Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

3.13.20 - Rotary Luncheons and Events Canceled through April 10th
2020-03-13 08:30 - 17:30 (America/Detroit) | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19.
At this time, the following Rotary luncheons and events are canceled:

March 18th – Volunteer event at Sibley Elementary
March 19th – Lunch meeting
March 26th – Lunch meeting
March 28th – Volunteer event with 20 Liters
April 2nd – Club 77 event
April 9th – Spring Break – no Rotary luncheon

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

3.19.20 - Rotary Luncheons and Events Canceled through April 10th
2020-03-19 08:30 - 17:30 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19.
At this time, the following Rotary luncheons and events are canceled:

March 18th – Volunteer event at Sibley Elementary
March 19th – Lunch meeting
March 26th – Lunch meeting
March 28th – Volunteer event with 20 Liters
April 2nd – Club 77 event
April 9th – Rotary luncheon

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

3.26.20 - Rotary Luncheons and Events Canceled through April 10th
2020-03-26 08:00 - 17:30 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19.
At this time, the following Rotary luncheons and events are canceled:

March 26th – Lunch meeting
March 28th – Volunteer event with 20 Liters
April 2nd – Club 77 event
April 9th – Rotary luncheon

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.2.20 - Convos on the Couch - 12:00pm
2020-04-02 12:00 - 13:15 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” via ZOOM.
Please join us at 12:00pm!
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/552591671 Meeting ID: 552 591 671
If you don’t have ZOOM yet, please download it to your computer or mobile phone
At this time, the following Rotary luncheons and events are canceled:

April 2nd – Club 77 event
April 9th – Rotary luncheon

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.9.20 - "Convos on the Couch" - a ZOOM meeeting
2020-04-09 08:00 - 17:30 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have cancelled our weekly luncheons through April 30th.
Instead, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” for our Club members via ZOOM.
Our Club members will be sent a link to our ZOOM meeting. Please watch for the weekly update for information.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.16.20 - "Convos on the Couch" - featuring Raki Pai, M.D.
2020-04-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have canceled our weekly luncheons through April 30th.
This week’s “Convos on the Couch” ZOOM meeting will be featuring Raki Pai, MD, MBA, Executive Vice President, Medical Group President, Chief Population Health Officer, Metro-Health – University of Michigan Health. Dr. Pai will give an update on the COVID-19 outbreak and the future of health care including digital health. He will also take questions submitted through the chat function.
Dr. Pai is a physician executive and innovator in payor contracting, value-based care and medical group governance. Experienced perspectives on medicine, from the physician side as well as payor side. An accomplished cardiologist familiar with patient care in cardiac electrophysiology and cardiovascular medicine; also has served in senior leadership, including at the largest nonprofit health plan in the Pacific Northwest. Through leadership of multidisciplinary cross-functional teams, has developed pilot programs and initiatives to improve affordability and quality. Supports innovative approaches to develop improved patient outcomes and population health management. A fellow with the American College of Cardiology (FACC); served on the Board of Trustees for the Oregon Medical Association; recipient of John F. Koster MD Physician Leadership Award, Providence Health & Services.
Our Club members will be sent a link each week through our weekly update.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.21.20 - The Service Above Self Award Dinner to be rescheduled
2020-04-21 18:00 - 20:30 | The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas, 2250 E. Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
We are sorry to announce that due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus and in compliance with our state and federal directives, we will be rescheduling our 2020 Service Above Self Award Dinner. Please watch our website and emails for further information.
The Service Above Self Award Dinner has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2021, where we will be honoring Marge Wilson.

The 2020 Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Service Above Self Award Dinner will be Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at the Culture Center at St. Nicholas, where the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award will be presented.
Each year the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids honors someone from our community who has made a difference by exemplifying the philanthropic legacy of Fredrik Meijer and the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”.
We are pleased to announce that Marge Wilson is this year’s Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winner.
Marge Wilson, the owner of Marge’s Donut Den in Wyoming, is an entrepreneur, community advocate and mentor. She is well-known for her sensitive and compassionate nature for those less fortunate. Marge Wilson’s mission is to put others first and make people happy. As her business grew, she expanded her shop to accommodate private gatherings, and space for local groups, organizations and clubs to meet. She has always been a hands-on giver to the community in addition to her philanthropic efforts.
Marge attended Davenport College and subsequently went on to work at in the Banking industry in California, Chicago and Grand Rapids for the next 20 years. She established her company, Marge’s Donut Den in 1975 and was the first woman chosen to be on the national board of the Retail Bakers Association. She served for many years as the Michigan Regional Director. Throughout the years she has collected an impressive number of awards, certificates and recognitions for her community service work and business expertise. These tokens of recognition span an entire wall in the back of Marge’s Donut Den reflect her love for the Grand Rapids community.
Some of Marge’s notable achievements are the establishment of the Samuel Omogo Foundation, a project designed to foster the responsible development of clean water sources for villages in southeastern Nigeria by building and maintaining new water wells. She received the Inaugural Marge Wilson Community Service Leadership award from AMBUCS, and Distinguished Service Award from the Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce for her service to others and the community. Marge has always been immersed in multiple community efforts with cultural, arts, and charity organizations.
Previous Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winners were Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, Shelley Irwin, Rick DeVos, Luis Tomatis, MD, along with John and Nancy Kennedy. Their efforts to better our community are remarkable and will have a lasting impact. By honoring people such as these in a public way, we hope to inspire others to consider how they can extend themselves in the service of others and the community at large.

If you would like to support and recognize the efforts of Dr. Jackie Taylor and the previous honorees, please become a sponsor. Simply click on the following: 2020 Service Above Self Award Dinner Sponsorship Form
If you would like to attend the 2019 Service Above Self Dinner honoring Marge Wilson as the 2020 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winner, you can purchase by clicking here: Tickets
A special Thank You to our generous Event Sponsor!

4.23.20 - ZOOM featuring Dr. Diana Lawson
2020-04-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have canceled our regular weekly luncheons through April 30th.
Instead, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” for our Club members via ZOOM meetings.
This week’s speaker will be Diana R. Lawson, PhD., Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University.
Diana R. Lawson, Ph.D., dean of the Seidman College of Business, brings extensive experience leading business programs and a wealth of international practice to Grand Valley State University.
Lawson most recently served as dean of the Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, and was previously interim dean at the University of Maine’s College of Business, Public Policy, and health. Respected nationally and internationally, Lawson has held positions as an invited and visiting professor and scholar at universities in France, Moldova, and Turkey as well as at Harvard University.
She is widely published on topics ranging from the value of a liberal arts education to masculinity and femininity in business negotiations and designing an international business curriculum. Lawson’s research has been included in publications like the Journal of Financial Services Marketing, Marketing Education Review, International Business Review, Journal of Euromarketing, and Journal of Teaching in International Business. She is also author of a textbook, Communicating in Global Business Negotiations: A Geocentric Approach.
Lawson earned her Ph.D. from Kent State University in 1993, an M.B.A. and Master’s degree from Kent State, and a bachelor’s degree from State University of New York College at Cortland.
Also featured will be the following:

Jacob Starner, was our 2019-2020 Rotary Youth Exchange Student to South Korea. He will be sharing his story, how it has impacted him and being brought home early because COVID-19.
Ashley Nicole Staten, who received a grant from our Charities Foundation, will be sharing her experience in South Korea as a study abroad student at Pusen National University

Our Club members will be sent a link each week through our weekly update.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

4.30.20 - ZOOM featuring Dr. Adam London
2020-04-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 307, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have canceled our regular weekly luncheons through April 30th.
Instead, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” for our Club members via ZOOM meetings.
This week’s speaker will be Dr. Adam London, Administrative Health Officer, Kent County.
Also featured will be the following:

Ashley Nicole Staten, who received a grant from our Charities Foundation, will be sharing her experience in South Korea as a study abroad student at Pusen National University

Our Club members will be sent a link each week through our weekly update.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

5.7.20 - ZOOM featuring Stephanie Adams
2020-05-07 12:00 - 13:15
The Rotary Club Board and the Executive Committee have been closely monitoring developments relating to the spread of COVID-19 and in response to that we have canceled our regular weekly luncheons through April 30th.
Instead, we will be holding “Convos on the Couch” for our Club members via ZOOM meetings.
This week’s speaker will be Stephanie Adams, Executive Director, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.
Stephanie Adams is the executive director of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast and lover of nature. She and her team are focused on empowering people to cultivate vibrant parks, green spaces, and trees in the Grand Rapids community. She has a long standing career in the nonprofit sector that include past positions in marketing and communications at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University and The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Grand Rapids, MI. She was also the associate director for West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology (WMCAT), marketing director for Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids and senior corporate sales executive for the Grand Rapids Griffins AHL Hockey Team. Areas of expertise include fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, and project management. With over 15+ years experience in nonprofit leadership and communications she is most passionate when working with a team to be catalysts in engaging community members and leaders to come together around a common mission and goal.
Our Club members will be sent a link each week through our weekly update.

If you have any questions or would like to be included in our weekly updates, please email rotary@grrotary.org.
Finally, we want to support all members of our Rotary family during this time of uncertainty. If you are part of the higher risk population and would like any assistance with grocery shopping or other public activities, please contact the Rotary office rotary@grrotary.org and we will work to arrange assistance.

5.14.20 - ZOOM featuring Milinda Ysasi
2020-05-14 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Milinda Ysasi was born in Grand Rapids and grew up on the Southeast side of the city. She attended Catholic Central and Grand Valley State University. She has been married to her husband, Rafael Castanon for over ten years. They live in Creston.
Milinda Ysasi leads The SOURCE, an organization focused on reducing employment barriers and creating opportunities for mobility for employees that work for their partner organizations. The SOURCE began as an idea by local CEO’s who wanted to retain talent in their companies and understood that talent is a differentiator for success.
Prior to The SOURCE, Milinda worked in human resources at Cascade Engineering, Herman Miller and Spectrum Health. She received her executive MBA from Michigan State University in 2019. In November 2019, Milinda was elected to serve as a City Commissioner for the 2nd Ward of the Grand Rapids.
Milinda is a co-founder of the Latina Network of West Michigan, an organic collective focused on changing the Latina narrative in the region. She was a 2018 Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Job Quality Fellow. Milinda serves on the Chemical Bank West Michigan community board and the West Michigan Works! legislative committee.
Milinda has been recognized for her commitment and leadership with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award, the GVSU Alumni Service award, GR Business Journal 40 under forty, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-GR DoGooder and Exemplary Executive awards, GR Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and as one of 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan.

5.21.20 - ZOOM - Convos on the Couch
2020-05-21 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
We have decided to hold a ZOOM meeting instead of taking the day off for the !
This will be a more relaxed, informal meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98338629106?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 983 3862 9106
Password: to be provided in an email
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,98338629106#,,1#,666095# US (New York)
+13017158592,,98338629106#,,1#,666095# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbJQYuawqu

5.28.20 - ZOOM - Service Above Selfie Contest Winners
2020-05-28 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Our Service Above Selfie Contest Committee will be presenting an update on this year’s contest and will be naming the winners of this years contest via ZOOM (ZOOM info is below:)
The top three finalists will also be presenting on their organizations and what these awards will mean to them.
The finalists are (in alpha order):
AMA Forever
The mission of Ama International is to help families break cycles of poverty through love. Ama International helps underserved communities create bridges of opportunity, growth, and development with a goal of building literacy and breaking generational cycles of poverty. Ama works through prevention, provision, education, and action undergirded by a foundation of love without borders: ama sin fronteras. We believe that all humans, regardless of social or economic status, should have access to a good education and equitable opportunities. Our programs are based in our Grand Rapids Sister City, Zapopan, Mexico, as well as community projects in the Greater Grand Rapids area to serve our most vulnerable in the community, including a collaborative food access effort that can be found at helpkent.org. Find out more at amawithoutborders.org or on our Facebook page here.

Beer City Dog Biscuits
A non-profit company located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, dedicated to crafting delicious and nutritious dog treats. Beyond our product, our core mission is to empower the disabled through the creation of our dog biscuits. Each treat is hand-made and packaged with care by our Brew Bakers, a team of disabled adults who are the core of our company’s culture and business process. At BCDB, we strive to help each Brew Baker develop valuable skills throughout every step of the biscuit baking process, from mixing dough to packaging biscuits. With the support of the BCDB community of friends, family, and treat lovers, 100% of donations and sales are re-invested into our mission to support disabled adults in their personal and professional growth.

Billy Bear Hug – The William B. Wondergem Foundation For Children

Since 2011, the Billy Bear Hug Foundation (BBH) has provided the cure of comfort to children with critical illnesses in West Michigan. Through our soft & cuddly teddy bears (“Billy Bears”), care packages (“Cub Kits”), and a handful of events throughout the year, our goal is to ensure childhood illness is a journey no child or family ever endures alone.
BBH was founded by close family and friends of Billy Wondergem. Following his passion for serving others and helping children, BBH hopes to continue Billy’s positive impact on the local and medical communities for decades to come.
We partner with organizations like the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Bronson Children’s Hospital, Metro Health Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Healing Center, and Hospice of Michigan, providing our signature Billy Bears and Cub Kits to children with critical illnesses. In keeping true with the idea of bridging Billy’s passions for helping children and serving others, we also partner with local hockey teams, schools and other organizations.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98338629106?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 983 3862 9106
Password: to be provided in an email
One tap mobile
+19294362866,,98338629106#,,1#,666095# US (New York)
+13017158592,,98338629106#,,1#,666095# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbJQYuawqu

6.4.20 - Club 77 via ZOOM
2020-06-04 16:00 - 17:30
A time for networking and socializing while getting to know more about Rotary and our Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Members.
Feel free to invite your spouse, significant other, guests, co-workers and prospective members for a fun evening, enjoying food, beverages and friendship!
Stay tuned for additional details!

6.11.20 - Tasha Blackmon
2020-06-11 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Mich., Tasha Blackmon is a dynamic, collaborative leader, mentor and coach who brings more than 20 years of business operations experience to her role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Cherry Health provides integrated health care services to 70,000 patients in Barry, Eaton, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Ottawa and Wayne counties.
During her 15 years with Cherry Health, Blackmon has championed health justice through aggressively disrupting healthcare disparities. Her experience comes from an operational perspective, having established high standards of care and developed integrated healthcare systems that treat an individual’s health needs holistically, rather than symptomatically. She has led numerous large-scale expansion and development projects, and held six positions within Cherry Health before becoming CEO in 2018. As an accomplished and mission-minded leader, it is imperative to Tasha that our community is healthier, one patient at a time.
An eloquent and inspiring speaker, Tasha has a way of being heard on behalf of those who do not have voices, and for those whose voices have been silenced because of the barriers that they face in life. She is passionate and personally driven to ensure that all patients served in her home community, and surrounding areas, receive the highest quality of care.

6.18.20 - Paul Doyle
2020-06-18 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Paul T. Doyle, Founder & CEO, applies over 30 years of management experience to help organizations enhance their performance through inclusive work and service environments. By understanding how to embrace the cultures, values and behaviors of a diverse workforce, Paul helps organizations maintain the competitive edge needed for success in today’s rapidly changing global economic market. A key to his success is creating platforms of trust through intentional relationship building-allowing diversity of thought to be achieved and valued. Thus, fostering inclusive growth and innovation.
Paul holds a degree from the College of Education & Human Services at Ferris State University, from which he also received the Distinguished Alumni Award. He has completed the Executive Leadership Institute at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) through the National Diversity Council and also a certified administrator of the Intercultural Developmental Inventory (IDI). Paul is a recipient of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation Leadership & Philanthropy Award, Grand Rapids “GIANTS” Leadership Award for Community Health and the Legacy Award for Legislative Leadership. He teaches as Adjunct Faculty at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. Paul also serves on several boards and committees to improve the quality of life for all individuals within his community through inclusion. Learn more about Paul’s passion for this industry here: https://vimeo.com/105971242

6.25.20 - Neil Marchand and Jon Hankins
2020-06-25 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

7.9.20 - Jon Caitlin
2020-07-09 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Jon was born and raised in Midland, MI. He became involved in Rotary in 1985 as an exchange student and ended up in Finland. He graduated from Michigan State University and started full time employment with Chemical Bank in 1991. He was asked to join Rotary in 1994 by his Youth Exchange Officer. He then moved to Washington DC area in 1996 and joined another Rotary Club and moved back to Midland in 1998 and rejoined the Midland Noon Club and was the President Elect when his bank asked him to move to Cadillac in 2005. He joined the Cadillac Rotary Club right away and it helped him to meet leaders in the community.
The first 7 years or so, Jon was a Rotarian in name only, He attended the weekly club meetings and supported his local club with service projects and fundraisers but did little else. Then when he was asked to serve on the board in Midland, he discovered a whole other Rotary world. He then became an involved Rotarian. He hosted exchange students, visited other clubs, became involved in the District side, and has served as an Assistant Governor, District Treasurer and now he’s the District Governor. He has attended two International Conventions and was planning on attending Hawaii, which as you know was cancelled. He will be attending Taipei,Taiwan with his son Nick who was an exchange student there.
Jon is married to Jenny and they have a newly married daughter, Sarah and son-in-law, Derek, and son Nick. They enjoy traveling around the world and exploring new areas and reconnecting with friends! Jon likes outdoor activities in the spring, summer, and fall. He enjoys reading and exercising also!

We will also be introducing our newest Rotary member, Lynn Yntema and presenting Paul Harris Fellow Awards.

7.16.20 - Dr. Lisa Lowery
2020-07-16 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Dr. Lisa Lowery is a native of Grand Rapids and a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School. She attended Michigan State University receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology, with Honors. Dr. Lowery then went on to receive her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. After medical school, she completed a combined Internal Medicine and Pediatric Residency program at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Michigan State University/Grand Rapids Campus. Her desire to work with young people led her to complete a subspecialty research fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. Her research during her fellowship concentrated on sexually transmitted diseases and reproductive health. While at the Johns Hopkins, she obtained a Master of Public Health in the Department of Population and Family Health Sciences with a Certificate of Concentration in Maternal and Child Health.
Currently, Dr. Lowery is an Adolescent Medicine specialist at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital-Spectrum Health Medical Group. She has been on faculty since July 2004. Dr. Lowery also serves as Adolescent Medicine Section Chief and an Associate Program Director for the Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency Program Michigan State University/Grand Rapids Campus. She is an Associate Professor Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU CHM) Department of Pediatrics and Human Development. In April 2020, she started at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine as the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Cultural Initiatives. In December 2016, she obtained her CPE- Certified Physician Executive from the American Association for Physician Leadership.
She is the president of West Michigan Medical Society/National Medical Association and serves on the Grand Rapids Urban League Board of Directors and the Michigan Eating Disorders Alliance Board. In the summer of 2018, started serving on the Cherry Health Foundation Board and the Kent County Community Health Advisory Committee.

7.23.20 - Tom DeJonge
2020-07-23 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Thomas DeJonge serves as Superintendent of Grand Rapids Christian Schools, a private, faith-based school system that enrolls 2,300 students in Preschool – 12 th Grade on five (5) campuses located throughout the Grand Rapids community. He has held that position since 2004. Prior to serving as GRCS’ Superintendent, Mr. DeJonge served for 25 years in building-level and central administrative and teaching positions in public schools located throughout West Michigan, including serving two years as Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, three years as Director of Community and Human Relations, 13 years as an elementary principal, and seven years as a special education and 1 st grade teacher.
Under his leadership as Superintendent, Grand Rapids Christian Schools has:

raised and invested more than $70 million in new capital construction and facility renovations at each of the district’s five campuses, including more than $45 million at Grand Rapids Christian High School alone, in order to ensure GRCS’ facilities align with and support its broad range of educational programs and instructional priorities; eliminated nearly $23 million in operational debt;
increased the Grand Rapids Christian School Foundation from $4 million to
more than $18 million; and
doubled the Schools’ annual fund, which provides resources for financial aid
educational programs, to nearly $1.7 million per year

Mr. DeJonge has extensive experience in strategic planning, spearheading three strategic plans in his tenure as GRCS’ superintendent. Each plan articulated strategic priorities, engaged relevant stakeholders, and strengthened the Schools’ educational programs and secured GRCS’ operational and financial health.
Mr. DeJonge resides in Grand Rapids with his wife, Jacquie, a School Psychologist at Forest Hills Public Schools. He has two adult children: Leah DeJonge Rinker, a teacher at Wheaton Academy, a faith-based high school in Chicago; and Austin DeJonge, a creative director at DDB, an advertising agency in New York City.

7.30.20 - Jon Hankins
2020-07-30 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Jon serves as the Director of Major Gifts at Davenport University.
He brings over 22 years of non-profit business development and individual/corporate fundraising experience from community-based and higher education non-profits.
He spent 12 years working in workforce development with nationally-recognized Trillium Employment Services in Seattle, Washington, six years in corporate fundraising with Habitat for Humanity of Kent County, and one and a half years of major gift fundraising at Aquinas College before joining Davenport in 2018.
He first learned of Rotary in Seattle, where he became actively involved with the Rotary Club of West Seattle and traveled to Uganda in 2008 to evaluate a global village Rotary project. He was then elected President-Elect to later make the big move back to his West MI native roots in 2010.
Jon graduated with a BA in Communications from Albion College.
Jon is married to Katie Hankins, with one child, Charlie (6), and they live in Grand Rapids.

8.6.20 - Club 77 @ Johnson Park
2020-08-06 16:00 - 17:30 | Johnson Park, 2600 Wilson Ave, Walker, MI, 49534, United States
Our August Club 77 will be held at Johnson Park from 4:00pm-5:30pm. Please join us for an evening of fun, food, beverages and friendship!
RSVP by July 30th to the Rotary office.
The invitation and a map for Johnson Park are below:

8.13.20 - Charisse Mitchell
2020-08-13 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Charisse currently serves as the CEO of the YWCA West Central Michigan whose mission is to eliminate racism, empower women and girls, and provide peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA provides comprehensive domestic violence and sexual assault services to child and adult survivors as well as prevention programming in West Michigan. Before coming to the YWCA, Charisse served for 9 years as Executive Director for the Center for Women in Transition which serves victims of domestic and sexual violence in Ottawa and Allegan counties.
Before returning home to Michigan, Charisse spent more than a decade working in Washington D.C. helping to build capacity and improve the systemic infrastructure needed by agencies which serve children and families. During her years with The Center for Excellence in Municipal Management, Charisse coordinated the development of leadership and management curricula for D.C.’s government managers and public school principals. While at the American Public Human Services Association – a bipartisan, nonprofit membership organization of human service agencies –she helped with the organization’s restructuring; led the development of new projects; directed all aspects of the Association’s administrative services and oversaw the finance and fund development strategies.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees from The George Washington University. Charisse, her husband, Cory, and their son, Julian, live in Kentwood.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98338629106?pwd=[REDACTED]
If you are a guest and interested in joining us for the above ZOOM meeting, please contact our office at rotary@grrotary.org for the meeting ID and confidential password

8.20.20 - Ashley DeBault
2020-08-20 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Ashley DeBault is a West Michigan native, born and raised in the Kalamazoo area.
She is a Senior Account Executive at Lighthouse Group, and focuses exclusively on personal insurance consultations. She has been serving the West Michigan community as an insurance expert for nearly 16 years.
An avid volunteer, Ashley donates her time to the American Red Cross where she serves as Board President for the Southwest Michigan chapter, in addition to volunteering with other non-profit organizations such as the Talons Out Honor Flight Network.
Her passion for helping people extends beyond the insurance world and is seeded deeply in the roots of our community, serving our Military Veterans, disaster relief, and humanitarian efforts.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98338629106?pwd=[REDACTED]
If you are a guest and interested in joining us for the above ZOOM meeting, please contact our office at rotary@grrotary.org for the meeting ID and confidential password

8.27.20 - Hanna Schulze
2020-08-27 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Hanna is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and has worked for Local First for over 8 years.
Her enthusiasm for all things local stems from her father, who worked hard to open his own business, and extends into her love of her neighborhood, where she serves as President of the Garfield Park Neighborhood Association board of directors.
Hanna’s work in economic development has led her to be involved in neighborhood, city, and state-wide planning efforts, where she advocates for developers to consider the needs of the community they will be investing in, as well as the opportunity for economic growth, through engagement and authentic involvement of neighbors in all stages of the planning process.
Hanna is passionate about advocating for a place-based, sustainable economy where wealth can be accessed and accumulated by all people.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/98338629106?pwd=[REDACTED]
If you are a guest and interested in joining us for the above ZOOM meeting, please contact our office at rotary@grrotary.org for the meeting ID and confidential password

9.3.20 - No Luncheon - Labor Day
2020-09-03 12:00 - 13:15

9.10.20 - Meredith Bronk
2020-09-10 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Meredith will talk about trends she is seeing in the industry and how companies have shifted their digital transformation strategies in 2020. In addition, she will share some key actions OST is taking to maintain culture during the shifting work environment.

Meredith Bronk, President and CEO of OST, has been with the company since 1998.
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. It is this vision, passion and empathy that she brings to leading OST and it’s 200+ employees every day.
In addition to earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Alma College, Meredith also earned her MBA from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business in 2014. Her 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 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer for several
years before being named President and CEO. 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.
In addition, Meredith serves on several professional and community board of directors including the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, United Bank of Michigan and SecurAlarm Systems, Inc.
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.

9.17.20 - Guillermo Cisneros
2020-09-17 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States

9.24.20 - Tim Selgo
2020-09-24 12:00 - 13:15 | ZOOM, MI, United States
Tim Selgo spent 35 years in college athletics, 7 as a basketball coach at his alma mater, the University of Toledo, 8 as Associate Athletics Director at Toledo, and 20 as the Director of Athletics at Grand Valley State University from 1996 until his retirement as A.D. in July of 2016.
During Selgo’s tenure as A.D. at GVSU, The Lakers won 18 straight President’s Cups, which is the all-sports trophy for their conference, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). In addition, the GVSU athletics programs captured the Division II Learfield Directors Cup, the national all-sports trophy, 11 times and finished in the top two in each of his final 15 years. He was a 3-time winner of NACDA’s Central Region AD of the Year award.
A well-respected leader in college athletics, Selgo served on the NCAA DII Management Council for four years (2007-11), including serving as Chair of the Management Council in 2009, the highest position of governance in NCAA DII.
Selgo is a member of 3 halls of fame; The University of Toledo Athletics Hall of Fame, the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame, and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Hall of Fame. He is currently a consultant for Athletics Staffing & Consultants, a professor of Sports Management at Davenport University, is a sought-after speaker on leadership, and is the author of two books, Anchor Up, Competitive Greatness the Grand Valley Way and Make One Play.
Tim and his wife Terry have been married for 37 years and have 3 children and 5 grandchildren, all boys!

10.1.20 - Club 77 - POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER
2020-10-01 16:30 - 18:30 | Fazleabas, 7750 Ashwood Dr SE, Ada, MI, 49301, United States
We invite our Rotarians and Rotary guests to attend this fun and exciting event being hosted by Asgi and Sheri Fazleabas.
Please RSVP you and your guest(s) with names of all attending no later than Monday, September 28, 2020, to the Rotary office at grrotary.org.
The invitation to Club 77 is below.
