Rotary Club Of Grand Rapids

8.03.17 - Carl VerBeek and Varnum
2017-08-03 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Varnum, 333 Bridge St NW - 17th Floor, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504
Please join us for our inaugural First Thursday afternoon meeting on Thursday, August 3, 4:00pm at Varnum. Please RSVP by 12:00pm on Friday, July 28th to the Rotary office at rotary@grrotary.org or by calling 616-459-5640.
We will have a modified program followed by an opportunity to network with fellow Rotarians and guests while enjoying the view of the city from Varnum’s rooftop terrace. Parking will be validated. driving_directions

7.27.17 - Tim Hileman
2017-07-27 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
EVERYONE WANTS ANOTHER BEST DAY
IKUS Life Enrichment Services helps individuals with disabilities to discover their potential, experience greater freedom, learn new skills, and have fun in a safe environment. Ultimately, IKUS gives clients the tools they need to make every day another best day.
Because everyone wants another best day, IKUS serves individuals from five years old to eighty-plus. We also serve clients with a wide variety of abilities, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, congenital anomalies, down syndrome, autism, multiple sclerosis, arthrogryposis, cognitive impairments, and other developmental and/or physical abilities, helping them to live joyful, productive lives through services that address each person’s specific needs and goals.

SUPPORTING FAMILIES, GUARDIANS, AND CASEWORKERS
One of our goals is to serve our clients’ natural and support systems, making the lives of parents, guardians, and case managers easier. To that end, our services give caregivers a much-needed break from their duties. Even better, IKUS’s comprehensive suite of services help individuals with disabilities attain greater independence and satisfaction in their lives, which in turn brings greater satisfaction to those who care for them.

Indian Trails is a remarkable facility that brings adaptive recreation to the lives of each camper. It is simple in theory, but daunting in task. Indian Trails offers a barrier-free camp setting in which those with disabilities can participate in all manner of activities the outside world is ill-equipped to provide. It is a place filled with fun, recreation and friendship. Campers learn perseverance, team-work and self-reliance. They leave for home loaded with love, respect and memories.
The history of the partnership between Indian Trails Camp and the Grand Rapids Rotary Club is one of energy, commitment and loyalty. Since 1953 Rotarians have invested their time and money toward the success of the camp, helping Indian Trails become a community and state treasure, and one of only five camps in the nation serving the most disabled group with barrier-free camping facilities.
Indian Trails Camp, located six miles west of Grand Rapids, has been providing camping experiences to individuals with disabilities since 1953. Campers return year after year to suspend personal obstacles long enough to enjoy those activities we all remember as part of a treasured camping experience – swimming, canoeing, archery, music, competitive sports, challenge course, dances, and most of all, the opportunity to make friendships and build relationships that affirm and encourage greater self-discovery.
Indian Trails’ campers range in age from 5 to 70+ with such disabilities as: spina bifida; cerebral palsy; traumatic brain injury; congenital anomalies; down-syndrome; autism; multiple sclerosis; arthrogryposis and cognitive impairments.

7.20.17 - Jason Meyer
2017-07-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, 49504, United States
Jason Meyer is currently the President and CEO at Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a background in conservation, environmental education, and nonprofit management, he brings a diverse set of skills and experiences to the profession. Over the past several years, Jason has led two nature centers in Michigan – Fenner Nature Center in Lansing, where he coordinated the transition of a city-owned nature center to nonprofit management and Blandford Nature Center, where his largest accomplishments are, so far, guiding the organization through a $10.3 million campaign and, separately from that campaign, the acquisition of the former Highlands Golf Club.
Jason was recognized by the Association of Nature Center Administrators as the inaugural Outstanding New Leader Award recipient in 2014 and was a finalist for the 2015 Exemplary Executive Award through the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids.

7.13.17 - Christian Gaines
2017-07-13 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Christian Gaines was born in Brussels, Belgium to American parents, moved to the United Kingdom when he was four years old, then came to the United States in 1984 to attend Vassar College, graduating in 1987 with a B.A. in English Literature.
In 1988, Christian helped to start the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, serving until 1994 as Administrative Director of this communication and hospitality center for the American film community attending Cannes. In 1990, he also went to work for the Hawaii International Film Festival as Administrator, and then served as Film Coordinator and Film Programmer in Hawaii from 1992 until 1994, dividing his time between Honolulu, Los Angeles and Cannes. During that time, he also coordinated the Asia-Pacific Film Tour, a fifteen-film, eleven-city tour of films from Asia and the Pacific Rim.
In August 1994, Christian was appointed Senior Film Programmer at the Sundance Film Festival where he was part of the team that programmed the 1995 and 1996 Sundance Film Festivals. He was also the first Director of New Media for the Sundance Institute and a consultant for the Sundance Channel. From 1996 to 2000 he served as Festival Director and Director of Programming for the Hawaii International Film Festival, where he was responsible for its overall management and programming.
In June 2000, Christian was appointed Director of Festivals at the American Film Institute (AFI), where he was responsible for several festival and film programming projects, including the annual AFI FEST presented by Audi. Christian developed AFI’s year-round exhibition programs of film series, mini-festivals, retrospectives and exclusive advance screenings – “AFI at ArcLight” and “Cinema’s Legacy: How Great Filmmakers Inspire Great Filmmakers.” In his first few years at AFI, Christian helped to start SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival, now called AFI Docs. In his role at AFI, Christian also spearheaded the launch of the Dallas International Film Festival.
In 2008, Christian joined IMDb.com, an Amazon.com company, where he was Director of Festival Strategy and Business Development overseeing the global expansion of Withoutabox.com, a web community and film submission platform connecting filmmakers to film festivals worldwide.
In April 2013 Christian joined ArtPrize as Executive Director. ArtPrize is a radically open, independently organized international art competition, annually attracting over 400,000 attendees and around 1,500 artists to Grand Rapids, Michigan over 19 days. $500,000 is awarded to artists through prizes that are determined equally by both public vote and expert jury. ArtPrize encourages critical discourse, celebrates artists, transforms urban space and promotes cultural understanding.
Christian has served on numerous film festival juries including Sundance, SXSW, Denver, Dallas, Montreal and Warsaw; has participated on numerous panels worldwide about film, film festivals, art and technology; has independently consulted for several film festivals and film projects; has attended many, many film festivals around the world; serves on the IFP Program Advisory Board, the Film Collaborative Advisory Board and has filed periodically for the online independent film daily Indiewire.com. He is a council member on the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
Christian is a movie and music fanatic, has run seven marathons (and counting) and was the bass player in an LA-area rock band. He has a regular music show on community radio WYCE-FM. Christian is married to Dr. Kristen Taylor, a cognitive psychologist, writer and development specialist. They have two spectacular children Lola (21) and Luke (18) and they recently traded Los Angeles for Grand Rapids in West Michigan to play a part in its growing reputation as a hotbed for art, design, culture, innovation and urbanism.

7.6.17 - President's "Passing the Tiller"
2017-07-06 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

6.22.17 - Jon Hankins and Mario Benevides
2017-06-22 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Jon Hankins, Community Relations Officer, Aquinas College

Mario Benavides Llanos, Director of Operations, Nicaragua
Mario is native of Nicaragua and a chemical engineer with extensive experience in a broad array of endeavors in the business, engineering and agricultural sectors. He has been with Aqua Clara since 2009 and is now Director of AcquaNic, our in-country organization in Nicaragua.

6.15.17 - Thomas R. Dilley
2017-06-15 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Thomas R. Dilley is a retired attorney and frequent lecturer on cemetery history in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the author of several books of local history, and he is a member of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission, trustee of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, past chair of the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation, and trustee of the Grand Rapids Public Museum Foundation.
Thomas is a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, where he lives with his wife, Debra, daughter, Sarah, and basset hound, Ruthie. His 40-year interest in the history of his hometown is reflected in his avid collection of the postcards in Grand Rapids: Community and Industry, as well as a large assortment of other materials documenting the history of the city.

6.08.17 - Know Me Better
2017-06-08 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Today’s meeting is going to focus on our Members!
A fun interactive program designed to help you get to know your fellow Club members.

Rotary After Hours
2017-06-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Miller Johnson Attorneys, 45 Ottawa Ave SW - 11th Floor, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States

6.01.17 - Vicki Seidl
2017-06-01 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Chief Prosecutor
Juvenile Division, Kent County Prosecutor’s Office (2003-Present)
• Supervise five attorneys, law clerks and support staff
• Liaison between Family Court Judges and Prosecutor’s Office
• Liaison between Department of Human Services and their contract Agencies
• Handle diverse caseload and regularly appear in court on juvenile matters
• Teach courses and guest lecturer for law enforcement, case workers,
and other court personnel. Also a guest lecturer for Nurse Examiner Program at YWCA.
Assistant Prosecutor
Juvenile and Appeals Divisions, Kent County Prosecutor’s Office (1996-2003)
• Litigated delinquency and protective proceedings
• Handled appellate issues, wrote briefs and argued motions in Circuit Courts,
Court of Appeals and State Supreme Court
Michigan Court of Appeals Staff Attorney
Pre-Hearing Division, Michigan Court of Appeals (1993-1996)
• Researched and wrote briefs on criminal/and civil issues for appellate judges
Illinois Appellate Court Staff Attorney
Illinois Appellate Court 3rd Judicial District (1989-1993)
• Researched issues raised by parties and wrote proposed opinions for the Court
Illinois Appellate Prosecutor’s Staff Attorney
State of Illinois Appellate Prosecutor Division (1988-1989)
• Wrote appellate briefs and argued cases on behalf of twenty-three
Illinois county prosecutor’s offices
EDUCATION
Southern Illinois Law School, Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude (1988)
Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science (1982)

Volunteer Opportunity
2017-05-19 09:00 - 14:00 | MI
We have a wonderful and fulfilling opportunity to continue supporting our partnership with Disability Advocates of Kent County. On Friday, May 19th, from 9am until done (Possibly two shifts and lunch will be provided) at 2640 Woodward SW, Grand Rapids, we will build a wheelchair ramp for a 5 year old boy with Cerebal Palsy, allowing him increased and unfettered access to his home.
These projects are some of the best and most impactful things our club does, so please come join us.
The Community Engagement Committee is looking for 4 to 6 volunteers to join the build under the supervision of a licensed and experienced contractor. No construction expertise is necessary. While not mandatory, if the volunteers have drills they are encouraged to bring them.
Please contact me at rjeliassen@gmail.com or 616-406-7398 at your earliest convenience if you can participate. Thank you for considering this great project.

5.18.17 - Elissa Hillary
2017-05-18 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Elissa Hillary is committed to working at the leading edge of values-based capitalism, building sustainable local economies that put people first. As the President of Local First since 2007, she has brought together nearly a thousand businesses in West Michigan to collaborate in building a vibrant community that encourages sustainable business development. As a consultant, speaker, and thought leader, she has stressed the significance of building social capital through the mutual investment of the local business, consumer, government, and philanthropic sectors. Under these initiatives, West Michigan’s economy and brand has thrived, with nationally-recognized growth and the birth of new industries.
Elissa was named Grand Rapids Young Non-Profit Professionals Exemplary Executive in 2010, a BCorp Measure What Matters Champion in 2014, and has three times been named one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” business leader. She is a 2011 Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) Fellow and BCorp Ambassador.

5.11.17 - STRIVE Luncheon - Keynote Speaker John Salan
2017-05-11 12:00 - 13:15 | MI
We take this time to honor the Junior and Senior students from Ottawa Hills and Union High Schools that have participated in our STRIVE Student Mentoring/Scholarship Program.
STRIVE is a motivational program targeting high school junior and senior students who want to improve their educational status and their life prospects.
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
In 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.
We will also hear a short presentation from our own John Salan as he tells some of the history of STRIVE.
John F. Salan, District 6290 Governor (service year: 2009—2010)
A second generation Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow, John’s involvement in Rotary dates to 1958 when he was a Junior Rotarian with the Plymouth Rotary Club. He joined the Petoskey Rotary Club in 1975 and served as its president in 1986-87. While an active member in Petoskey, working every fundraiser from the annual summer bratwurst sales through too many spaghetti dinners to count, John became involved in the District 6290 and Central States Rotary Youth Exchange program. His eldest daughter spent a year abroad as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student in Finland and his second daughter then spent a year in New Zealand through the program. His dedication to Youth Exchange continues to this day through his service on District 6290’s Youth Exchange Committee as Vice-Chair and Youth Protection Officer.
John continued to focus on Rotary’s commitment to mentoring youth as a member of the Grand Rapids Rotary Club since 1990 and served as that club’s president in 1995-96. He was among the early advocates for the STRIVE program for at-risk secondary students and was the chairman of the District 6290 STRIVE committee for two years. He also advocated for expanding involvement of the younger generation in philanthropic activities through the INTERACT program. Other recent community activities included serving on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, coaching a Special Olympics softball team, and coaching an eighth grade basketball team.
Married to his college sweetheart, Helen, John is the father of three adult daughters and has one granddaughter. Helen is the executive director of Healing the Children-Michigan/Ohio, a charity dedicated to coordinating medical care for children in need around the world. Together, John and Helen are active in their parish community in Grand Rapids.
John graduated from Eastern Michigan University where he played varsity baseball after graduating from Plymouth High School as a three-year, three-sport varsity letterman. He earned his law degree from Wayne State University. Early in his career as a public prosecutor, John served as the chief trial attorney for the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s office in Ann Arbor. From 1974-1989, he was the Emmet County Prosecuting Attorney, a position to which he was re-elected by an overwhelming majority three times. During this time, he was a tireless advocate on behalf of children and an in-demand speaker on topical issues. While a prosecuting attorney, John served for over twenty years on the board of directors of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan including a term as that organization’s president. In 1989, he became a federal prosecutor with the United States Department of Justice assigned to the Western District of Michigan in Grand Rapids. He retired from this position in 2013 and now devotes his time to volunteer activities.

5.04.17 - Peter D'Arienzo
2017-05-04 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
D’Arienzo comes from the Kansas City Zoo where he was the Director of Operations.
Before the Kansas City Zoo, D’Arienzo served as the Plant Human Resources and EHS Manager at Donaldson Company International. He also spent 20 years at the American Multi-Cinema where he became corporate director.

5.04.17- Rotary After Hours
2017-05-04 08:00 - 17:00 | Deksia, 49 Coldbrook St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
The May 4th Rotary After Hours event is being hosted by Rotarian, Joshua Conran and his company Deksia. The address is 120 Stevens St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
This event is open to all Rotary Club of Grand Rapids members. We encourage you to invite your spouse, significant other, co-workers and prospective members.
This is a great time to learn more about Deksia, Joshua and your fellow Rotarians.
Beer and Wine will be provided, along with light Appetizers.

4.27.17 - Al Bonney
2017-04-27 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Rotary: Al is the District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair for District 6290. He joined Rotary in 1996 and was club President of the Traverse City (Ml) Rotary club in 2008 – 2009. His brother, Father and Grandfather were all active Rotarians.
Professional: Al worked in over 13 different Marriott hotels during his career from 1970 and 1995. He and his family lived in Dhahran and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Cairo, Egypt and Athens, Greece where the children did most of their secondary schooling.
Hobbies and other Activities: Al and Joan live in Traverse City, Michigan where Joan is an active painter. Al, when not busy doing Rotary things, plays the banjo, directs the Rotary Chorus for the Traverse City Annual Rotary Show, and builds wooden boats.

4.20.17 Interact Luncheon featuring Rev. Dr. Phil Johnson
2017-04-20 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Dr. Phil Johnson starts fires. Starting fires is his mission in life, the focus of his faith, energy and optimism. His mission is Igniting Your Passion to Do the Impossible™. He inspires people to champion their dreams – setting their hearts on fire and unleashing their passion for life, love and work. He offers Speeches inspiring committed action, Coaching enabling authentic leadership, and Consulting guiding critical decisions. A head, heart and soul coach, he enables people from business, education, associations and government to use their gifts to achieve their common purpose. Dr. Phil is a Master’s gold-medal hurdler.
His educational background is as varied as his curiosity about life itself. He holds degrees in psychology, theology and leadership, serves as an adjunct faculty member at Davenport University, and is a mediator/arbitrator. An ordained minister, Rev. Johnson is the Pastor at New Day Church-on-the-Hill. He has a special place in his heart for Africa where he coordinates Kibera Kids Kitchen, a feeding program he established for children in Kibera Slum in Nairobi, Kenya.
Dr. Phil has wide radio and television experience, and is the author of eight books including The Compassionate Conspiracy: A Field Guide to Changing the World. His next book, Lead Like a Heretic: How to Challenge the Status Quo – and Thrive, will be released later this year.

News Flash – Promontory Press released Dr. Phil Johnson’s new book, The Compassionate Conspiracy: A Field Guide to Changing the World. Purchase your copies today at…
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4.13.17 - Fred Keller
2017-04-13 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Fred Keller founded Cascade Engineering in 1973 with the belief business can complement financial performance with important work in the social and environmental arenas. Driven by Fred’s belief, a small team of six employees has grown to be a company of 1,600 people serving a worldwide customer base.
From the very beginning, Fred Keller emphasized the key role business can play in building financial, social and ecological capital, often through partnerships with government and community agencies. His innovative management approach and work in advancing sustainability are featured regularly in business and industry publications.
With a passion for making a positive impact, Fred has served on the boards of the Meijer Corporation and Fifth Third Bank, West Michigan. He was formerly the board chair of the U.S. Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council and is a past chair and current member of the Board of Trustees for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Fred is also a trustee for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. In addition, Fred has been part of many community organizations and change initiatives including Talent 2025 and K-Connect.
A Grand Rapids, Michigan native, Fred earned a B.S. in materials science and engineering from Cornell University and an M.S. in business management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

4.06.17 - SPRING BREAK - NO LUNCHEON
2017-04-06 12:00 - 13:15 | MI

3.30.17 - Rochelle Sather
2017-03-30 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

3.23.17 - Mike Wall
2017-03-23 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
He brings over 18 years of financial analysis, forecasting, consulting and manufacturing experience to IHS Automotive, with a primary focus on assisting automakers, suppliers and financial firms in their evaluation and understanding of the auto industry, as well as in-depth analysis of vehicle markets and trends. Mike is quoted frequently in the media on a variety of automotive topics and has delivered presentations on the outlook for the automotive industry to company executives and other interested groups, including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Vienna, Austria. Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in Finance and later earned the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.

3.22.17 - Service Above Self Award Dinner
2017-03-22 18:00 - 20:30 | The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas, 2250 E. Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
This years Service Above Self Award Dinner will be taking place on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 and will feature the presentation of the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award.
This award is given in recognition of Frederik Meijer, whose humanitarian acts of selfless service made an enduring difference in the lives of others. The dinner will be held at the St. Nicholas Cultural Center, 2250 E Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids Mi 49546. Doors will open at 6:00pm.
The 2017 Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Winner is Rick DeVos.
Rick exemplifies the philanthropic legacy of Frederik Meijer through his personal efforts; making a measurable impact on community philanthropy, demonstrating a strong commitment to volunteerism and/or voluntary fundraising, and gives generously of his time, treasure and talents.
More about Rick…..
RICK DEVOS, age 34, is an entrepreneur and investor. In 2009 he created ArtPrize, a simple social experiment designed to see if artists and the public could engage each other in a new way. The scale and energy of the event launched it into debates all over the art world, from urban planning circles to the global press. In 2012 Rick founded Start Garden, a unique venture seed fund that invests in early stage companies and strives to build Michigan’s startup ecosystem. In 2016 Start Garden reorganized to form the Entrepreneur Ecosystem, Start Garden Foundation, and the for-profit fund Wakestream Ventures. Rick is the Founder and CEO of Wakestream Ventures, an early stage fund with investments ranging from $100Kto $1.5M.
Rick graduated from Calvin College in 2004. He lives in Ada, Michigan with his wife Melissa, and their daughters Clara, Sloane, and Remington. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for ArtPrize, the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Grand Rapids Economic Club and University of Michigan’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
Rick’s accomplishments include; Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Calvin College, 2004, Founder of ArtPrize, 2009, Founder of Start Garden, 2011, Recipient of Honorary Doctorates from Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University
If you would like to attend the Frederik Meijer Service Above Self Award Dinner please click on the following: TICKETS.
To sponsor the Frederick Meijer Service Above Self Award Dinner, please fill out the Sponsorship Form and return it to the Rotary office at 1345 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 204, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or email it to rotary@grrotary.org.
Should you have any questions about becoming a sponsorship, or obtaining tickets to the dinner please contact the Rotary office at 616-459-5640.
A special Thank You to our sponsors:
Frederik Meijer Award Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

3.16.17 - Dick Gauthier
2017-03-16 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Dick Gauthier is a Grand Rapids native and attended Western Michigan University, receiving a degree in political science.
He is in his 32nd year at Universal Forest Products and enjoys serving in his current capacity as VP of international business development. Feeding a desire to confirm, and see firsthand, the connection between political oppression and decrepitude, he visited North Korea in 2010, and Chernobyl and Cuba in 2015.
Currently residing in EGR, he is married to Samantha, and has a daughter, Ava, a sophomore at Hope College.

3.09.17 - Dr. Alice Chapman
2017-03-09 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
EDUCATION
Ph.D., University of Cambridge
• Dissertation Title: “Authority and Power in the Writings of St Bernard of Clairvaux.”
• Degree Emphasis: Ecclesiastical and Intellectual History.
• Degree Received: July 2006.
Master of Arts in Religion, Yale Divinity School
• Degree Emphasis: Church History.
• Degree Received: June 1996.
Bachelor of Arts, Utah State University
• Major: History, emphasis in European History and minor area in Classics.
• Degree Received: June 1991.
BOOK
•Sacred Authority and Temporal Power in the Writings of Bernard of Clarivaux, Medieval
Church Series, 25. Turnhout: Brepols Publishers (October 2013).
ARTICLES
• “Ideal and Reality: Images of a Bishop in Bernard of Clairvaux’s Advice to Eugenius III
(1145-53).” In Envisioning the Bishop Images and the Episcopacy in the Middle Ages Edited by Evan
Gatti and Sigrid Danielson. Medieval Church Series 29. Turnhout: Brepols Publishers (2014) 331-346.
• “Disentangling Potestas in the Works of St Bernard of Clairvaux.” Revista Portuguesa De
Filosofia 60 no. 3 (2004): 587–600.
• “Authority and Power in the Writings of St Bernard of Clairvaux.” Cîteaux Commentarii
Cistercienses 54 no. 3–4 (2003): 209–223.
• “Authority and Power in the Writings of St Bernard of Clairvaux: Summary of a Thesis in
Progress.” Monastic Research Bulletin 8 (2002): 46–48.
BOOK REVIEWS
• “Bernard of Clairvaux Theologian of the Cross by Anthony N.S. Lane.” Cîteaux commentarii
cistercienses (submitted).
• “Shaping Church Law around the Year 1000. The Decretum of Burchard of Worms by Greta Austin.”
Ecclesiastical Law Journal 14 (May 2012): 297-299.
• “Bishops, Texts and the use of Canon law around 1100: Essays in honor of Martin Brett, Bruce
C. Braisington and Kathleen G. Cushing, eds. Ecclesiastical Law Journal 12 (May 2010): 245-248.
• “Leadership in Medieval English Nunneries by Valerie Spear.” Ecclesiastical Law Journal 9
(January 2007): 130-131.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
• Associate Professor, History Department, Grand Valley State University, 2008 – ongoing.
• Visiting Lecturer, Department of History, Utah State University, 2005–2008.
Relevant University Courses Taught:
Introduction to European Civilizations (HST102). A general education course covering the later
Middle Ages to the present emphasizing the interaction of political, social, economic, intellectual
and cultural factors that influenced the formation of Europe.
European Civilization to the Later Middle Ages (HST 207). This class is an historical survey
focusing on the development of European civilization from Classical Greece to the Later Middle
Ages. This course explores the intellectual, social, religious, political and cultural aspects of
the formation of Europe; designed for majors who will take upper-division course in European
history.
Faith and Power in Medieval Europe (HST 200). This course provides skills for the historian.
Students develop research skills in order to produce solid pieces of written work; they are engaged
in critical analysis of both primary and secondary texts.
Medieval Europe (HST 355). This upper-division course focuses on the cultural, religious and
political systems of medieval Europe with an emphasis in the high Middle Ages. The course asks
students to think critically and challenges them to reconsider existing notions and preconceptions
about this period in European history. The course is reading and writing intensive.
Controversies and Change in Medieval Europe (HST 495). This course is designed as the capstone
of the history major. The class focuses on historiography, use of primary sources and critical
assessment of documents, and requires a substantial undergraduate research paper as the culmination
of the degree.
Making of Europe (HNR 217-218 and 227-228). This is a two-year course, team- taught by four
professors representing various disciplines in the Humanities. This Honors College class focuses on
Europe from the 4th century C.E. to 1500. Among the four professors, I teach the history portion of
the class.
History of Christianity (HST 4230). An upper-division course focusing on the history of
Christian thought and the various movements within Christianity from its origins to the present.
The course is reading and writing intensive.
AWARDS, HONORS/ APPOINTMENTS
• Collegeville Institute, Visiting Scholar, St John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota, Winter 2015.
• Pew Teaching Excellence Award, 2012. Grand Valley State University.
• Studium Scholar, Visiting Scholars Program, Saint Benedict’s Monastery, 2011 and 2015
• Nominated for, “Outstanding Service to First-Year Students,” Utah State University, October 2006.
• Graduate Representative to the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge, 2001–2002.
• Outstanding Student of the Year, Department of History, Utah State University, 1990 –1991.
• President of Phi Alpha Theta, Utah State University, 1990–1991.
• Vice-President of Phi Alpha Theta, Utah State University, 1989–1990.
• Distinguished Service Award, Utah State University, 1989–1990.
• Academic All American, National Collegiate Athletics Association, Utah State 1987-1989.
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar, University of Cambridge, Clare College, 1999-2000.
SELECT ACADEMIC PAPERS/ PRESENTATIONS
• “The Medieval Roots of the Christus Medicus in Martin Luther.”
• Beyond Oberman: Luther and the Middle Ages (Northwestern U.) November 2016.
• “Double Leprosy of the Heart: Spiritual Sickness and Wellness in Bernard of Clarivaux.” International Medieval Congress, Leeds, July 2015.
• “Unam Sanctam and Bernard of Clairvaux.” International Medieval Congress, Leeds, England, July 2014.
• “Avoiding the Persona Mixta in Bernard of Clairvaux.” Center for Medieval and Renaissance
Studies, Saint Louis University, 2014.
• “Power, Dominion and Papal Authority: Bernard of Clairvaux’s Legacy.” International Medieval
Congress, Leeds, England, July 2013.
• “Auctoritas in Bernard of Clairvaux and Gratian.” The XIV International Congress of Medieval
Canon Law, St Michael’s, University of Toronto, August 2012.
• “Right Order and Reform, Bernard of Clairvaux and the Twelfth Century.” International Medieval
Congress, Kalamazoo, May 2012.
• “From Cistercian Abbot to Pope: Bernard of Clairvaux’s Advice to Eugenius III (1145 1153).”
International Medieval Congress, Kalamazoo, May 2011.
• “Looking Straight into the Light: Hildegard of Bingen and Bernard of Clairvaux.” University of
Mannheim, Germany, May 12, 2009. Invited lecture.
• “Teaching Medieval Latin to Classicists.” Utah Classical Association, University of Utah, March
2005. Invited lecture.
• “Authority and Power in St Bernard of Clairvaux.” International Medieval Congress, Leeds,
England, July 2003.
• “The Relationship between Auctoritas and Potestas in the Work of St Bernard of Clairvaux.”
Church History Seminar, University of Cambridge, May 2003.
• “The Lactations of St Bernard of Clairvaux, Spiritual Images of Contemplation.” Clare College
Graduate Research Forum, University of Cambridge, February 2002. Invited lecture.
• “St Bernard of Clairvaux: Letters and Correspondence.” Bolton Abbey, Cistercian monastery,
Moone, Ireland, March 2000. Invited lecture.
• “The History of the Rosary: Prayer Beads and Worship.” Lecture series, “Mary Through the
Centuries.” Yale University, May 1996.
• “The ■ and  Controversy at The Council of Chalcedon: History and Language.” Presented at the
Seven Ecumenical Councils Seminar. Yale University, December 1995.
• “Protestant Lenten Eating Habits in Elizabethan England.” Elizabethan England Conference,
University of Utah, May 1991.
LANGUAGES
• Latin, 8 years (Classical 3, Medieval 5, reading knowledge)
• Certificate, Latin Summer School in Rome, Fr. Reginald Foster, O.C.D.
• Greek, 4 years (Classical 3, Biblical, 1)
• Spanish, 6 years (reading and speaking knowledge)
• German, 2 years (reading knowledge and some speaking knowledge)
• French, 2 years (moderate reading knowledge)
• Hebrew, 1 year (reference knowledge only)
SERVICE
• Undergraduate Research Committee, Grand Valley State University, 2015-.
• Student Scholars Day Committee, 2012- present.
• Faculty Advisor, Phi Alpha Theta, Grand Valley State University, 2010- present.
• Faculty Advisor, Theta Club (Undergraduate History Club), Grand Valley State, 2009- present.
• Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship Interview Committee for Grand Rapids, 2011- present.
• Scholarship Day, “The Honors Advantage” address to parents and students; Awards of
Distinction Scholarship Competitions interviewer, December 2010; January 15 and 22; 2011.
• Scholarship and Awards Committee, Department of History, Grand Valley State, 2011.
• Fellowship Liaison from History to the Office of Fellowships, 2010- ongoing.
• “Titivillus, Patron Demon of Scribes.” Invited lecture for Phi Alpha Theta, Delta-Xi Chapter,
Utah State University, October 2006 and 2007.
• Department of History Graduate Committee, 2006 –2008.
• Medieval and Early Modern Studies Committee, 2005 – 2008.
• Religious Studies Committee, 2006 – 2008.
• Bullen Essay Prize Committee, 2005.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
• Episcopus Society
• Medieval Academy of America
• Phi Alpha Theta
OTHER RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
• Clare College Library Evening Invigilator, University of Cambridge, 2000–2003. Duties included
checking out books, managing reserves, and acting as evening manager of the library.
• Idaho Health Sciences Library Assistant: Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, 1992–1993.
Duties included locating medical articles requested by doctors and delivering articles to local
hospitals.
• Graduate Student Tutorial Supervisor and Periodicals Desk Employee: Boston College, Boston,
Massachusetts, 1991–1992. Duties included scheduling and overseeing appointments between graduate
student tutors and their undergraduate students.
• Dilettante Society Clare College, 1999–2003. Academic lecture series.
• Peace Caucus, Yale University, 1993–1996.
• Woman’s Center Member, Yale University, 1993–1996.
• Track and Field Athlete, NCAA Division I, Utah State University, 1986–1989.

3.2.17 - Doug Small
2017-03-02 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Mr. Douglas “Doug” Small is President & Chief Executive Officer for Experience Grand Rapids, the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Small began his tenure with the organization on September 8, 2008. Small has acquired thirty-three years of experience in the hospitality, tourism and destination marketing industries; specifically working for several large-to-midsize destination marketing organizations throughout the country.
Experience Grand Rapids provides destination marketing and visitor services for the Greater Grand Rapids region. This non-profit, private corporation operates with an annual budget of $10 million generated through private and public partnerships.
With a primary mission of economic development through the attraction of tourists and conventions to the area, its’ staff of 29 full-time industry professionals provide public relations, marketing, sales and visitor services to accomplish its’ mission of increasing “new” revenues for Kent County and the Greater Grand Rapids region.
Since Small’s arrival to Grand Rapids in 2008, hotel performance has seen record level attainments in room revenue and occupancy for seven consecutive years. Upon Small’s arrival, annual hotel occupancy stood at 48% and currently is out-pacing the national average at 66.7%. During this same period, hotel room revenue grew from $96 million to $197 million in 2016.
Previous to his current role in Grand Rapids, Small served as Senior Vice President for VISIT DENVER. Prior to Denver, Small served as President of the Syracuse (NY) Convention Bureau and in sales and marketing capacities for destination marketing organizations in Palm Springs (CA) and Dayton (OH).
Small’s community and industry involvement includes serving on the board of directors for the Economic Club of Grand Rapids (Executive Committee), the Downtown Market Grand Rapids, Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association, West Michigan Sports Commission and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Small is a 1982 graduate of Siena Heights College (Adrian, Michigan) where he majored in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management. While at Siena Heights, Small was also a two-time, national championship qualifier as a record-setting collegiate track and field athlete, competing in the high jump.
A native of Napoleon, Ohio; Small and his wife Kimberly, have two children; Alexandra and Davidson and reside in Grand Rapids Township, Michigan.

2.23.17 - Honoarable William B. Murphy
2017-02-23 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Judge William B. Murphy, of the Michigan Court of Appeals, has been elected president of the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal (CCJSCA), a national association dedicated to improving the administration of justice in state appellate courts. He will serve a one-year term, which commenced during the conference’s 37th annual meeting in Cary, North Carolina.
Judge Murphy has served as judge for the Michigan Court of Appeals since 1988. He has also been an adjunct professor at Western Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School since 2011.
Among Judge Murphy’s judicial duties, he was elected to the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners, District C, (2001-10); elected to the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission (1995-2003); elected to the Board of Trustees of the Michigan State Bar Foundation; selected by the Michigan Supreme Court to the Michigan delegation to the National Conference on Racial and Ethnic Bias (1995); chosen by the Michigan Supreme Court to the Judicial Executive Committee and Strategic Planning Committee for the Michigan Justice Project (1994); elected chief judge pro tem for the Michigan Court of Appeals (1992-96); and was appointed Chief Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals by the Michigan Supreme Court (2009-2015) on three occasions.
Judge Murphy has received several awards, including the Michigan Association for Justice Judicial Excellence Award and the National Center for State Courts Distinguished Service Award, both in 2015.
Judge Murphy is currently a member of the State Bar of Michigan and Grand Rapids Bar Association.
Judge Murphy was an adjunct professor at Michigan State University-Detroit College of Law from 1997-98. He was the founding partner at Murphy, Burns and McInerney, P.C., a civil and criminal trial practice firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from 1973-88. Shortly after graduating with a juris doctor from Wayne State University Law School (1970), he served as a law clerk for the Michigan Court of Appeals (1970-71) and was an attorney at Rhoades, McKee and Boer in Grand Rapids, Michigan (1971-73).

2.17.17 - Volunteer Opportunity
2017-02-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Feeding America West Michigan, 3070 Shaffer Ave SE, Kentwood, Michigan, 49512
You will be participating in food distribution and repackaging efforts at Feeding America’s West Michigan facility from 1:00pm-3:00pm.
We need 10-12 volunteers
Please contact the Rotary office at rotary@grrotary.org or 616-459-5640 if you would like to volunteer.

What Does Feeding America West Michigan Do?

Feeding America West Michigan exists to ensure safe food is available to the hungry in our community. In 2016, we distributed a record 28.9 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 24 million meals.This food comes from hundreds of farmers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers that have edible food they can’t sell because of overruns, order errors, misprints, and other unexpected occurrences.
We distribute that reclaimed food to pantries, shelters, after-school programs, and other anti-hunger agencies in 40 Michigan counties.
Nearly 1,100 agencies use Feeding America West Michigan to provide food to an estimated 492,100 people every year. We also send food directly to people in need through our local Mobile Food Pantry Program.
For every dollar donated to our organization, we can provide 4 meals to people in need. A gift of just $21 can feed a family of four for a week.

2.16.17 - Volunteer Opportunity
2017-02-16 16:00 - 18:00 | Access of West Michigan, 1700 28th St, Grand Rapids, 49508
You will be participating in Access of West Michigan’s hunger simulation workshop with area youth. The first hour will be dedicated to training the Rotarian volunteers and the second hour will allow you to serve as a group facilitator.
We need 8 to 10 volunteers.
To volunteer contact the Rotary office at rotary@grrotary.org or at 616-459-5640.
Located in the Christian Reformed Church office building on the corner of 28th St and Kalamazoo – NOTE: Volunteers should enter through the main doors facing 28th Street.

ABOIUT ACCESS OF WEST MICHIGAN
OUR MISSION

Celebrating the activity of God in our midst, Access strengthens and develops wholistic solutions to poverty by cultivating equitable systems through education and collaboration.

OUR HISTORY

Access of West Michigan began 1981 in response to federal government cutbacks for social services programs. We were asked by local stakeholders to create a central coordination of services in order to prevent duplication and maximize resources.

2.16.17 - Carol Paine-McGovern
2017-02-16 12:00 - 13:15 | University Club of Grand Rapids, 111 Lyon St NW Suite 1025, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Carol Paine-McGovern is Executive Director of the Kent School Services Network, KSSN. KSSN is a community school initiative in Kent County Michigan partnering with 39 schools in 8 school districts and 4 programs at the Kent Intermediate School District. Previous employment included President of the Paine Family Foundation, working as Manager for the Kent County Healthy Start Program as well as a consultant for the Frey and Nokomis Foundations.
Prior to moving to Michigan Carol worked as an Education Policy Analyst for the Oklahoma State House of Representatives and as Nutrition Coordinator for the Oklahoma State Health Department. Carol also served four years with the National Health Service Corps in rural West Virginia.
Carol is a former school board member of the East Grand Rapids Public Schools and was recently appointed by Governor Snyder to the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. She has held board positions on the Council of Michigan Foundations Board, School Community Health Alliance of Michigan, Center for Community Leadership, GROW, and the East Grand Rapids Library Commission. Carol holds a B.S. from Michigan State University and a M.P.H. from the University of Minnesota.

2.13-17 - Volunteer Opportunity
2017-02-13 15:00 - 17:00 | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
You will be making and serving dinner for the residents at Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan from 4:00pm-6:00pm. We need 4 volunteers. Our contact will be Jim Siegel. Please let me Rotary office know if you would like to volunteer at rotary@grrotary.org or by calling 616-459-5640.
About the Ronald McDonal House

Mission
“To provide a “home away from home” for families of children traveling to Grand Rapids for their child’s medical or mental health treatment.”
History
The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Since then more than 350 Houses have been licensed around the world … all have the common mission of providing a “home away from home” for the families of children seeking medical or mental health treatment.
The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan (RMHWM) opened on March 23, 1990. The 19,000 square foot facility was designed specifically as a Ronald McDonald House. Located on five park-like acres, the House has seventeen bedrooms with private baths; two are isolation equipped and three are handicap accessible. Common rooms include a large family-style kitchen with four complete cooking areas, a dining room, great room with fireplace, sitting room, sunroom overlooking a playground area and walking path, a laundry room, children’s play house, and recreation room.
