Maddie Nicholas is the Compliance Officer for Consumer Lending - Credit Card Originations for KeyBank. Maddie also currently serves as the President of the Junior League of Akron, after previously serving as the President-Elect (2025-2026) and as the VP of Fund Development (2024-2025). The Junior League of Akron works to advance women's leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Holding both an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Human Rights Studies from the University of Dayton and a J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, she brings a unique perspective to her work and dedication to her community.
About Kelsey Graf:
Kelsey Graf is the Senior Manager of Learning and Organizational Development for Clorox Purell. Alongside her professional career, Kelsey is a dedicated leader in her community, currently serving as the Executive Vice President for the Junior League of Akron after previously leading recruitment and engagement efforts as the VP of Membership from 2024 to 2026. She proudly resides in Akron with her husband and their two dogs.
The purpose of Rotary Cares is to show our support for Akron Rotary members and their families when dealing with the loss of a loved one, the hardship of illness and also to celebrate the joy of a new baby, job, marriage or other events in their lives. Please <Click to Email us> to let us know of any news you would like placed here. Note that health related information is posted only with permission of the individual(s).
CONGRATULATIONS TOM KNAUER
Former Club President, Tom Knauer is a recent graduate of Cohort 39 of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program! 🎓
Tom shared this on social media about his recent graduation from the program: Over the past 12 weeks, this program has become such a meaningful part of my life. I’ve learned more than I expected, challenged myself in ways I didn’t anticipate, and gained perspectives and resources that I know I’ll carry forward.
But perhaps the most valuable part of this journey has been the people. An incredible group of entrepreneurs that I truly plan to know the rest of my life. Cohort 39 really is something special.
I can’t say enough good things about the staff, the instructors, my fellow business owners, and the incredible resources that make this program what it is. The time, energy and commitment are real—but so are the rewards.
Thank you, Cohort 39, for an unforgettable 12 weeks. I’m honored to be part of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumni family!
About Tom & Artists Inc:
Tom is President and Owner of Artists, Inc. a creative, versatile and nimble advertising, design and marketing communications firm. For over 75 years the company has been producing award-winning work. Tom said, “we're strategic, creativeand easy to work with. Our time in business says a lot about the quality of our work as well as thestrength of the decades-long relationships we’ve forged. Not to mention – we know what we’re doing. Much has changed in 75 years, but not our approach to business."
Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich was named Director of Athletics at The University of Akron on May 12, 2025, bringing more than two decades of business and athletics administration experience to the Zips. A servant leader and trusted advisor, Dr. Goodrich has built his career around competitive excellence, revenue growth, strong relationships, disciplined financial stewardship and an exceptional student-athlete experience.
We were honored to welcome Dr. Goodrich as a speaker at our Akron Rotary Club meeting on August 11, 2026. His presentation centered on an ambitious goal: making The University of Akron the standard by which other universities are judged.
Dr. Goodrich shared his perspective on the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics, including the new era of revenue sharing with student-athletes. He also spoke about the University’s commitment to attracting exceptional student-athletes who are creating their own blueprints for success—both in competition and beyond.
Of course, no conversation about Akron athletics would be complete without discussing the current promotion that has gone viral! With more than 2 million views, plus national stories and interviews across numerous news and sports outlets, the promotion has now generated more than 2 Billion impressions for The University of Akron.
Thank you, Dr. Goodrich, for sharing your vision, insight and enthusiasm with Akron Rotary. We appreciate your leadership and your commitment to making the University of Akron—and our community—stronger.
Go Zips!
In case you missed it! This is your reminder to snag your season memberships for a one of a kind experience.
University of Akron Athletics is giving one lucky football season ticket holder the opportunity to become the Offensive Coordinator of the Game for the Zips' home opener—an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes experience unlike anything we've ever done before.
The selected fan won't just watch from the sidelines. They'll become part of the team for the day, working alongside Head Coach Joe Moorhead from start to finish.
Here's what the winning experience includes:
- Receiving the call announcing your selection as the Offensive Coordinator of the Game.
- Being officially introduced at your own "hiring" press conference.
- Meeting with Head Coach Joe Moorhead to help script the opening offensive drive.
- Wearing a headset and standing on the sidelines as the opening drive unfolds.
- Wrapping up the day with a postgame press conference to discuss your performance.
How to Enter
All current UA season ticket holders are automatically entered into a random drawing for the promotion with every season ticket counting as an entry — e.g. 4 tickets equal 4 entries. Renew or purchase new season tickets before the deadline on August 19 to be entered!
Season ticket holders will receive additional entries for every new season ticket holder they successfully refer. Reach out to the ticket office directly or add referral information into the comments section when purchasing tickets online.
One winner will be selected at random on August 19.
Join others like Big Kat from Barstool sports and Bobby Bones of the "Bobby Bones Show." Don't miss your chance to be part of Akron Football history and experience game day like never before.
Click the button below to select your seats for this season! Fill out an Interest Form to connect with a Zips representative and learn more about seating options today.
Summer break ends September 9th!We have one more month to play...or in our case eat...Pickle Balls!! 😂 We packed the strange treat for the kids at Innes School for their last day of school, so we had to try one.
Packing resumes on September 9th at 3 pm at OPEN M Ministry.Sign up here!
Thank you packers and taste-testers Doug Kohl, Robert McGregor, Sandy Naragon, Cyndi Kane, Virginia Addicott and Jeff Naragon!
You are warmly invited to Wojno & Cheese, a special gathering on Sunday, August 23 at the Mustill Store Museum, honoring the life and legacy of Virginia “Ginny” Wojno-Forney. Ginny’s fortitude and spirit led to the founding of our organization in 1989, and nearly four decades later, her dedication to community, history, and public space continues to guide our work. As we move forward, we look to steward our public assets in ways that uplift the Cascade Valley neighborhood and the City of Akron — connecting our past to our future, and our community to one another.
This event offers a moment to appreciate her contributions, marked by an installation for our memorial garden, while reaffirming our commitment to her vision. The celebration will take place from 3 to 4 p.m., offering time to reconnect over light refreshments and a brief program. We invite you to continue the festivities from 4 to 6 p.m. with music from The Delta Hand Band, the final segment of our Jazz on the Trail summer series.
Admission is free. Kindly RSVP by August 16 to info@cascadelocks.org.
For over 100 years, Rotary Camp has served children with special needs throughout Northeast Ohio. Thanks to the generous support of so many in our community, we have made tremendous strides to fulfill our mission of “Creating a world where there are only abilities!” We need your support as we continue this voyage of making a difference in the lives of special needs children and their families.
Mark your calendar for September 26, 2026, and join us for our Akron Rotary Camp Regatta, held at our facility in the scenic Portage Lakes. Come enjoy an evening filled with cocktails, entertainment, delicious food, and fireworks as we celebrate embracing the future together.
A formal invitation will follow. Please visit rotarycampregatta.com for additional information, or contact Amanda Warner at 330.644.4512, ext. 3205 or email amandaw@akronymca.org.
Catering by Beau’s Grille and the Doubletree by Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.
We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Rotary Night Out, a fantastic opportunity to connect, relax, and support those that support us.
Mark your calendars for October 8, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00PM at Hoppin' Frog Brewery, located at 1680 E Waterloo Rd, Akron, OH 44306.
This event is more than just a social gathering; it's a chance to show appreciation. Hoppin' Frog has been a generous supporter of our Annual Chili Open, and this evening is a perfect way to give back to them and celebrate the new ownership team. Plus, it's a relaxed setting to meet fellow members and enjoy great company.
Remember, there is no cost to attend, and all food and drinks will be purchased individually. We encourage everyone to bring friends and family to make this event even more special. Your participation helps us build a stronger, more engaged Rotary community.
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a memorable evening together. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to connect and support our local business!
