Submitted by: PDG Jill Olsen D-5970
 

Remarks April 28, 2018 on the occasion of PDG Earl Rogers receiving the Service Above Self Award:  Rotary’s highest honor.

Every day of Earl’s 46 years in Rotary has been devoted to Service Above Self. Some of his responsibilities included serving as District Governor and District Foundation Chair, GSE Team Leader to South Korea, District Chair of RYLA, and Chair of the International Convention Committee, an event he has attended over 40 times. 

Earl was a leader in getting Rotary support across the world for “Operation Aware”, a program teaching young people about the dangers of drugs, which was featured in the RotarianMagazine. He has been recognized as the District 5580 Rotarian of the Year (twice), Foundation District Service Award, Citation for Meritorious Service and the Foundation Distinguished Service Award. 

Earl served as the Charter President of the Duluth Skyline Club where he has 46 years of perfect attendance. He also has 26 years of perfect attendance at two other Rotary Clubs in town—yes, he is an active member and leading fundraiser in three Duluth Rotary Clubs -- and is known affectionately in Duluth as “Mr. Rotary” for his service, dedication and commitment. 

But Earl’s service doesn’t stop with Rotary: 

 
Earl is also an outstanding leader in his community, having served as the Chair of the United Way Campaign, Vice Chair of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce, a member of the American Red Cross Board, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Board of the Minnesota Hospital Association. Earl served two tours of duty in Korea and has been described as the “lifeblood” of the local Air Force Association as well as serving as the President of State of Minnesota Air Force Association.
 
Here are some snippets of what Earl has done in his life. 
·     He was instrumental in establishing the Veterans’ Historical Center where he donated his extensive personal collection of historical memorabilia so students can learn--hands-on--about the heritage of the country Earl loves with all his heart. Students from across the region use this museum as part of their history curriculum. 
·     A travel agent by Rotary classification, Earl started the Duluth Travel School to help aspirants enter the travel profession. 
·     Through Duluth’s Sister City Program with Petrosovask, Earl set up connections to send supply trucks from Duluth’s mining industry for use in ore-mining operations in Russia. 
·     Earl also raised funds to start an English language school for disabled students in Kambarka, Russia.
·     Earl befriended a young girl in Peru, provided tuition to a school, and invited her to become an RYE student when she was old enough. Earl and Judy hosted young Nancy, and have kept in contact with her ever since. 
These are just a few stories depicting the many quiet “miracles” this humble Rotarian has been able to accomplish (including one for me). 
Earl is no doubt surprised by this award because he is simply doing what his heart tells him to do.  Earl has quietly changed lives.
·     In his homewhere he and his wife Judy opened their doors and their hearts year after year for over 30 years to young RYE students-- AND another 70 IBIB (International Business Internship Program) and IPSTAR (International Business Students Training in America through Rotary) program participants.  You see, Earl started a program to bring interns from Warsaw Pact countries here to learn about he free market economy—and then made over 20 follow-up visits with them back in their own country.  
·      In his communitywhere he accepted the mantle of leadership to help carry his neighbors forward, 
·     In his worldwhere he has made a compassionate and significant difference by touching lives…and souls. 
 
For over 46 years this Rotarian has never stopped being the embodiment to which all Rotarians aspire:
A person of action
Committed to making a difference
Humanitarian
Dedicated
Humble
Restless
Compassionate
Fierce 
Proud to be a Rotarian
Daring to do good
one person at a time
one program at a time
Impacting countless people here
and across the world in his efforts.  
 
Earl has never quenched his thirst for service.  
I doubt he ever will.  
Well done good and faithful servant.  
Well done.