Chartered in 1967, Madison South Rotary is a group of friendly professionals who value the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.”

While contributing to Rotary International’s worldwide projects, we also support Madison area students through scholarships and fund dozens of local nonprofits through our Foundation's Grant program.

Our club meets on Mondays for lunch 12:00 - 1:15 pm at

   Madison College Goodman South Campus
   2429 Perry Street (2nd Floor)
   Madison, WI 53713 

We enjoy fellowship, networking, a delicious catered lunch, and an informative, engaging presentation.

Madison South Rotary
P.O. Box 259672
Madison, WI 53725
 
2025-26 President
Mike True  •  (608) 327-9861
Email:  michael@schusterfamilylaw.net
Up-coming Speakers
Brook Ammerman
Jul. 14, 2025
Badger Talks - How to Talk About Suicide
Badger Talks - How to Talk About Suicide
This talk provides guidance on having open, supportive conversations about suicide. It covers common fears, misconceptions, and best practices for responding with empathy. Attendees will learn how to recognize warning signs, ask about suicide in a nonjudgmental way, and connect someone to appropriate resources.
Presenter Brooke Ammerman is an Assistant Professor of Psychology, the director of the ASSIST Lab at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a licensed clinical psychologist. Her research focuses on nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and the integration of digital technology to improve both risk detection and intervention.

 

If you are a guest, please RSVP here:  https://portal.clubrunner.ca/7391/Stories/guest-registration-form

Samantha Rubin
Jul. 21, 2025
Madison Mallards
Clean Lakes Alliance
Jul. 28, 2025
James Tye and Paul Dearlove
Rowan Childs
Aug. 04, 2025
Madison Reading Project
Lee Ann Dillis
Aug. 11, 2025
State of the Brat Stand
Club Assembly
Aug. 18, 2025
Review of Club Visioning Workshop

Cheers for Charity!

Grab a brat and an ice-cold can of beer or seltzer and hang out before the show—all while supporting a great cause.

Volunteer-run and 100% of proceeds benefit local nonprofits.

 
📍 Located just outside Camp Randall's Gate 1 at Madison South Rotary Park - 1487 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711
 
🎟️ Open to the public!
 

Tailgate with purpose!      Learn More On Facebook >>

Our Brat Stand

Our fall Brat Stand across from UW Madison's Camp Randall Stadium is our primary fundraiser. The club then returns much-needed financial assistance back to the community using a deliberate, thoughtful grant process each Spring.

Active Fellowship Groups

Social connections are the biggest reason our members enjoy our club. Unlike committees, fellowship groups are organized by club members to promote social interaction and fun.
 

About our Membership

As a medium-sized club of more than 60 active members, the Madison South Rotary club spans all ages and occupations.  
 
Meeting Recaps
By Steve Busalacchi
 
Madison South Rotary hit an impressive milestone on June 30, 2025 awarding a record 18 Paul Harris Fellows at its weekly meeting. The Club currently has 65 members, growing by 7 in our 2024-2025 Rotary year.
 
Never before in the Club’s 58-year history have so many members earned Paul Harris recognition at a single meeting, with six of the 18 receiving the award for the first time, and two reaching +8 status.
 
Outgoing President Steve Fine made it a goal to increase the number of Paul Harris Awards, and the membership responded in spectacular fashion. These 18 latest awardees join several other fellow members who earned the honor earlier in the year.
 
 
 
Paul Harris Fellow Award Recipients (L to R)
Lisa Gits - PHF +8
Steve Fine - PHF +3
Ginny Olson - PHF +8
Dan Severson - First Award
Joan Foster - PHF +1
McKenzie Clary - First Award
Paul Sukenik - PHF +2
Ellen Bernards - First Award
Jay Hinkens - PHF +4 
Kathy Newman - PHF +6
Mike Cerniglia - First Award
Steve Busalacchi - PHF +2
Don Olson - PHF +4
John Deininger - PHF +3
 
Not pictured:
Joe Dlugosz - First Award
Keith Lehnherr - First Award
Steve Iliff - PHF +3
Cary Grunder - PHF +4 
 
In 1977, Madison South Rotary welcomed its first Youth Exchange student, Youshie Hirai from Kisarazu, Japan. She quickly embraced American culture, attending West High and forming close bonds with her host families. As a gift from her home Rotary Club, she presented the Madison South Club with a ceremonial brass bell, which began a lighthearted cultural exchange that culminated in the Club gifting her a Native American headdress and peace pipe. Over the years, the bell was passed from president to president, occasionally lost, misplaced, or forgotten—only to be rediscovered and revived as a symbol of tradition. Today, it's a cherished artifact polished and displayed by each incoming Club president, who is also tasked with sharing its unique story.
In 1989, the slogan "Service Above Self" was formally established as the principal motto of Rotary, as it best conveys the philosophy of selfless volunteer service that defines our mission and purpose. Each year, Madison South Rotary awards the Service Above Self Award to a member who demonstrates their commitment to helping others by volunteering their time and talents.
 
This week, the 2024-25 award was presented Lee Ann Dillis for her generosity, leadership and commitment to the "Service Above Self" motto. Congrats, Lee Ann!
During his speech, Rotary International President Mário César Martins de Camargo emphasized the power of human connection — encouraging members to welcome new faces, collaborate on service projects, and expand our global impact. Along with this announcement, you might have noticed a change in how Rotary’s presidential message is presented. Beginning in the 2025-26 Rotary year when Mário serves as RI President, the traditional annual “presidential theme” will be replaced by a more consistent “presidential message.” This shift is designed to streamline branding and communication, ensuring a unified and cohesive voice across Rotary.
 
Read On: https://www.rizones33-34.org/a-unified-voice-embracing-rotarys-unite-for-good-message/
Rotary News Feed
A chat with 2025-26 Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo

RI's new president talks about his top Rotary moments, his goals as president, and his love of olive oil and opera

Lesson plan given a global reach

Rotary clubs in Ontario’s District 7070 ensure Durham College’s virtual classroom has a global reach

For the love of nature

Camp Kawartha in Ontario is turning out a new generation of environmental stewards