February 12, 2021 – Pete Smerick will talk about his experiences working for the FBI In Washington DC at its headquarters. Pete currently lives in Gurley, Alabama and will present his program from there. His presentation is "Inside the Minds of Criminal Profilers."
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
February 19 -- Gregory Renz, a Rotarian in Lake Mills will discuss his book "BENEATH THE FLAMES" in which he will tell of his experiences as a fireman in a small community, then moving to Milwaukee where he experienced a totally different and sometimes terrifying experiences.
February 26 -- Past international director, Noel Trevaskis, topic ALL SERVICE CLUBS ARE LOSING
MEMBERS INCLUDING ROTARY CLUBS. WHAT DO WE DO? Noel will discuss how we can be more dynamic and powerful than before.
March 5 -- Geologist Eric Carson will tell the fascinating story of how the last glaciation in the Baraboo
Hills came to be and formed a colossal glacial lake which created Devils Lake and caused a catastrophic flood as the glacier retreated. Ever wonder how those behemoth obelisk stones surrounding Devils Lake developed? You'll find out. Remember Eric met us at the Pope Farm and explained the geographic structure there.
March 12 – 5 on 5
March 19 – Paul Harris Recognition Program
March 26 – The Why, What, How, When of a Cancer Clinical Trial. Speaker, Rob Gooze is a member of the Madison South Rotary Club will discuss the science and objectives of a trial and the issues and perspectives of a real-life patient as Rob Gooze's wife, Mary, who has just started on a clinical trial at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.
Jim Olmsted runs the speaker program. He’s provided us with a range of interesting speakers over the last few years, both flesh-and-blood and virtual. But Jim’s fertile mind could use some assistance in coming up with program topics and contacts. Who do you know that could present us with an interesting program … hobbies, company insights, sports, hunting, crazy collectors, you name it. The only exclusions are politics and speakers that just want to sell us something. Think about the people you know … neighbors, old/new friends, people at your office or social club. Do your ruminating and then send an email to Jim at jolmsted7562@gmail.com
Thank you so much for your generous gift of $1,000 to the multi-generational UW Odyssey Project. In the attached photo, you will see five of our beautiful alumni. Two have master’s degrees in social work from UW, one serves on the UW Board of Regents, one went from homelessness to a UW bachelor’s degree and business of her own, and one directs plays in Chicago. All five say their participation in Odyssey inspired their transformational journeys and encouraged their children to view themselves as college-bound as well. These five represent just a small sampling of the nearly 500 amazing graduates of our program. Gifts like yours truly do change lives.
As we begin the 18th year of the award-winning UW Odyssey Project, we are filled with a mixture of sadness and excitement. We made the difficult decision to move the entire fall semester online for Odyssey, Odyssey Junior, Onward Odyssey, and Odyssey Beyond Bars, and this means we must work extra hard to get our low-income families the technology and resources they need to succeed. We are exploring creative ways to provide lively, engaging, and life-altering education online, but we sure miss the hugs and shared community meals!
We know that Odyssey will continue to empower families to break a cycle of generational poverty by providing them with a free jumpstart course in the humanities, enrichment for their children, wraparound support, and continued course work following graduation. The pandemic has made it especially difficult for students already struggling to put food on the table, pay their bills, fight depression, and take care of their families. Since March, many have lost jobs, childcare, transportation options, and other basics. We continue to help our new students and alumni earn college credits through our Odyssey Project Fund while also using our Odyssey Family Fund for emergencies such as groceries, gas, household supplies, and medications. Facing centuries of racial and economic injustice, our students also need assistance with obtaining laptops and internet access. We are so grateful for your financial support, as it is needed now more than ever.
Thank you again for your generous gift. Please let me know if you have ideas for me (individuals and organizations you know, for instance) as we seek new sources of funding for our future. Our website has programmatic updates, videos, student newsletters, and various ways to help us. Best wishes to you and your loved ones in staying safe during these troubling times. odyssey.wisc.edu
Sincerely,
Emily Auerbach
Professor of English; Co-Director/Founder, UW Odyssey Project
