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Rotary Club of Lake Forest - Lake Bluff
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Events

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20
Nov
2025
LFLB Rotary Club Board Meeting
Nov 20, 2025 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
26
Nov
2025
No Meeting This Week

Thanksgiving

Nov 26, 2025
26
Nov
2025
Club Meeting
Nov 26, 2025 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
03
Dec
2025
Lake Forest High School Madrigal Singers

Holiday Cheer

Dec 03, 2025

Host: Paul Lemieux

03
Dec
2025
Club Meeting
Dec 03, 2025 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
04
Dec
2025
Fill A Heart 4 Kids Food Bag Deliveries
Dec 04, 2025 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Fill A Heart 4 Kids provides Food Bags for Waukegan School District children  who have food insecurities. 
If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Randy Daniel, (847) 612-4443; randy.g.daniel@gmail.com 
10
Dec
2025
No Morning Meeting

Evening Holiday Party

Dec 10, 2025

Host: John Looby

10
Dec
2025
Club Meeting
Dec 10, 2025 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
16
Dec
2025
Bernie's Book Bank Volunteer Event
Dec 16, 2025 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Rotary Club of Lake Forest Lake Bluff, Lake Forest High School Interact Club & Rotary Club of Highland Park Highwood will be sorting donated children's books. 
The event will be followed by a pizza dinner at Silo's Pizza in Lake Bluff, IL. 
17
Dec
2025
Erik Czerwin, Owner / CEO

Prairie View Hobbies

Dec 17, 2025

Prairie View Hobbies is a club/organization dedicated to expanding chess across Illinois by offering club organization, chess instruction, and coordinating both rated and unrated tournaments and events statewide.

Erik is the Owner of Prairie View Hobbies, an organization committed to spreading chess across Illinois through club development, instruction, and statewide tournament organization. He is a certified tournament director with the US Chess Federation (USCF) and holds the designation of Senior Tournament Director (as of October 2022). In addition to running Prairie View Hobbies, Erik joined the national chess organization US Chess in 2025 as an Assistant Director of Events, where he helps plan and execute large scale national chess events.

Host: KeunAe Choe

17
Dec
2025
Club Meeting
Dec 17, 2025 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
18
Dec
2025
LFLB Rotary Club Board Meeting
Dec 18, 2025 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
24
Dec
2025
No Meeting This Week

Christmas

Dec 24, 2025
24
Dec
2025
Club Meeting
Dec 24, 2025 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
31
Dec
2025
No Meeting This Week

New Years

Dec 31, 2025
31
Dec
2025
Club Meeting
Dec 31, 2025 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
07
Jan
2026
Dr. Erin Lenart, Lake Forest High School Principal

Lake Forest High School Strategic Plan and Board Priorities

Jan 07, 2026

Host: Erin Lenart

07
Jan
2026
Club Meeting
Jan 07, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
08
Jan
2026
Fill A Heart 4 Kids Food Bag Deliveries
Jan 08, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fill A Heart 4 Kids provides Food Bags for Waukegan School District children  who have food insecurities. 
If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Randy Daniel, (847) 612-4443; randy.g.daniel@gmail.com 
14
Jan
2026
Jesse Rodriguez, Administrator

Salvation Army

Jan 14, 2026

Jesse Rodriguez is an Administrator at The Salvation Army Waukegan Corps Community Center, alongside Amanda Rodriguez, where they lead community outreach and services.

Host: Mark Dewart

14
Jan
2026
Club Meeting
Jan 14, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
15
Jan
2026
LFLB Rotary Club Board Meeting
Jan 15, 2026 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
21
Jan
2026
Joel Williams, CEO, Lake-McHr Habitat for Humanity

Building Homes, Building Community, Building Hope

Jan 21, 2026

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that brings volunteers together to help build affordable housing.  This presentation will describe ways to get involved and support this critical work, and outline the ever increasing need for housing.

Joel Williams is the CEO of Lake-McHenry Habitat for Humanity.  He has been with Habitat for about 4-1/2 years and has served in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years.

Host: Art Lewis

21
Jan
2026
Club Meeting
Jan 21, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
24
Jan
2026
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Jan 24, 2026 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Joint Volunteer Event with the Lake Forest High School Interact Club at the Northern Illinois Food Bank Facility in Lake Bluff, IL.
28
Jan
2026
Kevin Bishop, Laura Harper & Vickie Marasco

Art Impact Project

Jan 28, 2026

Spearkers:  Kevin Bishop – Board President, Laura Harper – (New) Executive Director, Vickie Marasco - Founder

In 2014, our founder (an artist and Lake County resident) created our organization after witnessing firsthand how art-making could help adolescents in drug and alcohol treatment. Inspiration came while supporting a family member through recovery and participating in family group sessions. She noticed that despite access to specialized services, words alone were not enough to support adolescents in treatment. After approaching a local intensive outpatient program with the idea of leading an art project to assist existing programming, she witnessed something remarkable: during that first session, many teens who had been quiet for months became their most verbal and expressive while making and discussing their art. In that moment of connection, care, and creativity, Art Impact Project was born.

Art Impact Project enhances emotional wellness through creative expression. We believe that art-making is one of the most powerful untapped sources of intervention available, especially at a time when access to mental health care is extremely limited and the need has never been higher.

Our programming is specifically curated for each population we serve, from middle school students to senior citizens. We offer over 100 specifically designed projects with clear objectives such as increasing positive self-awareness, building confidence, and promoting empathy for others.

Host:  John (JJ) Johnson

28
Jan
2026
Club Meeting
Jan 28, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
04
Feb
2026
Thea Colwell, LFLB Rotary Club President, FY 25/26

Club Assembly

Feb 04, 2026
04
Feb
2026
Club Meeting
Feb 04, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
05
Feb
2026
Fill A Heart 4 Kids Food Bag Deliveries
Feb 05, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:45 PM
Fill A Heart 4 Kids provides Food Bags for Waukegan School District children  who have food insecurities. 
If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Randy Daniel, (847) 612-4443; randy.g.daniel@gmail.com 
05
Feb
2026
Social Hour
Feb 05, 2026 5:00 PM
Social Hour at the Lake Forest Club 
11
Feb
2026
Ben Grum, Commander, Lake Forest Police Dept

Lake Forest Community Emergency Response Team

Feb 11, 2026

The Lake Forest Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) educates residents on disaster preparedness for potential hazards that could affect our community.

Members receive training in essential skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, and traffic control through a combination of online courses, classroom instruction, and live exercises. With this knowledge, CERT members are prepared to assist neighbors or coworkers during emergencies when professional responders may not be immediately available.

Host: Carl Marcyan

11
Feb
2026
Club Meeting
Feb 11, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
17
Feb
2026
Bernie's Books Volunteer Event
Feb 17, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Join the LFA & LFHS Interact Club Members for a volunteer even at Bernie's Book Bank.  We will meet afterwards at Silo's Pizza
18
Feb
2026
Maha Worden, Executive Director, Beacon Place

Beacon Place

Feb 18, 2026

Beacon Place helps children and families create a future in which they are prepared to achieve and pursue an elevated life by providing the support, guidance, and exposure to life experiences that will allow children and their families to envision a path to a brighter tomorrow.

Beacon Place achieves this by ensuring that children/families join our community and stay in programs that deliver a long continuum of comprehensive support, which compounds the investment of impact over many years through a focus on: growing healthy bodies, discovering strong minds and envisioning bright futures.

Maha, a dedicated advocate for children and families, brings extensive experience in youth advocacy, direct service, and program leadership to Beacon Place. Most recently, she served as Chief Program Officer at the Illinois Collaboration on Youth, overseeing prevention, intervention, and trauma initiatives.  Previously, Worden worked at CASA Kane County, supporting volunteers advocating for children in the foster system. She began her career at Mooseheart Child City and School, mentoring at-risk youth and leading quality improvement efforts.  Maha holds a B.S. from Judson University and a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University. She resides in Batavia, IL, where she enjoys spending time with her family, running, cooking, and tackling DIY projects.

Host: Sunny Lu

18
Feb
2026
Club Meeting
Feb 18, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
19
Feb
2026
LFLB Rotary Club Board Meeting
Feb 19, 2026 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
25
Feb
2026
Dr. Michael Sosulski, President, LF College

Lake Forest College

Feb 25, 2026

From a LFC Press Release July 7, 2025:

The Lake Forest College Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Michael “Mike” Sosulski as the College’s 15th president, effective August 11, 2025, following a national search. An Illinois native, Dr. Sosulski most recently served as president of Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, where he led significant advancements in academics, enrollment, and campus life.

An accomplished scholar and experienced administrator, Dr. Sosulski brings to Lake Forest a strong record of leadership in academic affairs, fundraising, and institutional innovation. At Washington College, he oversaw a 120 percent increase in applications, launched a $5 million campus innovation hub, completed a $20 million first-year housing renovation, and led the institution through its 10-year reaccreditation in 2024. He also helped secure $125 million in fundraising in advance of the college’s next capital campaign, including a transformative $15 million gift to create the Warehime School of Global Business, Economics and Social Impact.

Before his presidency, Dr. Sosulski served as Provost and Professor of German at Wofford College, where he led major investments in academic infrastructure, diversity, and governance. He has also held faculty and leadership roles at Kalamazoo College.

Dr. Sosulski expressed deep enthusiasm for joining the Lake Forest College community.

“Growing up in suburban Chicago, I saw Lake Forest as the ideal liberal arts college—personal, rigorous, and full of opportunity. The chance to return home—personally and professionally—felt like a perfect fit,” Dr. Sosulski said. “From the start, I was drawn to this community’s spirit: smart, curious, creative, and deeply caring. That’s a mission I deeply believe in, and I’m honored and excited to be part of it.”

The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Sosulski’s appointment.

Host: John (JJ) Johnson

25
Feb
2026
Club Meeting
Feb 25, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
04
Mar
2026
Kevin Magnuson

Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association

Mar 04, 2026

In 1987, a group of retired Blackhawk players got together to discuss their future in the Chicago community. Their main objective was to "give something back" to Chicago and to the sport of hockey. In that meeting they developed a three-fold mission statement for the non-profit Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association.

  1. To provide a scholarship fund for the "most deserving" high school hockey players in Illinois.
  2. To become involved in community affairs and charitable causes.​
  3. To protect and take care of their fellow alumni: "Players helping Players."

Host: Kevin Magnuson

04
Mar
2026
Club Meeting
Mar 04, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
05
Mar
2026
Fill A Heart 4 Kids Food Bag Deliveries
Mar 05, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fill A Heart 4 Kids provides Food Bags for Waukegan School District children  who have food insecurities. 
If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Randy Daniel, (847) 612-4443; randy.g.daniel@gmail.com 
11
Mar
2026
Matt & Tom Bernardi, Bernardi Securities

Municipal Bonds - Local Impact

Mar 11, 2026

Matt and Tom will explain muncipal bonds, what are they are and why they are of value to local communities

Bernardi Securities, Inc. is a leading municipal bond boutique, specializing in active municipal bond portfolio management and innovative public finance services. Their mission is to specialize in the municipal bond market to deliver superior performance for clients.  They do this by providing:

  1. Active municipal bond portfolio management
  2. Innovative public finance services
  3. Municipal credit analysis

Host: Tighe Magnuson

11
Mar
2026
Club Meeting
Mar 11, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
18
Mar
2026
Stephen Dunn, Instructional Director, LFHS

Portrait of a Learner

Mar 18, 2026

The Lake Forest High School (District 115) Portrait of a Learner is a strategic framework aiming to define essential 21st-century competencies for student success in college, career, and life. Key pillars for students include developing adaptability, citizenship, communication, confidence, critical thinking, and empathy. 

Key Components of the Portrait of a Learner:

  • Visionary Goals: The framework serves as a "North Star" for the district, focusing on developing students who are adaptable, communicative, and empathetic leaders.
  • Skill Development: The initiative aims to move beyond traditional test scores to foster skills like critical thinking and civic engagement.
  • Action Plan: Districts 67 and 115 are collaborating to align this vision with classroom practices, ensuring it is integrated into the educational experience.
  • Community Partnership: The process involves input from stakeholders across Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood to create a shared vision for student growth. 
  • This initiative is part of the broader "One LFHS" strategic plan, which emphasizes nurturing character alongside academic excellence.

Host: Erin Lenart

18
Mar
2026
Club Meeting
Mar 18, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
19
Mar
2026
LFLB Rotary Club Board Meeting
Mar 19, 2026 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
25
Mar
2026
Dr. Renée Fitzsimmons, Asst Superintendent, D67

Update on Lake Forest District 67

Mar 25, 2026

Host: Paul Lemieux

25
Mar
2026
Club Meeting
Mar 25, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
01
Apr
2026
John Westly, GM, Deerpath Golf Course

Getting the Course Ready for the Season

Apr 01, 2026

Host: Tom Marks

01
Apr
2026
Club Meeting
Apr 01, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
02
Apr
2026
Fill A Heart 4 Kids Food Bag Deliveries
Apr 02, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fill A Heart 4 Kids provides Food Bags for Waukegan School District children  who have food insecurities. 
If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Randy Daniel, (847) 612-4443; randy.g.daniel@gmail.com 
08
Apr
2026
Host: Matt Montgomery

TBA

Apr 08, 2026
08
Apr
2026
Club Meeting
Apr 08, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
15
Apr
2026
Host: Doris Lim

TBA

Apr 15, 2026
15
Apr
2026
Club Meeting
Apr 15, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
16
Apr
2026
LFLB Rotary Club Board Meeting
Apr 16, 2026 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
22
Apr
2026
RYLA Students Hosted by the Club

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Program

Apr 22, 2026

Hosts: Phil Ehrhardt & Carol Buss

22
Apr
2026
Club Meeting
Apr 22, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
29
Apr
2026
Host: Michael Morrison

TBA

Apr 29, 2026
29
Apr
2026
Club Meeting
Apr 29, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
06
May
2026
Host: Mike Obiala

TBA

May 06, 2026
06
May
2026
Club Meeting
May 06, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
13
May
2026
Host: John Oertel

TBA

May 13, 2026
13
May
2026
Club Meeting
May 13, 2026 7:15 AM - 8:45 AM
Generally, meetings are in the following format:
  • Breakfast and socializing
  • Welcome: Pledge of Allegiance, Rotary's principles, reflections/blessing, announcements
  • Sharing of joys with 'Happy Dollars' which help fund club activities
  • Focus on a Member's career or life story
  • Speaker on a topic of the week
20
May
2026
Michael Freichs, Illinois State Treasurer

The Illinois State Treasurer's Office

May 20, 2026

Michael Frerichs was first elected Illinois State Treasurer in November 2014. He has been re-elected twice and began his third term in January 2023. Frerichs is the 74th person to serve in this role.

In Illinois, the Treasurer is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer. The office invests money on behalf of the state and local units of government. Frerichs also believes in providing individuals with financial tools so they can invest in themselves.

The Treasurer does this by encouraging savings plans for college and trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, removing barriers to a secure retirement, and reuniting Illinois residents with their unclaimed property.

The Treasurer’s Office actively manages approximately $56 billion. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of principal, but the investment returns are significant. Under Frerichs’ tenure, the office has earned more than $2 billion for taxpayers through safe, smart investing.

Since taking office, Treasurer Frerichs has made significant strides in the fight for consumers by making sure Illinois residents get what is owed to them through the Unclaimed Property Program. A record- breaking $2 billion in forgotten cash and stock has been returned to individuals, employers, and nonprofit organizations under his watch.

Treasurer Frerichs also has worked to make college more affordable for families saving for their children’s future. He made changes to the Bright Start college savings program, taking it from worst to among the nation’s best. Independent analyst Morningstar awarded Bright Start their top Gold rating five years in a row. The treasurer lowered fees and provided more investment options for families.

Under Treasurer Frerichs’ leadership, Illinois now leads a bipartisan multi-state alliance that allows parents of children with blindness or a disability to save for their child without jeopardizing their federal disability benefits. Achieving a Better Life Experience Program (ABLE) is the national standard, offering high-quality and low-cost investment options. His office also led negotiations that resulted in lower fees for participants.

In November 2018, Treasurer Frerichs launched Illinois Secure Choice, a retirement savings program that will help an estimated 1.2 million private-sector workers who do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan retire with dignity.

Treasurer Frerichs was born and raised in the small, downstate farming community of Gifford, Illinois. He graduated from Yale University and spent two years in Taiwan, where he taught English to young students and learned to speak Chinese. He returned to Champaign County and launched his own technology business. He served as a volunteer firefighter. He was elected to the Champaign County Board and elected Champaign County Auditor, where he became a Certified Public Finance Officer.

In 2006, Frerichs was elected Illinois State Senator representing east-central Illinois. As chairman of the Higher Education Committee, he championed efforts to make college more affordable. He also served as chairman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee.

Frerichs was unanimously elected president of the bipartisan National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers in 2022. He also was unanimously elected by his bipartisan peers to serve as president of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) in 2023. Among his numerous honors, the College Savings Plans Network presented Frerichs with its Distinguished Service Award in 2022. He was awarded the ESGR Patriot Award in 2020 for his commitment to Illinois veterans. He also serves as vice chair of the Illinois State Board of Investment which manages over $26 billion in pension assets for state employees.

Treasurer Frerichs is married to Erica. He has a daughter, Ella, and two sons, Max, and Theo.

Host: Kevin Looby

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Rotary Club of Lake Forest - Lake Bluff
P.O. Box 168, Lake Forest, IL 60045
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