Dr. Quentin R. Tyler has served as the Director of Michigan State University Extension and Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement since May 2021. Dr. Tyler’s role as Director is highly visible and a critical leadership position responsible for the strategic direction, operational management, and overall impact of MSU Extension across the state of Michigan. He serves as a key leader within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), fostering and supporting outreach and engagement activities that align with the University's land-grant mission. As Director of MSU Extension, Dr. Tyler provides leadership and oversight for all Extension programs, personnel which includes over 700 faculty and staff, and budget of over 106 million, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, research-based education and outreach that addresses the evolving needs of Michigan's diverse communities, industries, and individuals. As Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement, Dr. Tyler works collaboratively with Colleges across Michigan State University, Michigan’s Tribal Colleges and Universities, faculty, and staff to develop and implement strategies that enhance Michigan’s outreach and engagement portfolio, promote interdisciplinary collaborations, and strengthen partnerships with external stakeholders.

 

Prior to joining MSU, Dr. Tyler spent over 13 years serving previously in the role of Assistant Dean at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. At the University of Kentucky, he received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and a Doctorate in Sociology, with an emphasis on Rural Sociology.

 

Additionally, Dr. Tyler became a graduate of the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in June 2022.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in Loftus Day this past September! Your presence helped make it a meaningful and memorable event.

 

Several of you mentioned interest in helping plan future Loftus Days—but if you didn’t get a chance to share that or want to make it official, now’s the time! We’re forming our planning committee and would love to have you join us.

 

Our first committee meeting will be held Friday, November 7, immediately following our regular meeting, in the Michigan Room. We’ll begin planning for 2026, with a focus on Evergreen Cemetery. If you’d like to be part of the committee, please let Cathy know.

 

This is a special tradition, and we’re excited to keep it going with your help!

The following members have recently elected to resign from our club.

 

The grant period for the International Grants will be open from October 15th to November 15th, 2025.  The link for the application is below:

 

 

Each year our Foundation looks to its members to identify International Projects worthy of our assistance. Members of the Rotary Club of Lansing can sponsor grants to organizations which advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. The International Committee meets to review and score applications for funding. Funding is typically in the $1,000 to $5,000 range per project. Annually our Foundation has typically awarded a totally of $30,000 to $40,000 for international grants. If you’re interested in submitting a grant application or serving on the international committee, please contact: Kevin Schumacher, schumacher@glassenrhead.com .

The meeting on Friday Oct. 17, 2025 came to order at 12:30 by Pres. Elect Susan. After the 4-way test, a reflection by Corey Grant and the Star Spangled Banner, played by Earl Reisdorff, the meeting got underway.

 

There were visiting Rotarians.

 

The Health of the Club report brought news that Sarah Garcia can’t get a break…well actually she did get a break of her foot!

 

Special music was jazzy today, with performances from the LCC Jazz Combo, who are all part of the big jazz band at LCC. Director of jazz band, professor Jon Herwirtz, announced that LCC enrollment in music is up and there will be swing dancing next Friday. The group performed two songs: the first by Miles Davis, called All Blues, and the second being Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.

 

Announcements:

 

  1.  The International Grant Application is underway and will close on Nov. 15. The application link is in the Rotogram and our website.
​​​​​  2.  Contact Bilky Joda-Miller to purchase tickets for the 41st Martin Luther King Jr. Brunchy on Jan. 19, 2026. 

  3.  Jeff Crippen was  presented with two “silver spoons” for donations made for his two new grandchildren.

 

Chair of the Day Michelle Reynaert introduced our speaker, Cathleen Edgerly, executive director of Downtown Lansing Inc.. Cathleen has lead the organization for 6 years and has been a downtown expert for 15+ years. Her presentation was entitled: "Momentum In Motion: Michigan’s Downtown".

 

Cathleen stated we’re in the 15th anniversary of the Main Street Community (which used to be called the principal shopping district and was a special assessment district), but now it is a nonprofit with 80% of their revenue from fundraising. They have tasks outlined by city ordinance (marketing, snow removal, trash removal), and are a connector and resource for their stakeholders, along with being advocates at a local/regional/national level. She stressed that the strength, health and culture of downtown Lansing is important to the entire region.

 

Current State: Lots of big construction projects are underway, more businesses are now open into evening hours and weekends, there’s a diverse group of businesses open, and there are more unique visitors to downtown Lansing than prior to the pandemic. More than 20 big projects in downtown totaling $1 billion are underway, including 3 housing projects and city hall on the river, which will change the riverfront. The riverfront connects from Old Town to downtown to REO Town. And of course the Stadium District is vibrant.

 

Why Michigan’s Downtown: State capitol, Michigan’s front door:

1. We live and work here

2. Home to all 3 branches of state government, colleges & Bit 10 univ., more than 200 businesses, #1 children’s museum in country, decision-making center.

 

 The role of the organization is to be a champion, advocates, develop solutions, support local merchants, invest, get involved by volunteering at the events like:

Quick Fact: only 5 retail businesses aren’t open after 5 in downtown right now!

 

They’re setting our sites and vision high. Not just serving the needs of today; but planning for the future. Invest in downtown – think about getting catering from downtown restaurants.

 

Michigan Ave is done today with construction. Washington Square will face street construction next year.

 

Takeaway reminder: Be Champions, investors, storytellers, advocates, volunteers.

 

Pres-Elect Susan announced that next week’s meeting will feature MSU Extension & Outreach with Dr. Quentin Tyler, Director of Extension and Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement.

 

Email for Michelle Lantz:  michelle@glfoodbank.org