Events

• Click here for stories on how Rotarians are providing clean water and sanitation to those in need. https://rotaryserviceblog.org/tag/world-water-day/
• Click here to learn about and join the WASH Rotary Action Group, focused on clean water and sanitation projects. https://wash-rag.org/
• Click here to donate. Be sure to sign into your MyRotary.org account before completing your donation. Choose "Areas of Focus", "Water, Sanitation & Hygiene" to direct you donation for water projects. https://my.rotary.org/en/donate

Gina Ligon is the founder and director of NCITE - the largest counterterrorism research consortium in the U.S. She is an internationally known industrial and organizational psychologist with proven terrorism expertise in both the academic and policy spheres. 

Ligon has served on Office of the Director of National Intelligence panels for the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. She regularly briefs the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, National Media Exploitation Center, and other federal agencies on terrorism.

She serves on the advisory board of CREST, the U.K.-based Centre for Research and Evidence on Security Threats. Ligon has published more than 80 peer-reviewed publications related to violent extremist organizations, leadership, and collaboration, and has had federal funding for her research since 2008.

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Matthew Hansen in the editor of the Flatwater Free Press. Hansen spent 16 years at Nebraska newspapers, as a reporter at the Lincoln Journal Star and then a reporter and metro columnist at the Omaha World-Herald. The native of Red Cloud and one-time intern at the Red Cloud Chief and the Hastings Tribune now lives in Omaha and is married to Sarah Baker-Hansen, a longtime Nebraska food writer and restaurant critic. 

Dr. Helen Fagan is a leadership scholar and practitioner with specializations in Emotional Intelligence, Intercultural Mindset, Psychological Capital, and Neuroscience of Transformation. She is the founder of Helen Fagan & Associates, which provides consulting and leadership coaching to organizations, communities, and executives. A 2020 Inspire Leadership Excellence in Education award recipient and a 2021 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Fulfilling the Dream award recipient, Dr. Fagan thrives on developing the potential in leaders to create positive impact. She served as a
faculty at University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 2014-2024.

In addition to a PhD in Human Sciences with a specialization in leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Dr. Fagan holds multiple certifications and is a trained executive coach. She is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory, which she has used with developing thousands of individuals globally. From 2014 to 2019, Dr. Fagan was invited as a faculty member of the Qatar Institute for Intercultural Communication, providing workshops for
faculty, staff, and graduate students working at six US universities in Education City in Qatar. Dr. Fagan’s expertise in developing leaders, organizations, and communities has enabled her to speak in multiple nations and, at last count, four continents. Her book, Becoming Inclusive: A Worthy Pursuit in Leadership (2021), has gained popularity and provides a road map for leaders endeavoring to create environments where every team member can thrive. In 2023, she and her
team launched the twelve month Guided Leadership Development Journey. The program is grounded in leadership theory, emotional intelligence, intercultural competence, and neuroscience of transformation.

Before academia, Dr. Fagan created and led the diversity and cultural competence initiatives at Bryan Health in Lincoln, NE. Her approach was considered so innovative that Bryan Health gained national recognition and were featured in a Joint Commission (hospital accreditation body) publication. During that time, she played a key role recruiting and resettling nurses from the Philippines to address the nursing shortage in Nebraska. Dr. Fagan also worked diligently to address
the employment and healthcare needs of refugees and immigrants. She held a strong voice for eliminating the use of children as medical interpreters in healthcare settings. As an international student from Iran who arrived in the United States as an unaccompanied minor at age fifteen, Dr. Fagan has experienced a tremendous number of challenges during her life. She has used each of those challenges to inspire others, especially women, and, as a result, has received numerous awards for her contributions to the lives of others, including a key to the city of Lincoln.

In 2018, Dr. Fagan served as a Consulting Producer on a short film, The Healing of Harman. The film was directed by the Academy Award-nominated Director Seth Pinkster. This film has been used to create discussions with leaders about how communities can foster a spirit of welcoming people and embracing their healing. The film won Morehouse College’s Best Human Rights Short Film in 2020.

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Fraud and financial scams continue to threaten Nebraskans, often causing not just monetary loss but also emotional and even physical harm—especially among older residents. Unfortunately, studies show that the true extent of fraud is far greater than what is reported, making awareness and prevention more critical than ever.

The 2025 SAFE Update empowers Nebraskans with the latest tools and strategies to recognize, prevent, and respond to scams. This session will highlight common fraud tactics, key warning signs, and practical steps to safeguard yourself and those around you.

The best defense? Trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true—it probably is.

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As Outreach Coordinator for the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Ryan is the state’s front line of defense in consumer education, empowering Nebraskans to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of fraud, elder financial abuse, predatory business practices, identity theft, and Internet safety. His work isn’t just about awareness—it’s about arming individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves in an increasingly complex world. Each year, through dynamic presentations, community partnerships, and major events like the Nebraska State Fair, Ryan reaches over 20,000 citizens, ensuring that consumer protection isn’t just a policy, but a shared mission.

With years of service spanning three attorney general administrations, Ryan brings both institutional knowledge and a fresh, engaging approach to public outreach. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and continues to apply those skills—both in the office and on the golf course, where he is diligently working to turn a high-handicapper’s game into a cautionary tale for spectators everywhere.

As Outreach Coordinator within the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, Ryan has statewide responsibility for developing and implementing community-based initiatives for educating Nebraskans in the areas of consumer fraud, elder financial abuse, predatory and illegal business practices, identity theft, and Internet safety. Educational outreach services are extended to an average of 20,000 Nebraskans annually through presentations to groups of all sizes across the state and at numerous expositions and fairs including the Nebraska State Fair. Ryan’s years of service within the Attorney General’s Offices spans the past three administrations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In his spare time, he works hard at elevating a high-handicapper’s bad golf game into an art form.

Bill Kelly is Senior Producer with Nebraska Public Media, the state network of public radio and television stations affiliated with NPR and PBS. His most recent project is a new podcast called “Once Again,” which explores events in the state’s history that have relevance in today’s news. Devoted history hunters and those casually curious about history will find that each episode of “Once Again” revisits a fascinating chapter from recent Nebraska and Great Plains history and draws stunning parallels from the past to the present. The first two episodes drop May 1 and include "Meyer v. Nebraska" and "The Rise and Fall of the Ak-Sar-Ben Racetrack." In the former, Nebraska law makes teaching German to children illegal in the 1920s and today the case sets legal precedent for the U.S. Supreme Court. In the latter episode, after 70 years, Ak-Sar-Ben shuts down an iconic Omaha horse track. Can casinos revive the horse racing industry and traditions?

For many years Bill has produced, researched, and written documentaries for television and long-form news stories for radio. Topics covered have included a history of Nebraska’s death penalty, scandals involving crime scene investigators, small town law enforcement, and the impact of the legalization of marijuana on the state. He was recently inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame.

Dr. Michael Jobst is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Head of Medical Affairs at Virtual Incision. Dr Jobst led the clinical trial that secured FDA approval for the MIRA surgical robot, and he performed groundbreaking remote procedures using the new device—including surgery between Earth and theInternational Space Station.

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Learn all about Lincoln’s newest park! Joining us will be officials from Lincoln Parks Foundation and Lincoln Parks and Recreation, who will take us on a walk through the exciting plans for the 8.5-acre South Haymarket Park, soon to be built at 7th and N Streets. Presenters include Randy Gordon and Susan Larson Rodenburg of Lincoln Parks Foundation, and Maggie Stuckey-Ross and Karen Nalow of Lincoln Parks and Recreation.

According to Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, “Our ambitious South Haymarket Park will transform Lincoln’s downtown area and become a beloved destination for our residents and for visitors from miles around. An investment in this park is an investment in the continued growth of residential living downtown, economic development and tourism, and a livable community for all Lincoln residents.”

In 1964, Gordon “Mac” Hull purchased the patented recipe and built the first factory in Columbus, Nebraska. Today, under Tasty Toppings, Inc., and the leadership of Hull’s daughter Marilea, the brand remains family-owned and proudly produced in Duncan, Nebraska. 

Dorothy Lynch is going through a rebrand with the help of Eleanor Creative their team will give you a sneak peek about the future of Nebraska's beloved salad dressing! 

Rotary 14 | Lunch by the Cascade Fountain
Tuesday, June 24, 12-1pm
1250 S 27th St., Lincoln 68502
 
Bring your own lunch!
 

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Happy 4th of July holiday! 

Originally from Michigan, Ryan Wieber arrived as Library Director in Lincoln 2 ½ years ago. While in Michigan he served as library director for over 20 years at three different systems. He has degrees from Western Michigan University and Wayne State University, and he loves to share his love for public libraries and the positive impact it has on communities. He’s inspired in leading efforts to improve libraries and creating a shared vision for modern library services, while also being responsive to resident’s expectations. Ryan has been married to Molly for 34 years and they have 3 adult kids: Ben, Sophie, and Matthew who are scattered about in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Florida. He’s a Spartan and Bronco at heart but he’s adapted quickly and loves the Huskers, too.

Tracy Edgerton was appointed as President/CEO of the Lincoln Community Foundation in July 2024. Before her appointment to lead the Foundation, she served as its Vice President of Philanthropy Services and General Counsel. Throughout her career, Edgerton has led efforts to build community by investing in relationships. She has more than 25 years of experience in planned gift fundraising, nonprofit management, law, and estate and tax planning. Prior to her work at the Foundation, she managed the gift planning program at the University of Nebraska Foundation for more than 10 years. Complementing her professional experience, Edgerton has served on various civic and volunteer associations including the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission, Charitable Gift Planners of Nebraska, Nebraska State Bar Association and the Lincoln Estate Planning Council. She volunteers as a Lincoln Teammates’ mentor and has served on the Abendmusik at First Plymouth board of directors.

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Robert grew up on a farm/ranch in South Central Nebraska. He became a Rotarian in 1994 after serving as Rotary District’s 5650’s Ambassadorial Scholar to the University of Edinburgh Law School, Edinburgh, Scotland in 1988-89. He was President of his Omaha Morning Rotary Club in 2020-21.

Robert earned his undergraduate degree in Business/Finance from Doane University and MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Robert’s professional background includes his work in economic/community development, international business consulting, and insurance and financial services.

He enjoys spending time working and relaxing at the family farm/nature reserve located near Johnson Lake in the Platte River Valley. His son, Alex and wife Allie live in Mesa, AZ. He and his partner, Pam, live in Elkhorn, NE. His hobbies include music, photography, and history.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR FOCUS Club Strategic Planning; Building Stronger Rotary Clubs; Membership Retention & Growth; Rotary Club Innovation, Community & International Projects; Rotary International Foundation Giving; Peace & Conflict Resolution

ROTARY AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

• Ambassadorial Scholar, District 1020, Univ. Edinburgh Law School, Scotland 1988-89
• Group Study Exchange Team Leader, District 4370, Venezuela, 2006
• Outstanding District Chair 2010 – Rotary Group Study Exchange Team
• Group Study Exchange Team District Chair 2010 – 2013
• Vocational Training Team Chair 2013 – Present
• Presidential Citation 2016-17
• Paul Harris Fellow, 2011, 2012, 2021
• Benefactor/Bequest Society Level 1 2020-21

Dr. John Skretta was appointed by the Lincoln Board of Education in January 2025 as the interim superintendent for Lincoln Public Schools.

Prior to returning to LPS in July as the associate superintendent for Civic Engagement, Dr. Skretta was the Chief Administrator for Educational Service Unit 6 from 2019 until 2024. Dr. Skretta started his educational career at LPS as an English and reading teacher at Northeast High School in 1995. In 2000, he became an instructional coordinator at Northeast High School and then associate principal in 2001. Dr. Skretta left Northeast High School in 2004 to be the principal at Norris High School. In 2008, he was named associate superintendent for Norris Public Schools for two years before becoming superintendent in 2010.

During Dr. Skretta’s nine years as superintendent at Norris, he was named Nebraska Association of School Administrators named Dr. Skretta Region 1 Superintendent of the Year in 2012, and State Superintendent of the Year in 2017. In addition, he earned the Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Association of School Administrators in 2021. He was announced the 2021 Nebraska Career Education Outstanding Administrative Leader by the Nebraska Department of Education.

U.S. Congressman Mike Flood was sworn into office on July 12, 2022. Through the years, he has dedicated his life to advancing conservative values, growing Nebraska's rural communities, and creating jobs.

Raised in Norfolk, Mike started working in radio in high school, a passion that continued throughout his time in college at Notre Dame and law school at the University of Nebraska. In 1999, he founded Flood Communications and grew the company from one Norfolk radio station, US92, into a statewide media network. News Channel Nebraska and Flood Communications radio stations deliver content important to rural communities, including local news and weather, high school sports, morning mass, and local entertainment. Mike has created hundreds of Nebraska jobs.

In 2005, Mike was elected to represent his hometown and surrounding Madison County in the Nebraska Legislature. In 2007, his colleagues elected him the youngest Speaker of the Legislature in Nebraska history. 

In June 2022, Mike won a special election to take over Nebraska’s 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He currently serves on the Financial Services Committee where he also serves as the Chairman of the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee, a Member of the Financial Institutions Subcommittee, and a Member of the Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity Task Force. Additionally, he serves as a Member of the House Republican Policy Committee. 

Over the years, Mike has given back to Nebraska in numerous ways. He has long been active in Northeast Nebraska economic development and community efforts. Mike served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Children’s Scholarship Fund, advancing its mission to open the doors of educational opportunity for families with financial need. He has also previously served on the Board of Directors for Invest Nebraska, which is committed to growing Nebraska’s economy by assisting entrepreneurs and investing capital in companies with growth potential.

Currently, Mike is a member of the U.S. Strategic Command Consultation Committee and a councillor for the Aksarben Foundation.

Mike and his wife, Mandi, were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in 2003 where they are parishioners. The Floods live in Norfolk, where they are raising their sons Brenden and Blake.

Since there is limited space and a larger expected attendance, we are asking that everyone pre-register for this meeting. 

Click here to pre-register.

Building an Orphanage in Ukraine – This is a story of an unbelievable number of seemingly incidental connections, all of which when put together have helped provide a home for orphans in central Ukraine. It’s a story of a young man from Moldova, a rather
small land-locked country in Eastern Europe who ended up in Nebraska, a somewhat larger land-locked state. It’s also a story of that young man meeting his wife, an immigrant from Ukraine when they were students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

The story has an interesting connection to a dedicated group of people who answered the call to build an orphanage for children who have lost parents in the war with Russia. And, the story pulled in a reporter for Nebraska television stations, a Nebraska State
Senator, a Journalism Professor, a Lincoln businessman, friends from a Lincoln church who ended up in Poland greeting Ukrainians fleeing the war . . . Oh, and there’s a Rotary connection that you’ll have to wait to hear during the presentation. Don’t miss this fascinating story of an orphanage in Ukraine that will open in the near future as told by (Ewon) Ivan Gusanu (the young man from Moldova) and John Grinvalds, a reporter for KETV.

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Rose Cat Coffee Co and Reading Society is the culmination of years of dreaming, and an unrelenting hope that together we can create a connected community that will change the way that individuals with IDD are treated, valued, accepted, seen, and integrated into their own communities.