Events

MICHAEL WAGNER  is the William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair for the Wisconsin Idea, the Director of the Center for Communication and Civic Renewal, and the Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at UW-Madison.   He is also  a faculty affiliate at the Elections Research Center at UW-Madison.  His Rotary presentation will describe how the slant, diversity and extremity of the different news sources people used to get information, the individuals they talk to most about politics, and the issue preferences they held, influenced their vote in the 2024 presidential election. 

RENEE MOE is President and CEO of United Way of Dane County.  She joined our club in 2006, and serve as Club President 2013-2024.  Volunteering not only broadens your skills and connections but also plays a crucial role in building stronger, more resilient communities. As many people experience increased isolation and disconnection, volunteerism offers a meaningful way to foster learning, find purpose and contribute to positive social change. Renee will talk about ways to find volunteer opportunities that align with your values and time, and help you inspire others to step up, creating a ripple effect of support and engagement across our community and beyond.

JOE GOTHARD is a native Madisonian who moved away to Minnesota and returned in May of this year to become superintendent of the Madison Metroplitan School District.  He is the recipient of several awards including the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year Award from the American Association of School Administrators and the 2024 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year Award from the Minnesota Association of School Administrators.  His presentation will highlight the focus of his work – people, purpose and pride. Joe will outline what’s next for the district following the successful passage of the referenda--from innovative programs and initiatives to modernized facilities and learning spaces that support student learning. He will highlight MMSD’s demographic shifts, this year's increased enrollment, and MMSD’s traditions of excellence. Joe will share his vision for Destination MMSD and the district’s pivotal role in educating students and preparing the future workforce. 

REBECCA REDMANN joined the Lullaby Project at the Overture Center for the Arts in 2021 and later became the Lead Teaching Artist for the program.  She will be speaking about the Lullaby Project and its impact on local families.  She will also share snippets of some of the songs that have been created in the five years that Overture has been part of the Lullaby Project, and she will share one song in a live acoustic ("unplugged") performance.  

JOHN KOSKINEN is the Chief Economist for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and has served in that capacity for several administrations.  The Wisconsin Economy enters 2025 with the strongest economy it has had in a generation.  Koshkinen's presentation will review the multiple facets of Wisconsin's improved competitiveness in its region and nationally.  This provides a foundation for Wisconsin to continue a strong economy into 2025. 

For many of us, our knowledge of the contributions of African Americans in America is limited. Historically, the contributions and stories of people of color in America have been omitted or ignored in American history textbooks. During JUDGE DEREK MOSLEY's presentation, he will examine the many contributions of African Americans and help us fully understand that Black History is indeed U.S. History. On this journey, we will meet people and hear stories that will amaze , enlighten and inspire.

JAY ROTHMAN began his tenure as the ninth president of the Universities of Wisconsin on June 1, 2022. With 13 universities and a statewide extension network, the UW is home to world-class education, research, and outreach, serving approximately 161,000 students and awarding nearly 37,000 degrees each year. President Rothman leads a statewide workforce of some 35,000 faculty, academic staff, and university staff, and is responsible for the UW’s $6 billion annual budget. 

The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 162,500 students.  These 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live.  Providing a 23:1 return on state investment, the Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy.

President Rothman will discuss the Board of Regents approved budget request for the 2025-2027 biennium and its importance for the people of Wisconsin.

Ecologist Jeb Barzen explains what’s behind the comeback of bald eagles in Wisconsin and the on-going efforts to protect and understand them. We’ll learn more about this fascinating raptor found soaring in large numbers in Sauk Prairie these days and what we have learned from them. 

JIM LATTIS is director of the UW Space Place and a native Madisonian. He manages the historic Washburn Observatory and teaches course in introductory astronomy and its history as well as leading many trips focused on astronimical tourism. He will discuss some of this year's current and upcoming astronomical events, including current solar activity and the associated auroral activity, solar and lunar eclipses, and what the planets are up to in our night sky.

Like the rest of the world, Wisconsin is experiencing climate change and its impacts. The past two decades have been the state’s warmest on record, and the 2010s was Wisconsin’s wettest decade. How can we put these kinds of climate changes into historical context, and what does the future hold for our state? For many years the Wisconsin State Climatology Office and the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts (WICCI) have been documenting climate change and its consequences across the state. STEVE VAYRUS's presentation will highlight some of the major trends and effects, including those associated with extreme weather.

The landscape of behavioral health crisis care in Dane County has developed significantly in recent years. While Journey Mental Health has provided a 24/7 crisis hotline as well as mobile crisis response for decades, Community Alternative Response Emergency Services (CARES) adds a fourth branch of emergency response to 911 calls. SARAH HENRICKSON, Clinical Team Manager in Journey Mental Health Center’s Emergency Services Unit, and SHANE QUELLA, a CARES Crisis Response Team Member will discuss a partnership between the City of Madison Fire Department, Journey Mental Health, and the Dane County Public Safety Communications (911) to dispatch a non-law enforcement response to behavioral health calls for service in Madison, with expansion into surrounding areas pending.

Regardless of your role, what are people, customers and business partners looking for in you? What is the workplace culture you have created with your team that leads to success? Creating a mission driven culture with compassion and trust turns satisfied customers into loyal customers. In addition, if the work we do is tied into a purpose beyond profits, our job satisfaction increases substantially and employee turnover is reduced.  Guest speaker JOHN McHUGH, Vice President of External Affairs for Kwik Trip, Inc.,  will explore the role you play in your organization’s success and how you can find the key people to help you achieve that greatness. His examples and stories are ones that you won’t forget.

ANTHONY COOPER has worked for Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development since February, 2013 as Director of Reentry Service and recently as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Reentry Services.  He speaks from experience when he talks about the problems that ex-offenders have when released from prison or jail. Whether it is finding housing, getting a job, or re-connecting with family members, he understands the challenges involved. 

Having a strong foundation in financial management and business operations, MARK CASH continues to expand his expertise through ongoing education in technology, legal frameworks, and business practices bringing those skills to serve Focused Interruption.

Their Rotary presentation will highlight Focused Interruption, Inc.’s mission to build safer communities through engagement and support. They will outline key programs like Outreach, Community Safety Work (CSW), Brothers Against Odds (B.A.O.), Leaders of Tomorrow (L.O.T.), and Aftercare Services, emphasizing their impact on reducing violence and fostering recovery.