Category: Programs

Rotarians are encouraged to bring an important child in their life to Rotary on Tuesday to hear a message from Susan Miles, a Riley mom who is passionate about sharing news of the hospital’s good work and invites youth to discover the power of philanthropy.

Susan travels the state visiting K-12 schools delivering the message that Riley Hospital is already at work within the local community and is an important and unifying charitable concern worthy of support.

Susan Miles will also talk about the Kids Caring & Sharing program at Riley Children’s Foundation, which offers students simple ways to help other children by fundraising for Riley’s pediatric research through their schools.  Funds raised help Riley doctors and scientists search to find new treatments and cures for kids through cancer research, diabetes research, and research into many childhood heart, lung and genetic defects.

Susan will share some of the success stories from her experience there and inspire the audience members of all ages to live the motto, “Service Above Self.”

After two years as CEO of Indiana’s second largest health care system – and the state’s seventh largest employer – Jonathan Nalli has fully immersed himself into what he calls “a deeper purpose” to drive patient-centered excellence across the statewide ministry of St.Vincent. Nalli faces an industry in transition, but he welcomes the political, economic and social change opportunities that come with his role as CEO.

As part of his larger vision, he also recognizes that St.Vincent has an important role to play in addressing the unfortunate reality that Hoosiers continue to lag behind other states when it comes to overall health and wellness – with Indiana’s population ranking 41st in the nation due to high rates of obesity, smoking, diabetes and physical inactivity.

Prior to taking over as CEO of St.Vincent Health in 2014, Jonathan was CEO of the Porter Health System in Valparaiso where he led the strategic and operational direction of two hospitals, six outpatient centers and an array of physician practices.

Prior to Porter Health, he was chief operating officer of Chestnut Hill Health System in Philadelphia for two years. In addition, he served as chief operating officer of Pottstown memorial medical center in Pottstown, pa.

Jonathan earned his master’s degree in business administration from Drexel University in Philadelphia, and his bachelor’s degree in health sciences in health administration from the University of Kentucky.

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Join Rotarian President Elect Sheila Carlson and her son, Brenden Paradies, as they talk about the journey they have taken during Brenden’s transition- he was born a female but has been living life now identifying as male.

Both Sheila and Brenden will share some of the challenges and pain this path has taken on them and the family unit, but will also share how the process has taught them what unconditional love and acceptance really mean.

The pair will bravely open up for questions from the audience as well, as they continue to share their insights and offer words of inspiration as they both learn what it means to be transgender.

Congressman Todd Rokita is excited to join Rotary and present the latest initiatives and information that will lead to better government and improved lives for Hoosiers.

As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Rokita is confronting some of America’s most critical issues including our national debt, a deteriorating transportation infrastructure, and education and workforce development. As Vice-Chairman of the Budget Committee, Rokita is battling against a tax and spend culture while proposing common-sense reforms to programs like Medicaid and Medicare. In his role as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, Rokita is fighting for a stronger educational system that returns local control and authority to parents and teachers, instead of federal bureaucrats.

Our club is excited to participate in a service project during our regular scheduled Tuesday lunch program on Tuesday, May 24!

With the help of the USO, we will be creating packages for families of recently deployed soldiers.

Everyone attending must pay $15 for lunch that day. You can pay at the door like normal, but we’d like to know about how many to prepare for- please email Greg Albright at galbright@indyrotary.org if you plan to attend.

Our club will hold our annual offsite meeting at the Indiana War Memorial on May 17.  Adjutant General Courtney Carr, the highest ranking military official in the State of Indiana, will be giving the presentation. A graduate of the United States Military Academy, General Carr also has a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and his military schooling also includes a Master’s of Science in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.  This scholarly soldier has also served as a Commander in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iraq.

Tours of the Indiana War Memorial, which is a historic landmark with incredible architecture and includes a fantastic museum, are also available before and after the event. The program is just $16.  Advance registration is required- you can see Greg after the lunch to pay for your ticket if you don’t have one yet.  You are also encouraged to bring a veteran along with you to enjoy the program!

Attendees MUST register and pay HERE, in advance for this offsite meeting. Cost is only $16.

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Judge Tanya Walton Pratt was appointed to the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, on June 15, 2010.  She was nominated for appointment by President Barack H. Obama and unanimously confirmed by the full United States Senate.

Judge Pratt began her legal career in the law firm, Moss & Walton.  She served as a county Public Defender and as Master Commissioner in the Marion Superior Court, Indianapolis, Indiana.  She was elected to the Marion Superior Court in November 1996, 2002 and 2008.

Judge Pratt is active in several bar associations, community groups, and legal education organizations, and has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including Outstanding Judge of the Year Award in 2002, and several honorary doctorate degrees.

Judge Pratt received her B.A. from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and her law degree from Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C.  She is married to Marion Superior Court Judge Marcel Pratt; they have one daughter

Rodney Mann, Executive Director, Scottish Rite Cathedral
Although the Rotary Club of Indianapolis meets in the beautiful ballroom of the Scottish Rite Cathedral each Tuesday, many members may not know the history of the building or what being a Freemason is all about.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral in downtown Indianapolis is a magnificent example of Tudor-Gothic architecture and is the home of Freemason member activities, as well as public and community events. Freemasons believe in personal honor, principle, moral and ethical behavior, and setting a good example. There is natural synergy between the Scottish Rite Cathedral, Freemasons and the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Mr. Mann will end his presentation slightly early and there will be an optional tour of the Scottish Rite Cathedral just afterward. 

Past Presidents Day
Each year, Rotary recognizes Past Presidents of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis for their past and continued service to our club. Please join us and help us celebrate these important individuals on May 3.