All blue-colored terms provide links to the related narratives.
About Us editorial content © PLRC.
You arrived here by hovering over the main webpage's About Us tab. The club's history, Version 1.0, was a long, single-link document. Version 2.0 is the current 16-link listing (starting with Introduction and ending with the Vintage History link. The overall club history from 1950-present, is now summarized online for the first time--as of 12/28/25.
Introduction
The PLRC was founded on April 17, 1950. It was incorporated in 1952. Click here for its day-to-day Club Bylaws (as of 2016).
The PLRC was founded on April 17, 1950. It was incorporated in 1952. Click here for its day-to-day Club Bylaws (as of 2016).
PLRC members have met at multiple Point Loma venues. They now meet at the San Diego Yacht Club (SDYC), 1011 Anchorage Lane, San Diego, CA 92116. Map. The club meets on Fridays at 12:00 noon until 1:30 PM. Our postal address is PLRC, P.O. Box 6454, San Diego, CA 92166 (USA). PLRC members have visited or hosted Rotary members from 56 other US clubs−from Hawaii to Florida−and from 35 countries and overseas territories. Click here for an alphabetical listing of those 125 locations. The flags from most of those Rotary venues appear in the adjacent photo by Gus Goldau and Peter Phillips. Pictured below are Ukraine’s Georgiy Molchanov and PLRC club president Debra Gookin exchanging club flags.
As the PLRC approaches its 2025 Diamond Anniversary, we herein strive to
spotlight the extraordinary work undertaken by the PLRC’s active members,
board members, event organizers, and presidents. The PLRC especially re- cognizes the resolute leadership of its past presidents and District Govern- or. Click here for the listing.
They have not led followers. They have inspired leaders. This integrated, evolving club history illustrates its dedication to Rotary's Four-Way Test. Our club's About Us webpage thus proceeds via the PLRC’s prominent e-
vents, with a sprinkling of significant non-fundraising programs portraying the PLRC's social acumen.
Photo by Margaret Varissimo
board members, event organizers, and presidents. The PLRC especially re- cognizes the resolute leadership of its past presidents and District Govern- or. Click here for the listing.
They have not led followers. They have inspired leaders. This integrated, evolving club history illustrates its dedication to Rotary's Four-Way Test. Our club's About Us webpage thus proceeds via the PLRC’s prominent e-
vents, with a sprinkling of significant non-fundraising programs portraying the PLRC's social acumen.
Photo by Margaret Varissimo
Awards
Th
e Rotary Fun Club Award recognizes Rotary clubs that excel in creating engaging and enjoyable experiences for their members, fostering fellowship and community within the particular club. This award is part of a broader awards program designed to celebrate club achievements and encourage participation in various Rotary activities. The PLRC received this award for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year!
Th
e Rotary Fun Club Award recognizes Rotary clubs that excel in creating engaging and enjoyable experiences for their members, fostering fellowship and community within the particular club. This award is part of a broader awards program designed to celebrate club achievements and encourage participation in various Rotary activities. The PLRC received this award for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year! 
PLRC has logged yet another award! The District Governor congratuled us for our receipt of the 2024-2025 District 5340 Club Excellence Award (pictured right). It is the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve. As stated in the announcement, the club demon- strated a commitment to achieve its goals. That ultimately helps strength- en the District, Rotary in general, and the shaping our future. As stated by Governor Luis Carranza: "Thank you for your service and bringing the Magic of Rotary to life!
Our District 5340 Governor, Diane Crawford, be
bestowed two more 2024-2025 awards. Rob Cenko (pictured right) received the Rotarian of Action Award for his Veterans of Foreign Wars Feeding San Diego Food Drive. Governor Craw- ford further awarded the Meritorious Service Award to the PLRC for supporting Moores Cancer Center, via its annual Ride The Point fundraiser.
Our District 5340 Governor, Diane Crawford, bebestowed two more 2024-2025 awards. Rob Cenko (pictured right) received the Rotarian of Action Award for his Veterans of Foreign Wars Feeding San Diego Food Drive. Governor Craw- ford further awarded the Meritorious Service Award to the PLRC for supporting Moores Cancer Center, via its annual Ride The Point fundraiser.
T
he Rotary International Presidential Citation is a special award given to Rotary clubs that exemplify certain "above and beyond" goals set by Rotary International (RI). RI’s stated goals are designed to promote a high standard of service in a club’
s community; increase club membership; develop sust- ainable service projects; give to the Rotary Foundation; and build awareness of Rotary in the club’s local community.
Receiving this coveted award specifically requires:
• Good standing: Clubs must be active and in good standing at the start of the Rotary year.
he Rotary International Presidential Citation is a special award given to Rotary clubs that exemplify certain "above and beyond" goals set by Rotary International (RI). RI’s stated goals are designed to promote a high standard of service in a club’s community; increase club membership; develop sust- ainable service projects; give to the Rotary Foundation; and build awareness of Rotary in the club’s local community.Receiving this coveted award specifically requires:
• Good standing: Clubs must be active and in good standing at the start of the Rotary year.
• Selecting goals: Clubs can choose at least 13 of the 25 goals available in Rotary Club Central.
• Reporting project progress: Clubs must report their achievements in Rotary
Club Central.
• Completing activities: Clubs must achieve the goals they have selected.
The Point Loma Rotary Club has won the above award three times in the 21st Century. Its members thus have much of which to be proud.
Rotary's 2024-2025 District Governor awarded this Polio Eradication award to the PLRC in March 2025 (pictured left). This award was for completion of polio dona tions in 2024.
Club Central.• Completing activities: Clubs must achieve the goals they have selected.
The Point Loma Rotary Club has won the above award three times in the 21st Century. Its members thus have much of which to be proud. Rotary's 2024-2025 District Governor awarded this Polio Eradication award to the PLRC in March 2025 (pictured left). This award was for completion of polio dona tions in 2024.
Mike Whitehurst: Congratulations to Point Loma Rotarian Mike Whitehurst on receiving the 2021-2022 Citation for Meritorious Service from the Rotary Foundation Board of Trust- ees. Mike has served on the District Foundation Committee for many years−in the role of District Grants Chair, and now as Major Gifts/Legacy Giving Co-Chair. He has done a number of grants in India and has traveled to India as part of his involvement with these grants. This Citation is presented each year, to those who have provided outstanding service to The Rotary Foundation. Only one Rotary member per district is eligible to receive this Citation. The PLRC began awarding individual Rotarian of the Year (ROTY) recognition in ____. The criteria for this award are listed here. Past PLRC ROTY award winners are listed here.
James Morrison: James was named the District 5340 Rotarian of the Year for Rotary Year 2023-24, present- ed by District Governor Don Fipps. James has been a member of Point Loma Rotary Club since 2019. In District 5340, he served for three years as Rotary Foundation Treasurer; Polio Plus Society Coordinator, and Paul Harris Society Coordinator. He has also been a Rotary Foundation Trainer at the annual District Training Seminars. In 2021, he chaired the Ukraine Disaster Response Team which provided support services to Ukraine refugees arriving in San Diego. He joined Rotary 1994 at Albuquerque Del Norte and served as President 2006-07. He went on to charter 3 new clubs in District 5520: Albuquerque Metro, Albuquerque Sandia and El Paso Camino Real. He is currently an active honorary member of both Albuquerque Del Sol and Sandia. He has served on various District 5520 positions including team leader for the India Fellowship Exchange, and VP of International Rotary Fellowship Cycling to Serve USA-Canada. He is an active member of Polio+ Society, Paul Harris Society, Bequest Society and a Major Donor for each. He lifetime member of Rotary Action Group Micro Financing.
Kay Barron: 
Kay received the District 5340 Outstanding Contributions and Distinguished Service Award for Rotary Year 2023-24, presented by District Governor Don Fipps. She received this award for her distinguished service as the District Governors Chief Aide 2023-24.
Kay received the District 5340 Outstanding Contributions and Distinguished Service Award for Rotary Year 2023-24, presented by District Governor Don Fipps. She received this award for her distinguished service as the District Governors Chief Aide 2023-24. Her prolific work product included assisting the Governor with the following programs: prepping and then running meetings at the Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) conference in Los Angeles; monthly President Zoom meetings and occasional in-person meetings; being lead facilitator for the 2023 D5340 Governors Dinner; arranging the purchase and marketing of D5340 group Padres tickets to four games in 2023 and 2024; and assisting with the planning for a number of District 5340 major events─e.g., Disco Inferno, 2022 District Conference, 2022 Foundation Dinner, several Past District Governor dinners, District Training Assembly, and the 2024 District Conference Cruise.
Kay also traveled with the District Governor and assisted with his speech preparation for many clubs, while serving on the District Governor’s "kitchen cabinet' planning team. It is no wonder that the 2022-23 District Governor Chuck Pretto named Kay an "Emerging Leader." She was thus invited to attend the 2022 Rotary Zone 26 & 27 Conference in Salt Lake City. (Kay served as PLRC President in 2016).
What is "Rotary?"
There are many characteristics of a Rotary club, as well as the activities of a million Rotarians. In 1976, Rotary's International Board of Directors initiated the quest to state a concise definition of the fundamental aspects Rotary. Rotary’s Public Relation Committee then decided to craft a one-sentence definition. After numerous drafts, the committee presented the following definition. It appears in var- ious Rotary publications:
"Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons, united
worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical
standards, and help build good-will and peace in the world.”
Those 31 words are worth remembering when someone asks you "What is Rotary?" This account is paraphrased from 50 Things Every Rotarian Should Know About Rotary, by Steve Garret, former District 5450 Gov- ernor. Click here, for the remaining 49 descriptions!
Rotarians can always attend a meeting, almost anywhere in the world. To locate a club, click here.
The Rotarian raison d'etre is the 80-year-old 4 Way Test its members live by. For the Test, and its evolution, click here.
Rotarian Code of Conduct
The motto of Rotary International, "Service Above Self," reflects its commit- ment to community service and selflessness. More than a mere slogan, it serves as a core principle that motivates Rotary members globally to put others' needs before their own. This dedication to putting service first pro- propels the organization's volun- teer initiatives, encourages teamwork, and nurtures a spirit of servant leader ship ship. By embracing "Service Above Self," Rotarians create significant positive change in their communities and the wider world, exemplifying the conviction that genuine satisfaction is found in helping others.
Inspired by a discussion between Ben Collins, president of the Rotary Club of Minneapolis, and Seattle Rotarian J.E. Pinkham during the 1911 Rotary convention in Portland, Oregon. Collins shared his club's principle of "Service, Not Self", which was enthusiastically received. In 1989, the Council on Legislation made "Service Above Self" the principal motto because it best represents the organization's philosophy of selfless volunteer service.
Rotary Endowment Fund & Rotary Foundation
There are many characteristics of a Rotary club, as well as the activities of a million Rotarians. In 1976, Rotary's International Board of Directors initiated the quest to state a concise definition of the fundamental aspects Rotary. Rotary’s Public Relation Committee then decided to craft a one-sentence definition. After numerous drafts, the committee presented the following definition. It appears in var- ious Rotary publications:
"Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons, united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical
standards, and help build good-will and peace in the world.”
Those 31 words are worth remembering when someone asks you "What is Rotary?" This account is paraphrased from 50 Things Every Rotarian Should Know About Rotary, by Steve Garret, former District 5450 Gov- ernor. Click here, for the remaining 49 descriptions!
Rotarians can always attend a meeting, almost anywhere in the world. To locate a club, click here.
The Rotarian raison d'etre is the 80-year-old 4 Way Test its members live by. For the Test, and its evolution, click here.
Rotarian Code of Conduct
As a Rotarian, I will:
- Act with integrity and high ethical standards in my personal and professional life;
- Deal fairly with others and treat them and their occupations with respect;
- Use my professional skills through Rotary to mentor young people, help those with special needs, and improve people’s quality of life in my community and in the world;
- Avoid behavior that reflects adversely on Rotary or other Rotarians;
- Help maintain a harassment-free environment in Rotary meetings, events, and activities, report any suspected harassment, and help ensure non-retaliation to those individuals that report harassment.
The motto of Rotary International, "Service Above Self," reflects its commit- ment to community service and selflessness. More than a mere slogan, it serves as a core principle that motivates Rotary members globally to put others' needs before their own. This dedication to putting service first pro- propels the organization's volun- teer initiatives, encourages teamwork, and nurtures a spirit of servant leader ship ship. By embracing "Service Above Self," Rotarians create significant positive change in their communities and the wider world, exemplifying the conviction that genuine satisfaction is found in helping others.
Inspired by a discussion between Ben Collins, president of the Rotary Club of Minneapolis, and Seattle Rotarian J.E. Pinkham during the 1911 Rotary convention in Portland, Oregon. Collins shared his club's principle of "Service, Not Self", which was enthusiastically received. In 1989, the Council on Legislation made "Service Above Self" the principal motto because it best represents the organization's philosophy of selfless volunteer service.
Rotary Endowment Fund & Rotary Foundation
The PLRC's Endowment Fund was incorporated in 1983. For its charitable Endowment Bylaws, click here (then click Open file). The latest available Endowment fund amount, as of June 2023, is thus $400,000! Rotary Foundation, the charitable arm of Rotary International, was founded in 1917. Dona- tions from all club's fund local and international projects.
What is the "Rotary Year?"
Click here for its historical evolution.
Monthly Themes
Click here for its historical evolution.
Monthly Themes
