Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Stan Remembers Heros and Doug Shares the Future

May 24, 2017 - At our Kiwanis meeting last Wednesday Stan Welchel read a poem to remind us of the supreme sacrifice that many ordinary soldiers have given in the lonely battlefields fought for our freedoms we take for granted every day.   There wasn’t a dry eye in attendance.  Thank you Stan for making us remember that freedom has a terribly high cost and for your honorable service for our country.  You make us all feel proud to be an American!

Our esteemed member, Doug Nefzger, is the Cedar Falls Schools Business Manager. He gave us updates of all the construction projects currently happening for educating our children and youth for making a higher caliber citizen for tomorrow and the future job market.  He shared the plans for building the new elementary school that is being built on Erik Road. It will be named the Bess Streeter Aldrich Elementary school in honor of this prolific and talented author who was born in Cedar Falls in 1881.  He also share the plans for the upgrades at Orchard Hill and North Cedar Elementary schools.  

We are at a crossroads. Thirty years from now, the Cedar Falls citizens will look back on these decisions to do these projects and rejoice.  The benefits won’t be felt until further down the road.  Doug shared that this is a huge initial construction payout, but the dividends far exceed  basic costs.  Thank you Doug for your expertise and tireless efforts to make these building projects come to fruition.  Written by Lynn Barnes

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

President Nook Shares his Vision for UNI

May 17, 2017 - We had a very special guest at our last Wednesday Kiwanis meeting.  The new University of Northern Iowa President, Dr. Mark Nook spoke to a full house of Rough Risers Club members who were there to eagerly await hearing his message.  

He began by explaining that his priority was to have the UNI graduates impact their society and communities positively and provide them the tools and knowledge to do that.  He wants all the graduating seniors to take pride in their diplomas and leave school with a smaller debt ratio than earlier students.  His main goal is to increase the student population to 14,000 and create a positive learning environment for UNI students. 

Dr. Nook recognized UNI's Athletics teams as ranking in the Top 10 for academics in the NCAA Division 1 Athletics.  This is further support that the students receive a well-rounded education in the 3 Pillars—Diversity - Educaton - Community.  

We will invite President Nook back again for updates on his successful tenure at UNI.
Written by Lynn Barnes

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

UNI Phi Sigma Episilon Fraternity and Rough Risers Join in Golf Tournament in Memory of Jerry and Jane Slykhuis

May 3, 2017 - Last Wednesday, Patrick Martin and 6 others from the UNI Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity, came to the Cedar Falls Kiwanis Rough Risers Club to speak about the upcoming Jerry Slykhuis Memorial Golf Tournament on July 15th, held at the Pheasant Ridge Golf Club at 10:00 a.m. in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  There will be a social event as well the night before at 6:30 pm at the Golf Course. 

Jerry was a fellow Kiwanian Rough Riser and a keystone member, before an untimely tragic car accident took his life and his lovely wife Jane’s.  Our Kiwanis Club along with the PSE Fraternity will be holding this event to honor Jerry and Jane’s life to bring our community together and to shape kids lives.  Kiwanis’ number one priority is kids.  All the proceeds will go to college scholarships, kid’s camps, athletes, and a small memorial park bench.  

There will be a silent auction along with autographs from Doug McDermott –UNI football jerseys that had been signed from the team members – and Minnesota Twins Tickets.

Check out this website for further details and updates.  What a fun and enjoyable way to celebrate Jerry and Jane’s life because they had given so much to the Cedar Valley’s young people all these years and continue on their legacy.
Written by Lynn Barnes