Europe, he continued service in the Philippines, assisting with the surrender of Japanese forces before returning home to a hero’s welcome in New York
• Post-war, Gene built a distinguished career in education—teacher, principal, then superintendent—playing a meaningful role in school integration and community leadership
• He credits his wartime experience with shaping his philosophy of empathy: “Why do we keep killing each other? You’re just like me… We’re dealing with human beings.”

8.16.25 - Ramp Build - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-08-16 08:30 - 12:30 | TBD
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to partner with DAKC & Home Repair Services to provide another volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp!
Date: Saturday, August 16th
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: TBA (Location will be provided about a week before build)
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-57727076-ramp
Details:

8 volunteers needed
Help build a ramp that provides needed accessibility to someone’s home

Contact: Andrea Nucci

8.21.25 - Rich MacKeigan - General Manager, ASM Global
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Rich MacKeigan – General Manager, ASM Global
Speaker Topic: Updates on ASM Global Venues in Grand Rapids
Bio:
Rich MacKeigan will revisit our club and give updates and exciting developments since he last spoke to our club in 2022. Rich has served as General Manager for ASM Global in Grand Rapids since 1998, overseeing Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, and DeVos Place. As Regional GM, he also supports multiple ASM venues across the Midwest. Under his leadership, these venues have grown into major economic and cultural anchors, consistently ranked among the nation’s best for booking and guest experience.
A native of Canada, Rich earned degrees from Dalhousie University and St. Thomas University and gained early experience in Miami and Ottawa before making Grand Rapids home. He also serves as Executive Director of the Grand Rapids–Kent County Convention/Arena Authority and sits on several civic and industry boards. Rich is a passionate advocate for venue excellence, community engagement, and regional growth.

8.26.25 - Habitat Kent ReStore - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-08-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Habitat ReStore, 1739 Elizabeth Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
The Community Engagement Committee invites you to volunteer at Habitat ReStore! Shifts involve things like receiving and sorting donations, organizing merchandise shelves, testing donations, landscaping, etc.
Minimum Age: 14 years old with chaperon present
Parking: Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Leave parking closest to the entrance available for customers.
Attire: Closed-toe shoes required. Come ready to work inside & outside. Wear clothes that can get dirty and/or paint on them
Dates: Tuesday, August 26th
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location:
Habitat ReStore
1739 Elizabeth Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-57459882-habitat
Volunteers Needed: 10
Contact: Rotarians Stacey Woods or Jax Merritt

8.28.24 - NO LUNCHEON - Labor Day Holiday Recognition
2025-08-28 | MI
There will be no luncheon on Thursday, August 28th in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

9.1.25 - Greatest Generation Celebration 2025 - Honor Parade - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-09-01 10:30 - 13:00 | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504, United States
Volunteers Needed for Post-Parade Gathering
Honor the Greatest Generation by joining us this Labor Day as we kick off a week-long Greatest Generation Celebration, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. The morning begins with an Honor Parade in Downtown Grand Rapids, and we are seeking Rotary volunteers to assist with a post-parade gathering near the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
Volunteer responsibilities include:

Helping parade participants navigate to the post-parade area
Ensuring our Greatest Generation guests are supported and cared for
Securing access points, so only parade participants receive food and drink
Answering general questions and offering friendly assistance

Dates: Monday, September 1st
Time: 10:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Volunteers Needed: 15-25
Location: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Sign Up:
More Info on Greatest Generation Celebration 2025 Events:

9.4.25 - Club 77 Hosted by Habitat Kent
2025-09-04 16:30 - 18:00 | Habitat Kent Workspaces & Learning Center, 425 Pleasant St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 hosted by Habitat Kent.
More details to come!

9.11.25 - Mark Andresky - District Governor, District 6290
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual District Governor luncheon!
Speaker: 2025 District Governor Mark Andresky
Speaker Topic: District 6290 Goals & Updates
Bio:
Mark Andresky is the District Governor and Trainer for Rotary District 6290, Past President of the Charlevoix Rotary Club, and serves on his club’s Board of Directors and as the club’s Rotary Foundation Chair. He was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, studying in Strasbourg, France, in 1988 – 89.
Mark Andresky, CExP, CEPA, CBI, M&A is a Principal with Performance Business Advisors, LLC. He concentrates his practice on helping business owners throughout the state of Michigan increase their personal and business wealth through comprehensive transition planning and mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. He is a Certified Exit Planner, Certified Business Intermediary, Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary, Business Appraiser, and Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker.
Mark is the Past-President of the West Michigan Chapter of the Michigan Business Brokers Association, a Director of its state Board, and an active member of the Exit Planning Institute, International Business Brokers Association, M&A Source, International Society of Business Appraisers, and Business Enterprise Institute.
Mark earned his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Washington and Jefferson College. He writes and speaks regularly throughout the country on a variety of transition planning, business valuation, and real estate topics.

9.18.25 - Mike Wall - Executive Director of Automotive Analysis, S & P Global Mobility
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Mike Wall – Executive Director of Automotive Analysis, S & P Global Mobility
Speaker Topic: Automotive Industry Outlook
Bio:
Mike 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.
Prior to joining S&P Global Mobility, 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.

9.25.25 - David LaGrand - Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
2025-09-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas – Wege Ballroom, 1700 Fulton St E., Michigan, 49506, United States
Speaker: David LaGrand – Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
Speaker Topic: City Updates and News
Bio:
David LaGrand was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Calvin College and earned a law degree from the University of Chicago in 1992. When David returned to Grand Rapids, he served as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor before entering private practice in 2000.

9.30.25 - Roland McDonald House Meal Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-09-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to prep meals at Ronald McDonald House!
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-58278439-ronald
Date: Tuesday, September 30th
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: 1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

5 volunteers needed

10.2.25 - Club 77 hosted by Community Food Club
2025-10-02 16:30 - 18:00 | Community Food Club, 1100 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 hosted by Community Food Club!

10.9.25 - Carlos Sanchez - Executive Director, Casa Latina Davenport University
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Carlos Sanchez – Executive Director, Casa Latina Davenport University
Speaker Topic: Casa Latina at Davenport University
Bio:
Carlos Sanchez, born in Mexico City, is the Executive Director of Casa Latina at Davenport University. Before joining Davenport, he spent ten years at Ferris State University, where he developed two key initiatives: LEADeres, a professional development and leadership program, and Emprende, a Spanish-language entrepreneurship program. Both initiatives are designed to serve the community by cultivating Latinx leaders and entrepreneurs.
Davenport’s new initiative, Casa Latina, will offer twelve programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a bilingual format (50% Spanish and 50% English), fully online.
Carlos is a graduate of the International Business program at Davenport University. He also holds a Design and Innovation Management Certification and a Master of Arts in Design from Kendall College of Arts and Design.

10.11.25 - Greenwood Cemetery - Tree Planting - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-10-11 09:30 - 12:00 | Greenwood Cemetery, 1373 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to offer the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to plant trees at Greenwood Cemetery on October 11th.
Date:
Saturday, October 11th – Tree Planting
Time: 9:30 AM – Noon
Volunteers Needed: 12–15
Location:
Greenwood Cemetery
1273 Leonard St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-58451939-greenwood

10.16.25 - "Flickering Candles" - Past Club Presidents Luncheon
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for a special luncheon where our Club Past Presidents (Flickering Candles) will join us and share their stories about the growth of the club and the impact leading the club had on each of them.

10.22.25 - Dégagé Ministries Dinner Service - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-10-22 17:00 - 18:30 | Degage Ministries, 139 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to offer the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians to serve dinner to those in need!
Date: Wednesday, October 22nd
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Volunteers Needed: 5
Location:
Dégagé Ministries
139 Sheldon Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-58967380-dgag
