This Week: Alex Lueck, Xcel Energy - Energizing the Future
Alex Lueck serves as the Community Service Manager for Xcel Energy in the La Crosse region. In this role, he fosters strong relationships with local communities, counties, and key organizations, promoting Xcel Energy’s core values of commitment, connection, trustworthiness, and safety. Alex works collaboratively to support economic development, community vitality, and the company’s leadership in the clean energy transition across Wisconsin.
Previously, Alex spent 10 years as a Key Account Manager at Xcel Energy in La Crosse, where he led numerous large-scale projects and built lasting customer relationships. His focus on enhancing the customer experience and introducing innovative products and services helped strengthen community ties.
Outside of work, Alex is an active volunteer with organizations including Oktoberfest USA, LADCO, Rotary Club of La Crosse Downtown, Mobile Meals, La Crosse Community Theater Advisory Board, Clearwater Farm, and his family’s farm in Tomah.
A native of Tomah, Wisconsin, Alex holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and an MBA from Viterbo University.
Last Week: Anne Snow; We Can Do Hard Things; Six Ladies Take On The Canyon!
Two Julie’s, two Cheryl’s and Two Anne’s hike the South rim to the North rim of the Grand Canyon in one day. Miles, elevation, heat, altitude and a struggling stranger make for an adventure they will never forget.
Anne Snow spent 28 years as founder and Executive Director of the Children’s Museum of La Crosse. Now retired, she serves as Chair of the Marine Credit Union Board, and is a 30 year member of PEO. Anne and her husband David are enjoying some travel and spending time with friends and family, especially their four grandchildren.
Lunch this week: Greek salad with chicken: tomato, olives, red union, feta, red wine vinaigrette..
Coffee, ice tea, and water available.
Guests are ALWAYS welcome! RSVP in advance to Niki Pohnl if know you are bringing guests but last minute invites are also welcome!
Condolences
We hear last week that Steve O'Malley's mother, Valerie, passed away last week at the age of 90. She was from Edina, MN. Please keep Steve and his family in your thoughts and prayers at this time.
Join the Fellowship Committee!
We try to offer a Club Social every 4-6 weeks and are looking to add a few members to our Fellowship Committee. Do you like planning socials? Do you have ideas for a Club Social? Reach out to Niki to get connected by emailing rotary@rotarycluboflacrosse.org!
Interact Leaders Needed
Wouldn't it be FUN and REWARDING working with high school students on a monthly basis, guiding them through projects they are passionate about to better our communit? If so, YOU ARE NEEDED! Reach out to Niki to get connected by emailing rotary@rotarycluboflacrosse.org or speak to Andy Bakkum, Michelle Skemp, or Candice Tlustosch for more information.
New Member Proposals
The following community members has been proposed to become members of our club:
Steve Shapiro, President and Chair Gundersen Medical Foundation; proposed by Katie Berkedal.
Dawn Wacek, La Crosse Library Director; proposed by Jane Klekamp.
Ken(Associate Professor, UWL) and Merritt Graham, proposed by Sarah Arent-Beyer.
According to club procedure, applicant names are to be published in our weekly email bulletin for two weeks. If there are no objections from the current membership, these applications will be approved. Please contact the Club Administrator if you object to these applications by September 17th.
Please consider attending the RYE Outbound Information Session on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 6 pm, Onalaska Library. CLICK HERE to print the Youth Exchange brochure to share with friends and family.
The president-elect of Rotary International for 2026-2027, Rotarian Olayinka Akeem Babalola, said the Rotary Foundation has invested $33.5m in various humanitarian and health interventions across Nigeria in the last three years. Babalola, who disclosed this in Abuja on September 9 during an interactive session with journalists, also noted that in Gombe, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rotary has committed $2m to a pilot scheme aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality. He also said that Rotary clubs across Nigeria would continue to support communities through grassroots projects in education, maternal care, and infrastructure. Describing his emergency as a “privilege” for Nigeria and Africa, he said his leadership would further open doors for stronger partnerships between Rotary and stakeholders across the continent. “Even without a president from Nigeria, Rotary has always paid attention to our country. But with this new role, I believe more exciting opportunities lie ahead, not only for Nigeria but for Africa and the Rotary world at large,” Babalola said.
Quick Facts: Rotary in Nigeria
Rotary Club of Kano, 1 st in the country. April 28, 1961; Lagos (May 30, 1961); Ibadan (Nov. 24, 1961)
Six International: Districts:9111,9112,9126,9127,9141,9142
Almost 100 clubs; D9112 established the nation’s newest Rotary Club, “Rotary Club of Nigeria Globetrotters (Passport Club) in June, 2025.
Sirst RI president from Africa, Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe (2003/2004)
Sir Emeka Offor, largest donor to Rotary in Africa
Declared free of wild polio in 2020
President-elect of RI for 2026-2027, Olayinka Akeem Babalola.
