Charter Members
Our Founding Members
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Norma Dollif
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Burton Grossman
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Marlys Koursh
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Marvin Koursh
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Granville Lawrence
These five charter members laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant club known for its commitment to hands-on local service, its long-standing partnership with organizations like the Joyce Uptown Food Shelf and Ella Baker School, and its welcoming culture. The club was officially chartered on December 16, 1988, as part of Rotary International District 5950 and recognized as Club #26120.
This "small but mighty" club was born from a shared vision: to bring Rotary’s global mission of Service Above Self into the heart of the Uptown community. This group of civic-minded individuals saw the opportunity to build a service-focused Rotary club that would be dynamic, welcoming, and engaged with local needs--especially those affecting youth and underserved communities.
Their Vision, Our Focus
From the beginning, the Minneapolis Uptown Rotary Club has set itself apart by embracing grassroots ideologies. The club is focused on addressing tangible needs in the Uptown neighborhood, particularly related to food insecurity, education, and youth development. Through practical volunteer work and strong community partnerships, our club quickly became a trusted service hub in South Minneapolis. Today, we continue to honor the legacy of our charter members by growing our membership, deepening our impact, and having a little fun along the way.
Want to get involved? Contact us or join us for a Thursday morning meeting at Lakeside Center, 7:30–8:30 AM.