2025–2026 Rotary District 5170 Award Categories:
The Richard D. King Rotary Foundation Award
*****Lou Bash, Rotary Club of San Jose East Silicon Valley***
Presented to the individual who has shown the greatest personal commitment to the programs and mission of The Rotary Foundation.
The Sydney R. Mitchell Rotarian of the Year Award
*****Mark Linsky, Rotary Club of Pleasanton North***
Named for the first District Governor of Rotary District 5170, this award honors an outstanding Rotarian whose service and leadership exemplify the highest ideals of Rotary.
The Mike Kutsuris Membership Development Award
*****Mike Thompson, Rotary Club of Livermore***
Recognizes the individual or club demonstrating exceptional success in membership growth and development during the Rotary year.
The Carl G. Orne World Peace and Understanding Award
*****Sangita Seshadri, Rotary Club of Saratoga***
Honors an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to advancing peace, goodwill, and international understanding.
The Allan McLeod Interact Support Award
*****Vanessa Nguyen, Rotary Club of San Francisco Bay Area***
Recognizes significant support and commitment to Interact Clubs and the development of youth leadership in high schools throughout District 5170.
The Neal J. Hoffman Outstanding Young Rotarian Award
*****Jana Dlakova, Rotary Club of Gilroy***
Presented to an exceptional Rotarian age 45 or younger who has shown outstanding leadership within their club and/or the district.
The David A. Heagerty Public Image Award
*****Misti Short, Rotary Club of Castro Valley***
Honors a Rotarian whose efforts have significantly enhanced the promotion and public image of Rotary.
The Ward Garing Youth Programs Award
*****Randy Klein, Rotary Club of Scotts Valley***
Recognizes outstanding service and commitment to Rotary youth programs beyond the club level, including Youth Exchange and leadership initiatives.
The Carolyn Schuetz Training and Education Award
*****Dudley Thompson, Rotary Club of Oakland***
Presented to an individual or club demonstrating excellence in Rotary education, leadership development, and training.
The Karl Stucki Contribution to Rotary Ideals Award
*****Jack Higgins, Rotary Club of Los Altos***
Honors a Rotarian who best exemplifies Rotary’s ideals of Service Above Self and ethical leadership.
The Stan Allen “We Care” Award
*****Mary Lynn Pelican, Rotary Club of Niles Fremont***
Recognizes a Rotarian whose compassion, care, and commitment to others have made a meaningful difference throughout the district.
District Governor’s Award for Exemplary Service
*****Bob Shaver, Rotary Club of Fremont***
Personally selected by the District Governor, this award honors extraordinary service to Rotary International, District 5170, or an individual club during the Governor’s year of service.
The Clifford Dochterman Award
*****Hung Wei "In Memoriam", Rotary Club of Cupertino ***
Named for former Rotary International President Clifford Dochterman, this award celebrates the Rotarian who most exemplifies his enduring motto: “Real Happiness is Helping Others.” This recognition honors those who inspire others through service and Rotary’s ideals.
The C. Donald Allen Award
*****Rotary Club of Silicon Valley Chinese***
Presented to an individual, committee, or club demonstrating exceptional commitment to diversity and inclusiveness to belonging in Rotary membership and community service.