Bryan Pedersen accepting the Paul Harris Fellow Award on behalf of his late wife, Amy.The Brookings Rotary Club recently honored longtime Rotarian Amy Pedersen with a posthumous Paul Harris Fellow award in recognition of her years of service, generosity and commitment to Rotary’s mission of goodwill and peace.
Amy’s husband, Bryan Pedersen, accepted the award on her behalf during a special presentation before Brookings Rotarians.
During the ceremony, club leaders reflected on Amy’s dedication to Rotary’s educational and humanitarian efforts and the lasting impact of her service both locally and globally.
“Amy’s commitment and gifts to the Rotary Foundation’s educational and humanitarian programs reflected a dedication to peace and to a better life for people around the world whom she may never have met,” stated interim club president Brian Gatzke. “This is a truly selfless action and demonstrates a commitment to our common goals of mutual understanding and peace.”
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is one of Rotary’s highest honors and acknowledges individuals whose contributions support the work of the Rotary Foundation. Funds raised through the foundation support projects focused on improving living conditions, increasing access to education and healthcare, supporting rehabilitation services and advancing international understanding and peace.
Amy joins more than 950,000 Paul Harris Fellows worldwide who have been recognized for their commitment to service above self and humanitarian causes.
Club members shared their gratitude for Amy’s many years of involvement and leadership within Brookings Rotary, noting that her legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire others.
“It gives us great pleasure to present this emblem in memory of Amy as a symbol of appreciation and to say thank you for making a difference in our community and in the lives of less fortunate people around the world,” said Gatzke.
The recognition served as both a celebration of Amy Pedersen’s life of service and a reminder of Rotary’s ongoing mission to promote goodwill, peace and positive change in communities across the globe.