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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20160609T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20160609T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160531T191557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160531T191557Z
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SUMMARY:Ken Krayer
DESCRIPTION:Ken Krayer is the Executive Director of Design West Michigan. As a unique extension of Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University\, Design West Michigan acts as an on-going catalyst for the region’s design network\, bringing in key design thinkers for public presentations and demonstrating the value of design through case studies\, business and design interactions. Ken comes from a rich background of design and design management as well as art and design education. In addition to his position at Design West Michigan\, he is also a faculty member at Kendall College of Art and Design in the Collaborative Design\, Industrial Design and MA in Design programs. He consults in the area of product design and strategy. He serves on the board of directors for Creative Many. Creative Many is a statewide organization that develops creative people\, creative places and the creative economy for a competitive Michigan through research\, advocacy\, professional practice and communications. \nHe has held positions as Chair of the Product Design Program at College for Creative Studies in Detroit\, Director of Design for Haworth in Holland\, Michigan\, Director of Design for Details\, a division of Steelcase in Grand Rapids\, Michigan. He was an exhibit designer for A + O Studio in San Francisco\, California\, and design intern at Studio Dumbar in Den Haag\, Netherlands. \nKen received his masters degree from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Design\, and his BS in Art Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Industrial Design Society of America\, the Design Management Institute\, Design West Michigan and is the founder of the Society for Experimental Form. His work is held in the permanent collections of The Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal\, Cranbrook Academy of Art\, Erie Art Museum\, and several private collections. \nwww.kenkrayer.com \nhttp://www.designwestmichigan.com/
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/ken-krayer/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160519T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160519T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160118T223734Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160118T223734Z
UID:1464-1463659200-1463663700@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Karl Nelson  and  S.T.R.I.V.E. Banquet
DESCRIPTION:Karl earned is BA in Business Education and Mathematics – Ferris State University and his MA in Educational Leadership at Michigan State University. He is currently in the 3rd year as a doctoral student in the Education Leadership program at Michigan State University \nKarl has been a teacher and coach at Creston and Ottawa Hills High Schools. The Athletic Director at Creston and Byron Center High Schools. He was also a Principal at Creston and Byron Center High Schools and is currently the Principal at Union High School. \nHe used to golf and run before the MSU program\, but now just tries to find time to be with his two teenage daughters\, Lexi 16 and Ally 14\, and his beautiful wife Kristyn. \nToday we also celebrate and recognize the students that have participated in the STRIVE Mentoring/Scholarship Program and their parents\, mentors and schools for their support. \n**********************************************************************************************************The mission of the STRIVE Program is to mentor high school students to achieve academic success\, graduate from high school and continue their education in college\, university\, trade\, technical or career school \nIn pursuit of this mission\, the STRIVE program provides positive role models for students to promote self discovery\, the importance of High School Graduation\, development of good values\, development of life skills\, and individual responsibility in STRIVING for excellence in life. \nSTRIVE is a partnership among Junior and Senior students trying to make a difference in their lives\, parents who are willing to support and encourage their students\, high school administrators\, faculty and counselors\, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids\, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids Charities Foundation
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/s-t-r-i-v-e-banquet/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160512T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160512T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160118T223836Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160118T223836Z
UID:1465-1463054400-1463058900@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Kyle Caldwell
DESCRIPTION:Kyle Caldwell is the executive director of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids\, Mich. Caldwell joined the Johnson Center in August 2015. In this leadership role\, Caldwell is responsible for the administrative and development functions of the organization while providing vision\, passion\, and guidance to one of the nation’s largest centers for philanthropy. \nCaldwell comes to this role having lead and worked in a wide variety of organizations in government\, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. \nAs a champion of the nonprofit sector\, Caldwell has been a staunch advocate for nonprofits and foundations to exercise the full expression of their rights and responsibilities. He has also taken on leadership roles in helping develop strategies and programming initiatives that strengthen the philanthropic sector. Most recently\, he served as the Director for the Pathways to Opportunity Program at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation where he helped evolve the Foundation’s approach to addressing poverty to focus on education. \nCaldwell serves on a number of national boards including Points of Light\, Independent Sector\, Nonprofit Votes\, and the National Council of Nonprofits\, which he currently chairs. At the state level\, Caldwell serves as a member of the Michigan Community Service Commission. He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communication from Western Michigan University. Both WMU and Lansing Community College (where he earned an associate’s degree in photojournalism) have bestowed Caldwell with exemplary alumni awards. \n Personal Statement \nI am a proud life-long resident of Michigan and have spent nearly all my life on the “West Side.” My wife\, a retired teacher\, and I relocated to the Grand Rapids area to join both our children who are currently Lakers studying communication and fine art. In a previous life\, I was a professional photographer. This experience helped me to observe human behavior and better understand the power of story.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/kyle-caldwell/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160505T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160505T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160119T020905Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160119T020905Z
UID:1473-1462449600-1462454100@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Birgit Klohs
DESCRIPTION:Birgit Klohs is President & CEO of The Right Place\, Inc.\, a position she has held since 1987. The Right Place\, Inc. is the regional economic development organization for the retention\, expansion and attraction of businesses to the West Michigan Area. \nMs. Klohs\, a native of Germany\, came to The Right Place\, Inc. from Grand Valley State University (GVSU)\, where she served as Assistant Director of the Office for Economic Expansion. Prior to her association with GVSU\, Ms. Klohs was affiliated with Prince Corporation in Holland\, Michigan. \nHer economic development career began in 1977 as an Industrial Consultant with the Economic Development Corporation of Berrien County\, Michigan. Following her experience in Berrien County\, she joined the Michigan Department of Commerce as an Account Executive for the West Michigan region. \nShe is a graduate of Western Michigan University\, where she earned her B.A. degree in Corporate Finance. She is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute of the University of Oklahoma; and completed the professional economic development finance program through the National Development Council. She also attended Harvard University’s program on negotiation. \nMs. Klohs is a frequent speaker at national and international economic development conferences and seminars. She has lectured in France\, Great Britain\, Germany\, Sweden\, China\, Australia and Israel. She is involved in numerous local and state-wide activities. \nMs. Klohs enjoys cooking\, gardening\, reading and travel.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/birgit-klohs/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160428T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160428T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160118T223621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160118T223621Z
UID:1463-1461844800-1461849300@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Jim Jarecki
DESCRIPTION:With 21 years of experience in professional baseball\, Jim Jarecki has helped make the vision of the West Michigan Whitecaps a reality starting with the team’s inaugural year (1994). As Vice President of Whitecaps Professional Baseball\, Jim is responsible for creating and upholding the “Fifth Third Ballpark Experience\,” which includes fun and exciting family entertainment-for each and every fan that enters through the gates. He has facilitated numerous events at Fifth Third Ballpark\, including the 1995 and 2003 Midwest League All-Star Games\, five Midwest League championship series\, the Detroit Tigers exhibition game in 1999\, Fantasy Camps and facility events. Prior to the 2006 season\, Jim oversaw the $1.4 million dollar renovations at Fifth Third Ballpark of the suite level and outfield bleachers. \nAt the conclusion of the 2006 season\, Jim received the Midwest League Executive of the Year award\, which was voted on by league owners and General Managers. During the 2008-’09 off-season\, Jim oversaw the $1.5 million renovation to the ballpark which included playing field\, new box seats\, ballpark roof\, backstop netting\, structural repairs to concrete and asphalt\, and suite renovations. \nThe Whitecaps received the Bob Freitas Award for Best Franchise of the Decade from Baseball America in 1999. In 1998 and 2000\, Jim and the Whitecaps were recognized with the Midwest League Stadium Operations Award. After the 2007 season\, the Whitecaps were awarded the Midwest League’s Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy for best promotion of baseball and entertainment. Following up the Midwest League award\, the Whitecaps took it one more step in December and accepted the Promotional Trophy for the entire Minor Leagues at the Winter Meetings in Nashville. In addition\, the Whitecaps were named MiLB’s Team of the Year following the 2007 MWL Championship. \nJim’s experience in professional baseball and includes operations\, marketing\, ticket and sponsorship sales\, promotions and media relations. He started with the Chicago White Sox in telemarketing and his minor league experience has included working with the Oklahoma RedHawks as an intern and the Beloit Snappers as Assistant GM. Jim is a 1989 graduate of Northern Illinois University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. In 2003\, and again in 2005\, he was named to the Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders” and is currently on the Comstock Park DDA board\, Wolverine Worldwide YMCA board\, Midwest League Schedule committee\, and MiLB’s Licensing Committee. \nA native of Woodridge\, Illinois\, Jim remains a Chicago sports fan to the end. He continues to play and coach youth basketball in the off-season and attempts the great game of golf when time permits during the season. Jim resides in Grand Rapids with his wife Christine\, daughters Addison and Kelsey and son Carson.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/jim-jarecki/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160421T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160421T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160118T223428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160118T223428Z
UID:1462-1461240000-1461244500@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:William Coderre III
DESCRIPTION:William C. Coderre\, III\, CFRE \nJunior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes \nCommitted to improving the lives of children in Michigan\, Bill Coderre has served Junior Achievement with distinction for 33 years. Bill has been President of Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes since 1999. Bill’s early involvement with Junior Achievement began as a participant in the JA Company Program at Bishop Hendricken High School in Rhode Island in 1978. Wanting to give back to JA for all that he received as a student Bill joined the JA staff in Providence\, RI in 1983. His passion for JA became both a vocation and an avocation.  JA of the Michigan Great Lakes serves over 60\,000 students annually and is one of the top performing JA areas in the country. Bill and his organization have received many awards for their performance including the Charles R. Hook Award as the top JA President in the United States in 2007. Bill has been active at the state\, national and International levels with Junior Achievement most recently serving as a member of the JA Worldwide Member Council. Bill is actively involved in his community currently serving on the Grand Rapids Economic Club essay committee and as Treasurer of the Saint Thomas the Apostle Education Foundation. Bill was elected by his JA President peers to serve as Chairperson of the JA Presidents Roundtable for the next two years. \nBill is married to Cheryl Coderre a Kindergarten Teacher at Saint Thomas the Apostle School and invites JA into her classroom each and every year as well as a SLD Reading tutor.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/william-coderre-iii/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160414T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160414T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160118T223125Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160118T223125Z
UID:1461-1460635200-1460639700@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Homer Mandoka
DESCRIPTION:Homer A. Mandoka has spent his life dedicated to public service.  After earning his Associate Degree in Law Enforcement from Kellogg Community College\, Mr. Mandoka spent the next 15 years as a police officer for the City of Bronson\, Michigan. \nIn 2002\, he was elected to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribal Council and appointed as Sergeant-at-Arms.  Over the years\, Mr. Mandoka served as Treasurer and Vice-Chairman of the Tribal Council.  In 2010\, Mr. Mandoka was appointed at the Tribal Council Chairman and in 2012\, was re-elected to his 5th term on the Tribal Council.  He is one of five members on the Tribal Council. \nAs the Tribal Chairman for the Tribe and the FireKeepers Development Authority\, Chairman Mandoka and fellow council members has guided the Tribe in strengthen self-sufficient through a number of economic endeavors including the expansion of FireKeepers Casino Hotel. \nChairman Mandoka guided the Mishkoswen Project\, which added a recreation park and six homes as homeland development on the Pine Creek Reservation.  At one-time\, the Tribal lands only consisted of five dilapidated homes\, an office and a church.   Recent enhancements have included the addition of 26 homes\, modern roadways\, weather alert systems\, and fire hydrants. \nChairman Mandoka also made significant contributions to land acquisition transactions.  These included the purchase of a parcel of land in the City of Grand Rapids to better serve Tribal Members with a modern Health Clinic. \nOther significant milestones met under Chairman Mandoka’s tenure included a $97 million early buy-out of the Full House casino management contract.  Completion of the outside management agreement buy-out was part of a transformational $385 million refinancing package.  The package saved the Tribe $100\,000 per day.  That particular bill was burned last year\, 14 months early. \nChairman Mandoka facilitated the legislative passage of the State of Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA)\, which Governor Rick Snyder signed into law on February 20\, 2013.   It continues to be a historical achievement for those in Indian County. \nThe Native American Financial Officers Association honored Chairman Mandoka as the 2013 Tribal Leader of the Year and he received the Sara Simmons Advocacy Award by Safe Place. \nChairman Mandoka and his wife\, Kathy\, reside in Bronson\, Michigan.  They have five children\, Austin\, Haley Irwin\, Phillip and Logan.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/interact-leads-luncheon/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20160324T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20160324T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160226T183554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160226T183554Z
UID:1814-1458820800-1458825300@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Roberto Torres and Carlos Sanchez
DESCRIPTION:Roberto Torres is the Executive Director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. Since his arrival on January 20\, 2015\, he has hit the ground running while positioning the Hispanic Center to be a lead agent in the future development of Grand Rapids’ historic Latino communities. Together with the Hispanic Center Board of Directors\, he leads an aggressive strategic plan with a vision for Latino inclusion in community\, workforce & economic development in Western Michigan. \nPreviously\, he served as Executive Director of the Northwest Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and served in four mayoral administrations in Toledo\, Ohio and one term for Canton\, Ohio Mayor William Healy’s administration.  As Director of Economic Development for the City of Canton\, Torres was instrumental in leveraging billions of dollars in public and private financing to support historic preservation and redevelopment projects\, construction of industrial development parks\, mixed-use facility development and the expansion of international investment. \nHe is a graduate of Bowling Green State University\, where he majored in public administration and political science.  He is a Desert Storm Veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps. \n  \n  \nBorn in Mexico City\, Carlos Sanchez is the Director of the Latino Business and Economic Development Center. His work at the Center focuses on developing Latino leaders and entrepreneurs. \nMr. Sanchez has over ten years of valuable experience in the areas of Diversity and Inclusion as well as Latino Entrepreneurship and is very active in his community\, serving on several Boards and committees; Hispanic Center of Western Michigan\, Grand Rapids Community Foundation\, Dyer Ives Foundation\, the Downtown Improvement District Board and Chemical Bank Community Board. \nA graduate of the International Business program at Davenport University\, Carlos also holds an MBA level Certification in Design and Innovation Management from Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/roberto-torres-and-carlos-sanchez-2/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20160317T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20160317T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160226T183928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160226T183928Z
UID:1815-1458216000-1458220500@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Rick Rediske\, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Richard Rediske is a Professor of Water Resources at Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI). \nHe has a Ph.D. from University of Michigan in Environmental Chemistry and has conducted environmental research at AWRI for over 20 years.  His research areas include environmental chemical fate and transport\, aquatic toxicology\, water quality management\, ecosystem restoration. \nPrior to joining AWRI\, Dr. Rediske was the Director of Environmental Services for local environmental consulting firms including WW Engineering and Science and Earth Tech.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/rick-rediske-ph-d/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20160310T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20160310T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160216T155222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160216T155222Z
UID:1610-1457611200-1457615700@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Kevin Stotts
DESCRIPTION:Kevin Stotts joined TALENT 2025 as President in July 2011. The organization is a CEO-led effort to create an integrated talent system to meet the needs of West Michigan’s employers.  CEOs take a leadership role and act as an accountability partner in each segment of the talent supply chain. They convene working groups to facilitate collaboration and broker relationships to establish a shared commitment by employers\, educators and stakeholders to drive improvement in key performance measures. TALENT 2025 is a process that illuminates performance gaps\, evaluates solutions and advocates for leading practices to improve the talent development system. \nBefore that he served as Vice President of Community Programs with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce for eight years where he directed the Center for Community Leadership (CCL) and launched HelloWestMichigan.com. Prior to this Kevin ran a statewide scholarship program and worked for Governor John Engler. \nKevin is originally from the Detroit area and earned his bachelor’s degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University. He serves on several non-profit boards and is an avid runner and cyclist. Kevin resides in Grand Rapids with his wife Stephanie and their three children Katie\, Matt and Ben.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/kevin-stotts/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160225T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160225T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160118T221658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160118T221658Z
UID:1453-1456401600-1456406100@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Rosalynn Bliss
DESCRIPTION:Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss became the City’s first female Mayor when she took office on January 1\, 2016. She previously served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years. \nMayor Bliss also is Director of Residential Services at D.A. Blodgett-St. John’s.  St. John’s Home provides emergency shelter and residential services for abused and neglected children. In addition\, Mayor Bliss is an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University’s School of Social Work. \nShe earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of South Alabama and a master’s in social work from Michigan State University. \nMayor Bliss is active in her profession and in the community. She is Vice President of the Michigan Municipal League and serves on the boards of the Interurban Transit Partnership\, Kent County Land Bank Authority\, Downtown Development Authority\, Experience Grand Rapids\, Grand Valley Metro Council and Dyer-Ives Foundation\, among many other organizations. \nShe is a member of the Uptown Corridor Improvement District and the West Michigan Environmental Leadership Network. She also serves as Chairwoman of the Residential MIN for the Michigan Federation of Children and Families. \nMayor Bliss has been recognized and honored locally as well as statewide for her commitment\, dedication and work in the field of child abuse and neglect and for her leadership in the community. Recognitions include: \n\nFive-time recipient of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty distinction\nGrand Rapids Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan\nATHENA Young Professional Award\nTim Pope Memorial Award for Outstanding Young Governmental Leader\nChristine Nelson Professional Award for Service to Children\nMichigan Professional Society on the Abuse of Children Special Recognition Award
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/rosalyn-bliss/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160218T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160218T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160118T221508Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160118T221508Z
UID:1452-1455796800-1455801300@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Past Presidents of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/past-rotary-club-of-grand-rapids-presidents/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160211T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160211T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160118T221230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160118T221230Z
UID:1451-1455192000-1455196500@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Dr. Aron Sousa
DESCRIPTION:Aron Sousa\, MD\, is interim dean at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Prior to his appointment as interim dean in August 2015\, Dr. Sousa served as Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Serving in that role since 2006\, he was responsible for the educational programs of the college across the seven community campuses across the state. During that time he managed the doubling of the college’s class size\, and converting its two-year\, 60 student Grand Rapids campus into a four-year\, 350 student campus. He also led the creation of a pair of new\, two-year clinical campuses in Traverse City and Midland. \nDr. Sousa leads the college’s accreditation activity and regularly serves as a site team member for the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. As the leader of the college’s $30 million expansion in Flint\, Dr. Sousa was the PI on the C.S. Mott grants that led to the college establishing the CHM building and the creation of the Division of Public Health in Flint. \nDr. Sousa is a practicing general internist. He received his bachelor’s in chemistry from Indiana University and his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine. He then served as both a resident and chief resident in internal medicine at MSU and also participated in a Primary Care Fellowship at MSU.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/dr-aron-sousa/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160204T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160204T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20160118T221041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20160118T221041Z
UID:1450-1454587200-1454591700@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Paula Cunningham
DESCRIPTION:Paula D. Cunningham is the State Director for AARP Michigan which has more than 1.4 million members. AARP is a nonprofit\, nonpartisan\, social welfare organization with a membership of nearly 38 million. They work to lead positive change and deliver value to all people 50+. \nPrior to joining AARP Michigan\, Paula D. Cunningham was the CEO of Capitol National Bank (CNB). CNB has been in the community for more than 32 years. She was the only African American woman in the country to be president of a majority owned bank. \nPrior to joining Capitol National Bank Ms. Cunningham was the first woman to be President of Lansing Community College.. Lansing Community College has more than 30\,000 students and is the State’s 3rd largest community college. As President of Lansing Community College\, she successfully led a community millage campaign to generate an additional $9 million for the institution into perpetuity. Under her leadership\, the college implemented a strategic planning process that resulted in five new buildings. The main building on the LCC campus was officially named the Paula D. Cunningham Administration Building in 2006. This is the only building named after a woman in downtown Lansing. \nPresident Cunningham has also been a small business owner. She and her husband owned and managed an 18-hole golf course and she was the founder of an entrepreneurial academy for young people. \nPaula Diane Cunningham’s dedication to education\, small business and community have been recognized by many organizations. She has received numerous awards and recognition throughout her career\, including being inducted in 2013 to the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame\, a former recipient of the prestigious Athena Award\, featured in Ebony Magazine as a “Woman on the Move” and featured in Bridge Magazine as a woman who “Breaks Barriers”\, as well as other featured articles. \nPaula serves on numerous boards including\, but not limited to Davenport University\, McLaren Health Systems – Lansing\, and she was the first African American female to Chair the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Board. \nA favorite quote: “Only as high as you reach can you grow. Only as far as you seek can you go. Only as deep as you look can you see. Only as much as you dream can you be.” Karen Ravn
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/paula-cunningham/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160128T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160128T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20151223T234439Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151223T234439Z
UID:1231-1453982400-1453986900@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Meredith Bronk
DESCRIPTION:Meredith Bronk has been with OST since 1998. She served as Chief Operating Officer for several years before being promoted to President in April 2014 and then becoming CEO in April 2015. As CEO and President\, Meredith assumed responsibility for sales\, business development\, and marketing\, in addition to her existing leadership of service delivery\, finance and operations. Meredith understands the needs of a dynamic growing organization and leverages her strong leadership capabilities to bring creative solutions to clients while maintaining a strong organizational culture. \nMeredith also earned her MBA from Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business in 2014. Meredith’s career started in Accounting\, but her compassion and insight quickly expanded her into Project Management\, Recruiting\, and Human Resources. She joined OST as a Project Manager\, working closely with clients\, partners\, and employees to get the job done. Her diverse experience has created a unique combination of strong analytical and interpersonal skills. Meredith’s servant attitude and commitment to the success of others is an excellent representation of OST’s dedication to its employees and customers. \nMeredith 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.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/meredith-bronk/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160121T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160121T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20151223T234102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151223T234102Z
UID:1229-1453377600-1453382100@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Raymond Beckering III
DESCRIPTION:Raymond E. Beckering III is an assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan\, where he has served as the criminal health care fraud coordinator since 2006. \nHe previously prosecuted drug trafficking cases. Before joining the Department of Justice\, Mr. Beckering was a criminal defense attorney handling a variety of state and federal matters including health care fraud. \nHe received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Michigan.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/raymond-beckering-iii/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160114T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160114T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20151223T233502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151223T233502Z
UID:1227-1452772800-1452777300@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Eva Aguirre Cooper
DESCRIPTION:Eva Aguirre Cooper has been the Community Affairs Director at WOOD TV8/WOTV 4/WXSP since 1998\, where her responsibilities include community outreach efforts\, on-air reporting for 24 Hour News 8 and special station projects including the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program –Live healthy and our Safe Water campaign. \nHer community involvement includes participation on various boards and committees such as the Experience Grand Rapids\, Grand Rapids Community Foundation\, Grand Rapids Sister City – Mexico Committee and ongoing participation in the Hispanic Community. \nPrior to joining WOOD TV8\, Eva worked at Trillion Post Production where she managed projects in Mexico City. From 1984 to 1994\, Eva worked at three different Public Broadcasting Stations including WSIU in Illinois\, SCETV in South Carolina and WGVU in Grand Rapids. Eva’s parents are both from Mexico and she is fluent in Spanish.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/eva-aguirre-cooper/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160107T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160107T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20151223T233039Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151223T233039Z
UID:1225-1452168000-1452172500@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Bryan Klochack
DESCRIPTION:With more than 20 years of experience in teaching and administration\, Principal Bryan Klochack leads the professional education team at Michigan Connections Academy (MICA). His background in both public and private bricks-and-mortar schools and his advanced degrees have equipped him to continue developing the school’s exceptional educational learning environment. \nAs an educational professional\, Mr. Klochack is especially proud of MICA’s focus on individualized instruction delivered by exceptional\, highly-qualified teachers who believe all students can learn! “The individual attention students receive\, the efficiency with which they learn\, and the flexibility of our program really raise the bar. This excellent education sets our students apart from the rest. MICA is on the verge of tremendous growth and achievement\, and I hope the great students of Michigan join us for an amazing learning experience!” \nMr. Klochack earned an Education Specialist degree with an emphasis in executive level educational leadership from the University Michigan–Flint. He also holds an M.A. in educational administration with an emphasis in school principalship from Central Michigan University and a B.A. in Economics from Kalamazoo College. He has state certification in elementary and secondary administration.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/bryan-klochack/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20151217T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20151217T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20151208T034019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151208T034019Z
UID:1072-1450353600-1450358100@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Anne Berquist
DESCRIPTION:Opera Grand Rapids Executive Director Anne Berquist is an international arts administrator and a professional musician. Her extensive international experience in team leadership\, expansion of organizational awareness\, and relationship building has established a reputation for artistic excellence and innovation. \nA native of France\, Ms. Berquist moved to the United States in 2001 to become the Artistic Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fontana Chamber Arts in Kalamazoo\, Michigan. Under her leadership\, the program flourished artistically and financially. In addition to earning the anchor organization designation by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs\, Fontana Chamber Arts received National Awards for Adventurous Programming. In 2008\, Ms. Berquist became the Executive Director of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and the Kalamazoo Culture Center and was named President & CEO of the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts in 2010. In 2012 she became the Executive Director of the Atlantic Classical Orchestra\, a Florida based professional classical orchestra. \nPrevious posts include serving as Director of Administration and Director of Studies at the Conservatoire National de Region d’Amiens in France\, serving in the Management Department at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris\, France\, and as Professor of Cello and Chamber music at the Conservatory of Versailles and Saint-Malo. \nAn accomplished cellist\, Ms. Berquist brings with her experience as a musician in addition to experience in managing arts organizations. She has won prizes in cello and chamber music at National Music Conservatories and the Ecole Normale of Paris\, holds a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Missouri\, and received an M.B.A. from the University of Paris\, La Sorbonne.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/anne-berquist/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20151210T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20151210T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20151124T211248Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151124T211248Z
UID:1008-1449748800-1449753300@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:John Barfield
DESCRIPTION:John W. Barfield is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of The Bartech Group\, Inc.\, located in Livonia\, Michigan. Bartech is among the nation’s largest independent human capital staffing and services firms in the United States\, employing over 3\,500 associates nationwide. The Company operates under  five divisions: Bartech Enterprise Staffmg\, Bartech Workforce Management\, Bartech Search Group\, Bartech RPO Solutions\, and Bartech Managed Services and specializes in engineering\, information technology and professional staffing services; business process outsourcing solutions; and vendor management solutions. \nThe son of an Alabama sharecropper\, Mr. Barfield dropped out of high school to enlist in the Army\, serving two years in Germany and France. Upon his discharge\, he worked as a custodian at the University of Michigan. Together with his wife Betty\, he formed the first of many companies\, Barfield Cleaning Company\, located in Ypsilanti\, Michigan. In 1969\, he sold this company to International Telephone and Telegraph Company. He formed and sold several additional businesses\, including Barfield Building Maintenance Company (sold to Unified Building Maintenance Services\, Inc.) and Barfield Manufacturing Company (sold to Masco Tech Industries). In 1977\, he incorporated John Barfield & Associates\, which later became The Bartech Group. \nMr. Barfield is active in many business and community organizations. He is a member of the board of directors of Spaulding for Children and Parkridge Community Center\, and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Samuel Zell & Robert H. Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies\, University of Michigan. His past leadership involvement includes organizations such as the United Negro College Fund\, Salvation Army of Metropolitan Detroit\, State of Michigan Community Services Commission and Rotary International. He supports many humanitarian causes from eradicating polio\, to saving a youth community center locally\, to building wells and providing safe drinking water in developing countries such as Haiti and Africa. His concern for the growing dilemma of the hungry and homeless population led him to form Share Products. Share brand products were sold throughout the Midwest and the profits were used to provide :free meals and safe lodging for the homeless. \nMr. Barfield has received numerous honors and awards including the Tree of Life Award\, the highest honor of the Jewish National Fund in America; The Laureate Award from Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan Business Hall of Fame; The George Romney Award\, recognizing his achievement in volunteerism; Northwood University’s Outstanding Business Leadership Award; Olivet College’s Leadership in Individual and Social Responsibility Award. He received the Sapphire Award\, a high honor for a leading volunteer who has made a demonstrable commitment to Michigan youth\, created by the State of Michigan and Blue Cross Blue  Shield of Michigan; the A.G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award from Black Enterprise Magazine recognizing his achievements within the African American business community; and the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion’s 2007 Humanitarian of the Year Award. \nMr. Barfield holds honorary doctorate degrees :from Jackson State University\, Grand Valley State University and Cleary College. He and his wife\, Betty have six adult children and reside in Ann Arbor\, Michigan.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/john-barfield/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20151203T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20151203T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20151124T212733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151124T212733Z
UID:1010-1449144000-1449148500@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Mindy Ysasi-Castanon
DESCRIPTION:Mindy Ysasi is a native of Grand Rapids\, MI and attended Grand Valley State University. She received her B.B.A in marketing and management (Seidman School of Business) in 2003.  \nAfter her freshman year at GVSU Mindy began an internship at Cascade Engineering in human resources.  Upon graduation she began her professional career with Cascade Engineering\, serving in a variety of HR roles.  Cascade Engineering encouraged strong engagement with the community which led Mindy to become a board member of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.  In 2006 Mindy was selected as a fellow for the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State.  Mindy achieved her senior human resources certification from HR Certification Institute in 2009. \nMindy joined Herman Miller\, Inc. in 2011 as an HR Consultant role supporting the manufacturing operations.  In 2012 Milinda joined the board of BL2END\, a young professionals organization focused on retaining professionals of color in Grand Rapids.  BL2END partnered with Cascade Engineering in 2012 for the first annual Young Professional of Color conference\, which Mindy was an organizer.  \nMindy began a new career in healthcare at Spectrum Health in 2014.  In this role she worked with nursing leaders on performance management\, leadership coaching and talent strategy.  In fall of 2014 she was promoted to the HR Business Partner role working with both IT and Financial professionals across the health system. Mindy was appointed to serve on the GVSU School of Public\, Non-Profit and Healthcare Administration board in 2014. Mindy started an organic collective with three friends in 2014\, the Latina Network of West Michigan. A space for Latinas to connect one on one to provide support\, mentorship and opportunity an uplifting environment.  \nIn March 2015 Mindy accepted the role of Executive Director\, The SOURCE. The mission of The SOURCE is to reduce barriers post employment for employees that work for the member organizations.\nMindy currently serves as the secretary for the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and is past President\, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce – Center for Community Leadership board and the Varnum Diversity Council.  She has been recognized with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award\, the GVSU Alumni Service award\, GR Business Journal 40 under forty and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-GR DoGooder Award.  \nShe resides in the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids with her husband Rafael Castanon.
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/mindy-ysasi-castanon/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20151105T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20151105T131500
DTSTAMP:20260513T095701
CREATED:20151102T205349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20151102T205349Z
UID:620-1446724800-1446729300@grrotary.org
SUMMARY:Jesse Bernal\, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION:Jesse M. Bernal\, Ph.D. is Vice President for the Division of Inclusion and Equity at Grand Valley State University. Dr. Bernal joined Grand Valley in February and oversees the university’s coordinated efforts to advance diversity and campus climate. \nPrior to coming to Michigan\, Dr. Bernal serves as Director for Diversity and Inclusion at Santa Clara University in the San Francisco Bay Area\, California. In this role\, he developed strategies for the recruitment\, retention and success of faculty and staff from underrepresented groups and supported efforts to enhance campus climate for faculty\, staff\, and students. Previously\, Dr. Bernal coordinated systemwide diversity and inclusion initiatives for 10 campuses and five medical centers at the University of California as systemwide Diversity Coordinator at the Office of the President. He has served as a consultant on numerous organizational climate assessment projects\, LGBT inclusion initiatives\, and interfaith community efforts. He also previously worked on educational outreach and academic support programming for underrepresented students as Coordinator of the Educational Outreach Program at the UC’s most diverse campus in Merced\, Program Manager for pre-college and first-year summer transition programs at UC Santa Barbara\, and Coordinator for a Santa Barbara Public Schools educational outreach program serving low-income 3rd and 4th graders. \nWhile a graduate student at UCSB\, Dr. Bernal was appointed to the University of California Board of Regents as student Regent and advocated for a range of statewide policies and programs to support California’s diverse student populations\, particularly raising the profile of underrepresented communities such as LGBT students\, undocumented students\, veterans\, and students of color. As Regent\, he chaired the Student Life and Alumni Affairs Committee and co-chaired the Access and Affordability Committee of the University of California’s Commission on the Future. \nHe has served on the California Intersegmental Coordinating Committee – a governor-appointed higher education oversight committee; the California Higher Education Campus Climate Advisory Council; and the University of California LGBT Task Force.  He currently volunteers for the LGBT youth support program\, the TrevorProject. \nOn a national level\, Dr. Bernal has been active in National Association of Chief Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE)\, National Conference on Race and Ethnicity (NCORE)\, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)\, American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (AAHHE)\, American Education Research Association (AERA)\, and the National Conference on LGBT Equality. \nDr. Bernal received his Ph.D. in Cultural Perspectives in Education from UC Santa Barbara. His research has focused on education policy and law\, equity and diversity in higher education\, campus climate assessments\, social justice education\, critical race theory\, and student engagement and development theories. His current active research focuses on inclusive hiring practices for faculty and staff in higher education and campus climate for Latino and LGBT undergraduates. Dr. Bernal received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Westmont College (Santa Barbara).
URL:https://grrotary.org/event/jesse-bernal-ph-d/
LOCATION:University Club of Grand Rapids\, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49503\, United States
CATEGORIES:Weekly Meeting
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=:
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