Events

Keisha Harrison is the inaugural CEO of the Madison Public Market Foundation. A native of Chicago, she has extensive experience in project management, strategic planning, and change management, most recently serving as the Executive Director of the historic Indianapolis City Market. Recognizing the importance of having a third place, Keisha is excited about the opportunity to help create a new tradition for Madisonians in its forthcoming public market, envisioning it as a cherished space where generations come together.

The Madison Public Market will be a year-round, inclusive public marketplace near downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Housed in the renovated former Fleet Services building, it’s designed to showcase locally grown and prepared foods, handcrafted goods, art, and beverages, while serving as a vibrant gathering place for the community. The Market emphasizes equity through entrepreneurship, providing affordable merchant spaces, a commercial kitchen, and business incubation support to help new and diverse small businesses grow and thrive. Learn about its history and current project status and get a sneak preview of what's coming

Join Lisa Smith, as she presents the Wisconsin Girl Report—a clear, data-driven look at what girls across our state are experiencing right now, and what that means for our collective future. The report surfaces critical trends, persistent gaps, and emerging pressures shaping girls’ confidence, leadership, and sense of belonging. It makes one thing unmistakable: when girls are supported early and consistently, the impact lasts far beyond childhood. To share key findings from the Wisconsin Girl Report and how they are being used to inform real action across the state.

Casey FitzRandolph will take us on his journey, from performing as a Munchkin in a “Wizard of Oz on Ice” production at Madison Ice Arena at age 2, to becoming the fastest man in the world on skates at age 27, giving us a window into what it takes to convert a childhood dream of gold into reality.  He’ll take us behind-the-scenes to give us a better understanding of what the men and women we’re watching in Milan Cortina have been through to get there…and what they’re feeling and experiencing as they try to make their often decades long dream come true at their moments of truth!

Christy Clark-Pujara is the Chair and a Professor of History in the Department of African American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on the experiences of Black people in British and French North America in the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries. She is particularly interested in retrieving the hidden and unexplored histories of African Americans in small towns and cities in the North and Midwest. This talk examines how the practice of race-based slavery, Black settlement and advocacy for full civil rights, and debates over abolition and the political rights of Black people shaped the state’s white-black race relations.

Everyone wants a life that is both long and sweet. Dr. Zorba Paster will introduce the five spheres that shape longevity: Physical health; Brain, Mind, and Mood; Social connection; Spiritual well-being; and Material security. Together, these form a practical, personal longevity plan. The basics—eat well, stay active, avoid tobacco. Those matter. But what about the other softer, less measurable parts of life? How do meaning and purpose, social relationships, and financial stability influence how long you will live?  Dr. Paster will share ideas and insights designed to stir your thinking, so you can craft a longevity plan that fits your values, your priorities, and your lifestyle.

China began its economic reforms in the 1980s as a minor importer of foreign capital and technology and an exporter of simple manufactured goods.  From that base China has evolved into not only an industrial powerhouse, but also a major exporter of capital and a major importer of commodities from around the globe. This presentation by Dr. John Ohnesorge will cover the basic framework of China’s Belt & Road Initiative, launched in 2013, as well as recent developments in countries such as Venezuela.

Asian American history in the Midwest? Doesn’t Asian America only exist in California and the West Coast?  Many people (including Asian Americans) do not know that Asian America has a long history in the heartland (at least 155 years.) Dr. Victor Jew, a historian who teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will share aspects of that history and show its deep connection to the histories of the Midwest and the United States as a whole.

Join Author, Sociologist and Professor, Jessica Calarco, as she discusses the inequalities in family life and education.

Other countries have social safety nets. The U.S. has women. Holding It Together chronicles the causes and dire consequences of this arrangement, drawing on surveys, interviews, and historical and media analyses to trace present-day policies back to their roots and reveal a systematic agreement to persuade Americans to accept the precarity of a do-it-yourself society while women bear the brunt. Weaving eye-opening original research with revelatory sociological narrative, Holding It Together is a bold call to demand the institutional change that each of us deserves, and a warning about the perils of living without it.

Join Tom Still, President of the Wisconsin Technology Council as he delves into the evolving presence of AI and Data Centers in our world, and in Wisconsin. Tom Still has worked for the Wisconsin State Journal, with a weekly Inside Wisconsin column, focusing on public policy, business, politics, and trends in technology. He was also a Senior Lecturer for 16 years in the Department of Life Sciences Communication at UW-Madison, where he continues to serve on advisory roles.

Can Do Canines’ mission is to transform lives by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs.  For more than 37 years, Can Do Canines has provided assistance dogs, free of charge, to people with disabilities and to community centers and hospitals in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 2026, Can Do Canines will provide its 1000th assistance dog team! Sheila Ross, Development Director of Can Do Canines, will share the inspiring stories of how each Can Do Canines partnership is formed and the impact they are having on every step of their journey. 

Dr. Qiang Chang, Director of the Waisman Center, will present an overview of autism spectrum disorder, including what autism is and what we know about its prevalence locally and nationally. The talk will explore why autism diagnoses have increased over time, address common misconceptions, and highlight the importance of evidence-based research, services, and community supports and suggest how we can work together to better support autistic individuals and their families.

How did a free newspaper founded at the Dangle Lounge manage to become a vital voice in a city of discerning skeptics, winning prestigious awards and earning the loyalty of thousands? Since it first hit the streets in April of 1976, Isthmus has informed and engaged Madison readers with in-depth local news reporting and informed coverage of arts and culture, reported and edited with great care and financed by novel business strategies. Hear about the realities of newspaper publishing in particular and the media industry at large.  Like all journalists working today, Isthmus staff work to serve our audience and connect with sources in new and changing ways. Since its “reboot” as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2021, Isthmus has been led by editor and president Judith Davidoff and publisher Jason Joyce, both veteran Madison journalists.

April 22 marks Earth Day, a global reminder that caring for our planet also means caring for
each other. In this engaging, story-driven talk, Dexter Patterson, author of Birds of the Great
Lakes, shares how the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin is reimagining conservation through
joy, accessibility, and intentional design.

Drawing from real-world experiences and the sense of wonder that birding inspires, he
emphasizes practical ways to create inclusive, welcoming outdoor spaces where more people can
connect with nature and find their own spark.

Participants will leave with practical strategies, a new perspective, and a deeper understanding
that when more people experience joy and belonging in nature, both humans and wildlife benefit.

Through climate events, a worldwide pandemic, and shifting political forces our ability to feed ourselves and our community is facing ongoing pressures. Madison has long been proud of itself as a foodie city with a strong local food system. Lessons learned during recent events have proven that perhaps we aren't as resilient and sustainable as we think we are. A well functioning local food system can help feed our community even when outside sources of food may be limited or hard to access.

Join Chris Brockel, NPC Food Systems Director of FEED Kitchens, as he presents on Healthy Food for All is a food recovery program that attempts to capture as much edible locally available food as possible, before it becomes waste, and use it to help support families in need. Healthy Food for All is a backbone organization that supports agencies and programs that are directly feeding people through multiple initiatives including: retail food recovery throughout the county, pickups of prepared food from corporate cafeterias and events, and farmers market end of market food recovery. In an effort to support local farms and help them earn income and increase their capacity, Healthy Food for All also operates Buy One for A Neighbor at specific farmer's markets along with occasional "Buy Out the Market" events. Recently, Healthy Food for All has also started working as a distribution partner for programs that are specifically growing food to donate. 

2026 marks the return of the FIFA World Cup to American soil. With all eyes on the States for the World Cup, Forward Madison is proud to serve as our community's conduit to the World's Game. Conor Caloia, co-founder and co-owner of the operating businesses at Breese Stevens Field, will share how the genesis of Forward Madison revitalized Historic Breese Stevens Field, our place in the US Soccer ecosystem, the birth of our new Women's Club Rally Madison FC, and how our youth and community programs are playing a role in developing and enhancing the soccer culture in Greater Madison.

Have you experienced the wonder of planting a tree and watching it grow from seedling to maturity?

Come meet the guy who wants to give every child this joy…and, in the process, beautify our neighborhoods, remove carbon from the atmosphere, and help instill in the hearts of our little ones a sense of magic, wonder, and love for our planet. What started as a seed in Minneapolis in 2010 has grown into a continent-wide movement ~ one of the largest and fastest growing tree planting initiatives in North America involving youth. Since 2010, Neighborhood Forest has mobilized over 4,500 schools, libraries, and youth groups, engaged over 750,000 volunteers, and given over 450,000 children in all 50 states (plus Canada and Mexico!) the opportunity to plant their very own tree!

Join Vikas Narula, Co-Founder of Neighborhood Forest, for an inspiring session and learn how you can help grow the forest in Madison and beyond!

Join Rotary for the Annual Scholarship Awards Program and hear a presentation from Dr. Christine Whelan.

You already live "Service Above Self" every week. You show up, you give back, you lead in your communities and your businesses.

So why does purpose still feel like something other people have figured out? 

Dr. Christine Whelan, “Purpose Professor” at Emory University and fellow at the Center for Healthy Minds at UW-Madison, brings behavioral science research to a question Rotarians are uniquely positioned to answer: How do you use your gifts, in keeping with your values, to make a positive impact? In this interactive, funny and research-backed talk, Dr. Whelan walks you through a hands-on exercise that connects your vocational life, your service, and the things that actually get you out of bed in the morning. Brick by brick, purpose is something you build. And you've been building longer than you think.

Discover how a statewide fatherhood needs assessment sparked the development of impactful initiatives designed to support fathers and strengthen families. This presentation will highlight how fathers’ voices shaped the creation of the Fathers in Focus Conference, the Focus on Fathers Virtual Workshop Series, and the Fatherhood Peer-to-Peer Initiative—three connected efforts aimed at increasing father engagement, building community, and promoting family well-being. Attendees will learn how investing in fathers leads to stronger outcomes for children and communities, and how partners like Rotary International can help advance this important work.

Barry Burden is the professor of political science and director of the Elections Research Center at UW-Madison. His presentation will look ahead to the upcoming midterm elections across the country, highlighting the factors that political scientists have identified as important predictors of election outcomes as well as unique aspects of the 2026 election cycle.

Our meeting will be at the Masonic Center, at 301 Wisconsin Avenue.  You’ll enter the lower level ballroom from the Johnson Street side of the building. This will be Anthony Gray's last meeting as president, and we will welcome Mark Greene as our new president.  After the official changing of the guard, we’ll adjourn and have some time for informal conversations while enjoying some dessert and coffee.

The American Revolution founded the independent United States and impacted the subsequent generations who founded Wisconsin. The Revolution's aspirations informed the state constitution and inspired the Civil War generation and beyond. Chris Kolakowski, Director of the Wisconsin Veteran's Museum, will explore Wisconsin's ties to the Revolution and present how it impacted the subsequent state.

Heading into his 12th season leading the Wisconsin men’s basketball program in 2026-27, head coach Greg Gard has built a stellar resume in Madison, amassing a 237-128 (.649) record that ranks as the third-highest win percentage in school history. After spending 14 seasons under Bo Ryan—contributing to two Final Four runs—Gard seamlessly took the helm in 2015-16, earning the Jim Phelan National Coach of the Year award after navigating an interim start to a Sweet 16 appearance. Over his first 11 seasons as head coach, the two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year has guided the Badgers to two Big Ten regular-season championships, eight NCAA tournament appearances, and developed several marquee players, including consensus All-American Johnny Davis. Off the court, the Cobb, Wisconsin native remains deeply rooted in the community alongside his wife, Michelle, and their three children, having raised over $10 million for cancer research and patient care through their "Garding Against Cancer" initiative.

Homelessness affects every part of our community, yet many people are unfamiliar with the network of organizations, partnerships, and strategies working to address it. This presentation by Natalie Erdman and Kristin Rucinski, explores Dane County's evolving homeless response system, the role of Madison's new men's shelter, and how collaboration among government, nonprofits, businesses, healthcare providers, and community members is creating stronger pathways from homelessness to housing.