Events

Doug Jensen is an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Planner for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources who provides technical support to local governments as they develop, implement, and assess AIS Prevention Aid plans and activities within their counties. For over three decades, he has used science-based education strategies to change people’s behavior aimed at preventing AIS spread via his leadership supporting from national to local programs. He has authored dozens of scientific papers and education resources and received dozens of national and regional awards for his work. Regionally, Doug is the Outreach Committee Chair for the Great Lakes Panel on ANS and contributes leadership as a member of the Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Committee and co-facilitates the DNR’s Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee. Last fall, he was honored to co-chair the 2024 Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference at the DECC, which has grown to be the largest invasive species event on the planet! Locally, he serves as a long-time member of the Board of Directors for the Great Lakes Aquarium and for River Quest, a local youth education program for 6th graders. He has an MS in Education and a BS in Biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. GO BULLDOGS!

The Gary-New Duluth Recreation area was shutdown by the City in 2009 due to budget shortfalls. The GND Development Alliance was created in 2013 to revitalize and transform the city into a true community center and recreation area. The initial vision and much more has been accomplished. The GND REC is a true, regional destination.

Mark Boben grew up in the far west community of Gary-New Duluth. Upon graduating from college, Mark went to work for Phillips Petroleum Company. He worked around the world including 15 years in Norway and China. His career focused on major capital projects, government relations, Health, Safety & Environment, training and QAQC. Mark and his wife, Linda, moved back to Duluth in 2009 after taking early retirement. Mark wanted to give back to his community and began with enhancing the GND Veterans Memorial and reinstituting Memorial Day ceremonies before establishing an all-volunteer non-profit organization, to revitalize and transform the GND REC.

Almost 53 Years of Medical Education in Duluth Kevin Diebel, PhD. Regional Campus Dean, U of M Medical School, Duluth Campus

We recognize that some of our state’s greatest health disparities exist in our rural areas and Native American communities. For almost 53 years, the Medical School, Duluth Campus has been working to change that through a unique emphasis on training physicians who are drawn to practicing in those communities, with a focus on family medicine and primary care.

Veterans transitioning to civilian life often face invisible wounds that traditional treatments don’t fully address. 23rd Veteran’s 23V Recon program takes a unique, proactive approach to mental health—combining physical fitness, positive psychology, and a strong sense of community to rewire the brain and reduce symptoms of trauma. In this presentation, Mike Waldron will share how this innovative 14-week program is helping veterans rediscover purpose, improve mental well-being, and reintegrate into society with confidence. Learn how this approach is changing lives and how organizations like Rotary can support those who have served.

Mike Waldron is a Marine Corps veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and is now the Executive Director of 23rd Veteran, a nonprofit dedicated to improving veterans' mental health. With firsthand experience of the struggles many veterans face post-service, Mike has dedicated his career to developing innovative solutions for reintegration and mental wellness. Under his leadership, 23rd Veteran has expanded its impact through 23V Recon, a revolutionary 14-week program that helps veterans rewire their brains for a healthier, more fulfilling life. Today, he’s here to share how this program is transforming lives and how we can all play a role in supporting our nation’s heroes.

Dear Rotarians,

We have an opportunity to help fight hunger in our area! Our Rotary Club has partnered with Second Harvest Northland to assist them in their mission to create a hunger-free Northland at their new facility in West Duluth.  

For more information about Second Harvest Northland visit:

https://secondharvestnorthland.org/

Thank you for considering this opportunity!