4.27.23 - STRIVE Luncheon
2023-04-27 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Our annual STRIVE student program luncheon will celebrate and highlight all the wonderful things the students and mentors have been up to!

4.28.23 - Ronald McDonald House - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-04-28 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!
April 28th – Ronald McDonald House Dinner Prep
Contact:
Larry Milks @ larry@themilks.org
Date:
Friday, April 28th — 4 pm – 6 pm
Location:
1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

5 volunteers needed
Cooking and preparing meals
A wonderful time of service, teamwork, and conversation

5.4.23 - Club 77 + Member Recruitment Event
2023-05-04 16:30 - 18:00 | Custer Inc., 217 Cesar E Chavez Ave SW, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
On May 4th Rotarian Shannon Kolarik will be hosting our monthly Club 77 at Custer! This is also our annual Membership Recruitment Event, so you are encouraged to invite a colleague, business client, or friend to join us!
Date: Thursday, May 4th @ 4:30 – 6PM
Location: Custer – 217 Cesar E Chavez Ave SW, Suite 200 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Parking: Please drive through the gate for parking. Any vehicles in the front lot may be towed.

5.9.23 - Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Dinner
2023-05-09 18:00 - 21:00 | The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas, 2250 E. Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Kate Pew Wolters has been chosen to receive the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award, given by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids. The award is presented in recognition of Frederik Meijer’s philanthropic acts of selfless service to our community, which left a lasting impact on the lives of others.
“Kate Pew Wolters deserves this award because she devotes her entire being to giving back to our community,” said Neil Marchand, attorney at Miller Johnson and one of her nominators. “Her pace is “nonstop,” and her impact has been profound.”
Kate Pew Wolters is living proof that an individual’s life circumstances do not define what that individual can do. Throughout her life, Kate Pew Wolters has broken down barriers—both literal and metaphorical—to make our community a more inclusive place. Not afraid to tell the truth and advocate for her beliefs, her life’s work dispels the notion of inability and teaches us all that every person has value and can contribute to improving all of our lives.
Wolters has transformed our community with a primary focus on educational, disability, and arts institutions. Presently she chairs the Steelcase Foundation, co-chairs the First Steps Kent Commission (a community partnership focused on building a coordinated system of early childhood services in Kent County), co-chairs the Johnson Center for Philanthropy Leadership Council, and serves as a trustee for Grand Valley State University.
“We’re so fortunate to live in a community with many potentially worthy recipients,” said Wolters. “I’m honored to have been chosen.”
Previous Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award winners include Dave & Karen Custer; Marge Wilson; Jacqueline Taylor, PhD; Shelley Irwin; Rick DeVos; Luis Tomatis, MD and John & Nancy Kennedy.
“In Rotary, we work to make our community and the world an inclusive place,” said Doris Drain, President of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids. “In honoring the great work of Kate Pew-Wolters, we are validating these efforts. In the spirit of Fred Meijer, Kate’s many acts of selfless service have made the Grand Rapids community a better place.”
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids will honor Kate Pew Wolters at the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Celebration on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 6:00 pm at The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas, 2250 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation. The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes.
The Foundation makes gifts, grants, and scholarships to organizations, trusts, funds, or foundations that are organized and operated exclusively for charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes. A special focus is concentrated on youth activities, improvement to the environment, and other charitable endeavors promoted by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids.
The community is invited to attend. Tickets are on sale here SAS Award Dinner Tickets, grrotary.org, or by calling 616.459.5640
If you are interested in sponsoring the event, the fillable sponsorship form is available here: 2022-2023_SAS-Award_SponsorshipForm
2022-2023 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Recipient Kate Pew Wolters

5.11.23 - Dr. Keli Christopher
2023-05-11 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Dr. Keli Christopher – Founding CEO, STEM Greenhouse
Founder and Executive Director of STEM Greenhouse, a nonprofit organization that fervently believes if you plant the seed in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and nurture the resulting curiosity, CHILDREN WILL FLOURISH!!
My interest in math and science began with my excellent education in Grand Rapids Public Schools. I received a full scholarship to the HBCU, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and continued to the University of Illinois where I received a master’s and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering. I am only the third Black woman to ever receive a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering in the world. I was often the only woman or person of color in a sea of white male faces in all my classes. This led to feelings of disconnectedness, loneliness, and alienation. Because of these experiences, I promised that one day, I would try to personally make it easier for students of color to succeed in STEM education, pursue STEM careers, and feel supported in a way that had been absent for me.
This is what I know to be true.
– Relationships are as important as curriculum in urban K-12 education.
– One person can change generations by influencing the life of a child.

5.18.23 - The Storehouse - Offsite Luncheon
2023-05-18 12:00 - 13:15 | The Storehouse, 4411 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49525, United States
Jessica Johns – Co-Founder & Executive Director, The Storehouse
On May 18th Rotarian Jessica Johns will host an offsite luncheon at The Storehouse in Grand Rapids!

Vision:
To connect resources for at-risk populations through nonprofits, businesses, and schools; to empower people NOT enable them.

What We Do:
We procure national and local, BRAND NEW product donations, to be redistributed to local nonprofits and low-income schools.

How We Operate:
Our convenient location, large warehouse, and loading dock make it easy to receive and distribute donated products. These products are then offered through two onsite programs- StoreHouse for Nonprofits and StoreHouse for Schools.

5.25.23 - NO LUNCHEON - Memorial Day Observance
2023-05-25 12:00 - 13:15
No luncheon will be on May 25, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day.

5.31.23 - AYA Youth Collective - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-05-31 15:00 - 17:00
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends!
What: Outdoor Spring Cleanup Activities at AYA Youth Collective
When: Wednesday, May 31st from 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Where & Why and Sign-up: For details see the attached flier.
Event Contact: Stacey Woods (swoods@wolvgroup.com or 269-903-5423)
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-ayayouth

6.1.23 - Club 77 @ Millennium Park
2023-06-01 16:30 - 18:00 | Millennium Park, 1415 Maynard Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
On June 1st our monthly Club 77 will be held at Millennium Park (Open Picnic Shelter B). Appetizers and adult beverages will be served!
Date: Thursday, June 1st @ 4:30 – 6PM
Location: 1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534
Off the main park entrance on Maynard Ave, Millennium Park Open Picnic Shelter B
Parking: Free parking in lot B (see map in the flyer below)

6.3.23 - Ramp Build - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-06-03 08:30 - 12:00
What: Ramp Build
When: Saturday, June 3 from 8:30 to Noon
Where: Grand Rapids Area (TBD)
Why: Helping to build a ramp to provide needed accessibility to someone’s home.
Event Contact: Dave Bulkowski (dave.b@dakc.us) or Ruthann Schulte (ruthann_schulte@yahoo.com)
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-ramp

6.8.23 - Claire Fisher
2023-06-08 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Claire Fisher, Director of Program Services – Alzheimer’s Association of West Michigan
Providing leadership and direction for the development, coordination and implementation of the Association’s strategic and operational program plans in West Michigan as part of the leadership team for West Michigan. Duties include oversight and implementation of care and support services; assistance with public policy objectives; and assisting in meeting development objectives. The Senior Program Director is responsible for the supervision, development and oversight of regional program staff and volunteers as assigned.

6.10.23 - Rock the Block Street Festival - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-06-10 10:00 - 17:00 | Rock the Block, 1167 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Rock the Block Street Festival – Volunteer Opportunity – June 10th:

We are excited to announce the DEI Committees’ upcoming volunteer opportunity at the annual Rock the Block Street Festival!
The DEI Committee is asking for volunteers to help us have a Rotary presence at LINC UP’s annual Rock the Block Street Festival. Rock the Block is an opportunity for neighbors, friends, and local businesses to gather in Madison Square for a celebration of diversity and community. The event will have unique vendors, multicultural cuisine, a variety of entertainment, local art, informational and resource booths, activities for all ages, and much more. They are expecting 8,000 attendees and over 100 vendors and sponsors!

When: Saturday, June 10thVolunteer Time Blocks:
Setup: 10 AM – 1:30 PM (3 volunteers needed)
Teardown: 1:30 PM – 5 PM (3 volunteers needed)
Location: Madison Ave SE between Hall and Oakdale Street – 1167 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-linc
Contact: If you have any questions please contact Katherine Roye

6.15.23 - Gina Kell Spehn
2023-06-15 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Gina Kell Spehn – Co-Founder and President, New Day Foundation for Families
In 2007, motivated by their personal experiences, Gina and her husband Michael started New Day at the kitchen table with no nonprofit experience, but with a deep desire to help families cope with the financial and emotional burdens of cancer. The legacies of their first spouses, Matt Kell and Cathy Spehn, are the heart and soul of New Day Foundation for Families. The origins of New Day are told in the Spehn’s New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Color of Rain”, which also became a Hallmark Original movie in 2014.
Together they have a blended family with five fun-loving young adults. They have been featured on The Today Show, Huckabee and ABC World News, and have been national speakers and radio talk show hosts, sharing their message of faith, hope and love. Gina currently serves as President of New Day Foundation and is on the Advisory Board for Camp Kesem MSU. Michael is a Financial Representative with Equitable. The legacies of their late spouses and their faith in Jesus Christ are what guide their lives and commitment to the cancer community.

6.22.23 - Fred P. Keller
2023-06-22 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Fred P. Keller – Founder & Chair, Cascade Engineering
Fred believes that business has the unique opportunity to complement its efforts on financial performance with important work in the social and environmental arenas. He has emphasized the key role business can play in building financial, social and ecological capital, often through partnerships with government and community agencies. Business and industry publications regularly feature his innovative management approach and work in advancing sustainability.
Fred recently completed 17 years as a Senior Visiting Lecturer at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. He served as an Executive-in-Residence at the University of Michigan – Ross School of Business. He was a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council with two years as chair under Presidents Bush and Obama. Keller also served on the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Board for 14 years with two years as chair. Fred is a trustee for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation.
Fred serves on the boards of Paragon Die & Engineering of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Balcones Resources of Austin, Texas. He has previously served on the boards of the Meijer Corporation and Fifth Third Bank, West Michigan. He is currently an advisor to several startup companies around the country. He has been active with many community organizations and change initiatives. He is co-founder and chair of Talent 2025, a catalyst for the development of an integrated talent system to meet employer needs throughout 13 West Michigan counties. He served as co-chair of K-Connect, a Kent County Collective Impact Systems Change Collaborative.
A Grand Rapids, Michigan native, Fred earned his B.S. in materials science and engineering from Cornell University and an M.S. in business management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

6.29.23 - President's "Passing of the Tiller"
2023-06-29 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
On June 29th, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids will hold its annual “Passing of the Tiller” luncheon during which outgoing 2022-2023 Rotary President Doris Drain will pass the presidential tiller to incoming 2023-2024 Rotary Club of Grand Rapids President Shaun Shira.
Doris Drain Shaun Shira

7.6.23 - No Luncheon (4th of July Holiday Observance)
2023-07-06

7.13.23 - President's Message
2023-07-13 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
2023-2024 Club President Shaun Shira will present his goals and the club’s future for his upcoming Presidency!

7.20.23 - Gleaves Whitney
2023-07-20 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Executive Director, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
Gleaves Whitney, who has served as director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University since 2003, was chosen to fill the role of executive director for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation (GRFPF) effective Sept. 1, 2020.
Credited with establishing the first sustained and comprehensive common ground initiative in U.S. higher education, Whitney received a National Endowment for Humanities grant for the program. Through his leadership, the Hauenstein Center has hosted major conferences that have helped revive the study of Midwestern history and launched the nation’s first presidential question-and-answer column, “Ask Gleaves.” He also developed the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy at the Hauenstein Center, which now has more than 400 alumni serving in communities around the nation.
Before joining the Hauenstein Center, Whitney served in Michigan Governor John Engler’s administration as senior writer, chief speechwriter, historian, and assisted in the creation of the Michigan Department of History, Arts, and Libraries. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Colorado State University, Fort Collins; and a master’s degree in history from the University of Michigan. He was presented with a Doctor of Humane Letters from the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Berkeley California; and was selected as a Fulbright Scholar to West Germany (1984-1985).

7.27.23 - Annual Indian Trails Camp Picnic (Offsite Luncheon)
2023-07-27 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
On Thursday, July 27th 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”.

8.1.23 - Oak Hill Cemetery Cleanup - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-08-01 18:00 - 20:00 | Oak Hill Cemetery, 603 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
What: Oak Hill Cemetery Cleanup
When: Tuesday, August 1st from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Oak Hill Cemetery
Why: General cleanup of the cemetery
Event Contacts: Christine Lindeman (lindemangirl@gmail.com) or Shelley Irwin (irwinsh@gvsu.edu)
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-oakhill1

8.3.23 - Club 77 hosted by Varnum
2023-08-03 16:00 - 17:30 | Varnum, 333 Bridge St NW - 17th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Come join us for great conversation, drinks, and appetizers at our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Varnum!

8.10.23 - Dr. Matthew Biersack, MD
2023-08-10 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Matthew Biersack, MD – President, Trinity Health Saint Mary’s
Dr. Matthew P. Biersack is an internist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, affiliated with Trinity Health Grand Rapids. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine and has been practicing for almost 20 years.

8.17.23 - District Governor Jeff Coil, District 6290
2023-08-17 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
District Governor Jeff Coil will make his official visit to our club and present his goals for our district for the year!

8.18.23 - Ramp Build - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-08-18 08:30 - 13:00 | Ramp Build – 8.18.23, 4581 May Apple Dr NW, Walker, MI, 49534, United States
What: Ramp Build
When: Friday, August 18th from 8:30 am to 1 pm
Where: 4581 May Apple Dr. NW Walker, MI 49534
Why: Helping to build a ramp to provide needed accessibility to someone’s home.
Event Contact: Dave Bulkowski (dave.b@dakc.us)
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-ramp1

8.22.23 - DEI Event - Jim Crow Exhibit @ GRPM
2023-08-22 16:30 - 19:00 | Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Join the DEI committee for a free tour of the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University’s traveling exhibit Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery. The exhibit will cultivate understanding and empathy for victims of racial intolerance throughout history to the modern day. The tour will be followed by a discussion and happy hour. Appetizers, beer, wine, and soda will be provided. Admission and parking will be paid for by the Committee.
When: Tuesday, August 22nd from 4:30 – 7 pm
Location: Grand Rapids Public Museum
Signup Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dei-event-tour-and-discussion-of-grpms-jim-crow-exhibit-tickets-691666301527?aff=oddtdtcreator

8.24.23 - Michael Jandernoa
2023-08-24 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Michael Jandernoa – Partner, 42 North Partners
BIO
Mike Jandernoa was CEO of Perrigo Company from 1988 to 2000, Chairman of the Board from 1991 to 2003, and continued to serve on the Board of Directors until 2017. Perrigo is a leading global healthcare supplier that develops, manufactures, and distributes over-the-counter and generic prescription pharmaceuticals.
Mike is a graduate of the University of Michigan and was a CPA, having worked at BDO Seidman for seven years prior to joining Perrigo in 1979. Hired by Perrigo as CFO, Mike was promoted to EVP of Sales and Finance in 1981, appointed President in January 1983, and became CEO in 1988. He was promoted to Chairman of the Board and CEO in November 1991, a position he held until May of 2000. During his career at Perrigo, Mike helped lead two LBOs in 1981 and 1988 and the IPO in 1991.
In addition to his service on Perrigo’s Board of Directors, he also serves on the Board of Directors of Business Leaders for Michigan, Hopen Life Science Ventures, Metabolic Solutions Development Company, the University of Michigan President’s Advisory Group, Grand Valley University Foundation, Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, and The Heart of West Michigan United Way. Mike is a member of other corporate advisory boards and is a past member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. Mike also serves/chairs numerous religious and community boards and committees as well.
In addition, Mike is the founder of Jandernoa Entrepreneurial Mentoring. He is a co-founder of Bridge Street Capital Partners, lead investor and Board member of Hopen Life Science Fund, and co-founder and Board member of Grand Angels.

8.31.23 - NO LUNCHEON - Labor Day Holiday Observance
2023-08-31
There will be no Rotary Luncheon on Thursday, August 31 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

9.7.23 - Club 77 hosted by Trinity Health
2023-09-07 16:30 - 18:00
Come join us for great conversation, drinks, and appetizers at our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Trinity Health!

9.9.23 - WMEAC River Clean Up - Volunteer Opportunity
2023-09-09 09:00 - 11:00
What: WMEAC Annual River Clean Up
When: Saturday, September 9th from 9:00 – 11:00 am
Where: Wealthy Street Bridge on the corner or Wealthy and Market
Why: General Grand River clean up of trash and debris
Event Contacts: Alex Wilson at alexandra.wilson@ucomgr.org
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-river

9.14.23 - Aron Sousa, MD
2023-09-14 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Aron Sousa, MD, FACP, is the dean of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. His appointment was approved by the MSU Board of Trustees on April 22, 2022, making him the seventh dean of the medical school.
Sousa served as interim dean for the medical school since November 2019 and, prior to that, from June 2015 through September 2016. Dr. Sousa also has held the position of senior associate dean for academic affairs for more than 13 years.
In his previous role as senior associate dean, Sousa was responsible for the medical education programs of the college in its community campuses across Michigan. 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 three, two-year clinical campuses in Traverse City, Midland and in Southeast Michigan. Since becoming dean, Sousa has led the establishment of the college’s eighth community campus in Detroit, at Henry Ford Health, in 2022.
The majority of Dr. Sousa’s work is in medical education and curriculum. He led the design of the college’s Shared Discovery Curriculum, which is characterized by robust clinical experiences in each year of medical school, promotion based on progress testing, and content organized by chief complaint rather than organ system or discipline. As the leader of the college’s $30 million expansion in Flint, Dr. Sousa was the PI on the C.S. Mott Foundation grants that led to the expansion of the Flint medical school campus and provided a building that enabled the college to center its public health division and degree program in Flint. In December 2022, the MSU Board of Trustees approved departmental status and announced the university’s first named department, the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health.
Dr. Sousa is a practicing general internist. He received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He then served as both a resident and chief resident in internal medicine and completed a primary care fellowship at Michigan State University.
