Wednesday’s meeting was called to order by President-Elect Roy More while President Dawn is away. The first order of business was the patriotic song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” accompanied by Jody Tull. Jennifer Richard shared an inspiration about service and how we can light the path for others. Song leader, Joanne Pierson, lead us in a club favorite “Put a Little Love in Your Heart”. Following this week’s birthdays were announced along with five members who are celebrating their 15 Year Anniversary as Rotarians: Sara Maddock, Kofi Gyan, Brian Schrag, Stephen Schram and Bob Hyzy.
Announcements:
- The third annual Rotary Yoga retreat is on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Early Bird sign-up ends on May 15th.
- Greg Stejskal reminded members about the 22nd Rotary Fights Summer Hunger Drive going on through March 20th.
Christopher Kolb: Bridging the gap between the University and government
Rotarian Mike Rein introduced today’s speaker Chris Kolb, VP of Government Relations for the University of Michigan. He was appointed in 2021 and recently received another 5-year appointment from Interim President Grasso. Chris oversees and provides university wide leadership and strategic vision for the government relations programs at the local, state and federal levels.He has embraced public service throughout his career. In addition to his three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, Chris was elected to the Ann Arbor City Council in 1993, and served through 2000, including being Ann Arbor Mayor Pro Tem from 1994 to 2000.
Chris began his presentation by noting that he is a “Gold Star Townie”. He lives and breathes because of this university. His parents met here and he was born at the University of Michigan Hospital, formerly the Women’s Hospital. He grew up thinking every town had a University of Michigan in it. Later he realized how unique Ann Arbor is because of the university and thinks we sometimes take it for granted don’t realize the importance of it. In today’s world there are very few universities who can match the depth and breadth of the expertise here at the University of Michigan.
Chris acknowledged the University does not pay property taxes, but the economic impact on Washtenaw County is significant. There are projects and collaborations with the city, along with traditional roads and sidewalks, infrastructure, water treatment and stormwater management, parks improvement, etc.
What does that mean? Last year, $450,000 was invested in two city parks, Bicentennial Park and Fuller Park. This coming year there is a plan to replace streetlights on Packard from State Street to Stadium, at a cost of a million dollars, and along with working on some pedestrian bicycle and traffic signal improvements.
Another unique opportunity is the University of Michigan’s partnership with Los Alamos National Lab. This partnership will bring some of the brightest and best researchers and scientists to Southeast Michigan. It will create a unique opportunity for students and researchers to work side-by-side with brilliant federal researchers, addressing some of the biggest challenges facing our country and the world. According to Kolb, it may be one of the most transformative investments the University of Michigan has ever made.
Chris concluded his presentation by answering questions from the audience.
