Author: Indy Rotary

  • Thomas Riley Lugar Memorial Contribution

    Thomas Riley Lugar Memorial Contribution

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    Rotarian, Thomas Riley Lugar

    Indianapolis – Thomas Riley Lugar passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 9, 2018. He was born in Indianapolis on August 8, 1933 to Marvin & Bertha (Green) Lugar. Tom graduated from Shortridge High School in 1951 and received a M.E. degree from Purdue University in 1955. After college, he briefly worked for Allison/Jet Engine Division until serving in the United States Army. In 1957 Tom joined his family business, Thomas L. Green & Co., Inc., a manufacturer of biscuit and cracker baking equipment founded by his grandfather. He served as president for more than 50 years. The company became a division of Reading Bakery Systems in 2001 and Tom remained active until shortly before his passing.

    Tom married Sarah (Sally) Schnaiter Lugar on April 12, 1958 and they were blessed with three children and five grandchildren.

    Tom was a man of deep faith and lived by simple philosophies – honesty, fairness, service, and love, which he applied both personally and professionally. Throughout his business life, Tom valued long-term relationships which resulted in life-long friendships throughout the world. Within the industry, Tom served as treasurer for the Cookie & Snack Bakers Assn. for more than 40 years and was active within the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers Assn.

    Tom always displayed a caring concern for others, felt a calling for service within his own community and faithfully lived the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”. Without fanfare, Tom served as President, board member, and foundation board member for the Rotary Club of Indianapolis and had perfect weekly meeting attendance for 42 years. This June, Tom accepted the club’s Lifetime Achievement Award award. Tom also served on the board of Methodist Hospital for 14 years and served as Chairman of the Board for four years.

    In his youth, Tom achieved Eagle Scout status and remained active with the Crossroads of America Council – Boy Scouts of America. He received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award for his years of service. Additionally, Tom served on the board of the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, remained active with the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and was a long-time member of the John Purdue Club, YPO, IPO and WPO. To honor his community service, Tom received the Sagamore of the Wabash award. Tom was a former member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and was an active member of Meridian Street Methodist Church.

    Tom enjoyed his home life and spending time with family. Affectionately known as “Uncle Tom” by friends and family alike, he could always be called upon for a graceful prayer, a memorable toast or a silly joke in a style only he could deliver. Tom used his humor and wit to make every occasion special.

    Tom raised orchids in his greenhouse, spent years building complex model ships and enjoyed capturing memories through photography—taking, printing and sharing with others. He also loved cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers, playing bridge with friends and watching and participating in the various activities of his wife, children and grandchildren.

    He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sally; sons Todd Lugar (Linda) and Scott Lugar (Teresa); daughter Nancy Lugar Fogle (Paul); grandchildren: Austin Lugar, Ryan Lugar, Benjamin Lugar (Emily), Brandon Lugar, and Megan Lugar; brother Richard Lugar (Charlene); sister Anne (Lugar) Johnson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Betsy Carpenter; sister-in-law Sharon Schnaiter; and step sister-in-law Lynn Caldwell; He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Lugar and Bertha Green Lugar Caldwell; step-father Howard Caldwell Sr.; step-brother Howard Caldwell Jr.; and brothers-in-law Harlow Johnson and Warren Schnaiter.

    A visitation will be held Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 3-7 pm at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel, 740 East 86th Street. A funeral service will be held at Meridian Street Methodist Church, 5500 N. Meridian Street at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 17, 2018.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation (650 N. Meridian St., Indpls., IN 46204), the Crossroads of America Council – Boy Scouts of America (7125 Fall Creek Rd North, Indpls., IN 46256), Meridian Street Methodist Church (5500 N. Meridian St., Indpls., IN 46208), or your favorite charity.

    To share a memory, please visit www.leppert-mortuary.com.
    Published in the The Indianapolis Star on Aug. 12, 2018

  • August 14: Vine Society Adam Vandoski & Phil Daniels

    What’s the secret to building meaningful relationships for your organization? Join Adam Vandoski and Phil Daniels as they share how the “slow wine dinner” is revolutionizing how business and charitable organizations engage with their top relationships. Their business, Vine Society, is a wine experience company that provides world-class food, sommelier selected wine, and “wine 101” training for relationship-minded organizations. A wine pairing with lunch by MBP Catering will be available.

    For Adam and Phil, wine and food are catalysts for human connection. As trained sommeliers and former business executives, they are passionate about creating experiences that help people connect for business, personal and charitable interests. They started their company, Vine Society, to do just that: improve relationships through wine and food. The wine experience company offers business and not-for-profit organizations a unique way to engage their relationships, through world-class food and curated wine dinners. And it doesn’t stop there: Adam and Phil regularly visit wine makers around the world to discover small production, artisan producers to feature in the Vine Society monthly wine club.

    The public is always welcome at Rotary. Our programs take place at the Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center and the cost is just $26 per person. It’s best to arrive by noon and know that we always conclude by 1:15.

  • July 24: Michael Crowther CEO, Indianapolis Zoologicial Society

    Michael Crowther, CEO of the Indianapolis Zoological Society, will present the story of the Indianapolis Prize, which – in just 16 years – has grown from a raw concept to its present status as the world’s leading award for animal conservation. Mike will discuss why there is a need for a wildlife conservation award, how the Indianapolis Zoo developed the Prize, and why it’s important for our community to share in its mission.

    Michael Crowther has been CEO of the Indianapolis Zoological Society since 2002. As a professional fellow of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Mike serves on several boards, committees and task forces, including the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and Visit Indy. Mike has led Indianapolis Zoo-based expeditions to Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Madagascar, Borneo, and many other locations as part of the Zoo’s mission to “empower people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation.”

  • July 17: Glen Kwok Executive Director, International Violin Competition of Indianapolis

    July 17: Glen Kwok Executive Director, International Violin Competition of Indianapolis

    Glen Kwok will give an update on the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis – what still remains the only violin competition of its stature in the United States.  He’ll share his excitement as the Competition begins August 31and will run for 17 days.

    The International Violin Competition of Indianapolis began in 1982 under the artistic guidance of the legendary Josef Gingold, distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Indiana University School of Music and world-renowned violinist.  Mr. Kwok was a student of Mr. Gingold in the 1980’s and now serves as the Competition’s second Executive Director.  He is excited to lead “The Indianapolis” in its historical 10th Quadrennial cycle and looks forward to sharing the excitement with you.

  • July 10: Martin Baier President & CEO, The International Center

    July 10: Martin Baier President & CEO, The International Center

    The International Center is a catalyst to inform, convene and connect public, private and civic global objectives in Indiana. For more than 40 years, The International Center has served as Hoosiers’ gateway to the world. Since the establishment in 1973, The Center has evolved with the times to anticipate—and meet—Indiana’s global needs.

    From customized intercultural communication training and arranging official meetings and coordinating itineraries for visiting delegations, to offering an entire suite of services for incoming expatriates and their families, The Center’s diverse staff is dedicated to serving as your guide to the world’s ever-changing cultural landscape.

    Martin joined The International Center in 2011 as VP, Programs and Services before he became the organization’s President and CEO in 2017.  He is a retired German Air Force (GAF) Lt. Colonel and has lived in Germany, Great Britain, Italy and the United States. Martin possesses senior management skills combined with more than twenty years of public service. His background includes extensive cross-cultural experience with liaison functions to international companies and other NATO forces.

  • July 3: No Meeting- Have a Happy 4th!

    We will NOT be meeting for lunch on Tuesday.

    We wish our members and community
    a safe and happy July 4th Holiday!
    We will see you back at Ivy Tech on Tuesday, July 10.

  • June 26: Celebration Dinner, The Year in Review & Welcoming in the New Year

    June 26: Celebration Dinner, The Year in Review & Welcoming in the New Year

    We will NOT be meeting for lunch on Tuesday!

    Instead, we’ll be meeting in the evening at the Indiana History Center. The last meeting of the Rotary year is always something special. Join us as we celebrate the year of President Ramona Adams- the year we all got excited, engaged and evolved!

    We may still have tickets available for the dinner and afterparty- please call the office at 317-631-3733 if you would like to order a ticket for yourself or someone special. The public is welcome and encouraged to join us for this spectacular night.

  • June 19: Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett

    June 19: Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett

    Each year, our club proudly welcomes an address from our Mayor. This year, we are excited to welcome back Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett for lunch at Rotary on Tuesday, June 19. Guests and visitors are always welcome, so please consider inviting your colleagues, friends and family for just $25 per person.

    Joe Hogsett grew up in Rushville, Indiana, a small town near the Indiana/Ohio border. His father was an aeronautical engineer, working in a Westside Indianapolis factory and his mother was a social worker. After high school, Hogsett enrolled at Indiana University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in history and political science.

    Over the years, Hogsett has balanced his time between work as a public servant and his law practice in the private sector. He served six years as Indiana’s Secretary of State and four as United States Attorney. He has also continued to pursue his academic interests. In the past several decades, he has earned three master’s degree – in English from Butler University, divinity from Christian Theological Seminary, and history from IUPUI.

    Following a campaign notable for its civility and largely focused on substantive issues facing the city, Hogsett was elected Mayor of the City of Indianapolis. Since then, Mayor Hogsett has used the results-oriented approach that he cultivated during his time as federal prosecutor to focus on public safety, neighborhoods and the fiscal well-being of Indianapolis.

  • June 12: John Krull, director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism, to discuss new Lugar Documentary

    Reason’s Quiet Warrior is a documentary about the life and times of Rotarian and Senator Richard G. Lugar.  A partnership with Franklin College, it was written and produced by John Krull with WFYI Public Media. To view the documentary, you can stream it by clicking here:.  It will also be aired on WFYI on June 24 at 8 p.m., July 16 at 10 p.m. and July 28 at 8 p.m.

    John Krull, director of Pulliam School of Journalism and journalism professor also writes 120 to 150 columns per year that are published in newspapers across Indiana, including The Indianapolis Star.  He also hosts a bi-weekly radio show called “No Limits” for WFYI, discussing news and public information.

    Krull worked as the executive director of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union and as an editorial writer, columnist and special projects reporter for The Indianapolis Star andThe Indianapolis News before becoming director of the Pulliam School of Journalism in 2004.

    During his years as a professional journalist in Indiana, Krull has earned more than 50 journalism, broadcasting and writing awards, including a Sagamore of the Wabash, the Indiana High School Press Association Louis Ingelhart Award and the Indianapolis Education Association’s Martin Luther King Award.

  • June 5: Professor Kelly Eskew, “Hoosier Hysteria- Muncie Centeral in 1964”

    In 1964, Muncie Central High School got the “death penalty” at the hands of the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) new commissioner, Phil N. Eskew, after post-game brawling at a boys basketball game led to a broader investigation of the entire program.  In the closing moments of the game, a Muncie Central opponent was bloodied by an inbound pass to the face and fans erupted in violence, swarming the floor.  The ensuing investigation revealed racial tensions, issues of sexual mores, political discord, and deep problems in the web of interrelationships that make up the phenomenon of Hoosier Hysteria.

    Kelly Eskew is a Clinical Associate Professor of Business Law & Ethics. An attorney, Professor Eskew started her law career with ten years in private practice, representing corporations and hospitals, the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, and the doctors who invented Gatorade, among others. She also served for three years as in-house counsel to IU Health, managing malpractice and employment litigation. In 2014, she joined the American Civil Liberties Union as a staff attorney and litigated civil rights cases.

    Professor Eskew started teaching in 2010 at the IU McKinney School of Law and spent several years with Butler University’s College of Business before joining the full time faculty at the IU Kelley School of Business in Bloomington in 2015.