Impact on Community

Rotarians are people of action. We don't just dream of a better community; we roll up our sleeves and partner with municipalities, schools, and local organizations to build it. From creating safe play spaces to investing in the next generation of leaders, here is how the Oconomowoc Rotary Club is making a difference right now. Join us and be part of the change!

Join Leaders, Exchange Ideas, Take Action

Become a Member

For over 30 years, Oconomowoc Rotary has provided financial support to students who embody the values we cherish most. We understand that leadership looks different on everyone, which is why our scholarship program is designed to recognize two distinct types of character: Service and Perseverance.

The James Schmitz Service Above Self Award

Named in honor of our 1977 Club President, James "Jim" Schmitz, this award recognizes students who live out the Rotary motto: Service Above Self. While academic success is important, this scholarship specifically seeks out students who look beyond themselves to improve the lives of others. Whether through extensive volunteering, leading community initiatives, or quiet acts of kindness that ripple outward, recipients of the James Schmitz award have demonstrated a commitment to making their community a better place before they have even left high school.

The Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award

This award is not your typical scholarship. Named in honor of Rotarian, past president (1984), and former OHS faculty member Lyle Neeb, this award shines a light on the "quiet heroes" of our schools. The Lyle Neeb Perseverance Award was created to support students who have triumphed over significant personal challenges—be it family hardship, health issues, or other obstacles—to complete their education. It honors the student who faced unthinkable adversity but still showed up, worked hard, and found a path forward. We believe that the resilience required to overcome such hurdles is a predictor of future success, and we are proud to help these students take their next steps.

Oconomowoc Rotary's Signature Project: The Roosevelt Park Splash Pad

We are proud to have led the development of the Splash Pad at Roosevelt Park. Designed to provide a safe, accessible, and healthy recreational activity for families, this project ensures that kids of all ages and abilities have a place to cool off and connect during our beautiful Wisconsin summers.

Connecting Communities: The Interurban Trail

We believe in bridging gaps—literally. The Oconomowoc Rotary Club provided a critical grant to help fund the construction of the Interurban Trail connecting Oconomowoc and Watertown. This multi-use trail provides safe access for cyclists and pedestrians between our communities and links us to the wider Waukesha County Trail System. Proceeds from our annual Rotary Bike Tour directly fund these collaborative efforts.