The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
February 24, 2026 Past President Lynne Campbell started the 35th Rotary Club meeting by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The invocation was delivered by Larry Adams, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Emily Gillett.
Dennis Danowski presented the attendance data: 19 members attended in person and 2 participated via Zoom, representing 41% of the club’s membership. With the addition of 6 guests, the total attendance reached 27. The guests included Richard Toomey (our speaker from WIU), Melissa Yeast (from WIU), Amy Crosby (guest of Emily Gillett), February Junior Rotarians Dakota Thorman and Ethan Dildine; and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway.
Seven Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in recognition of recent noteworthy events. Next was the 50/50 drawing and Steve Hopper had the winning ticket with the chance to win $22 if he drew the 10 of Spades. Steve promptly drew the 10 of Spades and won the money!!
Lynne then announced that Saturday, March 7, 2026, is the District 6460 Spring Training meeting in Springfield. She also mentioned that our District is promoting an 8 in 8 Membership Challenge to have clubs get 8 new members in 8 weeks starting on March 1 and ending April 30. There will be a drawing for a $1,000 prize to host a social for the winning club.
Lynne invited Todd Lester to introduce the guest speaker, Richard Toomey, who was appointed Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Enrollment Support at WIU in October 2025. Mr. Toomey brings over 33 years of experience in admissions and enrollment support. Todd emphasized that enrollment is currently one of the most critical priorities for the university. Richard has worked in Massachusetts (his home state), Indiana, and now Illinois. His wife is also employed in higher education at another institution, and with three children—one of whom is a high school senior—this has affected the family relocating at this time.
Richard provided an overview of his extensive background in public higher education, underscoring the significance of enrollment, retention, and strategic recruitment planning. He highlighted departmental initiatives including outreach to military-affiliated students and international recruitment. He noted that demographic shifts beginning in 2001 have resulted in smaller families and, consequently, fewer prospective college students nationwide. This trend requires more deliberate and targeted approaches by his department.
Upon joining WIU, Richard identified service and process as his primary objectives. He stressed the necessity of a streamlined experience for prospective students—from initial inquiry through matriculation— ensuring visitors can easily access information and consider WIU as their preferred institution. Additionally, he is committed to community engagement, aiming to represent and serve the local community through proactive outreach.
He announced that he will be collaborating with the Board of Trustees to formulate a forward-looking strategic recruitment plan.
Richard further clarified that his responsibilities extend beyond recruitment to include retention and graduation outcomes.
Whereas recruitment previously relied on minimal contact—often limited to a single letter—current research indicates that students now require approximately 27 points of contact before finalizing their enrollment decision.
Richard expressed confidence that his professional experience aligns well with advancing WIU’s goals.
The meeting concluded with the recitation of the “Four Way Test” and the sounding of the Rotary bell, encouraging all members to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
Interested in speaking at Rotary or becoming a member, contact Tom Stites at [email protected].
Pictured, from the left: past President Lynne Campbell, speaker Richard Toomey and Rotarian Todd Lester.
