6.11.26 - Lisa Perhamus, Ph.D. - Director, Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse, GVSU
2026-06-11 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
BIO:
Lisa M. Perhamus was the inaugural Padnos/Sarosik Endowed Professor of Civil Discourse at Grand Valley State University and now serves as the inaugural director of the university’s Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse. In addition to her directorship, she is a professor in the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies at Grand Valley.
Earning her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in Curriculum Studies, her Masters in Sociology from The New School for Social Research, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from William Smith College with a double major in English and Religious Studies, Lisa’s interdisciplinary background continues to inspire her current civil discourse work. She grounds herself in the idea that every person has a right to be understood, and through her teaching, scholarship, and service, Lisa seeks ways to elevate people’s stories in the face of societal barriers that often silence people.
Whether leading a civil discourse training in the community or facilitating group dialogue in the classroom, Lisa’s storytelling approach to civil discourse aims to foster mutual understanding through humanizing dialogue rather than divisive debate.
Originally from upstate NY, Lisa enjoys spending time with family and friends; working in her intergenerational garden; and going on backpacking adventures.

6.18.26 - Michael Perry - Principal, Universal Design Consultant
2026-06-18 12:00 - 13:15
BIO:
Mike is a nationally recognized universal design expert helping organizations create inclusive, accessible, and safer environments across the globe. With the goal of bringing positive change to the world, he advocates for eliminating physical and social barriers in the built environment so all individuals can flourish, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
To help organizations reach their diversity and inclusion goals, Mike deploys a human-centered design approach. He works with companies such as Merck & Company, Oracle, Amazon, DHL, Pfizer, Nielsen, TruStage, Nationwide Insurance, MetLife, Bloomberg, T-Mobile, and Siemens Energy. He was instrumental in bringing the Mary Free Bed YMCA to fruition – the first building in the world to receive Universal Design Certification from the Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC).
As a recognized thought leader on the topic of universal design, Mike has presented throughout the world to leaders at the U.S. Access Board in Washington D.C., San Antonio Inclusion Summit, Disability:IN Chicago, Bloomberg Leadership Summit, CoreNet Global, and Zero Project in Vienna, Austria.
Mike co-authored a published research paper for the Disability and Health Journal titled “Participation by Design – Integrating a social ecological approach with universal design,” and authored a chapter for the National Inclusion Project Standards specifically applying universal design thinking to facilities and equipment, so that no child has to sit on the sidelines. In 2018, Mike led the effort to create a proprietary set of universal design assessment tools and strategies receiving registration from the US Copyright office.

6.25.26 - President's "Passing of the Tiller"
2026-06-25 12:00 - 13:15
Join the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids on June 25th for our annual “Passing of the Tiller” Luncheon, a special tradition marking the transition of club leadership.
During this ceremony, outgoing 2025–2026 President Shannon Kolarik will officially pass the presidential tiller to incoming 2026–2027 President Joel Hondorp.
We’ll celebrate the accomplishments of President Shannon’s term and hear her reflections on a successful year. Incoming President Joel Hondorp will also share his 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.
