READ-4-LIFE 2026: Reading Celebration at Marian University

Over 400 first grade students from the Fond du Lac School District converged on Marian University on Tuesday, April 28. Students from all 26 first grade classes were accompanied by their first grade teachers and literacy interventionists. They came to celebrate reading and literacy as part of the READ-4-LIFE program.

The program was organized by Fond du Lac Morning Rotary, in collaboration with Fond du Lac Evening Satellite Rotary, Fond du Lac Noon Rotary, Marian University, and the Fond du Lac School District. The program emphasizes the importance of literacy, encourages reading, and stresses how much we care about reading.

Volunteers from the Rotary Clubs joined volunteers from Marian University’s faculty, students and staff. They engaged the children in stories, games, crafts, plays, scavenger hunts, and other activities. Marian Senior Vice President Dr. George Koonce engaged students sharing his Packers helmet, footballs and Super Bowl ring. Members of the Marian basketball team and hockey team engaged students with physical skills activities. The event concluded with a kazoo parade led by Marian University President Aaron Sadoff.

Eight books were selected by literacy interventionists. In September, each first-grade teacher received the set of books. Books were shared with their students. As part of the program each student received a READ-4-LIFE T-shirt which they wore to the celebration and a copy of a READ-4-LIFE book.

Basic Education and Literacy is a focus-area for projects and activities of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International and Rotary clubs worldwide. This was the fourth year of READ-4-LIFE in Fond du Lac. The program is modeled after one originated in Casper, Wyoming, and also conducted by the Rotary Club of Ashland, Oregon.

Sarah Steenberg, Fond du Lac School District Educator Development Supervisor said “Thank you for a wonderful celebration of reading! Our first graders and their teachers greatly enjoyed all the activities. The drama performances and art activities were excellent additions that many teachers remarked about.”

“We are proud to be able to host this event on the Marian campus” said Ben Vogel, Marian director of Field Experience. “It provides our students an opportunity to engage with children and to share with them the importance of reading.”

The READ-4-LIFE project was funded by Fond du Lac Morning Rotary Club as a beneficiary of the 2025 Morning Rotary Wine Around the World event. Additional funding and support was provided by Fond du Lac Noon Rotary Club, Marian University, and the Fond du Lac School District. Co-sponsors included: SSM Health, Julie Riese Foundation, Fox Valley Savings Bank, National Exchange Bank & Trust, Society Insurance, C.D. Smith Construction, Ted & Kim Miller, Christine M Schiek, LLC, M3 Insurance, Vesta, and Wisconsin Stainless. Graphic design was provided by Tom Wallestad. Bookplates were printed by Signarama. T-shirts were produced by Hoppers Screen Printing & Embroidery. The project was coordinated by FdL School District Elementary Literacy Coordinator Lisa Nigl, Marian University Director of Field Placement & Licensing Ben Vogel, and Fond du Lac Morning Rotarian Jeffrey Reed.