The meeting is held in the Renaissance Room located on the 2nd floor. Rotary 14 meets in a hybrid format. Join us at The Cornhusker or on Zoom. https://bit.ly/rotary14zoom
Instead, Rotary is taking it “On the Road” to visit Bryan Health (Bryan College of Health Sciences Room 204, 1535 South 52nd Street). Pre-registration was required for this event. Those attending will receive a makeup credit. Reach out to President Randy Hawthorne with any questions.
The next regular meeting will be on July 14 for 2026-2027 President Mark Feit's inaugural meeting.
Each year, Rotary 14's Rookie of the Year Award recognizes a new member who has made an immediate and meaningful impact on our club. This year's recipient has done exactly that.
Since joining Rotary 14 in January 2025, Violet Spader has embraced Rotary with enthusiasm, dedication, and a genuine heart for service. In just a short time, she has become an active and dependable presence within the club, maintaining perfect attendance while contributing to numerous initiatives, including the Dictionary Project, Programs, Membership Experience, and volunteer service at the Gathering Place.
Beyond her formal involvement, Violet is the kind of Rotarian who quietly steps in wherever help is needed. Whether staying after meetings, assisting with projects, or lending a hand behind the scenes, she consistently demonstrates a willingness to serve that strengthens our club and supports her fellow members.
What makes Violet's contributions especially meaningful is how closely they reflect the values that inspired her to join Rotary. In her membership application, she shared two guiding principles: servant leadership and "doing more good." She described servant leadership as putting people above profit, mission above metrics, and service above self. She also cited John Wesley's timeless encouragement to "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can... as long as ever you can."
In her first year as a Rotarian, Violet has shown that these are far more than words—they are principles she lives every day. Her positive attitude, willingness to serve, and commitment to making a difference have already left a lasting impression on our club.
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Rookie of the Year, Violet Spader. We are grateful for all she has already contributed and look forward to the many ways she will continue to make an impact in the years ahead.
For 25 years, Andrew Loudon has been a dedicated member of Rotary 14, and his enthusiasm for Rotary is as strong today as it was the day he joined. His commitment to growing our club, supporting Rotary's mission, and bringing people together has made a lasting impact—not only this year, but throughout his years of service.
At the beginning of this Rotary year, Andrew set an ambitious membership goal: welcoming 50 new members. Considering that our club had averaged just 11 to 13 new members annually in recent years, many viewed the target as a long shot. Andrew saw it as an opportunity to think bigger.
As chair of the membership effort, working closely with President Randy and the membership committee, Andrew helped lead one of the most successful recruitment years in our club's recent history. Together, their efforts resulted in approximately 40 new members joining Rotary 14—an extraordinary accomplishment that will strengthen our club for years to come.
Andrew's dedication extends far beyond membership. As a member of the Rotary International Bequest Society, he has demonstrated his long-term commitment to Rotary's mission through both his service and his investment in the organization's future. He is also one of Rotary's most passionate ambassadors, regularly sharing Rotary's story on social media and inspiring others to discover the rewards of service above self.
Perhaps what distinguishes Andrew most is his unwavering belief in Rotary's unique ability to unite people from all walks of life. He often speaks about the friendships and partnerships that Rotary fosters across political, professional, and personal differences. More importantly, he lives that ideal every day, creating connections that strengthen both our club and our community.
For his 25 years of dedicated service, exceptional leadership, and remarkable impact during the past year, Rotary 14 is proud to recognize Andrew Loudon as our Rotarian of the Year.
Congratulations, Andrew, and thank you for your outstanding commitment to Rotary and to Service Above Self.
Congratulations to those who received perfect attendance this year!
1 year LeeAnne Call Katrina Christiancy Laurie Fraser Scott Larson Sam Peace Violet Spader Susan Stibal Regina Werum Jay Wexler Ryan Wieber Terry Wittler
2 years Lynda Cruickshank Mark Feit Larry Keiter Jena Lambert Suzanne Sughroue Christine Weeks
3 years Barb Bartle Jan Bretz Jill Davis Todd Francisco Karla Frese Lisa Lee Mike Manga Bill Waddell Melanie Whittamore-Mantzios
4 years Bob Bartle Michael Eckelkamp
5 years Lisa Froehlich Jon Gayer Anna Hernoud Lisa Janssen Tom Klein Fred Ohles Marcia White Chuck Schroeder Mitch Lee Chris Whitney Sheila Odom
6 years Kate Holman
7 years Christie Weston
8 years Roger Lempke
10 years Christina Usher Pat Birch Erin Dobesh
11 years Molly Burns
13 years Russ Free
14 years Randy Bretz Eric Drumheller Dean Settle
15 years Jennifer Williams Kiersten Hill
16 years Mark Stephens
17 years Sandy Fabry Priscilla Henkelmann
18 years Mike Lindberg
20 years Allen Beermann Jim Griesen Randy Hawthorne
21 years Mike Wortman
24 years Chris Zygielbaum
27 years Collin McWilliams
30 years Klaus Hartmann
33 years Jim Mastera
35 years Art Knox
36 years Merle Jansen
39 years Charley Ogden
New members can't
Honorable mention for new members: Meghan Albenesius Maureen Brase Aden Davis Donna Gould Carrie Myers Andrew Norman Michaela Sweeney Jessica Wurtele
As the 2025–2026 Rotary year comes to a close, Rotary 14 extends its sincere gratitude to the officers and board members whose leadership, dedication, and countless volunteer hours have helped guide our club over the past year.
Throughout their terms, they have worked behind the scenes to create meaningful opportunities for fellowship, service, and community impact. Their thoughtful leadership has strengthened our club, supported our members, and helped position Rotary 14 for continued success.
While June 30 marks the end of their official terms, the contributions they have made will continue to benefit our club for years to come. Their willingness to step forward, lead, and serve exemplifies the very best of Rotary.
2025-2026 Officers President Randy Hawthorne Immediate Past-President Erin Dobesh Secretary Suzanne Sughroue Treasuer Tom Klein (who will continue in this role next year…or so!) Sergeant at Arms Ryan Wieber
2024-2026 Board Directors Lisa Froehlich Jon Gayer Sheila Odom Christine Weeks
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to our committee chairs, whose leadership and dedication are essential to the success of our club. Their work—often behind the scenes—keeps our programs, projects, events, and initiatives moving forward and creates opportunities for members to serve and connect in meaningful ways. Rotary 14's accomplishments are a reflection of their commitment and teamwork.
On behalf of the entire Rotary 14 membership, thank you to our 2025–2026 officers, our retiring 2024–2026 board members, and all of our committee chairs for your outstanding service and leadership. Your time, energy, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our club and the community we serve.
As the 2025–2026 Rotary year comes to a close, Rotary 14 extends its heartfelt gratitude to President Randy Hawthorne for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and service.
From the beginning of his presidency, Randy centered the year around a simple but powerful message: "You Belong Here." That theme became more than a slogan—it became a guiding principle that shaped the way our club welcomed new members, strengthened relationships, and fostered a culture of inclusion and connection.
Under Randy's leadership, membership became a top priority. Working alongside Membership Chair Andrew Loudon and a dedicated committee, the club experienced one of its strongest membership years in recent history, welcoming approximately 40 new members. This remarkable achievement reflects Randy's belief that Rotary grows stronger when people feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to serve.
Randy's year as president was not without personal challenges. During his term, he navigated a significant career change while continuing to lead Rotary 14 with professionalism, optimism, and unwavering commitment. His ability to balance new professional responsibilities with the demands of the presidency demonstrated both resilience and dedication to our club.
Throughout the year, Randy led with humility, encouraged collaboration, and reminded us that Rotary is at its best when every member feels they have a place to contribute. His leadership helped strengthen our club not only in numbers but also in spirit.
As Randy passes the gavel to our next president, Mark Feit, we thank him for a year marked by thoughtful leadership, meaningful growth, and a lasting reminder that everyone belongs at Rotary 14.
Thank you, Randy, for your service, your leadership, and your commitment to Rotary's mission. Your impact on our club will be felt for years to come.
Global Ties Nebraska is hosting a delegation of visitors from six different countries in Nebraska over the 4th of July weekend celebrating our nation's 250th Birthday. The delegation will be spending most of the day in Seward, and then heading back that evening to Jennifer Williams’ condo for a traditional BBQ and an opportunity to view private fireworks all over the city from her downtown building patio.
If you don't have plans for the 4th of July and would like to join the festivities, all Rotarians and plus ones are welcome. Please RSVP to Jennifer at 402.525.3958 or jennifer.j.williams.ne@gmail.com if you would like to attend. Happy Independence Day!
