Welcome to Minneapolis University Rotary Club

Are you an individual who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Join Rotary’s 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. 

Our small and mighty club meets every second and fourth Wednesday, from noon to 1.00 p.m. Our meetings are Zoom meetings for the time being. 

Everyone is welcome to visit our meetings. Contact us at mplsunivrotary@gmail.com  with questions.

My Very Own Bed where MURC donated 1,800 books for children
The Simpson Food Pantry where MURC supports food supplies
The Lighthouse Haiti where MURC helped found a Maternity Center near Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Club News
Gary N. McLean (EdD, PhD hon, MDiv, MA, BA) is a professor emeritus,HRD, University of Minnesota, and a former professor at Texas A&M University; the International Islamic University, Malaysia; Assumption University, Bangkok; and the National Institute for Development Administration (NIDA), Bangkok. He is a past editor of several refereed journals and served as President of AHRD and IMDA. He was President ofMcLean Global Consulting, a family business, and was active in OD for over 50 years. He has authored or co-edited almost 40 books, including award-winning books in OD and HRD in Vietnam. He has a lifelong interest in gender and international OD and HRD research. mclea002@umn.edu
Paul Babcock, the Chief Executive Officer of MacPhail Center for Music, has played a pivotal role in its growth and transformation. Over his three-decade tenure, Paul's strategic leadership has led to significant advancements. Under his guidance, enrollment has more than doubled to an impressive 15,000 students, demonstrating MacPhail's commitment to fostering musical talent and nurturing individual potential.

Paul's belief in the power of strategic planning and execution is evident in his role at MacPhail. He has led strategic initiatives that have shaped the institution's future, ensuring its continued relevance and impact in the community. Paul was the visionary project manager for MacPhail's landmark 55,000-square-foot building in downtown Minneapolis. This project opened in January 2008, marking a significant milestone in the institution's journey. 
Paul's dedication to music is not just professional but personal. He is a talented teaching artist and performer on percussion instruments. His journey in music education began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and business administration from Monmouth College (Illinois), a foundation that he built upon with a Masters in music in percussion performance from the University of Minnesota. This unique blend of musical and business acumen informs his leadership at MacPhail, where he is committed to providing exceptional music education. 
Mpls University Rotary Club Grant for My Very Own Bed
By Carol Skulstad and Jean Westberg
 
Our Club was first introduced to My Very Own Bed when Rich Berkley, one of our members, invited them to speak to our club. As a result, our  club became active volunteering in the past year and a half. Founded in 2014 as a non-profit, My Very Own Bed had one goal: to provide new beds to children moving into stable housing.  By  2024, we’ve provided more than 8,500 beds and Dream Kits to children ages 2 – 17 in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs.
 
This non-profit provides beds, a Dream Kit that includes beddingand 2 books for 2 to 17-year-old children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor, air mattress, or sharing a bed with a parent or sibling. The younger children also receive stuffed animals. Many of the children also have recently experienced homelessness. 

My Very Own Bed has committed to support book purchases from 2 local book stores, Strive and Planting People Growing Justice. These stores are Black Women Owned, who provide books that reflect diversity and, in some cases, diverse authors. Up to 80% of the children served are people of color.  
 
MURC Community Service Team

The employees at Simpson Food Pantry are so thankful that the MURC Rotarians continue to volunteer at their location.  This time we packed bags of apples and potatoes. We bag them into smaller bags for the families so it is easier for them to carry the food if they are walking to and from the pantry. The individuals are thankful for fresh food. We are scheduled to volunteer again at the end of the month.

MURC Rotarians have continued to support the Simpson Food Pantry throughout the year.  Jeff and Cheryl are so appreciative of the support we have given.  The people they serve appreciate that they are able to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables.  The pantry receives donations from multiple organizations, including the Food Group in New Hope.  We provided donations to the Food Group in the past.  Members have donated in the past and I have encouraged my friends and family to donate as well.  

This is a reminder that our meetings from January to April will be held via ZOOM.
 
we meet on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
The ZOOM link will be sent via email before the meeting. 
 
The program will be announced and posted here separately as well. 
 
 

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Visit Our Foundation page to learn more about the Minneapolis University Rotary Service Foundation.