Author: Indy Rotary

  • April 17: Jeff Brohm, Purdue Football Head Coach

    Join us on Tuesday, April 17 as we welcome Purdue Football Head Coach Jeff Brohm to Rotary.  Brohm  played quarterback collegiately at Louisville and for seven seasons in the National Football League.  He was hired Dec. 5, 2016, as the 36th full-time head football coach in Purdue history and is widely regarded as one of the most innovative offensive masterminds in college football.

    On the strength of three fundamental concepts – playing harder, tougher and smarter than the opposition – the 2017 Boilermakers achieved a 7-6 record, finished tied for third place in the Big Ten Conference West Division and defeated Arizona 38-35 in the Foster Farms Bowl. Purdue won three games in November (29-10 over Illinois for the Cannon trophy, 24-15 at Iowa and 31-24 over Indiana for the Old Oaken Bucket) to become bowl eligible.

    A native of Louisville, Brohm (born April 24, 1971) earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1994. He and his wife, Jennifer, have a son, Brady, and a daughter, Brooke. Jeff is one of four family members to be a football letterwinner at Louisville, along with his father, Oscar (quarterback 1966-69), and brothers, Greg (wide receiver 1989-92) and Brian (quarterback 2004-07).

  • April 10: Indians Day at Rotary Cal Burleson, Howard Kellman and Brian Esposito

    Friday, April 6 marks the home opener for our beloved Home Team, the Indianapolis Indians. And, Tuesday, April 10 marks the return of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis Indians Day. Join the energy in the room as we welcome Rotarian and Senior Vice President of Community Affairs, Cal Burleson, (be sure to check out this great story about Cal if you haven’t yet!) to the stage. In turn, Cal will bring along and introduce Announcer Howard Kellman and Manager Brian Esposito to talk about the upcoming season and what fans can expect. There’s always a great energy in the room for this event and our caterer is even preparing a special dessert with Cracker Jack! We hope you’ll join us to cheer on the Tribe, but also to learn more about this incredible community asset.

  • April 3: Donald Davidson Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian

    Rotarians, Start Your Engines!

    It’s almost May in Indianapolis and we’re delighted to welcome the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway Historian Donald Davidson to our Rotary lunch on Tuesday, April 3.

    A passionate race fan since his teens, Davidson has been part of the IMS Radio Network broadcast of the race since 1965. He served with the United States Auto Club as statistician and historian for 31 years before becoming the Speedway’s historian in 1998. Believed to be the only full-time historian employed at any race track in the world, his stories will delight and entertain you. Even the biggest race fans always leave Davidson’s presence having learned more about the Speedway, the race and the legends who participate in the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Join us on Tuesday and bring a guest, you don’t want to miss it!

  • March 13: Tony Mason President and CEO, Indianapolis Urban League

    Join us on Tuesday, March 16 when we welcome Tony Mason, a leader with a passion for service. After earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Miami University of Ohio, Tony went on to take leadership positions at preeminent organizations such as Circle City Classic, the Super Bowl Host Committee, and trueU. Now as President and CEO of the Indianapolis Urban League, Tony leads their mission to assist African-Americans, other minorities and disadvantaged individuals to achieve social and economic empowerment.

    Tony is also active in the community and is a member of the Indiana Youth Institute’s Board of Directors and he serves on committees with the United Way of Central Indiana, the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, the Race Cultural Relations Leadership Network, the African American Coalition of Indianapolis, LISC 2020 Great Places, the Indy Chamber’s Central Indiana Regional Economic Development Plan, and the Indiana Sports Corporation. His action in the community certainly aligns with Rotary and we can’t wait to have him speak. Guests always welcome.

  • March 6: 2018 Hubs and Spokes, Presentation of Candidates

    March 6: 2018 Hubs and Spokes, Presentation of Candidates

    Back in November, a Nominating Committee made up of almost 20 tenured & engaged Rotarians met to discuss who they think would make good board members. From this list of possible board members, individuals were contacted and asked if they wanted to run for the board- 14 members said yes, 7 will be elected to represent Rotary on the Board of Directors.

    Those 14 people running for the Board of Directors have been divided up into two teams- the “Hubs” and “Spokes.” (A play on the Rotary gear that is our logo.)  Each team will present for 15 minutes on Tuesday, March 6 to showcase candidates. For more information about candidates, please click here.

    Any Rotarian who is current on their dues can vote for up to 7 board members on March 13.  Absentee (email) ballots will be available beginning on March 6 as well. (instructions forthcoming on that- watch your email inboxes.) You DO NOT have to vote strictly along “Hubs” and “Spokes” lines- you can pick and choose any seven individuals from the list of 14.

  • February 27: Baljit Oberoi Sikh Satang of Indianapolis

    February 27: Baljit Oberoi Sikh Satang of Indianapolis

    Join us on February 27 to learn something new! Sikhs have lived in the United States for over 125 years, but are often misunderstood and subjects of mistaken identity. Sikhs are the follower of a faith which originated in Northern part of India more than 500 years ago. In this presentation, we will explore brief history of Sikhs, their beliefs and learn about the community, which includes about 2,500 Sikh families in Indianapolis.

    Speaker Baljit Oberoi is a project management consultant at Roche. He has an MS in Computer Science from Purdue University and an MBA from Purdue University.

  • February 20: Barry Collier Athletic Director, Butler University

    The Butler Way…demands commitment, denies selfishness, accepts reality, yet seeks improvement everyday while putting the team above self. What does the Butler Way mean and how has it developed overtime? Join Barry Collier for a discussion at Rotary on Tuesday, February 20 regarding the principles and history behind Butler University Athletic Department’s mission and how it is put in to action every day. He will discuss the importance of trust and how having a positive outlook can give meaning to everyday life. From recruiting student athletes, to hiring new employees, through the ever-changing environment of college athletics, one constant with Butler Athletics has been the Butler Way.

    Vice President and Director of Athletics Barry Collier has served at the helm of the Butler University athletic department since August of 2006. Collier oversees the school’s 20 NCAA Division I sports. He and his staff annually support 430+ student-athletes in their quest for achievement in the classroom, in athletic competition, and in community service. Prior to his move to athletics administration in 2006, Collier was a college basketball coach at seven different institutions. As Butler’s coach, Collier led the Bulldogs for 11 years and to six postseason campaigns. In 1997, Collier mentored the Bulldogs to an NCAA Tournament appearance, the school’s first in 35 years.

  • February 13: Darnell Booker Manager, Indy Thunder Beep Baseball

    February 13: Darnell Booker Manager, Indy Thunder Beep Baseball

    On Tuesday, February 13, our Club welcomes the Manager of two time World Champions Indy Thunder Beep Baseball team Darnell Booker to our Club!  Booker will share more information about beep baseball and how the sport allows those who are blind and visually impaired to participate in competitive sports at the local and national levels.  He’ll also share information about how these inspiring athletes play America’s pastime and benefit from the social skills, team work, and sportsmanship that sports can offer.

    Booker, a graduate of the Indiana School of the Blind and Visually Impaired and Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI), currently performs outside sales for Bright Ideas and works with youth and adults with mental and physical disabilities.  He is the current Second Vice President of the National Beep Baseball Association and is passionate about his sport and his team! Join us on Tuesday and we bet YOU’LL walk away inspired too.

  • February 6: Mark Fisher, Chief Policy Officer, Indy Chamber

    February 6: Mark Fisher, Chief Policy Officer, Indy Chamber

    The Indy Chamber has partnered with the Brookings Institution and IU Public Policy Institute to study inclusive growth in the Indy Region.

    While many parts of our region are thriving, poverty is increasing and too many jobs are going unfilled. The Indy Chamber, along with many partners are developing strategies for inclusive growth to ensure shared prosperity for both people and firms. At this meeting, we’ll present the findings from our six month learning lab that will be pivotal for Accelerate Indy and our advocacy agenda going forward.

    Join Mark Fisher, Chief Policy Officer for the Indy Chamber and colleague Matt Impink as they share the fascinating findings about our City and our opportunities for more inclusive growth.

  • January 30: Jeri Warner Executive Director & Founder, Trusted Mentors

    January 30: Jeri Warner Executive Director & Founder, Trusted Mentors

    Join us on Tuesday, January 30 as we welcome Jeri Warner, founder and Executive Director of Trusted Mentors, a leading provider of mentoring relationships that empower at risk adults to remain housed and out of prison.

    Started in 2003, Trusted Mentors has a consistent record of successful outcomes. In 2016, 90% of their mentees did not re-offend while in contact with their mentors. They now provide trained, volunteer mentors to clients of 26 local agencies including Children’s Bureau, Second Helpings and RecycleForce. In 2016, Trusted Mentors was honored to be 1 of 5 agencies to receive the Visionary Award by the Indianapolis Foundation.

    Prior to starting Trusted Mentors, Ms. Warner served 10 years as Pastoral Associate at Sacred Heart Parish. She holds an MA in theology from St. John’s University in Minnesota. Join us on Tuesday- and maybe bring along your own special mentee for our meeting!