4.23.26 - STRIVE Luncheon
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual STRIVE luncheon, where we meet all the STRIVE students and mentors, and they share their experiences with our club!
More about STRIVE:
STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) is a Rotary mentoring program designed to support high school seniors in achieving academic and personal success. Sponsored by a local Rotary club, STRIVE pairs students with Rotarian mentors who provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance throughout the school year.
Through goal-setting, consistent check-ins, and recognition of achievement, the program helps students strengthen attendance, improve performance, and build confidence as they prepare for graduation and future career or educational opportunities.

4.30.26 - Steve Tibbe - Grand Rapids Business Broker & Entrepreneur
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Steve Tibbe – Grand Rapids Business Broker & Entrepreneur
Speaker Topic: TBA
Speaker Bio:
Steve Tibbe is a respected business and community leader based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With decades of experience in the manufacturing and automotive industries, Steve has built a career focused on innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth.
Throughout his professional journey, he has been committed not only to business success but also to community engagement and leadership development. Steve is passionate about strengthening West Michigan through collaboration, mentorship, and service.
In his presentation, Steve will share insights from his leadership experience, lessons learned in business growth and innovation, and perspectives on the importance of community involvement in driving long-term impact.

5.7.26 - CLUB 77 @ Grand Rapids Symphony
2026-05-07 16:30 - 18:00 | Grand Rapids Symphony, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

5.14.26 - Skot Welch - Founder & Principal, Global Bridge Builders
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Skot Welch is a nationally recognized speaker, author, entrepreneur, and community advocate based in West Michigan. He is the founder and president of Global Bridgebuilders, an organizational development and inclusion consulting firm that works with businesses and communities to strengthen leadership, engagement, and belonging initiatives.
Welch is also the co-founder and managing partner of the New Community Transformation Fund (NCTF), a venture capital fund focused on supporting entrepreneurs of color and advancing generational wealth opportunities in West Michigan.
A passionate advocate for youth development and storytelling, Welch founded the Mosaic Film Experience in 2012, a nonprofit organization that has introduced thousands of students to careers in digital media, filmmaking, and creative industries.
Known for his engaging and thought-provoking presentations, Welch frequently speaks on leadership, innovation, community building, entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating cultures of belonging. He is also the author of several books, including Unfractured and 101 Ways to Enjoy The Mosaic.

5.28.26 - Club Committee Update
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our Club Committee Update Luncheon!
Our club offers a variety of opportunities to serve, one of which is on committees that keep us engaged and allow us to grow and serve more in the community and beyond.
On May 28th, we will hear from the Membership, Rotary International Foundation, and Club 77 Committees!

6.4.26 - CLUB 77 Hosted by Beacon Hill at Eastgate
2026-06-04 16:30 - 18:00 | Beacon Hill at Eastgate, 1919 Boston St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States

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

6.18.26 - Michael Perry - Principal, Universal Design Consultant
2026-06-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
BIO:
Mike is a nationally recognized universal design expert helping organizations create inclusive, accessible, and safer environments across the globe. With the goal of bringing positive change to the world, he advocates for eliminating physical and social barriers in the built environment so all individuals can flourish, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
To help organizations reach their diversity and inclusion goals, Mike deploys a human-centered design approach. He works with companies such as Merck & Company, Oracle, Amazon, DHL, Pfizer, Nielsen, TruStage, Nationwide Insurance, MetLife, Bloomberg, T-Mobile, and Siemens Energy. He was instrumental in bringing the Mary Free Bed YMCA to fruition – the first building in the world to receive Universal Design Certification from the Global Universal Design Commission (GUDC).
As a recognized thought leader on the topic of universal design, Mike has presented throughout the world to leaders at the U.S. Access Board in Washington D.C., San Antonio Inclusion Summit, Disability:IN Chicago, Bloomberg Leadership Summit, CoreNet Global, and Zero Project in Vienna, Austria.
Mike co-authored a published research paper for the Disability and Health Journal titled “Participation by Design – Integrating a social ecological approach with universal design,” and authored a chapter for the National Inclusion Project Standards specifically applying universal design thinking to facilities and equipment, so that no child has to sit on the sidelines. In 2018, Mike led the effort to create a proprietary set of universal design assessment tools and strategies receiving registration from the US Copyright office.

6.25.26 - President's "Passing of the Tiller"
2026-06-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids on June 25th for our annual “Passing of the Tiller” Luncheon, a special tradition marking the transition of club leadership.
During this ceremony, outgoing 2025–2026 President Shannon Kolarik will officially pass the presidential tiller to incoming 2026–2027 President Joel Hondorp.
We’ll celebrate the accomplishments of President Shannon’s term and hear her reflections on a successful year. Incoming President Joel Hondorp will also share his vision and goals for the upcoming Rotary year.
This event is a great opportunity to honor our leadership, connect with fellow members, and look ahead to an exciting new chapter for our club.

7.9.26 - President's Message - Joel Hondorp
2026-07-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us as we kick off a new Rotary year and welcome incoming Club President Joel Hondorp. President Joel will share his vision and goals for the year ahead as he leads our club into an exciting new chapter.

7.16.26 - Russ Kavalhuna - President, Western Michigan University
2026-07-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas – Wege Ballroom, 1700 Fulton St E., Michigan, 49506, United States
Speaker: Russ Kavalhuna
Title: President, Western Michigan University
Bio:
President Russ Kavalhuna came to Western to serve as president with a distinguished record of public service, higher education leadership and a results-driven approach to student success.
Reflecting deep commitments to advocacy, accountability and collaboration, President Kavalhuna’s career spans aviation, law and education. A former commercial airline captain, collegiate aviation administrator and federal prosecutor, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to mission-driven leadership. In June 2025, he concluded a seven-year tenure as president of Henry Ford College, where he cultivated public and private partnerships, expanded college access and strengthened mentorship opportunities for students—efforts that underpin his educational leadership record.
Before leading Henry Ford College, WMU President Kavalhuna served as executive director of flight operations at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation, ranked among the top six aviation programs in the world according to Study International.
President Kavalhuna’s leadership vision is rooted in access, purpose and impact—values reflected in how Western empowers students to pursue a holistic, experience-driven education that prepares them for meaningful careers and fulfilled lives.
He takes the reins at Western in a pivotal period—for the University, for the higher education sector, and for the communities colleges and universities serve. Amid ongoing debates about the value of higher education, he is a clear and passionate advocate for its transformative power. As co-chair of the Growing Michigan Together Council’s Higher Education Workgroup, appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, President Kavalhuna helped shape state strategies to expand educational attainment and retain Michigan talent.
Broadly recognized for his thought leadership, he is frequently sought out at both the state and national levels to contribute to policy efforts in higher education and workforce development. In addition to co-chairing a Growing Michigan Together Council Workgroup, he has served governors of both major parties on boards focused on education, labor and aviation. He currently serves on the Michigan Workforce Development Board and the Michigan Aeronautics Commission.
President Kavalhuna’s principled leadership in aviation, law and academia additionally earned him a selection in 2016 by U.S. Presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush into the second class of their Presidential Leadership Scholars program—a program that continues to this day—enhancing his personal and professional leadership through interactions with former presidents, key administration officials, leading academics, and business and civic leaders.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in aviation science from WMU and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School.

7.23.26 - Annual IKUS/Indian Trails Camp Picnic (Offsite-luncheon)
2026-07-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
On Thursday, July 23rd Rotarians and guests will gather at Indian Trails Camp for our annual picnic!
Since 1952, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has partnered with Indian Trails Camp, mentoring for at-risk high school students, reduction of childhood hunger, projects to reduce physical barriers for the disabled, support for the elderly in need, and educational scholarships. The motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self”.

7.30.26 - Doug Lepisto - Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Sleeping Giant Capital
2026-07-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Doug Lepisto – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Sleeping Giant Capital
Bio:
Doug is co-founder and managing partner of Sleeping Giant Capital.
He stewards the firm’s distinctive mission and principles and drives the continued innovation of Sleeping Giant’s pioneering place-based model. Doug leads Sleeping Giant’s investment thesis development and underwriting, investor relations, and university partnerships.
He serves on the boards of Portland Products and ProStamp.
Passionate about life-changing education, Doug is co-founder and director of the Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) program at the Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business.
Prior to founding Sleeping Giant Capital, Doug worked in management consulting with Monitor Deloitte, advising clients on pricing strategy and at Young & Rubicam in strategic planning. He holds a BA from Kalamazoo College, an MA from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College.
His research has won multiple awards and has been published in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals, including recognition for the best dissertation in the field of management.
Doug spends his free time mountain biking with his son and cooking for his family. He lives in Kalamazoo with his wife and two children.

8.13.26 - Nicholas Abraham - Manager, Regulatory Strategy at ITC Holdings
2026-08-13 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Nick Abraham
Title: Manager of Regulatory Strategy at ITC Holdings
BIO:
Nick Abraham is the Manager of Regulatory Strategy at ITC Holdings, where he helps shape regulatory policy and strategy for one of the nation’s largest independent electric transmission companies. In his role, he works on complex energy policy issues, collaborates with regulatory agencies and industry stakeholders, and supports initiatives that strengthen and modernize the electric transmission grid.
Nick is passionate about advancing reliable, resilient, and affordable energy infrastructure while navigating the evolving regulatory landscape that supports America’s growing energy needs. His work focuses on developing strategic solutions that balance innovation, public policy, and the long-term reliability of the electric grid.

8.20.26 - Doug Mooney - English Language Fellow, U.S. State Department
2026-08-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Doug Mooney
Title: English Language Fellow, U.S. State Department
Bio:
Doug Mooney is an experienced educator and language professional who recently served as an English Language Fellow with the U.S. Department of State. Through this prestigious fellowship, Doug works with universities, educators, and students abroad to strengthen English language education, enhance teaching methodologies, and promote cross-cultural understanding. English Language Fellows are selected for their expertise in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and serve as educational ambassadors in partnership with U.S. embassies around the world.
A resident of Grand Rapids, Doug has dedicated his career to international education and building connections across cultures. His work includes teaching English at the university level, developing academic writing programs, mentoring educators, and leading professional development workshops that create lasting educational impact. Most recently, he served as an English Language Fellow in Kazakhstan, where he taught at multiple universities while helping establish university writing centers in collaboration with local institutions and international partners.
Doug brings a global perspective to the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and is passionate about fostering international understanding, lifelong learning, and service through education.

8.27.26 - Lisa Cruden, LMSW - President, Exalta Health
2026-08-27 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker:
Lisa Cruden, LMSWPresident, Exalta Health
BIO:
Lisa Cruden is President of Exalta Health, a nonprofit organization serving the Grand Rapids community through compassionate, whole-person healthcare and support for individuals and families facing barriers to care. With a strong commitment to community health and equity, Lisa provides leadership for Exalta Health’s mission to improve the well-being of individuals and strengthen the communities it serves.
A respected community leader, Lisa brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, healthcare, and community partnerships. Under her leadership, Exalta Health continues to expand access to quality care while addressing the broader social and economic factors that impact health and well-being.
Lisa will share insights into Exalta Health’s work in West Michigan, the needs facing underserved members of our community, and the organization’s vision for the future.
