Alum Named Boys and Girls Club Director

Robert Wefel ’91was recently named Wisconsin Rapids Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club. Wefel, a speech and media communication major, says that both his studies at Bethel and his previous career opportunities offered a great deal of preparation for his current role. His media training at Bethel prepared him to speak in front of large audiences, deliver training seminars, and eventually work as a marketing consultant. “Because of my preparation at Bethel,” he says, “I was able to apply my skills to several different professional roles, and all of those have helped to prepare me for my new role as Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club.”

After graduating from Bethel, Wefel worked as a radio announcer. He then moved on to work in advertising sales, then at a printing company, and eventually at a weekly newspaper. Following that, he worked in sales at a daily newspaper corporation. Finally, before moving to the Boys and Girls Club, he worked for the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan District Assemblies of God as development director and director of operations for Spencer Lake Christian Center.

Wefel, the father of four, says he is excited about working in and for the local community. He notes that there are a lot of children in the Central Wisconsin area who are looking for a safe, fun, and encouraging place to share a sense of belonging. He explains that the Club offers active and constructive activities, helpful mentors and role models, and programs to develop kids socially, physically, and academically. When asked what he looks forward to the most in his new role, Wefel responds, “At the Boys and Girls Club, we provide a positive place for children to grow, learn, and belong. I’m excited to know that I can be a part of changing lives, mentoring young people into the leaders of tomorrow, and reaching out to the kids in our communities. Our communities, families, and children have needs; we have the capacity and ability to meet those needs through the Boys and Girls Club.”