Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

12.3.25 - Volunteers Needed – 2025 Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon
2025-12-03 10:00 - 14:30 (America/Detroit) | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
The annual Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon is right around the corner, and we’re looking for volunteers to help with event prep and meal service on December 3rd. This special tradition brings joy to local seniors and is one of the most rewarding experiences for Rotarians each year.
To make the event a success, we’ll need helping hands on. This is our largest volunteer event of the year, and you’re welcome to sign up for multiple tasks or time slots.
Family and friends are encouraged to join in the fun and volunteer, too!
For more details and to sign up, please see the information below.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
TASK: Registration, Greeters, Serving coffee to early arriving seniors @ Aquinas – Donnelly Center
When: Wednesday, December 3rd
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Location: Aquinas College – Donnelly Center – 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Volunteers Needed: 10 (SLOTS FILLED)
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-60056197-senior
Contact: Co-Chairs Katharina Häusler-Gross & Alex Wilson
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
TASK: Prepare and Serve Lunch @ Aquinas – Donnelly Center
When: Wednesday, December 3rd
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Location: Aquinas College – Donnelly Center – 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Volunteers Needed: 30
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-60056197-senior
Contact: Co-Chairs Katharina Häusler-Gross & Alex Wilson
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
TASK: Hand Out Gift Bags and Assist seniors exiting the venue @ Aquinas – Donnelly Center
When: Wednesday, December 3rd
Time: 1:20 PM – 1:45 PM
Location: Aquinas College – Donnelly Center – 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Volunteers Needed: 15
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-60056197-senior
Contact: Co-Chairs Katharina Häusler-Gross & Alex Wilson
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD
TASK: Clean-Up (Tables, loading dishwasher, general clean-up) @ Aquinas – Donnelly Center
When: Wednesday, December 3rd
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Location: Aquinas College – Donnelly Center – 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Volunteers Needed: 15
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-60056197-senior
Contact: Co-Chairs Katharina Häusler-Gross & Alex Wilson

12.2.25 - Volunteers Needed – 2025 Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon Prep
2025-12-02 16:00 - 18:00 | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
The annual Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon is right around the corner, and we’re looking for volunteers to help with event prep on December 2nd. This special tradition brings joy to local seniors and is one of the most rewarding experiences for Rotarians each year.
To make the event a success, we’ll need your helping hands. This is our largest volunteer event of the year, and you’re welcome to sign up for multiple tasks or time slots.
Family and friends are encouraged to join in the fun and volunteer, too!
For more details and to sign up, please see the information below.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
TASK: Room Set Up and Christmas Card Writing @ Aquinas – Donnelly Center
When: Tuesday, December 2nd
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Aquinas College – Donnelly Center – 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Volunteers Needed: 20
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-60056197-senior
Contact: Co-Chairs Katharina Häusler-Gross & Alex Wilson
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
TASK: Fill and Assemble Gift Bags for Seniors @ The StoreHouse
When: Tuesday, December 2nd
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: The StoreHouse – 4411 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Volunteers Needed: 20
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-60056197-senior
Contact: Co-Chairs Katharina Häusler-Gross & Alex Wilson
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
TASK: Unload and Store Gift Bags @ Aquinas – Donnelly Center
When: Tuesday, December 2nd
Time: 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM
Location: Aquinas College – Donnelly Center – 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Volunteers Needed: 15
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-60056197-senior
Contact: Co-Chairs Katharina Häusler-Gross & Alex Wilson

11.27.25 - NO LUNCHEON - Thanksgiving Holiday Recognition
2025-11-27
There will be no luncheon on Thursday, November 27th, in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday!

11.24.25 - Children's Healing Center - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-11-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Children’s Healing Center, 1580 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to offer the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians to decorate rooms at the Children’s Healing Center!
Date: Monday, November 25th
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Volunteers Needed: 10
Location:
Children’s Healing Center
1580 E Beltline Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-59032604-childrens

11.20.25 - Dr. Chet Zelasko, Ph.D - Scientist, Speaker & Author
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dr. Chet Zelasko, Ph.D
Speaker Topic: Be the example for the change you seek in others (Health & Wellness)
Bio:
Dr. Chet Zelasko, PhD is a health scientist, speaker, and author who specializes in translating complex scientific research into practical health and wellness strategies. With a PhD in Exercise Physiology and Health Education from Michigan State University, Dr. Zelasko has spent decades helping individuals and organizations make informed decisions about nutrition, exercise, supplementation, and disease prevention. He is the founder of Chet Zelasko PhD LLC and previously served as Chief Research Scientist for the Better Life Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
A respected educator and communicator, Dr. Zelasko is the host of Straight Talk on Health, a podcast and radio program on WGVU Public Media, where he critically examines health headlines and popular wellness trends. He’s also a member of the American Society for Nutrition and certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. His speaking engagements and seminars focus on cutting through misinformation to help people take control of their health with evidence-based strategies. His philosophy is simple but powerful: “Eat less. Eat better. Move more.”

11.17.25 - Women in Rotary Event - Porch Pot Party
2025-11-17 17:30 | Koetsier’s Greenhouse, 1601 Spaulding Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
The Women in Rotary Affinity Group invites you to join your fellow Rotarians at the Porch Pot Party!

11.13.25 - Dana Hebreard, Ph.D. - Assistant Director, CLAS Center for Experiential Learning, GVSU
2025-11-13 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dana Hebreard, Ph.D. – Assistant Director, CLAS Center for Experiential Learning, GVSU
Speaker Topic: Talent Link initiative at Grand Valley State University
Bio:
Dana, originally from Brooklyn, New York, grew up in various big cities such as Chicago and Miami. She attended Indiana University Bloomington, where she received undergraduate degrees in journalism and communication. It was during her campus involvement that she discovered her passion for student development, which inspired her to earn a master’s degree in college student affairs and leadership. A lifelong learner, she continued her education at Western Michigan University earning a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. The dissertation focused on the career decision making process utilizing the social cognitive career theory titled “Opt Out: Women with Children Leaving Mid-Level Student Affairs Positions” (2010).”
Dana served as the associate director of academic advising at Calvin University where, amongst other things, she facilitated faculty advisor training, managed student advising records and organized the logistics of the academic component for first year and transfer student orientation. Most recently, she was the executive director of the advantage center (home of high-impact practices including undergraduate research, internships, and community-based learning) and career services at Aquinas College. She oversaw the center’s strategic goals, taught career development classes, and advised students and alumni on various career-related topics. Dana also worked with individual employers and several college consortiums, to develop recruitment strategies and to help broaden the scope of employment opportunities for students.
As the Talent Link Program Specialist, Dana collaborates with colleagues across campus to recruit students and support the Talent Link Scholars serving as a key point of contact internally and externally to ensure successful program development and implementation.
She is an active member of NACADA (The Global Community for Academic Advising) and AHRM (Association of Human Resource Management). She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Girls Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore. Dana and her partner, Michael, live in Grand Rapids and have three boys (Patrick, Andrew, and Evan) and a puggle named Penny.

11.6.25 - Club 77 Hosted by Consumers Credit Union
2025-11-06 16:30 - 18:00 | Consumers Credit Union, 220 54th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Consumers Credit Union!

11.3.25 - Community Food Club - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-11-03 17:30 - 19:30 | Community Food Club, 1100 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to offer the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians to restock shelves at the Community Food Club!
This is a family-friendly event; minors are allowed with a guardian.
Date: Monday, November 3rd
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Volunteers Needed: 6 Needed, but can accommodate up to 10 volunteers
Location:
Community Food Club
1100 Division Ave S
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-59032299-community

10.30.25 - Britany Affolter-Caine, PhD - Executive Director, Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M)
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Britany Affolter-Caine, PhD – Executive Director, Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M)
Speaker Topic: Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M)
Bio:
Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine is the executive director of Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M), an alliance of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. As one of the nation’s top university innovation clusters, the URC is a leading engine for innovation in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Britany also serves as a director on the Michigan Strategic Fund board.
Prior to the URC, Britany was the talent director for Ann Arbor SPARK, has supported nonprofit organizations in strategic development, policy and program management and worked as a senior research associate for the Metropolitan Policy Program of the Brookings Institution on the Great Lakes Economic Initiative. She earned her PhD in higher education policy from the University of Michigan (2008), a M.Ed. in secondary education from Wright State University (1999), and a BA in political science from Wittenberg University (1996)

10.25.25 - Greenwood Cemetery - Clean Up - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-10-25 09:30 - 12:00 | Greenwood Cemetery, 1373 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to offer the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends for a Cemetery Clean-Up on October 25th.
Dates:
Saturday, October 25th – Cemetery Clean-Up
Time: 9:30 AM – Noon
Volunteers Needed: 12–15
Location:
Greenwood Cemetery
1273 Leonard St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-58451939-greenwood

10.23.25 - Bev Thiel - Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Kent County
2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Bev Thiel – Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Kent County
Speaker Topic: Imagine Capital Campaign for Affordable Housing in Kent County
Bio:
Bev has been Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Kent County since 2019. She has dedicated her career to the not-for-profit sector and is an advocate for racial equity in affordable housing. Focusing on equity in leadership from a female perspective drives her and those she seeks to empower. Bev has extensive experience in operations, a strategic emphasis on administration, fiscal development, efficiencies, and quality. As an integrator for Habitat, she serves to provide a focus on pathways to affordable housing and sustainability to the organization.
Bev lives in Cedar Springs with her husband Randy. She has two grown children and two beautiful granddaughters.

10.22.25 - Dégagé Ministries Dinner Service - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-10-22 17:00 - 18:30 | Degage Ministries, 139 Sheldon Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to offer the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians to serve dinner to those in need!
Date: Wednesday, October 22nd
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Volunteers Needed: 5
Location:
Dégagé Ministries
139 Sheldon Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-58967380-dgag

10.16.25 - "Flickering Candles" - Past Club Presidents Luncheon
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for a special luncheon where our Club Past Presidents (Flickering Candles) will join us and share their stories about the growth of the club and the impact leading the club had on each of them.

10.11.25 - Greenwood Cemetery - Tree Planting - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-10-11 09:30 - 12:00 | Greenwood Cemetery, 1373 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to offer the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to plant trees at Greenwood Cemetery on October 11th.
Date:
Saturday, October 11th – Tree Planting
Time: 9:30 AM – Noon
Volunteers Needed: 12–15
Location:
Greenwood Cemetery
1273 Leonard St. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-58451939-greenwood

10.9.25 - Carlos Sanchez - Executive Director, Casa Latina Davenport University
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Carlos Sanchez – Executive Director, Casa Latina Davenport University
Speaker Topic: Casa Latina at Davenport University
Bio:
Carlos Sanchez, born in Mexico City, is the Executive Director of Casa Latina at Davenport University. Before joining Davenport, he spent ten years at Ferris State University, where he developed two key initiatives: LEADeres, a professional development and leadership program, and Emprende, a Spanish-language entrepreneurship program. Both initiatives are designed to serve the community by cultivating Latinx leaders and entrepreneurs.
Davenport’s new initiative, Casa Latina, will offer twelve programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a bilingual format (50% Spanish and 50% English), fully online.
Carlos is a graduate of the International Business program at Davenport University. He also holds a Design and Innovation Management Certification and a Master of Arts in Design from Kendall College of Arts and Design.

10.2.25 - Club 77 hosted by Community Food Club
2025-10-02 16:30 - 18:00 | Community Food Club, 1100 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 hosted by Community Food Club!

9.30.25 - Roland McDonald House Meal Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-09-30 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 to prep meals at Ronald McDonald House!
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-58278439-ronald
Date: Tuesday, September 30th
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: 1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

5 volunteers needed

9.25.25 - David LaGrand - Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
2025-09-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas – Wege Ballroom, 1700 Fulton St E., Michigan, 49506, United States
Speaker: David LaGrand – Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
Speaker Topic: City Updates and News
Bio:
David LaGrand was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Calvin College and earned a law degree from the University of Chicago in 1992. When David returned to Grand Rapids, he served as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor before entering private practice in 2000.

9.18.25 - Mike Wall - Executive Director of Automotive Analysis, S & P Global Mobility
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Mike Wall – Executive Director of Automotive Analysis, S & P Global Mobility
Speaker Topic: Automotive Industry Outlook
Bio:
Mike brings over 25 years of financial analysis, forecasting, consulting and manufacturing experience to the firm, with a primary focus on assisting financial firms and manufacturers in their evaluation and understanding of the auto industry, as well as in-depth analysis of vehicle markets and trends.
Mike has extensive experience working with both manufacturing and financial firms. With a knowledgebase established studying and covering the automotive industry as well as experience in financial analysis and banking, Mike is able to offer clients timely and relevant insight, thereby aiding their strategic planning or investment analysis processes. Moreover, he has a deep background in the area of vehicle forecasting and market trend analysis allowing him to assist clients in their assessment of near-term risks and planning scenarios.
Prior to joining S&P Global Mobility, Mike was the Director of Forecasting at IRN, Inc. He has also held financial and analytical positions in the manufacturing and banking sectors. Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University. He later earned the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.

9.11.25 - Mark Andresky - District Governor, District 6290
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual District Governor luncheon!
Speaker: 2025 District Governor Mark Andresky
Speaker Topic: District 6290 Goals & Updates
Bio:
Mark Andresky is the District Governor and Trainer for Rotary District 6290, Past President of the Charlevoix Rotary Club, and serves on his club’s Board of Directors and as the club’s Rotary Foundation Chair. He was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, studying in Strasbourg, France, in 1988 – 89.
Mark Andresky, CExP, CEPA, CBI, M&A is a Principal with Performance Business Advisors, LLC. He concentrates his practice on helping business owners throughout the state of Michigan increase their personal and business wealth through comprehensive transition planning and mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. He is a Certified Exit Planner, Certified Business Intermediary, Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary, Business Appraiser, and Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker.
Mark is the Past-President of the West Michigan Chapter of the Michigan Business Brokers Association, a Director of its state Board, and an active member of the Exit Planning Institute, International Business Brokers Association, M&A Source, International Society of Business Appraisers, and Business Enterprise Institute.
Mark earned his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Washington and Jefferson College. He writes and speaks regularly throughout the country on a variety of transition planning, business valuation, and real estate topics.

9.4.25 - Club 77 Hosted by Habitat Kent
2025-09-04 16:30 - 18:00 | Habitat Kent Workspaces & Learning Center, 425 Pleasant St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 hosted by Habitat Kent.
More details to come!

9.1.25 - Greatest Generation Celebration 2025 - Honor Parade - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-09-01 10:30 - 13:00 | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504, United States
Volunteers Needed for Post-Parade Gathering
Honor the Greatest Generation by joining us this Labor Day as we kick off a week-long Greatest Generation Celebration, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. The morning begins with an Honor Parade in Downtown Grand Rapids, and we are seeking Rotary volunteers to assist with a post-parade gathering near the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
Volunteer responsibilities include:

Helping parade participants navigate to the post-parade area
Ensuring our Greatest Generation guests are supported and cared for
Securing access points, so only parade participants receive food and drink
Answering general questions and offering friendly assistance

Dates: Monday, September 1st
Time: 10:30 PM – 1:00 PM
Volunteers Needed: 15-25
Location: Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Sign Up:
More Info on Greatest Generation Celebration 2025 Events:

8.28.24 - NO LUNCHEON - Labor Day Holiday Recognition
2025-08-28
There will be no luncheon on Thursday, August 28th in observance of the Labor Day Holiday.

8.26.25 - Habitat Kent ReStore - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-08-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Habitat ReStore, 1739 Elizabeth Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
The Community Engagement Committee invites you to volunteer at Habitat ReStore! Shifts involve things like receiving and sorting donations, organizing merchandise shelves, testing donations, landscaping, etc.
Minimum Age: 14 years old with chaperon present
Parking: Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Leave parking closest to the entrance available for customers.
Attire: Closed-toe shoes required. Come ready to work inside & outside. Wear clothes that can get dirty and/or paint on them
Dates: Tuesday, August 26th
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location:
Habitat ReStore
1739 Elizabeth Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-57459882-habitat
Volunteers Needed: 10
Contact: Rotarians Stacey Woods or Jax Merritt

8.21.25 - Rich MacKeigan - General Manager, ASM Global
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Rich MacKeigan – General Manager, ASM Global
Speaker Topic: Updates on ASM Global Venues in Grand Rapids
Bio:
Rich MacKeigan will revisit our club and give updates and exciting developments since he last spoke to our club in 2022. Rich has served as General Manager for ASM Global in Grand Rapids since 1998, overseeing Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, and DeVos Place. As Regional GM, he also supports multiple ASM venues across the Midwest. Under his leadership, these venues have grown into major economic and cultural anchors, consistently ranked among the nation’s best for booking and guest experience.
A native of Canada, Rich earned degrees from Dalhousie University and St. Thomas University and gained early experience in Miami and Ottawa before making Grand Rapids home. He also serves as Executive Director of the Grand Rapids–Kent County Convention/Arena Authority and sits on several civic and industry boards. Rich is a passionate advocate for venue excellence, community engagement, and regional growth.

8.16.25 - Ramp Build - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-08-16 08:30 - 12:30 | TBD
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to partner with DAKC & Home Repair Services to provide another volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp!
Date: Saturday, August 16th
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: TBA (Location will be provided about a week before build)
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-57727076-ramp
Details:

8 volunteers needed
Help build a ramp that provides needed accessibility to someone’s home

Contact: Andrea Nucci

8.14.25 - Eugene "Gene" Khorey - WWII Veteran - U.S. Army, 86th Infantry Division
2025-08-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for a remarkable opportunity as 99-year-old World War II veteran Eugene “Gene” Khorey will share his first-hand experience from the battlefield. Gene is one of the last living members of the Greatest Generation right here in Grand Rapids. He will share personal insight into pivotal moments of WWII—from combat in France to the post-war aftermath in the Pacific.
His reflections on humanity, conflict, and reconciliation resonate deeply in today’s world.
Gene will be joined by Joel Westphal, Deputy Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, for a special discussion-format program exploring history, service, and the personal cost of war.
A Glimpse into Gene’s Story
• Drafted at just 18, Gene first set foot overseas in January 1945, landing in France as part of the U.S. Army’s 86th Infantry Division
• Over a grueling span of 70 days in combat, he witnessed the devastation of war—“buildings destroyed, huddling with fellow soldiers for warmth, often hungry and freezing”
• Reflecting on his combat experience, Gene shared: “War is hell and I hope in the world that we never get into another war”
• After Victory in Europe, he continued service in the Philippines, assisting with the surrender of Japanese forces before returning home to a hero’s welcome in New York
• Post-war, Gene built a distinguished career in education—teacher, principal, then superintendent—playing a meaningful role in school integration and community leadership
• He credits his wartime experience with shaping his philosophy of empathy: “Why do we keep killing each other? You’re just like me… We’re dealing with human beings.”

8.7.25 - CLUB 77
2025-08-07 16:30 - 18:00
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event, more details to come!

7.31.25 - Randy Thelen - President & CEO, The Right Place
2025-07-31 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Randy Thelen – President & CEO, The Right Place
Bio:
As President and CEO of The Right Place, Randy Thelen leads the economic development strategy for the Greater Grand Rapids Region. To achieve the region’s vision of being one of the leading growth economies in the nation, Randy collaborates with business and community leaders to focus efforts on strengthening three strategic pillars: People, Place, and Prosperity.
Since taking the helm at The Right Place in 2021, the organization has supported the creation and retention of 4,000+ jobs and $1B+ in new capital investment for the region. Under Randy’s leadership The Right Place has grown to support an 8-county collaborative in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. Randy has expanded the organization’s initiatives to include community development and placemaking, along with increased talent retention, expansion, and attraction services. Randy also championed the launch of a 10-year regional tech strategy that will position the region as one of the leading tech hubs in the Midwest.
Past Experience
Randy joined The Right Place team in 2021 after serving as Senior Vice President of economic development at the Downtown Denver Partnership. There he led efforts to attract investment, recruit and retain business, and advocate for housing, retail, and public policy initiatives. He supported downtown projects totaling more than $1 billion in investments.
Prior to his role at the Downtown Denver Partnership, he led the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, a two-state, eight-county regional economic development effort. Randy executed a $24 million Prosper Omaha strategy which brought $3.9 billion in new capital investment and 13,000 new jobs to the area.
Randy’s career began at economic development organizations in Evart and Monroe, Michigan before he moved to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). From there, he was hired as the first President of Lakeshore Advantage, where he led attraction of $1.2 billion in investments and 8,000 jobs during his 10-year tenure.
Education

Master of Art in Applied Economics | Binghamton University
Bachelor of Arts in Economics | Alma College
