Rotary Wheel – April 3, 2012

 

From the March 27, 2012 meeting:

 

Xicotepec, Mexico:

If you have not yet contributed (and wish to do so), Harold Hulleman is still taking donations for our projects.  If you wish to contribute, please let Harold know.

 

Bicycle Project:

Also from Harold, we are still taking donations of good used bikes!  If you have some or know of someone who has some bikes, let Harold know.

 

District 6000 Conference:

The district conference Is set for April 12-14 at Riverside Casino/Hotel in Riverside, Iowa (near Iowa City).  If you wish to attend, you best make arrangements soon!

 

Senior Citizen Luncheon:

Larry Everett is heading up this effort this year.  The luncheon is schedule for April 14 at West Des Moines Christian Church.  If you can help, please let Larry know.  The time he requests you be there is from about 10:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

 

Memorial Golf Event:

Tyler Price mentioned that on April 28, 2012, a golf tournament in memory of his mother will be held at Copper Creek.  Please contact Tyler for more details. 

 

Foreign Exchange Student:

Our club will host a young lady from Italy next school year.  If you have an interest in being a host family or in learning more about it, please contact Tom Narak.

 

Farmer’s Market:

Jamie Bunn reminded us that the Farmer’s Market fundraiser is rapidly approaching.  Watch for more details in the near future.  If every club member does their part and works just 4 shifts (just two full mornings), that is all that should be needed.  Everyone needs to help!

 

Speaker:

 (note:  some of this material was taken directly from the Grandview website in addition to luncheon notes)

Mary Elizabeth Stivers arranged for our program on March 27.  She introduced our speaker:  Kent Henning, President, Grandview University.  Mr. Henning is an Iowa native (raised near McGregor), he graduated from Wartburg College (Waverly) in 1980 and went on to earn his MBA from Duke University.  He joined Grandview about 10 years ago & prior to that time worked 20 years in college advancement.  Mr. Henning is the 13th President of Grandview University.  Since Henning's arrival at Grand View, the University has experienced growth in virtually every area, including full-time enrollment, residential student population, expansion of University facilities, and addition of academic programs.  Mr. Henning pointed out that Jim Noyce of our Rotary Club is a long-time board member of Grandview. 

 

Enrollment is now approximately 2,230.  Of that total, approximately 1,650 are traditional full-time students.  About 800 of these students live on campus.  Enrollment growth has average over 6% for the past two years annually. 

 

Reasons for success and optimism were the following:

1.       Affordability.  With available financial aid, the true cost can be as or more affordable than of the state universities.

2.       Location.  The Des Moines location gives access to cultural amenities and work opportunities.  The location helps contribute to its high placement rate (95% within 6 months of graduation).  Approximately 92% of the most recent class remained in Iowa. 

3.       Focus on Strengths.  The focus in on being an excellent private liberal arts and church based institution.  Students will experience individual growth and have athletic, leadership, and many other opportunities for involvement made available to them.  In 2000, 200 students lived on campus.  That number is now 800 and plans are in the works for additional on-campus student housing.  When Kent Henning arrived on campus, 7 sports were offered.  Now 24 sports are offered that involve 650 students.  In addition, clubs, inter-murals, and organizations provide for additional involvement opportunities.  Athletic teams have also enjoyed much recent success. 

4.       Academics.  The university has a strong reputation for its academics!

 

For more information, you can refer to www.grandview.edu