The Rotary Club of Valparaiso, Indiana

06/07/2026

Excited to welcome a good friend tomorrow for our program. Know she will drop some knowledge on us.

See everyone at noon tomorrow at Harre Union on Valparaiso University campus second floor.

Debra Peters-Smith is the founder of Advanced Business Computing in Columbus, Indiana, a company that has helped small businesses navigate technology for more than 10 years through practical IT support and business solutions. She is a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses graduate, and a Certified AI Strategist specializing in practical AI adoption for small and mid-sized businesses, helping owners, leaders, and teams use AI to save time, automate tasks, improve productivity, and adapt to a rapidly changing workplace. Her approach makes emerging technology feel accessible and relevant.

Title:

Work Smarter, Not Harder: 4 Practical Ways to Use AI in Everyday Business

Description:
Join us for a practical session on four meaningful ways artificial intelligence can help professionals, business owners, and community leaders save time, reduce repetitive work, and improve productivity. Debra Peters-Smith will share real-world applications of AI that support better communication, stronger workflow systems, and more efficient day-to-day operations, with an emphasis on practical value rather than hype. ABC Computing and learn more about her here:

With over three decades of hands-on IT experience, I’ve had a front-row seat to the… · Experience: Advanced Business Computing LLC · Education: Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner · Location: Columbus · 493 connections on LinkedIn. View DEBRA PETERS-SMITH’s profile on LinkedIn, ...

06/01/2026

"We Build Lives for Good."
It does not get more fitting than hosting Valparaiso University's own president at the place our club calls home. We were honored to welcome Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., VU's 20th president, to our Monday meeting.

Rev. Konkol shared his vision for the university and how it will live out its mission. A wonderful speaker and an inspiring conversation. Thank you, Rev. Konkol, for joining us!

05/26/2026

Last week, Rotary Club of Valparaiso was proud to be part of Our Community Salutes of Northwest Indiana's annual Enlistee Recognition Ceremony, honoring area high school seniors who are choosing to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces after graduation.

Incoming President Christy Katschke represented our club at the event, one of only 65 of its kind in the nation and the only one in Indiana. To these young men and women: thank you for your commitment and your future service.

05/18/2026

A big thank you to Kris Krouse, executive director, and Bridget Harrison, deputy director, of the Shirley Heinze Land Trust for visiting today's Rotary Club meeting and sharing the incredible work their organization is doing right here in our region.

Since 1981, Shirley Heinze Land Trust has been dedicated to preserving and restoring significant natural areas across northwestern Indiana. Today, nearly 4,000 acres spanning Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Marshall, and Starke counties are permanently protected, with most nature preserves open to the public to explore and enjoy.

We are grateful for the meaningful conservation work being done in our own backyard and glad to have had the chance to learn more about this mission.

👉 Learn More: https://heinzetrust.org/

05/11/2026

Thank you to local artist Mark Zimmerman for your program today about your passion for the arts and sharing your portfolio and story. Find more here: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CZHCQj5Hf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/27/2026

Thank you so much to one of our favorite Rotarians in State Representative Ed Soliday for letting us know what is going in our great State of Indiana. Great seeing you again, Ed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmond_Soliday

04/27/2026

Thank you to all of our RYLA kids who told us about their experience at camp this summer. Thanks for sharing.

03/23/2026

Thank you to our resident Orville Redenbacher look a like in Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D. who is the 20th and current president of Valparaiso University for your program today. Thank you for sharing your stories. You did a great job! He focused on stories of faith, service, and academic excellence.

Background: An ordained minister (ELCA) with previous leadership experience as Vice President and Dean at Syracuse University.
Vision: Focuses on "roots and reach," aiming to connect, listen, and grow the university’s mission.

03/16/2026

Earlier this month, the Rotary Club of White Rock welcomed the Containment Working Group of the Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication to their weekly meeting. It was a inspiring time of sharing between the two groups and showcased how local action fuels global impact!

03/16/2026