The name “Kiwanis” was
coined from an American Indian expression, “Nunc Kee-wanis,” which
means, “We trade.” In 1920, the motto of Kiwanis became “We Build.”
It remained the motto until 2005, when members voted to change it to “Serving
the children of the world.” In the early years, members focused on business
networking but in 1919, the organization changed its focus to service —
specifically service to children.
Kiwanis became an international
organization with the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario,
Canada, in 1916. Kiwanis clubs formed in communities across the United States
and Canada until the 1960s, when worldwide expansion was approved. Today,
Kiwanis clubs are helping children thrive, prosper and grow in nearly 80
nations and geographic locations.
All people are welcome to
participate in the Kiwanis movement of improving communities for children. In
1987, women were invited to join. In 2008, delegates approved a resolution that
calls for Kiwanis clubs to celebrate and foster inclusiveness.
Our Beginnings
November 11, 1949 was the day and
Hunt’s Food Shop was the place where the organization of the Kiwanis Club of
East Lansing met to establish the first service club in East Lansing. It had
all started when Bob Richards of the Kiwanis Club of Lansing had talked to
Charles Pegg about establishing a service club in East Lansing. Merle Croy,
Jack Patriarche, Charlie Pegg, Nels Waters, and Justin Zinn formed the nucleus
of five charter members who each recruited five others to form the organizing
group. Other recruits brought the total to about 45 to 50. Additional members
were recruited before charter night January 11, 1950, when 81 men became their
charter members (See below for more detail.)
Highlights of the East Lansing Club’s history
Members of our club have served in
important leadership positions in both the Michigan District (3 former District
Governors; 12 former Division Lt. Governors) and Kiwanis International.
Particularly noteworthy is Sue Petrisin’s service as International President in
2015-2016. Sue was the first woman to serve as our local President and the
first woman to serve as president of the worldwide Kiwanis International.
Founding of the East Lansing Kiwanis
Officers: Charles Pegg, President; Justin Zinn, Vice President; Nelson Waters, Secretary; John Hicks, Treasurer; and Lawrence Baril, Carl Card, George Cottral, Richard Fennell, Leonard Folkers, George MacKichan, and Ralph Write, members of the Board of Directors.
Officiating: In the Michigan State University, Student Union Ballroom were: Ralph Crego, Master of Ceremonies; Rev. Brandt Tefft, who delivered the invocation; District Secretary Frank Staiger, who lead the singing; District Governor Robert Webber, who brought official greeting; Past Governor Clarence Loesell, who presented the charter; and International Past President Ben Dean, who gave the address. President Pegg accepted the charter from Dr. Loesell, and Nelson Waters accepted the traditional gifts from Ralph Crego, Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Lansing.
Charter Members
Links to other levels of the Kiwanis family:
To go to the Kiwanis International website, click here. To go to the website for the Michigan District of Kiwanis, click here.
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
You're invited to host a baby shower! Follow the lead of these Florida Kiwanians to bring valuable information (and maybe some gifts) to expectant families in your community. #KidsNeedKiwanis... See MoreSee Less
Our History
Kiwanis Beginnings
The name “Kiwanis” was coined from an American Indian expression, “Nunc Kee-wanis,” which means, “We trade.” In 1920, the motto of Kiwanis became “We Build.” It remained the motto until 2005, when members voted to change it to “Serving the children of the world.” In the early years, members focused on business networking but in 1919, the organization changed its focus to service — specifically service to children.
Kiwanis became an international organization with the founding of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, in 1916. Kiwanis clubs formed in communities across the United States and Canada until the 1960s, when worldwide expansion was approved. Today, Kiwanis clubs are helping children thrive, prosper and grow in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations.
All people are welcome to participate in the Kiwanis movement of improving communities for children. In 1987, women were invited to join. In 2008, delegates approved a resolution that calls for Kiwanis clubs to celebrate and foster inclusiveness.
Our Beginnings
November 11, 1949 was the day and Hunt’s Food Shop was the place where the organization of the Kiwanis Club of East Lansing met to establish the first service club in East Lansing. It had all started when Bob Richards of the Kiwanis Club of Lansing had talked to Charles Pegg about establishing a service club in East Lansing. Merle Croy, Jack Patriarche, Charlie Pegg, Nels Waters, and Justin Zinn formed the nucleus of five charter members who each recruited five others to form the organizing group. Other recruits brought the total to about 45 to 50. Additional members were recruited before charter night January 11, 1950, when 81 men became their charter members (See below for more detail.)
Highlights of the East Lansing Club’s history
Members of our club have served in important leadership positions in both the Michigan District (3 former District Governors; 12 former Division Lt. Governors) and Kiwanis International. Particularly noteworthy is Sue Petrisin’s service as International President in 2015-2016. Sue was the first woman to serve as our local President and the first woman to serve as president of the worldwide Kiwanis International.
Founding of the East Lansing Kiwanis
Officers: Charles Pegg, President; Justin Zinn, Vice President; Nelson Waters, Secretary; John Hicks, Treasurer; and Lawrence Baril, Carl Card, George Cottral, Richard Fennell, Leonard Folkers, George MacKichan, and Ralph Write, members of the Board of Directors.
Officiating: In the Michigan State University, Student Union Ballroom were: Ralph Crego, Master of Ceremonies; Rev. Brandt Tefft, who delivered the invocation; District Secretary Frank Staiger, who lead the singing; District Governor Robert Webber, who brought official greeting; Past Governor Clarence Loesell, who presented the charter; and International Past President Ben Dean, who gave the address. President Pegg accepted the charter from Dr. Loesell, and Nelson Waters accepted the traditional gifts from Ralph Crego, Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Lansing.
Charter Members
Links to other levels of the Kiwanis family:
To go to the Kiwanis International website, click here.
To go to the website for the Michigan District of Kiwanis, click here.
Kiwanis of East Lansing
Regular Club Meeting
Speaker: Dr. Raza Haque - Understanding Covid-19 Vaccines
Regular Club Meeting
Speaker: Cindy Kangas – Ele’s Place – Update and how they are handling Covid-19
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. We meet virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: Jesse Greg – EL Mayor Pro-Tem – State of the City Address
Foundation Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. We meet virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: Deb Guthrie - Meridian Township Clerk
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Foundation Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
No Club Meeting: Memorial Day Holiday
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
No Club Meeting: Independence Day
Happy Independence Day
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Foundation Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
No Club Meeting: Labor Day
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
Regular Club Meeting
Regular Kiwanis meeting. Both in person at Coral Gables AND virtually via Zoom (contact club secretary, Sue Petrisin [suepetrisin@gmail.com] for Zoom login instructions).
Speaker: TBA
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
E. Lansing Kiwanis Board Meeting
Facebook Posts
Kiwanis International
1 day ago
Safety matters more than ever. Serve safely with a stylish Kiwanis mask. Shop now: bit.ly/3iex4lw ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook Safety matters more ...
Nice mask
Kiwanis International
2 days ago
You're invited to host a baby shower! Follow the lead of these Florida Kiwanians to bring valuable information (and maybe some gifts) to expectant families in your community. #KidsNeedKiwanis ... See MoreSee Less
You’re invited … to host a baby shower!
kiwanismagazine.org
Take this advice from Florida Kiwanians who host the World’s Greatest Baby Shower in Miami-Dade and bring the party to your town.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook Take this advice ...