Our Heritage
Where it all began.
It started with four people… and a simple idea.
In 1905, in Chicago, attorney Paul Harris brought together three professionals who believed something different: that business relationships could be built on genuine friendship, trust, and shared values.
They met in each other’s workplaces, rotating locations each time—eventually inspiring the name “Rotary.”
But something interesting happened.
What began as a way to connect professionals quickly grew into a movement focused on something bigger than business—service.
By 1907, Rotary members were already stepping into their community to make a difference. Soon after, clubs began forming across the country—and then across the world. By 1910, Rotary officially became international with a club in Winnipeg.
Today, Rotary connects over 1.2 million people worldwide—leaders, problem-solvers, and everyday individuals committed to doing good.
From one small gathering in Chicago to a global force for change, Rotary’s story is still being written—by people who believe that when you bring the right people together, incredible things happen.
Today, the Rotary Club of College Station carries this legacy forward—serving our community with the same spirit of connection and purpose that started it all.
Where Our Story Began
Every great organization starts with a few people who see what’s possible.
In late 1981, the Bryan Rotary Club set out to expand Rotary’s presence in the Bryan–College Station area—and a small group of committed leaders stepped up to make it happen.
Led by Clare Gunn, alongside Auston Kerley, Bob Holms, John Hill, Les Reid, Howard Cargill, Howard Richie, and Dick Potts, this Extension Committee poured countless hours into building something from the ground up—connecting with prospective members, sharing the Rotary mission, and creating a foundation that would last for decades.
It all began in a home.
On February 4, 1982, six prospective members gathered at Les Reid’s house for the first introductory meeting. From that moment, the vision became real—and the Provisional Rotary Club was born.
Just weeks later, on March 18, 1982, the club began meeting regularly at 6:45 AM on Thursdays—a rhythm of connection and service that still carries forward today.
By June 14, 1982, the club was officially chartered as the Bryan–College Station Rotary Club, celebrating alongside the Bryan Rotary Club at a joint recognition dinner. The club began with 23 charter members—five of whom are still active today, reflecting the lasting impact of Rotary fellowship.
District Governor Andy Monsour presented the official charter into District 591, officially welcoming the club into the global Rotary family.
From a living room meeting to a lasting community presence, our story is rooted in leadership, service, and people who chose to build something meaningful together.
And we’re still building.
The Club’s name was officially changed to “Rotary Club of College Station” during the Rotary year, 1987-88.
CHARTER MEMBERS:
Mike Beal
Don Boucher
Bob Brick
Tom Caffall
Dave Chester
Frank Clark
Carl George
Randy Goldsmith
Jay Goss
Wally Groff
David Hill
Weldon Jordan
Marty Kammerbeck
Don Ladewig
Bill Mainord
Robert Nelson
Phil Penn
Rusty Rush
Ray Slaydon
Sid Stevens
John Edd Tucker
Bob Waters
Bob Wimbish