Rotary isn’t just a lunch meeting or a name on a sign. For the members of the Rotary Club of Eagan, it’s a way of life. With a mission rooted in the motto Service Above Self, this group of civic-minded individuals has been pouring time, resources, and compassion into the Eagan community for nearly four decades.
Karen Peterson, the current Rotary Club of Eagan president, joined the organization twelve years ago. At the time, she was working in Lakeville and planning to help open a wellness center in Eagan. A friend encouraged her to meet with Jeff Mortensen, CEO of 360 Communities, and a longtime Rotarian.
“He helped me understand what the Rotary was about,” Karen says. “He didn’t just sponsor me. He inspired me.”
Karen, now retired, sees Rotary as a natural outlet for her passion to serve. “We are all lucky to live where we do. It feels right to give back.”
Not Just a Social Club
While plenty of business relationships are formed through Rotary, Karen is quick to point out how it differs from other professional organizations. “There are so many organizations great for networking,” she says. “But Rotary is about action. You build trust with people who care about the same things you do.”
It’s a space where service-minded people come together not just to make connections, but to make a difference.
That difference shows up in countless ways, from scholarships and student programs to local improvement projects and long-term community investments.
Service That Sticks
Eagan Rotary members aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Take their recent project updating a breakfast nook at Dakota Woodlands, a local shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness. “It was a humbling experience,” Karen shares. “We were tearing down old wallpaper and installing new cabinets. We wanted to transform the space into something beautiful.”
For the past five years, the Rotary Club of Eagan has hosted its Live to Give Walk, raising nearly $250,000 to support a wide range of programs from literacy and student scholarships to nonprofit grants and service projects throughout the city.
This year, the club is mixing things up.
On May 4, 2026, Rotary will host the first-ever Eagan Rotary Beer Fest at Union 32. The restaurant is donating its space for the occasion, which will feature tasting stations set up throughout the venue, exclusive brews from local vendors, and appetizers included with each ticket. Breweries from across Minnesota are participating in what promises to be a fresh and flavorful new experience.
Proceeds will continue to fund the club’s community programs. Tickets will go on sale in early 2026 through the Eagan Rotary website.
As far as the enthusiasm that Rotarians put into these events, “When you know the story behind these efforts, it becomes personal,” Karen says. “That’s what keeps us going.”
Supporting the Next Generation
Rotary invests in its future. At Eagan High School, the club sponsors Interact, a student-led service organization modeled after Rotary itself. For students ready to take the next step, Rotaract supports college-aged young adults in continuing their commitment to service.
From ethics workshops and Camp Enterprise (a three-day entrepreneurship experience for high schoolers) to student scholarships and the Student of the Month recognition program, Eagan Rotary continues to prioritize mentorship and leadership for the next generation.
“My 28-year-old son recently joined our after-hours club,” Karen says. “He wanted to give back, and this format worked for him.”
Rotary That Works for You
The Rotary Club of Eagan meets Wednesdays from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. at the Lost Spur Golf and Event Center. Every meeting includes a guest speaker and an opportunity to connect with others who want to make an impact.
But Rotary has evolved. For members who can’t attend traditional daytime meetings, there’s now an after-hours club. Meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Union 32 Craft House, the after-hours group is part of the noon club but follows a unique rhythm. The first Tuesday of the month focuses on learning, and the third Tuesday focuses on a hands-on service project.
“This gives people a way to be involved that fits their schedule,” Karen says. “You get to make a difference, without needing to commit to something that doesn’t work for your life.”
The evening club has assembled diaper bundles for Neighbors Inc., organized a school supply drive for Kaitlyn’s Kloset, and just completed an underwear bundling project this past August for The Drawer.
Giving It All Away
“We raise money to give it away,” Karen says with a smile.
That’s not an exaggeration. In addition to funding student programs and nonprofit grants, the club also supports scouting troops, provides scholarships to graduating seniors, and honors community members such as teachers, veterans, and safety officers.
Over the years, Eagan Rotary has also taken on large-scale projects like helping fund the Eagan Bandshell at the Community Center. And they’re not done yet. One of their next goals? To partner with other Rotary clubs to help 360 Communities in supporting the Lewis House, a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
“When people are in need, Rotary is there,” Karen says.
Come See for Yourself
Thinking about joining? You don’t have to make a big commitment right away. Visitors are always welcome at the weekly lunch meetings or evening gatherings.
Rotary is a global organization with 1.2 million members worldwide, and the Eagan club is proud to be part of that network. “People are craving connection,” Karen notes. “We offer that, and we give people something meaningful to do with their time.”
Whether you're new to town, in a new phase of life, or simply looking to meet people who care about giving back, Rotary has a place for you.
“There’s a reason we’re still here after 38 years,” Karen says. “It’s not about us as individuals. It’s about what we can do together.”
“If you want to do, Rotary gives you the chance to do.”
“It’s not about us as individuals. It’s about what we can do together.”