The Rolla Breakfast Rotary Club

08/17/2026

What an inspiring morning at Rolla Breakfast Rotary!

We had the pleasure of welcoming representatives from Missouri S&T Athletics, beginning with Susan Cochran, Assistant Athletic Director for Alumni & Community Relations, who gave us a wonderful overview of Missouri S&T Athletics and the important role it plays within the university and our community.

Susan shared how athletics goes far beyond intercollegiate competition. From recreation and intramurals to club sports and NCAA Division II athletics, these programs help attract and retain talented students, create a sense of belonging, build school spirit, strengthen community connections, and ultimately help students succeed and graduate.

We then heard from Head Track & Field Coach Nikki Segrest, who shared the incredible accomplishments of the men’s and women’s track & field programs. Her student-athletes continue to prove that excellence in academics and athletics can absolutely go hand in hand.

Missouri S&T’s nearly 500 student-athletes continue to excel academically, with a cumulative GPA of approximately 3.53, while representing the university in competition across the region and nation.

And what a privilege it was to hear from Owen Fraser, a mechanical engineering student-athlete and national champion who was also recognized as the Division II Men’s Scholar Athlete of the Year nationwide! Owen is an outstanding example of the dedication, discipline, time management, and hard work that define Missouri S&T student-athletes.

One of the messages that really stood out this morning was that at Missouri S&T, they are students first and athletes second. Their accomplishments in the classroom are every bit as impressive as what they achieve in competition.

We are incredibly fortunate to have these talented students, coaches, and programs right here in Rolla. Their success not only elevates Missouri S&T but also makes our entire community proud.

A huge thank you to Susan, Nikki, and Owen for spending your morning with Rolla Breakfast Rotary and sharing your passion, accomplishments, and experiences with us.

Congratulations on an outstanding year, and we look forward to cheering you on in the season ahead!

Go Miners! ⛏️

08/10/2026

Making a Difference in Our Community, One Life at a Time

This morning, the Rolla Breakfast Rotary Club had the privilege of welcoming Sarah from the Rolla Mission, who shared with us the incredible work they are doing to help individuals experiencing homelessness move toward stability, independence, and a fresh start.

The Rolla Mission is so much more than an emergency shelter. They provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week (with Sunday lunch provided by a community partner), along with free laundry services, assistance obtaining IDs, Social Security cards and birth certificates, referrals to treatment, employment support, and help transitioning into permanent housing.

One program that especially touched us was their Local Home Program. What began with the simple goal of making sure someone moving into a new home had a bed to sleep in has grown into a community-supported program that can help furnish an entire home. In 2025 alone, the program helped 177 people furnish their homes, including families working toward reunification through foster care and family support services.

We also learned about the Mission’s Rise & Rebuild Program, which focuses on helping individuals regain independence. Participants work toward employment, save 80% of their income while in the program, maintain sobriety, attend classes, and receive support and mentorship along the way.

And today we got to see what that opportunity can mean. One of the program participants shared his personal journey with us. After falling on difficult times, he came to the Mission about three months ago determined to make a change. He found employment, began saving, and recently paid the deposit and rent on his own apartment! He expects to move in very soon. 👏

THAT is what community support can accomplish!

Thank you, Sarah, and everyone at the Rolla Mission, for treating every individual with dignity, compassion, love, and without judgment. Thank you also to the volunteers, mentors, donors, churches, businesses, and community members who make these programs possible.

Our community is stronger when we work together to give people not just a helping hand, but an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Service Above Self. 💙💛

08/06/2026

What an inspiring meeting with Rotary District 6080 Governor Brad Martens!

Brad reminded us that every Rotary journey begins with something simple, an invitation. One person invites another, friendships are formed, and before long, lives and communities are changed.

Through his experiences serving in Uganda and Peru, attending Rotary International conventions, supporting the fight to eradicate polio, and visiting all 49 clubs in our district, Brad shared the incredible impact Rotary can have both locally and around the world.

One of the most powerful reminders from his presentation was that Rotary is not only about attending meetings, it is about fellowship, leadership, service, and creating lasting impact. Every member brings something unique to the organization, and together, we become a powerful force for good.

Brad also challenged us to continue inviting others to experience Rotary, because growth begins when we share our stories and proudly talk about the difference Rotary makes.

Thank you, Brad, for sharing your personal Rotary journey, your humor, your passion for service, and your heartfelt stories. You reminded us why we became Rotarians and why we continue to believe in Service Above Self.

It all begins with an invitation, and the impact can last a lifetime.

This is his page link:

https://www.facebook.com/share/18zfiSuEQw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/28/2026

🌍 APPLY NOW for Rotary Youth Exchange! 🌍

Imagine spending one unforgettable year abroad, experiencing a new culture, building confidence, learning a new language, and creating friendships that will last a lifetime.

One year. One exchange. A lifetime of impact.

If you’re ready for an adventure that will change your life, now is the time to apply for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program!

📌 Apply today:
https://yehub.net/cgi-bin/S08_get.cgi?pgid=apob0

Help us spread the word by sharing this post with students, parents, and educators who may be interested!

APPLY NOW‼️

One year. One exchange. A lifetime of impact. Are you ready to discover the world, grow your confidence, and make lifelong friendships through Rotary Youth Exchange? APPLY NOW!!🌎

🔗 https://yehub.net/cgi-bin/S08_get.cgi?pgid=apob0

07/28/2026

This morning, the Rolla Breakfast Rotary Club had the pleasure of welcoming Cathy Skelton, owner of HI Striker, Party Pro, and Bill’s Welding, as our guest speaker.

Cathy shared the remarkable story behind HI Striker, a St. James-based company that manufactures the iconic high striker carnival games and dunk tanks seen at fairs, amusement parks, sporting events, and attractions around the world—including Disney parks, Jurassic Park, the MLB All-Star Game, and even movies!

She spoke about purchasing the company in 2022, preserving its legacy while introducing innovative new products, custom designs, and modern features that continue to grow the business internationally. In addition to HI Striker, Cathy owns Party Pro, which provides event rentals including tents, tables, chairs, inflatables, games, and décor, and Bill’s Welding, a long-standing family business serving commercial and residential customers throughout the region.

Cathy’s presentation was an inspiring reminder of the innovation, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit that thrive right here in our community. Thank you, Cathy, for sharing your journey and for representing local manufacturing and small business excellence.

07/24/2026

This is a message from our District Governor, Brad Martens.
Rotary changes lives 🙏

I was fortunate to participate in a Zoom meeting this past weekend with Past Rotary International President John Germ. During our time together, John shared a powerful reminder:

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Those words perfectly reflect Rotary’s decades-long determination to eradicate polio.

What began with a bold vision has become one of the greatest public health efforts in history. One child vaccinated. One community reached. One country at a time.

Every donation. Every conversation. Every vaccination. Every Rotarian who refuses to give up. Each one is another step toward a polio-free world.

We have come too far to stop now. The journey isn't over, but together, we will finish it.

07/24/2026

This past Monday, the Rolla Breakfast Rotary Club had the pleasure of welcoming Tony Arnold, General Manager of Public House Brewing Company, as our guest speaker.

Tony shared the inspiring story of how Public House Brewing Company began in 2010 with two local entrepreneurs who turned a passion for brewing into one of Rolla’s greatest success stories. Today, their award-winning craft beers are earning national recognition while continuing to invest right here in our community.

We also learned about the exciting transformation taking place in the historic Powell Building, including:

🍺 A fully expanded brewery and production facility

🍽️ A beautifully remodeled pub featuring a full scratch kitchen with locally sourced ingredients

🎉 A future 400-seat event venue that will host weddings, concerts, community events, and university functions

🥂 Plans for an upscale cocktail bar, rooftop lounge, Airbnb accommodations, and a future home for Crêpe Escape

Perhaps the biggest takeaway was seeing local entrepreneurs investing in downtown Rolla, preserving historic buildings, creating jobs, supporting other local businesses, and helping make our community a destination for visitors from across the country.

Thank you, Tony, for sharing your vision and giving us an inside look at the exciting future of downtown Rolla. We appreciate your time and wish you and the entire Public House team continued success as these incredible projects come to life.

07/17/2026

Last night, the Rolla Breakfast Rotary Club had the privilege of recognizing Mike Scheffer with one of our club’s highest honors: Honorary Membership.

Honorary Membership is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to our community and have made a lasting impact through their leadership, generosity, and commitment to the ideals of Service Above Self. While honorary members are not active members with the obligations of regular membership, they are recognized for embodying the values and spirit of Rotary in extraordinary ways.

Mike’s dedication to our community and his unwavering support of our club have made a meaningful difference over the years. We are truly grateful for his friendship, leadership, and the positive example he sets for others.

Please join us in congratulating Mike Scheffer on this well-deserved recognition. We are honored to welcome him as an Honorary Member of the Rolla Breakfast Rotary Club.

Congratulations, Mike, and thank you for your continued service to our community!

07/16/2026

Last night, the Rolla Breakfast Rotary Club gathered for a wonderful Installation Dinner as we celebrated the beginning of a new Rotary year filled with friendship, service, and exciting opportunities to make a difference in our community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our incoming President, Jason Grunloh, and our outstanding Board of Directors and committee leaders:

- Bill Bicknell – Treasurer
- Lili Crivello – Secretary
- Walt Eversman – Scholarships Chair
- Jeff Sandquist – Scholarships Committee
- Lina Madison – Scholarships Committee & At-Large Director
- Sue Arnold – Membership Chair
- Terris Cates – Rotary Foundation Chair
- Buz Harvey – At-Large Director
- Diana Elliott – At-Large Director

We are also deeply grateful to our Immediate Past President, Daniel Fischer, for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and service during the past Rotary year. Thank you for guiding our club with vision and heart. Your leadership has left a lasting impact, and we look forward to building on the strong foundation you have created.

The evening was made even more special as we celebrated the birthday of one of our very own, Sue Arnold! Sue, thank you for your warmth, enthusiasm, and the countless ways you enrich our club. We wish you a year filled with happiness, good health, and many blessings.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening so memorable. We are excited for another year of fellowship, community service, and living Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self.

Here’s to a fantastic Rotary year ahead!

💙💛

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from the Rolla Breakfast Rotary Club! 🇺🇸

HAPPY 250 BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!!!! 🇺🇸 🦅

Today we celebrate the freedoms we cherish, the courage of those who came before us, and the strength of our amazing community.

As you enjoy time with family and friends, attend local celebrations, or watch the fireworks, we wish you a safe, joyful, and memorable Fourth of July.

Thank you to all who serve and have served our country, and to everyone who helps make Rolla such a wonderful place to live.

Happy 4th of July! ❤️🤍💙