Secretary: James Mackiewicz Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs & Chris Rath Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: John Mock
Navigator: Charlie Peters
Cashiers/Check-in: Sarah Robak & Need Volunteer
Admin Support: Rebecca Niemeyer Rens
Greeters: Paul Cohen & Fletcher Reel
Speaker Host: Sue Kutschkau
Speaker: Dr. Joanne Li
Buffet Lunch is $18 for members and $20 for visiting Rotarians and guests. Lunch ticket is back. Please collect your lunch ticket after check-in and put it in the jar at the beginning of the buffet line
Impact of Regional Universities on Economic Development
Dr. Joanne Li became the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s 16th Chancellor in July 2021. She is an internationally recognized leader committed to transforming communities and empowering students through enhancing access to higher education, developing strategic workforce programs, and inspiring lifelong learning.
Dr. Li has a passion for helping others and ensuring that UNO Mavericks have accessibility to resources and support needed to advance their social and economic mobility, as well as be successful in their academic journeys.
Dr. Li is a Chartered Financial Analyst and is a highly engaged leader and scholar who lends her expertise and experience to a wide array of causes and organizations.
To name a few, she is currently an American Association of State Colleges and Universities Council of State Representative, and a member of the Higher Learning Commission’s Board of Trustees. Dr. Li has been appointed to the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Omaha Branch Board of Directors, the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) Board of Directors, and to the United States Strategic Command Consultation Committee.
Rotary is all about bringing together people of action—and we’re excited to introduce a dynamic new member to our club: Kris Pojar! Jill Slupe sponsored Kris to Rotary.
Kris is an Employee Benefits Broker with UNICO Group, bringing nearly 25 years of insurance industry experience to the table. For the past eight years, she’s worked closely with businesses to design, negotiate, and manage employee benefits packages, serving as a vital link between employers and insurance providers.
With a Master’s in Social Work, Kris brings a unique blend of heart and strategy to her work. She credits her background in social work for sharpening her skills in communication, advocacy, and problem-solving—traits that also make her a natural fit for Rotary service.
When she’s not championing employee benefits, Kris enjoys spending time with her husband, Tim, and their circle of family and friends. The couple loves to travel, cycle, relax by the pool, and have recently taken up golf as a shared hobby.
Please join us in giving Kris a warm Rotary welcome!
Congratulations to Rotarian John Ewing on His Election as Mayor of Omaha By Yolanda Hoffman, The Rotary Club of Omaha
The Rotary Club of Omaha extends its heartfelt congratulations to longtime Rotarian with 11 years of perfect Rotary attendance, Paul Harris Fellow +2, and Past President John Ewing on his recent election as Mayor of Omaha. John’s election is a remarkable milestone in a life defined by public service, integrity, and unwavering dedication to community values that resonate deeply with Rotarians everywhere.
To us, John is first and foremost a Rotarian—a true blue embodiment of Service Above Self. His leadership during his term as President of the Rotary Club of Omaha left a lasting impact, marked by inclusivity, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to building stronger ties within our community. Whether he was leading board discussions or volunteering side by side with fellow members, John consistently exemplified the Rotary ideal of putting service into action.
While the mayoral contest was officially non-partisan, we recognize that political discourse can vary widely among our members. That said, Rotary remains a non-political organization, and this moment is not about partisanship—it’s about celebrating the achievement of one of our own. John's success reflects not just his political career, but a lifetime spent investing in Omaha and lifting others.
As Mayor, we know John will continue to bring the same level of thoughtfulness, accountability, and compassion that he has long brought to Rotary. We are proud to call him a fellow Rotarian and honored to celebrate this new chapter in his service to our city.
Congratulations, Mayor Ewing—from your Rotary family, who knew long before this election that you were destined to lead.
Rotary Club of Omaha Celebrates 98th Annual Honor Roll, Honoring Over 400 Outstanding 8th Graders and Awarding $9,000 in Scholarships By Yolanda Hoffman, Omaha, Nebraska – May 19, 2025
The Rotary Club of Omaha proudly hosted its 98th Annual Rotary Honor Roll on May 15, 2025, at the CHI Health Convention Center, celebrating the achievements of more than 400 exceptional 8th grade students from 60 area middle schools. With nearly 1,500 attendees—including proud families, educators, Rotarians, and community leaders—this milestone event reflected our club’s unwavering commitment to recognizing and uplifting the next generation of leaders.
The Rotary Honor Roll distinction is not simply about academic excellence. It honors students who demonstrate Rotary’s values of leadership, character, honesty, respect, service, and academic diligence. Nominated by their schools, each student recognized at the ceremony has shown a commitment to personal growth and community responsibility.
The program was elevated even further by a firing keynote address delivered by none other than Nebraska’s own astronaut, Clayton Anderson. Clay knocked it out of the park with an electrifying and humorous talk that resonated with students and adults alike. A former astronaut who applied 15 times and was rejected 14 times before finally being accepted by NASA, Clay exemplifies perseverance, grit, and believing in one’s dreams. His journey from Ashland, Nebraska to outer space reminded all in attendance that determination can break any barrier—even Earth’s atmosphere.
Adding a full-circle moment to the occasion, six high school seniors—each one a former Rotary Honor Roll recipient—were honored with a total of $9,000 in scholarships. The Rotary scholars are: Madison Jensen of Millard North High School, Andrew Karolski of Bennington High School, Hattie Moeller of Omaha Central High School, Thomas Novotny of Roncalli Catholic High School, Quinton Raiser of Elkhorn High School, and Lauren Schmidt of Mercy High School. These remarkable students stood as living proof of the long-lasting impact of early encouragement and support. Their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and service over the past four years inspired the entire room and illustrated the ripple effect of recognizing potential early on.
The 98th Rotary Honor Roll was more than a ceremony—it was a celebration of legacy, a commitment to youth, and a powerful demonstration of service above self. As we approach the 100th anniversary of this cherished tradition, we remain inspired by the bright future these young leaders represent.
A heartfelt thank you to all the schools, educators, Rotarians, donors, and volunteers who helped make this unforgettable event possible!
Susan Kosters, Honor Roll Committee School Liaison, serving as Honor Roll Host
More photos can be found at this link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=omaharotary&set=a.1108357074669280
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our 98th Rotary Honor Roll Sponsors and Donors
We extend our deepest appreciation to all the generous sponsors and donors who made this year’s 98th Rotary Honor Roll celebration a truly unforgettable event. Your contributions help honor exceptional 8th-grade students across the metro and continue a legacy that has shaped community leaders for nearly a century.
Major Sponsors: First National Bank of Omaha, Chase Bank, UNO College of Business Administration, Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation, Omaha Public Schools Foundation, EHPV Management Group, Centris Federal Credit Union, DA Davidson, CFO Systems, Ollie the Trolley, Hal Daub, Fr. Lloyd Gnirk, John Ewing, Viv Ewing, John Marburger, Jim Suttle, George Davis & Deb Skinner, Todd & Sandy Lemke, Bob & Kathleen Keefer
Contributing Sponsors and Donors: Aileen Warren, Adam Leong, Amy Tritsch, Aileen Warren, Bill & Gretchen Harvey, Bob Keefer, Brad Burklund, Camille Metoyer Moten, Brett Frevert, Charlie Peters, Colleen Brennan, Deb Skinner, Elkhorn Athletics, Josh Todd, Fletcher Reel, Gene DeBoer, Goodwill Industries, Heather Legge, Heidi McGinness, Huntrex.com, Jim Murphy, Jim Stewart, John Mock, Larry Guenther, Larry Johansen, LeRoy Swedlund, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Michelle Trawick, Nash Mahupete, Okley Gibbs, Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation, Omaha School of Massage Therapy, Paul Cohen, PDG Bob Perrin, PDG Roxy Orr, Ralston Schools Foundation, Randy Wieseler, Rick Waxman, Sarah Robak, Scott Buchholz, Steve Carper, Steve McCollister, Susan Koesters, Tobi Mathouser, Todd Chaney, Todd Murphy, Tom Gouttierre, and the Westside Foundation
Thank you for your commitment as Rotarians to our future! Please read more to see the exciting things happening in your District.
As we step into May with graduation celebrations, spring sports and new beginnings, I am reminded that May is Youth Service Month when Rotary clubs focus on youth services, including: Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and Rotary Youth Exchange.
It is also the time of year when many clubs are awarding scholarships to graduating seniors. It is great to celebrate our commitment to empowering young leaders who will be our future leaders to carry the Rotary torch forward.
I would also like to highlight some of the achievements of our district. I was honored to attend the Lincoln South meeting this past month to present Rotary’s prestigious “Service Above Self” Award to Jenny Cardwell. This award is given to only 150 recipients annually worldwide to recognize members who fully embody our primary motto. Jenny, who served as club President in 2014-15 is so deserving of this award for her service to her club, the district and Rotary International. Way to go Jenny!
Rotarians are making a difference at Stephen Center. CLICK HERE to sign up.
Stephen Center partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Stephen Center has served the homeless and low-income in Omaha since 1984 through its three programs: Emergency Shelter, HERO Program, and Transitional Living Program. The Omaha Downtown Rotary partners with Stephens Center in serving hot meals to its residents.
May 7, 2025 Rotarian Volunteers at Stephen Center L to R: Steve McCollister, Colleen Brennan, Chris Nwafor, Fletcher Reel, Luke Drazic
Where three or more Rotarians gather, it's called a Rotary Social, and you earn attendance credits. Rotarians may come from different clubs. Connect with Rotarians and enjoy the power of Rotary fellowship. Below are our recent Rotary Socials.
Rotarians at Inner Rail L to R: Chris Nwafor, Randy Wieseler, Steve McCollister
Impromptu Rotary meeting at the Greater Omaha Chamber Golf Event – Business on the Green, held at Tiburon. Not pictured, but also there: Mayor-Elect John Ewing. L to R: Todd Chaney, James Mackiewicz and Nash Mahupete.
May Rotary After Hours hosted by Zac Triemert and Brickway Brewery L to R: Camille Metoyer Moten, Gretchen Harvey, Kris Pojar, Kevin Baitey, John Sullivan, Sean Olson, Mike Mancuso Shayne Fili, Shelley Ruwe, Brett Frevert, James Mackiewicz, Todd Chaney, Colleen Brennan,Fletcher Reel, Jim Suttle, Josh Todd, Natalie Junk. Front L to R: Sandy Lemke, Larry Guenther, Russell Vaughn, Host Extraordinaire Zac Triemert
Rotarians at Networking event L to R: Luke Drazic, Matt Boulay & Shelly Ruwe.
Nash Mahupete speaking at Apiary with Rotarians from L to R: A Future Rotarian beside Nash, Nash Mahupete, Zac Triemert, Brett Frevert, Shelley Ruwe, Larry Guenther, and Sean Olson.
At the recent Mayoral Candidates forum hosted by Downtown Omaha Inc. L to R: Mayoral candidate John Ewing, Yolanda Hoffman, and Viv Ewing
At the recent Mayoral Candidates forum hosted by Downtown Omaha Inc. L to R Mike Mancuso, John Maxell (Suburban) Mayor Jean Stothert (Millard Rotary) Bruce Lemen (Suburban), Yolanda Hoffman, Lynn McCormack (Millard Rotary), Dan Esch, Micah Evans (Millard Rotary)
Rotarians for Goodwill! L to R: James Mackiewicz, Todd Chaney, and Larry Guenther
Rotarians at HETRA event L to R: Brett Frevert, Shelly Ruwe, and James Mackiewicz
Rotarians at the Downtown Omaha Clean-up April 26 L to R: Yolanda Hoffman, Dan Esch, and Lynn McCromack (Millard Rotary)
June 26, 2024. Outgoing President Larry Guenther recognized our members who achieved perfect attendance. Perfect Rotary attendance(aka Perfect Rotarians) is attained through consistent participation in weekly meetings, service projects, committee work, weekly club service, Rotary socials, visiting other clubs, Rotary online makeups, Zoom attendance, attendance at club board meetings, and attendance at club foundation board meetings. Below is the list of our perfect attendance Rotarians.
July is the perfect time to start your journey towards becoming a Perfect Rotarian!
The Rotary Club of Omaha is now recruiting more members! It's your opportunity to join the Rotary Club of Omaha, click here to complete the membership application form. For questions, please contact Membership Chair Franco Gentile at FGentile@sbgtv.com.
Aileen Warren
Adam Leong
Amy Tritsch
Aileen Warren
Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Bob Keefer
Brad Burklund
Camille Metoyer Moten
Brett Frevert
Charlie Peters
Colleen Brennan
Deb Skinner
Elkhorn Athletics
Josh Todd
Fletcher Reel
Gene DeBoer
Goodwill Industries
Heather Legge
Heidi McGinness
Huntrex.com
Jim Murphy
Jim Stewart
John Mock
Larry Guenther
Larry Johansen
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Nash Mahupete
Okley Gibbs
Omaha Downtown Rotary Foundation
Omaha School of Massage Therapy
Paul Cohen
PDG Bob Perrin
PDG Roxy Orr
Ralston Schools Foundation
Randy Wieseler
Rick Waxman
Sarah Robak
Scott Buchholz
Steve Carper
Steve McCollister
Susan Koesters
Tobi Mathouser
Todd Chaney
Todd Murphy
Tom Gouttierre
Westside Foundation
Dr. Joanne Li
The Rotary Club of Omaha extends its heartfelt congratulations to longtime Rotarian with 11 years of perfect Rotary attendance, Paul Harris Fellow +2, and Past President John Ewing on his recent election as Mayor of Omaha. John’s election is a remarkable milestone in a life defined by public service, integrity, and unwavering dedication to community values that resonate deeply with Rotarians everywhere.
Thank you for your commitment as Rotarians to our future! Please read more to see the exciting things happening in your District.
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