LOOK WHO'S SPEAKING AT DISTRICT CONFERENCE!

Using the gift of music to bring the world together

Dr. Jonathan Overby
 
On July 1, 2013, University of Wisconsin Extension Chancellor Ray Cross conferred on Dr. Jonathan Overby the prefix title of “Distinguished” Broadcaster at WPR. 

Originally from Milwaukee, Dr. Overby, an ethnomusicologist, lecturer and lyric baritone, served as music director at UW-Madison Campus Ministry, Edgewood College Artist In Residence, and Vice President of the Wisconsin Arts Board. 

Currently, he is the executive producer and director of Wisconsin’s Official Annual State Tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the oldest such state ceremony in the nation.  He holds a doctorate in administrative leadership in higher education from Edgewood College in Madison.   

His travels and research abroad include independent excursions throughout the Caribbean, Japan, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Ghana, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Cuba, Columbia, Peru and Morocco.

These travel experiences says Overby "…inform how one might better understand the human condition through varied traditions of sacred world music which may have the potential for building bridges between diverse groups while illuminating and celebrating cultural diversity and the inclusion of marginalized groups…such understanding may in fact reduce human hatred."
 
RI President's Rep Message: Being a Gift to the World
Share the Gift of Rotary - One District, One Club, One Person Makes a Difference

Nicki Scott, PDG
 
Rotary is a way of life for Nicki who considers herself to be a global citizen. The values of Service above Self, Internationalism and building understanding between different cultures and religions resonate strongly with Nicki's own principles.  After serving as President of Naperville Sunrise in 2009/10 and Assistant Governor in 2011 she had the honor of serving as District Governor 6450, in 2014-15. She is currently Vice-Chair of MidWest PETS and was recently appointed to a three year term as Rotary Coordinator for Zone 28 from July 1, 2016.
 
Having experienced first hand in Zambia and India the incredible good that The Rotary Foundation and our EndPolioNow effort does in the world, Nicki is a strong supporter: a founding member of the Paul Harris Society, a Major Donor and member of the Bequest Society.
 
With a background in corporate finance and change management consulting Nicki then owned a promotional product business for 12 years and developed expertise in branding and entrepreneurship.  She recently launched a new business to pursue her passions in professional speaking, business coaching and leadership development and aims to use those skills in service to Rotary International to help to bridge the gap to the next generation of leaders for our second century of service to the world.
 

Red Lights and Screaming Sirens
 
Mary Herness
 
Mary was born and raised on a dairy farm near the small community of Pigeon Falls, WI.   In 1951 at age 13 , she contracted polio, which changed her life forever.  In spite of this she went on to graduate from Whitehall High School in 1956, attended college and started her teaching career.  In 1959 she married her high school sweetheart Everette Herness. Together they worked as dairy farmers with a herd of registered Holsteins, supplemented by her teaching job.  Busy years as a wife, mother, teacher, 4-H leader and always as a student followed.  They were blessed with 3 sons, and today have 10 grandchildren.  She is now a widow of five years.
 
Mary's ongoing education included grades 1-8 at Pigeon Falls State Graded School 1943-1952; Whitehall Memorial High school 1952-1956; Wisconsin State College Eau Claire two-year program 1956-1958.  Continuing her studies at  Wisconsin State University Eau Claire, she earned a BS degree in elementary education 1967, and was awarded MST-Reading degree in 1979 at UWEC.  Teaching experience included 30 plus years as (1) elementary teacher (2) K-12 reading specialist (3) adjunct professor at UWEC reading department.
 
Current memberships are Friends of the Library, Sons of Norway, WI Retired Educators Association, Book Club, Western WI Post Polio Group, Landings Lag, Toten Lag, and Our Saviour's Lutheran Church.  Hobbies and interests involve Mary in quilting and sewing, reading, family genealogies and writing.
 
Developing Leaders and Teamwork On and Off the Court

Kelly Sheffield
 
Sheffield became the 10th head volleyball coach in Wisconsin history in December 2012 after five years as head coach at the University of Dayton.  In his first two years at Wisconsin, Kelly Sheffield has brought the Badger volleyball program back to national prominence. He has led UW to back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, including a berth in the 2013 national championship match in his first season.

In his second year, the Badgers won the 2014 Big Ten Conference title with a 19-1 mark with Sheffield being named the Big Ten Coach of the Year. Wisconsin nearly swept the year-end conference awards, picking up Player of the Year, Setter of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors. UW also advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.
 
Friends, Family and Fun for Five Generations

Dick Leinenkugel
 
Dick Leinenkugel is President for the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, having been appointed October 1, 2014.  Dick joined the Tenth and Blake Beer and Cider Company in 2010 as Manager – Business Development after serving as Wisconsin’s Commerce Secretary from 2008 to 2010.  Dick spent 21 years with the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company based in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, as District Sales Manager, Chain Account Manager and VP – Sales and Marketing. Before joining his family’s business in 1987, Dick was the Tournament Director for the LPGA Women’s Kemper Open golf tournament based in Hawaii.  Upon graduating from Marquette University in 1980 with a B.S. in Business Administration, Dick served four years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
 
Dick and wife, Jean, of 31 years, have three grown children, Jeffrey, Katie and Lindsay and enjoy their cabin in Eagle River, WI, when not in Chippewa Falls.