Secretary: James Mackiewicz Sgt at Arms: Okley Gibbs Digital Experience: Adam Leong
Invocation & Pledge: Pastor Heidi McGinness
Navigator: Amie Konwinski
Cashiers/Check-in: Colleen Brennan & Need Volunteer
Admin Support: Need Volunteer
Greeters: Camille Metoyer Moten & Deb Skinner
Speaker Host: Mike Mancuso and Bob Macuso
Speaker: Outland Trophy Winner Kelvin Banks and Tom Osborne Legacy Award Winner Charlie McBride
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
The Outland Trophy tradition continues with 2024 Outland Trophy winner Texas Football left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. visits Rotary on January 22, 2025, to speak at the Rotary luncheon. Banks was recently named the 79th recipient of the Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's best college interior lineman. This honor marks the second consecutive year and fifth time overall that a Longhorn has won the prestigious award, following defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat in 2023. Banks also secured the Lombardi Award, becoming the first Texas player to win both accolades, and further distinguished himself by receiving the SEC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy and first-team All-SEC honors.
Banks has been a cornerstone of the Texas offensive line, starting 39 consecutive games at left tackle and playing a pivotal role in the team’s success. His leadership contributed to Texas being a finalist for the Joe Moore Award, recognizing the nation’s top offensive line. This season, Texas' offense ranked among the top in several FBS categories, including passing efficiency and total offense. Banks’ exceptional blocking facilitated notable rushing performances, including four games with over 200 rushing yards, and he helped secure critical victories with standout drives, such as a 93-yard touchdown drive against Texas A&M and an 86-yard rush-only drive against Kentucky.
The Outland Trophy presentation to Banks will take place during the awards dinner in Omaha, Nebraska, on January 22, 2025. Meanwhile, Texas continues its stellar season, earning its second consecutive College Football Playoff appearance with a No. 3 CFP ranking and a No. 5 overall seed. The Longhorns will face Clemson in the first round, aiming to advance to the CFP Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. With Banks anchoring the offensive line and junior quarterback Quinn Ewers delivering consistent performances, Texas looks poised to continue its winning momentum.
Charlie McBride Tom Osborne Legacy Award winner Nebraska Huskers Defensive Coach
Charlie McBride, the 12th recipient of the Tom Osborne Legacy Award. McBride worked closely with Osborne for 23 years at the University of Nebraska, including 18 as defensive coordinator during the Huskers' golden era, which saw three national championships. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to interior line play on the field while demonstrating leadership and integrity off the field, joining past recipients like Bobby Bowden, Bill Snyder, and Frank Solich.
McBride, a former All-Big Eight end and punter for Colorado, had a 36-year coaching career spanning stints at Colorado, Arizona State, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. At Nebraska, McBride developed dominant defenses and coached numerous first-team All-America defensive linemen, including Neil Smith, Jason Peter, and Grant Wistrom. His powerhouse units frequently competed in high-intensity practice battles that refined the skills of Nebraska's legendary Outland Trophy-winning offensive linemen, such as Dave Rimington, Will Shields, and Aaron Taylor. McBride credited Osborne’s mentorship and collaborative coaching philosophy as pivotal to his success and loyalty to the program.
The Tom Osborne Legacy Award celebrates McBride’s enduring legacy and his pivotal role in Nebraska football's historic dominance.
🏈 Calling all college football fans and Husker supporters! Celebrate the excitement of Nebraska's thrilling 20-15 victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl and keep the momentum going with an unforgettable evening at the Outland Trophy Award Dinner, proudly sponsored by Werner Enterprises.
This NATIONAL event is a gem we proudly bring to Omaha, and it's the perfect opportunity to invite clients, top staff, friends, and family to share in the celebration.
🎖 Honoring Excellence in Football
Outland Trophy Winner: Kelvin Banks, Jr. (University of Texas)
Tom Osborne Legacy Award Winner: Charlie McBride (Long-time Nebraska Defensive Coach)
✨ Special Appearances For the 27th consecutive year, we’ll be joined by Nebraska's football senior award winners:
Tom Novak Trophy: Rahmir Johnson
Guy Chamberlin Award: Ty Robinson
Cletus Fischer Native Son Award: Isaac Gifford
Cornhusker Award: John Bullock
Don’t miss this fun-filled evening of football, camaraderie, and celebration of excellence!
🎟 Get Your Tickets Today! Visit www.showofficeonline.com for more details and to purchase tickets. 📞 Or call our office for assistance at 402-676-0802
Let’s pack the house, support the Huskers, and show our pride for Nebraska football! See you there! 🚩
Michael Kosalka General Manager, Peregrine Hotel | Adjunct Professor at UNO & MCC | ProStart Coordinator, State of Nebraska
Recently, Franco Gentile introduced our newest member Michael Kosalka. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Michael Kosalka is a seasoned professional who currently serves as the General Manager of the Peregrine Hotel. His extensive career has equipped him with a deep understanding of hotel operations, guest service excellence, and team management, making him a respected leader in the field.
Michael is also deeply committed to education and professional development. As an Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and Metropolitan Community College (MCC), he teaches courses in hospitality and business management, helping to shape the next generation of industry leaders. Additionally, he serves as the ProStart Coordinator for the State of Nebraska, where he works with high school students interested in pursuing careers in the culinary world. Through his efforts, Michael is fostering a new wave of culinary talent and offering mentorship to young aspiring chefs.
A key figure in the Omaha food industry, Michael is actively involved in initiatives that support local food businesses and hospitality professionals. His extensive connections and leadership in the community have helped drive innovation and growth in the local food scene.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Michael is a proud father of four children. His balance of career, education, and family underscores his commitment to both his personal and professional growth. Michael's long-standing dedication to the hospitality and culinary industries, along with his academic contributions, make him a valued asset to both the business and educational communities.
Recently, we celebrated Past Rotary President Jim Murphy's 52 years of Rotary service. Fifty-two years! That’s a remarkable commitment to anything, but for Jim Murphy, it’s a testament to his unwavering dedication to Rotary and the communities it serves.
Jim has been a leader in our club, serving as past president and always contributing his time and energy to our projects. His distinguished career as a Brigadier General in the Nebraska Army National Guard, culminating in command of all Army Guard troops in the state, speaks volumes about his leadership & commitment to service.
What’s even more special is that Jim’s love & passion for Rotary influenced his son, Todd (a past president of the Omaha Downtown Rotary), and his grandson, Ted, to also become Rotarians. This multi-generational legacy is a powerful testament to the impact Jim has had, not only on our club but on his family as well.
Jim’s 52 years of dedication aren’t just numbers; they represent countless hours of service, countless lives touched, and countless moments of positive change. He’s a true inspiration, a shining example of what it means to live the Rotary ideal of “Service Above Self.” Congratulations Jim on this incredible milestone!
Together, the Rotary Club of Omaha, West Rotary, Millard Rotary, Suburban Rotary, Morning Rotary, and a District Rotary matching grant will make an incredible impact by packaging nearly 45,000 meals! These meals will stay in our community, supporting local non-profits like Heart Ministry Center, Heartland Hope Mission, and Together Inc. in their fight against food insecurity.
We Need Your Help! 140 volunteers are needed to make this event a success! This is a fantastic opportunity for Rotarians, families, and friends of all ages to come together for a great cause.
Event Details 📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025 📍 Location: 4418 S 180th Street, Omaha (Enter at the “Love Church” sign on 180th & J Street. Stay to the right, follow the drive to the large garage, and park in front of the garage.)
Shifts:
Shift 1: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM (40 volunteers needed)
Shift 2: 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM (40 volunteers needed)
Shift 3: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM (40 volunteers needed)
What to Expect Volunteers will work in an assembly line format at one of four tables to package meals. This is a fun, hands-on activity for all ages (at least 5 years old) and a great way to introduce younger children to community service!
What to Bring/Wear:
Hair should be tied back. Please wear a baseball cap or a provided hairnet.
Comfortable clothes and shoes, as you’ll be standing throughout your shift.
By volunteering, you’ll help bring nearly 45,000 meals to local food banks, making a meaningful difference for those experiencing food insecurity. Let’s show how Rotary serves our community with Service Above Self!
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.
January 7, 2025 Volunteers L to R:Steve McCollister, Colleen Brennan, Scott Kinnaird, Fletcher Reel, Heidi McGinness, future Rotarian Paige Mathouser, and Tobi Mathouser
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 meet up L to R: Suzan Koesters, Sandy Lemke, John, Marburger, and Hal Daub
Rotarians meet up for Colleen Brennan’s birthday. L to R: Fletcher Reel, Colleen Brennan, Steve McCollister, and Hal Daub.
Rotary at Festivus
L to R: Ben Washburn, Brett Frevert, and Larry Guenther
Rotarians meetup L to R: PDG Carol Horner, DGN Gretchen Bren, Jill Slupe, and James Mackiewicz
Gretchen Harvey and Bill Harvey with family in New York. The third Rotarian not in photo is Brett Frevert.
Rotarians supporting fellow Rotarian Boy Scouts CEO Chris Mehaffey and the Boy Scouts Annual Big Gives Event at the CHI Center L to R: John Sullivan, Hal Daub, Aileen Warren, Larry Guenther, Sean Kelly, and Chris Mehaffey
Rotarians at Christmas in the Village L to R: Viv Ewing, John Ewing, and Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Rotarians at the Omaha emPower Breakfast L to R: Brett Frevert, Lisa Tonjes Moritz, Todd Chaney, and James Mackiewicz
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.
Chase Bank
UNO College of Business
Centris
Ollie The Trolley
Carlson West Povondra Architects
DA Davidson
Elkhorn Athletics Association
Omaha Massage Therapy
Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha
Kevin Baitey
Brad Burklund
Paul Cohen Hal Daub
Gene DeBoer Dianne Desler
John Ewing
Viv Ewing
Brett Frevert
Dawn Gonzales
Okley Gibbs
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Tom Gouttierre
Larry Guenther Bill Harvey
Gretchen Harvey
Barbara Hayman
Yolanda Hoffman
Larry Johansen
Bob Keefer
Susan Koesters
Heather Legge
Sandy Lemke
Adam Leong
John Marburger
Steve McCollister
Heidi McGinness
Camille Metoyer-Moten
Lloyd Meyer
John Mock
Jim Murphy
Roxy Orr
Fletcher Reel
Jim Scott-Miller
Deb Skinner
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
LeRoy Swedlund
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Michelle Trawick
Jennifer Trebill
Kathryn Weitz