Sgt at Arms: Chris Rath Digital Experience: Bob Keefer
Invocation & Pledge: Heather Legge
Navigator: Steve McCollister
Cashiers/Check-in: Andrea Bellamy & Aileen Warren
Admin Support: Need Volunteer
Greeters: Paul Cohen & Brian Kruse
Speaker host: Viv Ewing
Guest Speaker: Chancellor Dele Davies
Buffet Lunch is $20 for members, $22 for visiting Rotarians and guests, and $4 for beverage/attendance only. 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
A renowned academic leader, researcher, professor and pediatrician, H. Dele Davies, MD, is dedicated to transforming health science education and driving positive change within the community and beyond.
Dr. Davies serves as the chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, following the selection of Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, as president of the University of Nebraska System.
In this role, Dr. Davies is responsible for all aspects of campus leadership, program quality and operations, including six colleges, a graduate studies program, two degree-granting institutes, the professional staff and faculty of more than 6,000, and 4,500 health professions students.
Throughout his career, Dr. Davies has championed initiatives that inspire personal and professional growth, ensuring that students, faculty and staff are equipped with the tools and opportunities to excel. He is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and dynamic environment at UNMC where every individual is empowered to reach their full potential.
Dr. Davies joined UNMC in 2012, initially appointed as vice chancellor. He was promoted in 2017 to senior vice chancellor, with expanded responsibilities and direct oversight of all UNMC colleges and a health sciences library. He has served as dean of graduate studies since joining UNMC.
Prior to joining UNMC, Dr. Davies served as professor and chair of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Pediatrics and Human Development Department. Before that, he was director of the Child Health Research Unit at Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, Canada, and the Child Health Research Institute at the University of Calgary.
As senior vice chancellor, Dr. Davies has overseen numerous initiatives and helped grow UNMC's rural health programs, pathway programs, community outreach and faculty development. Under his leadership, UNMC’s overall student enrollment has grown every year with multiple new professional degree programs added. As dean of graduate studies, Dr. Davies implemented key programs focused on student development and wellness, and developed faculty as mentors and leaders.
Dr. Davies has received numerous prestigious awards during his career for his research, teaching, mentorship and community service. Since 2006, he has been recognized annually as a member of the Best Doctors of America, is a fellow of both the Infectious Diseases Society of America and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Medical Society, the Society for Pediatric Research and the American Pediatric Society.
Dr. Davies has more than 250 publications in peer-reviewed journals related to his research on infectious diseases topics, several book chapters and other scholarly publications, and numerous presentations at national and international meetings.
Dr. Davies earned his medical degree from the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine and a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Toronto Dana Lana School of Public Health. Dr. Davies also holds a master’s degree in health care management from the Harvard School of Public Health.
He is specialty-trained in pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.
Dr. Davies is a past fellow of the Academic Leadership Program, an extensive training program of the Big Ten Academic Alliance designed to help faculty leaders address the challenges of academic administration at major research universities.
Break out your summer Santa spirit and join your fellow Rotarians for our July Business Networking, generously hosted by Candi Jacobs and the Omaha Marriott at Regency!
Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, live music, great conversation, and plenty of holiday cheer. It may be five months before Christmas, but why wait to celebrate?
Thursday, July 23, 2026 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Omaha Marriott at Regency
Registration is not required! Bring a guest, grow your Rotary connections, and join us for a festive evening of fellowship and fun. Santa is taking a break, and you should too! 🎅🌴
Join fellow Rotarians, family, and friends for the 4th Annual Rotary Club of Omaha Pool Party on Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Hosted by Past President Larry Guenther and Traci Guenther, this favorite summer tradition is the perfect opportunity to relax, reconnect, and enjoy an evening of fellowship by the pool.
Complimentary food and drinks will be provided by our gracious hosts. Whether you’re catching up with longtime friends or making new Rotary connections, it’s sure to be a fun-filled evening!
This event is open to Rotarians, their families, and invited friends. Preregistration is required.
One of the highlights of our recent meeting was seeing so many of our Past Presidents together for a group photo. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the men and women who have helped lead the Rotary Club of Omaha over the years.
Each of these leaders has played an important role in our club's history. Through their dedication, vision, and willingness to serve, they have guided projects, supported fellow members, and helped our club continue its tradition of making a difference in the community.
While their terms as president may have ended, their commitment to Rotary certainly hasn't. Many continue to mentor new members, volunteer at club events, and support the mission of Rotary in countless ways.
Thank you to all of our Past Presidents for your leadership, friendship, and continued service. We are grateful for everything you have done—and continue to do—to make the Rotary Club of Omaha such a special place.
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.
Welcome to a new Rotary year—are you ready? I know I am!
I’ve been working toward the goal of serving as District 5650 Governor for the past few years, and I could not have done it without the incredible Rotarians who have come before me—especially Immediate Past District Governor Robert Rapp. Robert’s leadership over the past year has been a true lesson in humility and peacebuilding. Thank you, Robert, from all of us.
I would also be remiss if I did not recognize my husband, PDG Gary Bren. His support during this time—not only for me, but for the entire District Governor line—has been invaluable.
A new Rotary year brings new themes. This year’s Rotary International theme is “Make Lasting Impact.” Throughout the year, you’ll hear me talk about moving beyond change to true impact. Change happens in the moment—impact endures. As you plan and carry out your projects, I encourage you to ask: What lasting impact are we creating in our communities, in the world, and within ourselves?
In addition to the Rotary theme, I have chosen a personal theme for the year: Belonging. Why do we belong to Rotary? What does that connection mean to each of us? I hope you’ll reflect on this question, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts as I visit clubs across our district.
My District Governor visits begin July 7 at my home club of Omaha Night, and—with a little luck—I’ll complete all visits by the end of September. I am excited to spend time with each of you and learn what makes your clubs unique.
Rotary International President Yinka Babalola has challenged us to “Be better than your best.” I love that message. Think about your club’s projects, membership, giving, and overall experience—and ask, How can we take it to the next level? Don’t compare yourselves to other clubs. Instead, focus on becoming the very best version of your own.
Your call to action
As we begin this new year, I encourage each of you to take one simple step to strengthen a sense of belonging in your club: invite a guest to a meeting, engage a member who may be drifting away, or look at one of your projects and ask how it can create a more lasting impact. When people feel they truly belong, they stay, they serve, and they grow. Small actions, taken together, strengthen our clubs, deepen connections, and expand our reach in meaningful ways.
It is truly an honor to serve as your District Governor this year, and I look forward to connecting with many of you.
And one more important date—be sure the District Conference is on your calendar: October 23–24 in Ashland at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. It’s going to be a fantastic event… and yes, it should be a blast!
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.
Brinker Harding Breakfast
Rotary Meeting
Rotarians having lunch at Spezia L to R: Fr Lloyd Gnirk, Fletcheer Reel, and Bill Harvey
Leadership Omaha alumni gathered in Blackstone to support Dine the Line, including Mark Wong of West Rotary.
Rotary Youth Exchange committee meeting L to R: Yolanda Hoffman, Bob Keefer, Aileen Warren, Steve Gerdes, Colin McArthur, and Uniikye Washington
Rotarians at the RiverFront First Fridays L to R: Deb Skinner, President James Mackiewicz, First Lady Viv Ewing future Rotarian Philip Hoffman III, Mayor John Ewing, Mike Mancuso, and Yolanda Hoffman
Within hours of deadly floods and landslides that struck Mexico in October, Rotary members were responding. In hard-hit Poza Rica, Rotary and Rotaract members brought residents to safety, plowed mud-laden streets, and moved house to house to clean properties. The effort was supported by clubs throughout District 4185 and by neighboring districts and others abroad. The Rotary Club of Poza Rica joined the nonprofit Planet Water Foundation to install four water towers and a water block in the neediest area and deliver purified water elsewhere. The club also coordinated with World Central Kitchen to provide hot meals. Still, “we desperately need help to get back on our feet and return to our normal lives,” says club member Pepe Badillo. “The houses were a total loss. Everything was destroyed, from a single plate to the bedrooms on the second floor.”
India
The city of Thane, northeast of Mumbai, is recognized for its arts and culture scene. It’s home to drama troupes, an art expo, international film festivals, and comedy venues. What it was lacking, says Atul Bhide, of the Rotary Club of Thane Hills, was a large showcase for aficionados of the written word. To amend that, the club (which also sponsors a book-reading initiative for youth) launched the Thane Literature Festival. Over two days in November, bibliophiles toasted 22 authors and poets who read from their work and participated in panel discussions. The event honored journalist and writing coach Bachi Karkaria with the Thane Literature Festival lifetime achievement award, and judges critiqued entries in a short-story contest. “Encouraging reading habits and love for literature for Gen-Next is also our motive behind this literature festival,” says Bhide.
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 Sarah Robak at sarah.robakcfa@gmail.com.
American Express Online Giving
Archdiocesan Schools
Bennington Schools Foundation
Centris
Chase Bank
Club Foundation
Club Service Fund
CFO Systems
Creighton University
DA Davidson
Elkhorn Schools Foundation
EHPV
FNBO
Goodwill Industries
Jungle Driving
Metro Community College
Millard Schools Foundation
Omaha Massage Therapy
Omaha Public Schools Foundation
Ralston Schools Foundation
UNO College of Business Administration
Union Omaha
Westside Foundation
Individuals:
Anonymous Donor
Bill Harvey
Brad Burklund
Brett Frevert
Chris Rath
Colleen Brennan
Deb Skinner
Fletcher Reel
Fr. Lloyd Gnirk
Gretchen Harvey
Heidi McGinness
Jim Stewart
Jim Suttle
John Ewing
John Marburger
John Mock
Larry Guenther
Larry Johansen
Lisa Tonjes Moritz
Mary Daub
Hal Daub
Paul Cohen
Randy Voorst
Randy Wieseler
Sandy Lemke
Todd Lemke
Scott Buchholz
Steve Carper
Steve McCollister
Tom Gouttierre
Viv Ewing
H. Dele Davies, M.D.
Mexico
