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Rotary started with the vision of one man — Paul Harris After setting up his law practice in Chicago, Harris gathered several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. He envisioned a place where professionals of diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. On 23 February 1905, Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in Room 711 of the Unity Building in downtown Chicago. This was the first Rotary club meeting. “I was sure that there must be many other young men who had come from farms and small villages to establish themselves in Chicago ... Why not bring them together? If others were longing for fellowship as I was, something would come of it.” In February 1907, Harris was elected the third president of the Rotary Club of Chicago, a position he held until the fall of 1908. Toward the end of his club presidency, Harris worked to expand Rotary beyond Chicago. Some club members resisted, not wanting to take on the additional financial burden. But Harris persisted and by 1910 Rotary had expanded to several other major U.S. cities. Harris died on 27 January 1947 in Chicago at age 78 after a prolonged illness. His death prompted an outpouring of contributions from around the world and his name continues to evoke the passion and support of Rotarians and friends of Rotary. Paul Harris Fellows: Continuing the legacy of our founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant. Paul Harris Society: The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants. The purpose of the Paul Harris Society is to honor and thank individuals for their generous, ongoing support of The Rotary Foundation. Our Akron Rotary club honors new members of the Paul Harris Society by presenting them with a certificate and chevron at a club luncheon. Due to Covid-19 our weekly Rotary luncheons were transformed into Zoom meetings and we have not been able to celebrate our members’ donations to the International Rotary Foundation. August 5th and 6th Akron Rotary club VP Lynda Farkas with the help of PDG Jack Harig diligently delivered new Paul Harris Fellow pins and yummy Rotary cookies to the following Akron club donors. If you have questions and/or would like to become a member of the Paul Harris Society, please contact VP Lynda Farkas, 330.819.3739 , lfarkas2@neo.rr.com |
| | John Reyes – PHF + 7 (John was out climbing rocks!) | Dr. Rob McGregor – PHF +2 | Dr. Doug Hausknecht – PHF +3 | Nathanael Billow – PHF +1 |
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When not involved in Council business, Sommerville is vice president and funeral director of Sommerville Funeral Services. She attended Firestone High School. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University and a Master's in Public Administration/Urban Studies from The University of Akron.
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