John Lawien,
Member of Rotary Since 2002
I was born in Duluth, MN and have enjoyed living here throughout my youth and professional career. I was educated at UMD and have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, cum laude. After a 28 year career with Wells Fargo, where I held several positions in banking and wealth management, I have enjoyed my last 8 years with RBC Wealth Management advising individuals and their families.
My favorite pastimes include spending time at our family cabin, travel, golf, and bowling. My wonderful spouse Lizette enjoys her career as a charitable trustee where she is involved in several foundation and scholarship responsibilities. Together, we enjoy just being together as we have been since I was 14. I promised I would marry her in five years at that point and it did happen on June 4, 1983, when I was 19. Lizette and I enjoy travel, our cabin, at our love of both cinema and art.
Our two sons Christian and Corbin are both graduates of UMD. Christian is a civil engineer and Corbin is a business major specializing in management information systems.
A fun fact for me was last Winter in league bowling, I bowled my first 300 game after coming close many times.
What I like best about Rotary is the feeling of joining other caring Rotarians to help others, improve our community and help make the world a better place. Additionally, the Club of peers and friends is a welcoming place every time we meet. Early in my career as I started volunteering, I will never forget my father in law telling me I needed to become a Rotarian.