New resident gives a lifetime of service

The Waseca Exchange Club has chosen Mikhail Rostislavovich the recipient of the prestigious Book of Golden Deeds, an honor reserved for individuals whose selfless service and lasting contributions help build a stronger, more connected community.

 

The Book of Golden Deeds recognizes those who consistently give of themselves to help others and make a positive difference in the world around them. In fewer than five years as a resident of Waseca, Rostislavovich has done just that consistently and with an unwavering commitment to service.

 

City Manager Carl Sonnenberg describes Rostislavovich as someone whose presence alone sets a tone. “With the mere mention of his name or acknowledgement of his presence,” Sonnenberg said, “people tend to straighten up and immediately consider their own sincerity for the occasion at hand.” He added that Rostislavovich’s intentions are never in question. “His speech and actions are clear, precise, and sincere. There is nothing left to wonder about concerning his motivations.”

 

One of Rostislavovich’s most visible contributions has been the restoration of a residential icon in the heart of Waseca. Through painstaking, historically accurate work, he brought the Tudor Revival back to life, restoring it to what it once was and elevating it even further. Today, the Alexander House on North State Street stands as a community landmark and gathering place, generously opened to the public for fundraisers, events, and tours. It reflects his belief that preservation, when done thoughtfully, should serve the entire community.

 

That same philosophy has guided his leadership at the Waseca Art Center. Under his direction, the organization underwent a complete transformation. Bylaws were updated, the Board of Directors reconstituted, and long-needed policies such as accession and deaccession processes were implemented. A permanent gallery was installed, a ceramics studio opened, and the Tea Room was created to make the space more welcoming and accessible. The Art Center’s public image was strengthened, and today it is recognized as one of the premier art centers in Southern Minnesota, one where artists actively seek to exhibit their work.

 

County Commissioner Brad Milbrath notes that few individuals have had such a broad and meaningful impact on Waseca in such a short period of time. “Since making Waseca his home, Mikhail Rostislavovich has taken on leadership roles across several cornerstone institutions,” Milbrath said. “His work has helped elevate Waseca’s visibility, strengthen community engagement, and promote the city and county as vibrant places to live, work, and visit.”

 

Rostislavovich’s civic influence extends well beyond the arts. Beginning in 2024, he worked closely with Chamber leadership during a critical period of transition, helping reorganize the organization and put durable structures in place to ensure long-term success. His efforts helped empower emerging leaders, strengthen communication between the city, county, and Chamber, and foster a more collaborative civic environment. Tourism efforts were also completely overhauled, bringing renewed focus and energy to promoting Waseca’s assets. Chamber Executive Director Robin Dulas expounded by saying, “Mikhail comes from a place of genuine care for people and community. His commitment is not driven by recognition, but by a deep belief in showing up for others.” 

 

As Chamber President, Milbrath noted, Rostislavovich brought a global perspective shaped by earlier work in federal and state government. “That experience translated into a strategic approach to local economic development, business advocacy, and community promotion,” he said, adding that partnerships between government, businesses, and civic organizations were strengthened under his leadership. 

 

Rostislavovich has played a pivotal role in several of Waseca’s most significant community initiatives in recent years. He was instrumental in helping move the Marketplace development from concept to reality, providing steady guidance, thoughtful collaboration, and a unifying presence among public and private stakeholders. Equally impactful has been his work to strengthen relationships between the community and its elected leaders. Through organizing a major bonding bill visit and hosting visits from Congressman Brad Finstad and Secretary of State Steve Simon, Rostislavovich ensured that local priorities were clearly understood and that Waseca had a direct seat at the table in state and federal conversations. These efforts not only advanced key projects but also reinforced Waseca’s voice and visibility beyond its borders.

 

City Councilor Stacey Schroeder emphasized how quickly Rostislavovich became deeply embedded in the community. “When Mikhail moved to Waseca, he didn’t just make it his home, he immediately became a driving force,” Schroeder said. “Dedicating more than 40 hours weekly to service, he has transformed how our organizations work together.”

 

Service has long been central to Rostislavovich’s work with the Exchange Club. He helped resurrect the local club, growing membership from just three members to 24, while expanding its mission and footprint. He was a driving force behind nationally recognized Child Abuse Prevention initiatives, helping the club earn back-to-back national awards. Drawing from his own lived experiences, he became a vocal advocate for protecting vulnerable children and strengthening families, even appearing before the Waseca County Board of Commissioners and Waseca City Council to encourage official recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

 

Beyond that work, he pulled service clubs together rather than allowing them to operate in isolation, reinstated honoring local law enforcement, and helped launch the Special Olympics committee.

 

Schroeder described his ability to unify people as one of his greatest strengths. “He has a unique ability to pull people together and close gaps,” she said. “Mikhail is always showing up, leading by example, and fostering collaboration across service clubs and community initiatives.”

 

Rostislavovich’s service extends further still. He serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief of Staff for The Redemption Project. He regularly speaks at City Council meetings, continually advocating for what is best for the community he now proudly calls home. During his tenure serving as chair of the local Republican Party, he set a firm expectation of civility, making it clear that personal attacks would not be tolerated.

 

Despite his visibility, Rostislavovich is never focused on promoting himself. Instead, he consistently uplifts businesses, nonprofits, and worthy causes, using his platform to tell the community’s story rather than his own. As Milbrath noted, “Across all his roles, he has become one of Waseca’s most visible ambassadors, encouraging residents, newcomers, and visitors alike to explore the community’s natural beauty, cultural assets, and welcoming spirit.”

 

Those who work alongside him know that when he is asked to help, his answer is always the same: “Sure, we can do that.” He attends nearly every community event, opens his home freely, and serves with generosity, humility, and purpose. For a man whose phone is always ringing, text notifications coming through, and a barrage of daily emails needing his attention, one would think that he collects several paychecks from all the organizations he works with. On the contrary, he does all this for the community that he lives in. 

 

“I don’t believe in keeping score,” Rostislavovich said. “If you see a need and you can help, you help. This community welcomed me and serving it is both a responsibility and a privilege.”

 

In honoring Mikhail Rostislavovich with the Book of Golden Deeds, the Waseca Exchange Club recognizes not just a list of accomplishments, but a pattern of service rooted in sincerity, collaboration, and a steadfast belief that Waseca is a place worth investing in, and worth discovering. Rostislavovich will formally be recognized at the Community Awards Banquet on Monday, January 26, at Starfire Event Center.