PDG GEORGE TROWBRIDGE 1980-1981
What is your Rotary A-ha moment?
Representing District 6290 at The Council on Legislation in Singapore in January 1989, where women were voted into Rotary membership worldwide for the first time in history. The A-ha moment was when, after a secret ballot, it was announced that the motion had passed 72% for and 28% against when it had to pass with at least 67% to become official. I voted for it, and it made me feel that we had changed Rotary for the better.
What are you most proud of in your Rotary career?
A couple of things. First was being called on from RI headquarters to replace two district governors who couldn’t carry out a portion of their assigned years. One died in office, and the other suffered a heart attack, which left him incapacitated for three months during his governor’s year. Rotary International had the confidence that I could do the job for a 2nd and 3rd time after serving as District Governor during my year of 1980-81 made me feel good. The second was being selected by the RI President to represent him at two district conferences in Sweden as he knew I spoke fluent Swedish. After his year as RI President was over, he let me know that representing him in Sweden was the one thing he was most proud of during his year in office as it showed that an American could speak more than just the English language!
Since November is The Rotary Foundation month – what is your favorite TRF moment that you took part in or heard about?
As District 6290 Foundation Chair, I invited past RI President Wilhelm Stenhammar, from Sweden, to be my Foundation banquet speaker here in Grand Rapids. He agreed and flew over from Gothenburg, Sweden, to participate. That evening he pinned sixty- four Paul Harris fellows. A fitting climax to a memorable evening.
Why did you join Rotary, and why are you still a Rotarian? How long have you been a Rotarian?
I had to join Rotary whether I liked it or not. I was still a fairly new employee of the bank when I was called into the office of the Vice President of Human Resources and told I was to join the local Rotary club. I didn’t know what Rotary was, so I declined the invitation. I was told, “join Rotary or look for a new job”! So with that ultimatum, I came into Rotary “kicking and screaming.” My first meeting was on April 8, 1969. I am now in my 49th year of perfect attendance. Rotary has been such a big part of my life. My wife and I have traveled to Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean on Rotary assignments. We have made friends the world over.
How can clubs encourage people to join the best service club in the world?
Good question! Showing prospective members the many great things Rotary has done around the world including our ongoing eradication of polio, providing clean water filters in third world countries and other projects too numerous to mention. There is so much diversity. My wife and I were fortunate to have been invited to the graduation ceremony of Peace Scholars at a European university a few years ago. What amazing young people they were! They were all on two year scholarships funded by The Rotary Foundation donations from Rotarians around the world. These are just a few examples of the best service club to be sure.