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Posted by Roger Jorgensen
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 Speakers Stela Center and Susan King: Development Director and Executive Director of Wallin Education
Stella Center was Rotary Ambassador for Peace Scholar in 2007. Originally from Bosnia her family was forced to leave in the 90’s because of war. Between the ages of 12 and 14 she lived in refugee camps. She came to Minnesota at the age of 14 and with the help of Wallin Education Partners was able to navigate the language, education and social barriers in school. The Rotary Ambassador for Peace Scholarship afforded her the opportunity to complete a Masters degree. In December, she joined Wallin Education Partners as Development Director.
Susan King is Executive Director of Wallin Edcuation Partners. Susan mentioned how pleased they are to have Stella as their development director. She experienced first hand how Wallin comes along side students to help them achieve their dreams.
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Winston R. Wallin and his wife Maxine started a scholarship program in 1992 to
provide “promising futures” for highly capable students from low and moderate income families. They believed education was the pathway out of poverty. Mr. Wallin was president of Pillsbury and later led Medtronic. The Wallin Education Program has helped over 4,000 students. The graduation rate nationally for those that begin a degree program is 60% and for low income and children of color it is 11%. However, students who receive assistance through Wallin have a graduation rate of 92%. Wallin promotes college persistence and graduation by providing not only financial aid but also
active advising and guidance. Wallin raises $ 3 million each year to fund scholarships.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- March Board meeting today
- World water day March 22 at Lakes and Legends Brewery at 1368 LaSalle, Minneapolis. $5 matching contribution for each pint raised
- Above & Beyond - May 11th. Nomination forms at front desk
- John Estall - Rotary Reads. For about 4 to 6 weeks starting in April. Reading with kids for about 1 hour per week
- Visiting Rotarian Ed Mark announced the 11th annual forum entitled, “The State of Race in Minnesota, Now and Then” will be held on April 14th at Town and Country Country Club. Registration is $25
- EP Gives event on Sat., April 30 - Rod, Bev, Mark and Jeanne all have tickets for sale
- EP Reads - Garth Stein will speak on April 19 6:30. Tickets are on sale at epreads.org (Our club got 2 tickets as a sponsor.)
- District Assembly - April 9 from 8-1 at MN State Univ. Mankato's Edina Campus. We can send 10 people
SPOTLIGHT ON JOHN CRUDELE
 John grew up in Ames, Iowa moved to Minnesota and “raised the IQ in both states!” (“Joke goes over better down there than up here.”) Through the tragedy of John losing his father to suicide he was compelled to over come his father’s greatest fear of public speaking. John’s last class at Iowa State was a speech class. Since then he has spoken over 4500 times. John’s father suffered from depression and John found himself slipping into a world of depression which led to hospitalization in 2009. Working with his doctors and providing medical history of himself and his father John was able to take advantage of a treatment plan that worked. John’s faith is evident in all that he does and it has compelled him bring his story of motivation and acceptance to children and men throughout the country. John recently took up archery and has had several remarkable experiences pursuing his new hobby.
HAPPY FINES We’re happy. And we’re willing to pay fines for being so.
- Bill Yeager met with Jim L. Jim is recovering from a brain tumor. His memory issues and mobility have improved and he hopes to join us again soon.
- Jeanne Zetah came back from Argentina and brought us a flag from Mendoza. She also mentioned the EP Reads committee is excited to announce that Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain, will be coming to speak to the community on April 19, 2016. The book was chosen for its overall appeal and insights into the human (and canine) condition.
- Dan O’Brien is back from two weeks in Florida. He took in three Twins preseason games in Fort Myer where he was able to see his son-in-law playing well and batting over 400. Dan also mentioned his appreciation of Craig Blixrud for hosting Art for the rest of the year. Finally, Dan was able to announce the birth of his granddaughter Georgia Rose to daughter Maggie four weeks ago.
- Becky Deelstra was “Happy” for her time at Senior reads last week.
- Brad Aho announced the annual Lions pancake breakfast on April 17th.
- Jane announced that there's a RYE meeting after next week's meeting.
VISITORS
Visiting Rotarian
- Ed Mark from the St. Paul Sunrise club
Prospective Members and Guests
- Rick Smudge
- Prop’s new Development Director – Mary Brown
- Joyce Bonafield Pierce - Guest of Irene
Students
- Interns Natalie Paige and Alex Modeas
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