The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
August 25, 2026 President Nick Knowles called the Rotary Club’s 8th meeting to order with the ringing of the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. First, President Nick delivered the invocation, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Abbey Thorman reported attendance of 24 members in person representing 45% of the club’s membership. There were two visiting Rotarians: John Maquire and Tom Conklin and the guest speaker, Jeremy Robinett, who is also President of the Centennial Morning Rotary Club in Macomb.
The Happy Money portion of the meeting followed during which nine Rotarians shared special events from the previous week. During the 50/50 drawing, John McMillan held the winning ticket and had the opportunity to claim the $200 prize by drawing the 9 of Hearts from the remaining 29 cards. However, John did not win, and the drawing will roll over to next week.
President Nick provided some announcements to the club.
A sign-up form had been distributed electronically, and a printed copy was also made available for members to volunteer for cash raffle ticket sales that Ryan Van Dolah would cover in his following presentation. Nick also asked members to mark their calendars for the club’s 5th Tuesday Social on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, which will include the drawing for the $20,000 Raffle. The club will not hold its regular noon meeting that day. President Nick also announced that the club has earned the Club Excellence Award, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2025-26. This past year, the club demonstrated a commitment to achieve its goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape its future. Todd Lester was then asked to introduce the day’s speaker, Jeremy Robinett, who serves as Acting Administrator in Charge of Western Illinois University Athletics during Interim Director of Athletics Shelby Borchardt’s maternity leave. In this role, Robinett provides executive leadership for the Department of Athletics, overseeing departmental operations and supporting the University’s commitment to student-athlete success while maintaining continuity in strategic initiatives and daily operations.
A member of the Western Illinois University faculty since 2014, Robinett is Director of the School of Communication, Media, and Experience Industries and Professor of Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Administration. He has served as Western Illinois University’s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) since 2023 and currently represents the University on the NCAA Division I Academics and Eligibility Committee. As FAR, he serves as the primary liaison between the institution and the NCAA on matters related to academic integrity, student-athlete eligibility, rules compliance, and the overall educational well-being of student-athletes.
“Intercollegiate athletics play an important role in the educational mission of Western Illinois University,” Robinett said. “I am honored to serve in this capacity and remain committed to supporting our student-athletes, coaches, and staff while ensuring that our department continues to move forward during this transition.”
His work has focused on strengthening academic support for student-athletes, enhancing institutional compliance, fostering collaboration between Athletics and the broader University community, and advancing initiatives that promote student success. His collaborative leadership style and experience in academic administration, NCAA governance, and strategic planning have positioned him to provide leadership during this transitional period for Leatherneck Athletics. Robinett spoke to the group about “what’s happening at WIU” and the many changes the institution has and will be navigating. Robinett was very optimistic about the current leadership and feels confident that this is the team to “right the ship”. He stated that WIU, like all four-year colleges, is diversifying due to lower enrollment numbers, which has been occurring over many years but former administrations seemed to have “kicked the can down the road”. Lower enrollment numbers result from smaller families, economic factors, and the need for a better return on investment. WIU is ahead of many other Universities in Illinois regarding downsizing, utilizing all its spaces and budgeting based on evidence rather than projections. WIU has also been recruiting quality students— those with a 3.0 GPA—instead of trying to get more students to accommodate shortfalls, which was not working.
He emphasized that switching from four colleges to two, was a significant move that will help with workforce development, a priority with the new administration. “In my 12 years I have never felt more positive about the current administration than I do now, the morale is high and we are excited.”
Although final enrollment numbers will not be released until after the 10 day mark (the last day for refunds), Robinett felt good about this year’s enrollment.
Robinett also brought up the Goldfarb Center and its many benefits to the campus and its accommodation of performing arts students. Kim Pierce, Macomb Area Economic Development Corp., President and CEO, spoke up and said the Goldfarb Center is not only a great asset for WIU but also for the entire area. It is an economic development driver that will aid in bringing more people and businesses to the area.
For more information on topics Jeremy discussed, such as the Academic Rebuild and WIU’s Athletic calendar, visit wiu.edu/ rebuild and goleathernecks.com/calendar Before the meeting closed, Rotarian Ryan Van Dolah drew the first Early Bird ticket for the Annual Rotary Raffle, which gives the person drawn an extra ticket. This week’s winner was Angela Graves.
The club has conducted the raffle since 2020–2021, and this year marks its sixth year. To date, the raffle has helped provide scholarships totaling $30,000. The grand prize remains $20,000, with additional prizes of $2,500 for second place, $1,000 for third place, $750 for fourth place, and $500 for fifth place. Overall, the raffle continues to be a successful fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Macomb, with members selling a significant number of tickets each year.
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 lives and to “Unite for Good.”
