Dr. Keith R. Barnes started his appointment as the Vice President of Cultural Excellence at Rock Valley College in June 2021. Keith served as the Executive Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Pikes Peak State College in Colorado Springs, CO, and the Coordinator of Access, Equity, and Diversity at Kishwaukee College in Malta, IL. Keith has been an active member of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE) and served as the Chapter President for the Rocky Mountain chapter. Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (RMADOHE). He was also a member of the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education (NCORE) National Advisory Council.  Keith is a current and founding member of the Illinois Community College Diversity Commission. Keith was a founding member of the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) Equity and Inclusion Council.

     Keith earned a Bachelor of Science: Organizational/Corporate Communications, a Master of Science in Education: Adult and Continuing Education, a Master of Science in Education: Instructional Technology, and a Doctor of Education: Community College Leadership, all from Northern Illinois University. Keith received an ADA Coordinator Training Certification from the University of Missouri and the Great Plains ADA Center, was certified as an Intercultural Development Inventory Qualified Administrator, and is a member of the National ADA Trainer Leadership Network (TLN) in association with the Great Lakes ADA Center.

     Keith is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and he founded Joshua Bee, LLC, based in Boulder, CO, to provide training, consulting, and lectures/presentations on various topics involving higher education leadership and student success. Joshua Bee was named after his son, Joshua Barnes, who passed away on October 24, 2011, after a premature birth. Keith is married to Dr. Teresa Barnes, and they reside in Boone County, Illinois, with their daughter, India Barnes.

     Keith's presentation is titled " Creating Cultural Excellence and Belonging at RVC" and he will discuss how the college is preparing students to thrive in a diverse and global world.

    This promises to be an interesting and informative program and one to invite a guest or prospective member to join us in person at Memorial Hall or via Zoom.  Elise Cadigan will introduce our presenter and act as Rotary host.  

 

     Before becoming Mayor of Rockford, Tom McNamara proudly held his two favorite titles—husband and father. Since taking office, he has focused on improving public safety, revitalizing neighborhoods and driving economic growth. He’s led efforts to lower property taxes and has appointed diverse, fiscally responsible leaders to city boards and commissions—people who share his commitment to using taxpayer dollars wisely and effectively.

     The mayor will give us his annual update about what is going on with the city of Rockford and some of the services it provides. 

     This is always an interesting and informative program and one to invite a guest or prospective member to join us in person at Memorial Hall or via Zoom.

     President Paul will introduce the mayor and act as Rotary Host. 

 

 

 

Rotary Lunches 

 

     We will continue to serve lunches for $12 each week.  We currently are having food from the Sandwich Shop, but we will alternate each month between Beef-A-Roo and the Sandwich Shop.  Monica will be more than happy to take your money for lunch. 

 

Jim Coffey, Secretary