Newest members

Jack Close:  

 

Shared that he was born in Evanston and raised in Wilmette as the 6th child out of 7. Attended Laurel School, Xavier, Loyola Academy. His swimming coach signed him up as “Jack” for a meet and it stuck as his name. Attended his first Rotary meeting as a high school student. Attended Regis University in Denver. Met his wife in Denver. Received his MBA from Loyola and then became a CPA. Has 3 adult children who are all doing well.First CEO of North Shore Community Bank. Retired last year but is now working again in Evanston at First National Bank. Loves playing golf, playing guitar and hanging out with his granddaughter. Climbed his first 14’er in Denver at age 22 and then last year climbed Long’s Peak, the highest mountain in Colorado. 
with his son.

 

 

 

 

 

Born in Auburn, Indiana. Grandfather was a hero for John. He was in WWII and flew in a B-22 bomber where he and 3 other people parachuted down and became a prisoner of war. Yet, he never complained and always had an optimistic view of life.  John’s maternal grandfather also served in the military and received a Purple Heart. John’s father similarly joined the service during college but returned to school and obtained his degree. John’s mom grew up in a small town outside of St. Louis. Eventually obtained her nursing degree and has been a nurse for many years. John loved growing up in a small town where he spent many, many hours outdoors in contrast to how many kids spend time today. In 5th grade his family moved to Omaha which he also enjoyed. 

 

With John’s family’s military service history John decided to join the Marine Corps and went right after high school to boot camp in San Diego. John shared the challenges of boot camp. Went to University of Nebraska for college while in the National Reserve. In 2008 John was graduated college, got out of the Marines, married and had a dream job lined up. Then the job was eliminated the business day before starting. A friend helped him obtain a job with a brokerage firm which turned out to be a great opportunity as he loves working in the finance world. Moved to Chicago in 2010. He lives with his wife and his dog. Loves it here.

 

 

 

Moved here 2 years ago from Pittsburgh. Born in Clarion, Pennsylvania and raised in small coal mining town. She enjoyed the freedom there to go anywhere. Her father’s family are Mennonites while her mom’s were active fun-loving.  Majored in finance and engineering at University of Pennsylvania. After graduation she worked as a real estate construction lending manager in different cities. She met her husband who works in the same industry.

 

She has 3 sons and one daughter. April’s daughter is from Syria and is hearing impaired. April left her job to support her daughter and has loved becoming involved with different causes. She currently works for the Alzheimer Association. She has been very involved with groups involved with supporting individuals with hearing loss, environmental causes, hosting international students, and learning disabilities. She will be hosting a Rotary Club student next year, Carolyn, from Chile.