#621, Club Bulletin, September 19, 2016
Program for September 19, 2016: District Governor Chris Knapp
Invocation: Diana Broderson
Club News and Happy News: Carinna Aguirre guest of Kim Warren and Mark Mather guest of Nathan Mather. Judi announced that we had raised $146 for our scholarship program in the last 4 meetings. Nathan Mather reminded us to vote in the PPEL Election tomorrow. Carlin Lawhead cheered on the winning Hawkeyes. Alan Ostergren had a great professional experience last week at Guantanimo Bay. He put in $10 for not having to use a military latrine anymore!! Melanie Alexander is happy that the Geothermal System is up and running and she is also happy to announce the Studio Tours and Art Center reception next Sunday. Charla Schafer is happy to have MCSA be an Annie Sloan recipient and she is also inviting all to MCSA's 25th Anniversary Open House. Jessica Wittman is one of the 40 under 40! Diana Gradert is happy her table could answer the fun question and that the Hawks won. Naomi DeWinter is grateful for the Kent Donation to Loper Hall and appreciative of Rich Dwyer's efforts. Mike Ruby expects to visit 35 Rotary Clubs this year. Shane Orr shared information about Day of Caring and the United Way Campaign kickoff. Scott Ingstad is proud of the Hawkeyes and the Muskies. Our community service project for September is the Healthy Living Festival. Sign up sheets are at the tables for driving golf carts.
September Rotary Membership Anniversaries go to Alan Ostergren 1 year, Jerry Riibe 3 years and Judi Holdorf for 8 years.
Program: Karen Misjak representing the Iowa College Aid Commission presented a program on the Commission's work within Iowa. If we increase college attainment rates we have more voters, more volunteers, healthier Iowans and fewer persons incarcerated. Iowa's goal is to have 70% of Iowans by the year 2025 have a higher education credential. We need to enhance the talent pipeline by working with lower income families and with adults who need more education. Iowa is number 1 in high school graduates in the nation, 22nd in Associate Degrees and 30th in BS degrees. Muscatine County has 28.7% of the population as college graduates. Karen encouraged all students to complete the FAFSA form regardless of economic status. She also said if a student graduates from college with$30,000 or less in debt they will do well in their future. Karen talked about the role of the College Aid Commission in Iowa in helping provide support in repaying loans and providing grants and scholarships. Rotarians can contribute time, ask lawmakers to increase funding and partner with community efforts. Kim Warren and Carinna are our local go to people representing the community committee involved in increasing graduation and college completion rates.