Speakers

Dr. Kris Rolfhus is a Chemistry & Biochemistry Professor at UW-La Crosse where he leads a team of student researchers focused on collecting vital data about the safety of play surfaces and the possibility of children ingesting trace metals such as lead while at play.

They collaborate with community members through SPACE and Thriving Earth Exchange and conducted Citizen Science during Earth Fair which allowed for community participation in the sampling process.

The group's goal is to provide valuable insights that promote safer playgrounds and protect the well-being of children in our communities.

Area youth will warm the chilly winter air by sharing their gifts of merriment and song during the Rotary Club of La Crosse's annual talent showcase.

Special thanks to Katie Berkedal and Alex Attardo for organizing our program again this year.

4 Way Test Applied to Inclusion

Facilitated by Lee Rasch

Scott Rathgaber, MD 
CEO - Gundersen Health System and Bellin Health

In December, 2022, Dr. Scott Rathgaber became chief executive officer of the newly merged Bellin Health and Gundersen Health System. The combination of the two organizations – which finalized Nov. 30 – created a $2.4 billion health care system. Bellin and Gundersen have 11 hospitals and 14,000 employees.

Previously, Rathgaber had served as CEO of La Crosse-based Gundersen since 2015. Prior to the merger, Gundersen had revenues of $1.54 billion in 2021 and over 9,000 employees. Its footprint includes seven hospitals and over 60 clinics throughout western Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota and northeast Iowa.

Under Rathgaber’s leadership, Gundersen explored a possible merger with Marshfield Clinic Health System that the organizations eventually abandoned in 2019.

Immediately before becoming CEO, Rathgaber was medical vice president of the system’s hospital operations, neurosciences, general surgery, anesthesiology, emergency services, occupational health services and pharmacy.

Rathgaber is active in advocating on behalf of hospitals through the Wisconsin Hospital Association, participating in roundtables with lawmakers and traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with lawmakers. He also advocated on behalf of his and other hospitals supporting Operation Allies Welcome, in which more than 13,000 Afghan evacuees were housed at Fort McCoy in Monroe County in August 2021.

Education: Bachelor’s, Wabash College; M.D., Indiana University Medical Center

Lizzy joined The Rotary Foundation as part of the Planned Giving Team in December 2022.

At Rotary, she is responsible for cultivating and administering life income agreements, donor advised funds, and estate gifts. Lizzy’s territory covers the Rocky Mountain and Plains States to the Great Lakes (Zones 26E, 27E, 28E, and 29).

Lizzy’s involvement with Rotary dates back to high school when she was a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. For a year, Lizzy lived in Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador. Her experience with Rotary as an international ambassador fueled her passion for community leadership and involvement on a global level, which is reflected in her education and career path.

Lizzy is a summa cum laude graduate of Western Michigan University where she received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Global & International Politics. As an undergraduate, she lived in Burgos, Spain, and returned as an international studies program recruiter, encouraging peers to experience the benefits of cultural diversity through global citizenship. The Spanish Department awarded Lizzy with the Presidential Scholar, which is one of the highest academic honors at Western Michigan University. Lizzy received her law degree from Marquette University Law School, holds her law license in Wisconsin, and will soon be sworn in for Michigan. In law school, her focus was conflict resolution. She held a position as the supervisor of the Mediation Clinic and was inducted into the Pro Bono Society with over 120 hours of service. Lizzy was selected to travel to the Middle East for a specialized course in international dispute resolution. She was later recruited to participate in the 2019 International Consensual Dispute Resolution Competition in Vienna, Austria, winning best mediation strategy. Following law school, and prior to joining The Rotary Foundation, Lizzy worked as a defense attorney with Hennessy & Roach, PC. In her free time, Lizzy enjoys travelling, reading, and engaging in a variety of outdoor activities.

Lee Rasch is solidifying the date for the Leadership Series Speaker (either April 4 or 11).

A presentation on Maternal & Child Health (Rotary International's monthly theme) will take place the opposite week.

Lee Rasch is solidifying the date for the Leadership Series Speaker (either April 4 or 11).

A presentation on Maternal & Child Health (Rotary International's monthly theme) will take place the opposite week.

Continuing an effort begun by the La Crosse Tribune, our club will honor recipients from local high schools with the "Extra Effort Award".

Students will receive a financial scholarship donated through the generosity of many Rotary Club of La Crosse members.

Recipients will be joined by those who have supported them in their educational journey thus far such as their parents, administators, staff and fellow students.  

This is an ongoing project of our Youth Committee with leadership from Tom Berkedal.