President Kelley Krueger called the meeting to order.

 

Members and guests celebrated September birthdays by singing “Happy Birthday,” led by Rtn. Bill Dickenson.

 

Rtn. Haley Rosendahl introduced today’s speakers, Joe Nolte and Kathy Arnold.

 

President Kelley announced that the club is seeking someone to succeed Barb Thomas as the club’s social media and website manager.

 

She is also looking for someone to take the lead on the Women and Baby Hygiene Drive while Tara recovers from a broken foot. Responsibilities include coordinating a date with Hy-Vee, recruiting volunteers to staff the shifts, and coordinating volunteers to deliver the donated items.

 

President Kelley also reminded members to pick up a RYLA/WAS flyer if they are interested in learning more about the program or making a donation.

 

IC Noon Rotary signs will also be available for members to use at upcoming events. Please feel free to take one as needed.

 

Rtn. LaDonna Wickland announced the upcoming Literacy Champions Party, which will be held on Thursday, September 24, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Kecia Boysen’s home. Members are encouraged to attend.

 

Rtn. Ann Parker shared the following announcements:

Calling All Rotarians! Help inspire the next generation of community leaders by mentoring a University of Iowa Rotaract student. Iowa City-area Rotarians are launching a new mentoring program to connect Rotaractors with local professionals who can share career experiences, offer practical guidance, and encourage students as they continue their educational and service journeys.

Mentor matches will be based on career fields and shared interests. If you are interested in making a meaningful connection with a college student, please contact ADG Ann Parker at icparkers4@gmail.com for more information. The program will begin in mid-September.

 

October 17–18, 2026 – Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)
Location: Shive-Hattery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

RLI is open to all Rotarians interested in learning more about Rotary, including leadership, service, and membership. Contact PDG Steve Wieneke at swieneked6k@gmail.com for additional information.

 

 

Rtn. Haley Rosendahl introduced today’s speakers, Joe Nolte and Kathy Arnold.

 

Joe has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 30 years as a fundraiser and development professional. What began as a personal hobby and grassroots effort, supported by his church, Prince of Peace, to raise money to help students remain in school has grown into an organization serving young people around the world.

 

As interest in the program increased, the Global Secondary Education Fund (GSEF) was officially established as a nonprofit organization in August 2024. GSEF initially committed its efforts to helping students in Zimbabwe attend secondary school and has since expanded its work to Kenya and Haiti.

 

In January 2025, members of the organization traveled to Kisii, Kenya, to visit secondary schools and meet students who are being supported through the program. The trip helped strengthen partnerships and collaboration between GSEF and local schools.

 

The organization’s mission is rooted in the belief that education opens pathways and creates opportunities for young men and women to succeed in life and explore future career options. However, for many families, the cost of secondary education is simply out of reach. GSEF works to remove those financial barriers and open doors for students to continue their education, succeed academically, and become contributing members of their communities.

 

In Kenya, soapstone is an important local commodity. GSEF supports its mission in part by selling products made from locally sourced soapstone, with proceeds helping fund students’ education.

 

In Zimbabwe, GSEF partners with the Broken Wings Initiative (BWI), which began in April 2022 with a vision to support children from vulnerable families. By 2026, BWI was supporting 19 primary students with assistance from GSEF, helping provide a pathway for those students to continue into secondary education.

 

For many families, secondary school remains a dream that cannot be achieved without the assistance of public-private partnerships and charitable support. The cost of one year of schooling—including tuition, uniforms, lunch, and stationery—ranges from approximately $280 for public school to $580 for private school.

 

Through its partnerships and fundraising efforts, GSEF is helping make secondary education possible for students who might otherwise be unable to continue their schooling.

 

Website: globalsef.org

 

 

Program: Town Hall – Updates on Club Goals and Marketing Recommendations Implementation

The program will include updates on club goals, and Brent will share an update from the implementation team working on the marketing students’ recommendations.

 

Program Chair: Rtn. Haley Rosendahl
Attendance: Rtn. Nancy Droll

 

Please send newsworthy items and/or photos to janicebaldes@gmail.com for inclusion in the weekly slide presentations.

For questions or additional information regarding club administration, please contact the Club Secretary at secretary@iowacitynoonrotary.org.