Our Founder

Rotary may be the greatest organization of leaders in the world. With 1.2 million Rotarians in 170 countries, we have an incredible asset of talent, wisdom and know-how in one organization. It all started with Rotary's Founder Paul Harris, who celebrated his 140th birthday. He was born on April 19, 1868. Paul Harris is well-known in Rotary, but what most Rotarians may not know is that Paul Harris made his main contributions to Rotary as a young man. He was only 37 years old when Rotary was founded. He was only 44 when his two year term as President of the International Association of Rotary Clubs ended in 1912 (later in 1922 it was renamed Rotary International). After 1912, Paul Harris had no formal position in Rotary. He was the Founder of Rotary and continued to influence and inspire Rotary for the rest of his life, until he passed away in 1947. It is my opinion that Paul Harris' vision has created the spirit in Rotary as we know it today.

Here are some examples of Paul Harris' Wisdom:

"A well ordered mind is a possession more valuable than unlimited riches. It is just a bit of speaking kindly as it is to acquire the habit of speaking unkindly. Perhaps dreaming is not so bad if one dreams good dreams and make them come true.

Rotary brings out and develops the best in people. The Rotary of today is different from the Rotary of yesterday and the Rotary of tomorrow cannot, must not, be the same as the Rotary of today. Rotary will continue to evolve." 

"WE MUST STAND TALL WITH OUR HEADS HELD HIGH, FOR WE ALL FORM PART OF THIS GREAT ORGANIZATION."