Historic Moments: Paul Harris Fellow recognition

By Susan Hanf
Rotary International News -- 16 November 2010

The first Paul Harris Fellow medallion (left) and a later version. Various lapel and neck ribbons were used with this medallion throughout the years.

T he Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships.

The first Paul Harris Fellows include 1937-38 RI Director Allison G. Brush and longtime RI Treasurer Rufus F. Chapin, both for donations they made in 1946. Mrs. Adan Vargas was the first woman to receive the recognition, for a gift made in 1953. Mrs. Harry L. Jones was the second, and one of only five people recognized for contributions made in 1957.

Early Paul Harris Fellows received a certificate of recognition. In 1969, the Foundation unveiled the first Paul Harris Fellow medallion at the RI Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. Japanese metal artist Fiju Tsuda created the piece under the direction of then-past Foundation Trustee Kyozo Yuasa. Today, Paul Harris Fellows receive a certificate and pin. They are also eligible to purchase a Paul Harris Fellow medallion.

Rotarians have a tradition of supporting the Foundation by honoring others. Ida LeTulle Taylor became a Paul Harris Fellow in 1978 when her husband, then-District Governor Vann Taylor, made a donation in her name in honor of their 34th wedding anniversary. The gift also made her the 25,000th Paul Harris Fellow.

At the International Assembly in 1979, then-RI President-elect James Bomar challenged each Rotary club to make one non-Rotarian a Paul Harris Fellow. The Rotary Club of Pikesville, Maryland, USA, responded by making a donation in the name of Mother Teresa in 1980. The entertainer Pearl Bailey also became a Paul Harris Fellow through a joint effort of the Rotary clubs in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Many other notable figures have been named as Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and Jonas Salk.

The number of Paul Harris Fellows reached the one million mark in 2006.

31 Comments:

At 11:40AM on 22 April 2013, Charles Essien, District 9140, Nigeria wrote: I saw the great joy Rotary has brought to Families and communities, I decide to contribute my $1000 to the foundation in 2010. Am proud to be a Rotarian

At 9:27AM on 14 March 2013, grace hallett wrote: I have a Paul Harris medallion that belonged to my father, William Blommaert of Yorkton, Sask., who died in 1998. What shall I do with it?

At 8:45AM on 4 December 2012, PDG Kenan J. Kern wrote: In my early youth my mother worked for a Rotarian and her brother served as a Rotary club president. She honored these two Rotarians with her support to their membership as Rotarians. A short time before she died later in life, I was invited to join Rotary International. Later I served my home club as club president. As I supported TRF, I began my first step to becoming a Major Donor. During that time I discoverd my mother's polio immunization card and recalled how she had protected me early in my life by providing this same polio vaccine for my protection. I then realized that now it was time for me to give thanks for this protection by honoring her memory by contributing the necessary funds in making her a Paul Harris Fellow. Her polio vaccine card is now framed with her Paul Harris Fellow Certificate proudly displayed in my home for all to see.

At 8:49AM on 21 August 2012, Rtn. Ini Ememobong wrote: in 2010 i saw the great battle that Rotary was undertaking against polio in my country Nigeria and decided to contribute 1,00 dollars even as a non rotarian. in 2011 i was selected via a competitive interview to go to Argentina as a GSE team member and i saw how Rotary broke negative barriers and united mankind in a single constituency called humanity.doors were opened for strangers and total strangers became great friends. in 2012, i decided to join Rotary to contribute my little drop to the mighty ocean of service that has made our world a better place to live in. Rotary has done, is doing and will continue to do a humongous work in social re-engineering and humanitarian services. i will keep contributing unitl we can truly attain the echelon of service above self.

At 9:53AM on 24 July 2012, Akan Emah, Rotary Club of Uyo Metropolis, Distriict 9140, wrote: The importance of Rotarians contributing towards the Rotary Foundation is quite an honour,,,I am a Paul Harris Fellow and just at the beginning of this Rotary year, i subscribed for my wife and have also started aiming towards the Major Donor level. Rotary's work around the globe is quite beneficial to the communities and the people of it,,,so, lets not rest in our doing good

At 1:51PM on 2 July 2012, Rth Samuel Edet wrote: let me point out that Rotary is anchored on service above self. Let Rotarians lead the way in this regard. As Jean Jacques Rousseau puts it, “Example! Example!! Without it, you will never succeed in teaching children anything.” A gospel singer puts it differently as he says. “Let the world see heaven in your eyes” and then they will believe it. It is time Rotarians buried themselves in humanitarian services then the world will believe us. If they cannot see service in our works, they will never believe us. I want to trust that in this Rotary year and the ones to come, the world will “see heaven in our eyes.” I served Rotary as President with only one one person as PHF and within my tenure, we raised the club to 17 PHF and I became a Major Donor.Rotary Foundation for the 2010/2011 Rotary year. - We were recognized by the RI President with the RI citation and by the District with the New Generation. - We were able to change the Club to a PHF Oriented Club where almost all the BOD where PHFs.I sincerely hope that in this manner, we have been able to “pay for our room on earth.” as these cut across all avenues of service. I want to re-affirm that in this Rotary year2012/2013 That I am serving Rotary as the Chairman Rotary Foundation RC of UYO METROPOLIS, we shall perform much more than we did in the past years. Rtn. Samuel Edet(Major Donor)

At 10:07AM on 31 January 2011, PP Grace Ranjo wrote: PP Chary S. Misa wrote: ... One of my recipients is a polio victim Thess Sula, PP Grace Ranjo, CP Hector Charles of Singapore and this RY my 7-year old twin grandchildren ... My PHF recipient in 1999 was my mother, Amada, who died while I was flying home from the R I convention in Singapore; PP Chary gifted me with a PHF when I became a Loving President. in 2002. She sponsored my Rotary membership. 'PHFship' and its ideals are special and dear to me.

At 9:17AM on 13 January 2011, Jim wrote: I am a non-Rotarian PHF, Christmas '07.I am a DAV and home-bound; not combat related. I was a civil servant in some way until Sept. 2008 and my neck was broken. It is twice my age, I am 45. I worked a 20 hour day that Xmas. Just one of many. Just of my nature I have always tried to help anybody, since always. I have traveled extensively and have been lucky to do so. As I say. It is my nature and unconditional. Now anybody that has read to this point,(supposition on my part), but I imagine you believe why this honor was bestowed upon me. I did not even understand what a PHF was until I looked into your website. YESTERDAY 01-12-11. I am proud to know what it is (I have US A medals) and am now honored to have it, as I know my actions in my life are fitting with Rotary's tradition of service. I am quite reluctant to say more; I f one of you in the upper echelon of the Organization would like 'The rest of the story." Please contact me.; (....... as I have a very interesting story to tell.

At 9:59AM on 4 January 2011, PDG Kishabhau Godbole D 3030 wrote: Medallion is not given these days with other materials. This is because , many Rotarians choose a cheaper way to earn points without giving cash. I suggest that a new recognition named "PHF Gold" be introduced for those who wish to earn the recognition only through cash. Such contributors deserve to get the medallion along with other materials. Trustees should open this issue for wide discussion.

At 9:07AM on 20 December 2010, Uche Okugo wrote: Doing good in the world has been one of my hobbies and contributing to TRF has always given me a great sense of positive participation. Today, i am a one ruby (six star) PHF and while I'm honoured to be able to help the needy out there, i also wear my lapel pins with pride to encourage fellow Rotarians, friends and all to know about RI, TRF and ways to give. As part of our commitment to TRF, Rotary Club of Asaba D9140 (my club) is considering making EREY contribution part of our semi annual dues to RI. The long term goal is to eventually become a 100% PHF club!

At 8:50AM on 8 December 2010, K.P.Suresh wrote: Along with Two other rtns in our club I have become a PHF. it will be great Contributing to Rotary Foundation. I look forward to become MPHF shortly.. Our club is one of the oldest in the dist 3211 and 3210 earlier, chartered on 16th july 1949. RC Trivandrum

At 12:36PM on 29 November 2010, Dries Lotter wrote: Dear Rotary Friends, I'm a member of the Rotary Club of Flamingo-Welkom in D9320 (South Africa and Lesotho) I'm a Major Donor and my wife, clildren and grand children are PHF. In my year as presidend our club become a 100% PHF club.I'm our distrct's Foundation Permenant Fund chair aswell as Major Gift Advisor. I'm workink very hard to get donations for the Foundation to help forfill our promise to ENDPOLIONOW

At 12:04PM on 29 November 2010, ijeoma pearl Okoro, Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, District 9140 wrote: I joined Rotary in 1999, i became a Paul Harris fellow in 2001. When i became President in 2008, I made my two children who were both below 2years Paul Harris Fellows and in that same year I became a Benefactor. My husband is also one same with my Mum and my late father whom i honoured in death with a PHF recognition. I became a major donor in April this year and i am glad to know that these contributions are helping Rotary do good in the world. it is a wonderful feeling to know that wherever there is need in the world, Rotary is there and that represents each and every contribution we make to the TRF.

At 11:58AM on 29 November 2010, Okey Okere wrote: It show more commitment to the business of Rotary, not just about raising funds. You can easily convince your non-rotarian friend to contribute if you 've contributed.

At 10:48AM on 29 November 2010, yunus ali wrote: Its a glory of Rotary

At 10:47AM on 29 November 2010, PDG Kishabhau Godbole D 3030 India wrote: Now-a-days medallion is offered at cost. It is not free. (May be because Donors can get PHF Recognition without paying $ 1000 in cash.. I hereby propose that a new recognition called "PHF Gold" be introduced for only cash contributions and after attaining the $ 1000 mark be given both a plaque and the medallion too

At 10:44AM on 29 November 2010, Alice Wood wrote: I joined the Rotary Club of Seaside in March 2009. I was awarded a Paul Harris +2 by June 30. This week I was presented my PH+5! I encourage members to take advantage of the matching points that their club or RTF offers (recent polio pledge).. I feel privileged to be a Rotarian, especially supporting Polio Plus.

At 8:36AM on 24 November 2010, PP.Harish Singla wrote: Ours is a small but quite active club with 15 members:Rotary Club Ludhiana Central in RID 3070 .Its the only 100%PHF Club in our District 3070.We have 7 Major Donors and I dream to make our club as 100% Major Donors club within a year or so.This will be a good way to thank a wonderful organisation of which we are a part of.......The Rotary International

At 9:37AM on 23 November 2010, Ubong InwangPHF wrote: I became a Paul Harris Fellow during my Investiture as a Charter President in 2004.Am desirous to making every member of my household a PHF. At the moment mly wife and my first son are PHF. Rotary Foundation is the lifewire of Rotary and l will support it as long as l live. RC-UYO METROPOLIS DISTRICT 0140 NIGERIA

At 10:06AM on 22 November 2010, RTN. MOSES NII OKAI ARYEE RC ACCRA-WEST D-9100, GHANA wrote: I read extensively about the Rotary Foundation while visiting Clubs, as a result I made my first PHF contribution before my Induction into Rotary.

At 10:06AM on 22 November 2010, Rtn. Vishal Gupta (Charter President, Siliguri Green) wrote: Dear Friends, Our club was chartered on 17th Sept 2010 and I took over the charge as the Charter President. The first thing I did was contributing US$1000 towards Rotary Foundation. Today I am the 1st member of my club to become a PHF. Its an honor and a proud feeling to be a part of PHF family.

At 10:05AM on 22 November 2010, Rtn.T.Susant wrote: The medallion is a great source of insipiration to individuals who want to contribute to Rotary Foundation. It will be great pride to have one such medallion. Thanks to Rotary. Rtn.T.Susant, RI Dist 3260

At 9:47AM on 22 November 2010, bob Hanna, Lake Placid, NY wrote: As a PHF+5 I subscribe to all of the above. Have reciever PHF's from 2 clubs, given one to a non-Rotarian and two vis sustaining membership. Each one is significant to me. RI needs to keep advertising about the many ways to become a PHF..All are worthwhile.

At 9:20AM on 22 November 2010, quazi raquibul islam wrote: I am Chartered President of Rotary Club of Shantinagar Dhaka, Dist 3280. I feel proud for being a Paul Harris Fellow. Shortly all of our members will become Paul Harris Fellow. As this fund is contributing towards downtroden people nobody will hesitate to be a Paul Harris Fellow.

At 9:06AM on 22 November 2010, Dinesh Gajeelee wrote: During Rotarian Year 2008-2009, the President of the Republic of Mauritius , Sir Anerood Jugnauth was named as PHF by District 9220.

At 9:07AM on 18 November 2010, onunkwo ifeyinwa theresa wrote: am a new member of the rotary club of nigeria a member of DISTRICT 9110 i have heard about PHF and which to be PHF to at least show my support the rotary foundation

At 9:04AM on 18 November 2010, Harriett Schloer wrote: Many years ago, my husband, PDG Walt Schloer (District 5110) was one of the first to become a PHF. When I joined Rotary 17 years ago, he honored me with a PHF. Since then, he has made every member of his family a PHF as well as our son and our three grandchildren. ALL of the grandchildren were named PHF's on the day they were born and their certificates bear their birthdate. As a Rotarian, I followed his lead and made our daughter a PHF as well as all members of my family. To date, between the two of us, during the past fourteen years we have honored more than 25 family members, outstanding Rotarians, a Congressional Medal of Honor winner, and community leaders who have "made a difference" as PHF's. This represents our commitment to Rotary and we are honored to recognize family members and outstanding individuials in this manner. It is a rare opportunity to honor those who "care" and those who "serve".

At 3:40PM on 17 November 2010, Simon Peter Lawoko wrote: Dear Friends, I am not yet a Paul Harris Fellow but the day become one, i will surely wear this medal with pride. For me, this medal is a true reflection of our unigue understanding of rotary and what is provides for our world today and the future. That understanding that perhaps we are not only members of the same global world but also a family united in service above self. As a young club, i am proud to be among the yougest charter presidents in africa. Rotary provides a unigue sense of togetherness and leadership that many young people may never learn even at the highest level of education. Its therefore important that we try to involve young people early In rotary activities for we cannot change this world unless we involve actively those for whom we are changing. Simon peter Lawoko Charter president Rotary club of Kitgum( D9200) Club Number: 82557 Member number: 8012521

At 9:31AM on 17 November 2010, PP Rosario "Chary" S. Misa wrote: I became a PHF in 1992 barely 9 months in Rotary. I now belong to PHF Family as I have 2 children: Josephine Stephanie and Stephen Thomas Misa. One of my recipients is a polio victim Thess Sula, PP Grace Ranjo, CP Hector Charles of Singapore and this RY my 7-year old twin grandchildren : Francesca Ysabel & Giancarlo Misa because I believe in the various programs of TRF esp. its polio eradication project.

At 9:31AM on 17 November 2010, Glenn Hood wrote: Like my friend Bill Pollard, I have made a practice of honoring my family with Paul Harris Fellow recogntion. As of this time, I have made my wife, both children, both of their spouses and my grandchildren Paul Harris Fellows. I guess you could say we are a family of Paul Harris Fellows!

At 12:16PM on 16 November 2010, Bill Pollard, District 7600 (VA, USA) wrote: During my year as District Governor in 2008-09, I honored by wife and daughter who was 6 at the time by making them Paul Harris Fellows at our District Conference. It was a way to thank them for their support of Rotary.

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