The Rotary Club of Amarillo History - 1970 to 1980 

During 1972-73 our 55th President, John D. Colvert, D.V.M. led our club across town to its new facilities at the YWCA.  John stood tall all year and brought to all of our members pride--yes, he said many times "Wear it daily with pride." For once, all of our members wore Rotary lapel pins with pride so all would know of the fine organization we are associated with.  Rotary Foundation prospered not only in our club with the achievement of two Paul Harris Fellows (Farris C. Oden and E. W. Williams, Jr.) but throughout District 573, which was headed by our own Farris C. Oden serving as Governor.  From the start at the International Convention in Houston until the final stroke of the gavel, John put first our club in every possible way.   Not often do we find one so dedicated who was always working for the betterment of our club and each individual Rotarian.

Rotary's theme, "A Time for Action" became a reality as Tom S. Clopton, our President for 1973-74, led our club in active service in all avenues with special emphasis on club service and community service.  Our club honored Guy Saunders for his fifty-five years of exemplary Rotary service by making him a Paul Harris Fellow.  A side benefit was our advancement to a 700% Rotary Foundation Club.  A near-perfect Group Study Exchange was made with District 141 of Finland with great benefit to our club, to all involved, and to world understanding.  Club fellowship and inter-club fellowship was advanced by fireside meetings, baseball games, invitational golf tournaments, and world wide make-ups. We watched with pride as the Interact Club of Amarillo High School completed an exceptional year of service.  Plans were made and much work was done to insure the success of our efforts to raise "seed money" for the building fund of the Amarillo Regional Hearing and Speech Center by sponsoring the International Water Follies.

During the 1974-75 Rotary year under the capable leadership of President Wayne Sturdivant the Spirit of Rotary was renewed.   In bringing about this renewal, a total of 27 new Rotarians were brought into the club; the club reached the 800% plateau in the Rotary Foundation; two Paul Harris Fellows were awarded bringing out total to five; and the average attendance of the membership reached the highest level in many years. Not only was a joint meeting of all three Rotary Club of Amarillo held under the sponsorship of our club but Rotary fellowship and the Spirit of Rotary was shared with all other civic clubs of Amarillo in a joint meeting sponsored by our club.  We shared the Spirit of Rotary through our assistance to the Y.M.C.A Motor Bike Program; to the boys at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch; to the Speech and Hearing Foundation; and to individual youth through our scholarship awards and our student loan funds. 

Fireside meetings were held in which the members expressed their desires and goals toward which they thought the club should aim.   Club golf and tennis tournaments were successful events during the year which improved both the fellowship and the spirit in the club.   President Wayne proved himself to be an able leader and devoted Rotarian during this most successful year in which the Spirit of Rotary was truly renewed. 

Our 58th President, Bob Hoffman, led our club to a most successful year during 1975-76.  The highlight of the year was co-hosting the largest and most successful District Conference in history in April, 1976, at the Hilton Inn.  Since 1976 was an Olympic year, competitions were staged during the Convention in tennis, golf, bowling, and a two-mile run. 

Golf and tennis fellowship activities were rewarding during the year and the Club attained the 900% plateau in the Rotary Foundation.   An additional Paul Harris Fellow was awarded bringing our total to six.  The Club ended the year with 221 members. 

During the 1976-77 Rotary year, we were under the able leadership of Basil Walker.  Basil recognized individual Rotarians who had received recognition and chastised early leavers at meetings. A successful Ladies Night was held at which an additional Paul Harris Fellow was awarded.  We completed a successful Group Study Exchange with a District in England.  Several new members were brought into the Club and our membership increased to 226.  At the close of the year, funds were allocated for six young men to attend a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp in New Mexico, emphasizing the importance of the free enterprise system.

J. Hal Brown set a pace that led to new service and high achievements in the 1977-78 year.  FUNFEST had its beginning as a special Rotary project.   The Rotary Foundation fund grew from a 900%   level to a 1500% level and the number of Paul Harris Fellows also grew in number with Hal's ever friendly encouragement.  The contribution to the Rotary Foundation during President Hal's term was $12,553.  New Rotarians were introduced to the Club with their names posted before the Rotary Club in order to see and remember the names of new Rotarians.
Hal's always jovial smile set the tone for new growth and fellowship within the Club.  With a steady hand at the controls, President Hal piloted the Rotary Club to its new meeting place and office to Sutphen's restaurant. Always optimistic and certain of high standards President Hal served Rotarians well as he encouraged, led, and inspired the Club in reaching higher goals and service above self. 

"Reach Out," the Rotary International theme for 1978-79, truly became a reality for our Club with the leadership of President William G,. "Bill" Landess.  Many activities were accomplished in service to others by the 241 members,.  The Club had 34 new members and 22 Paul Harris Fellows. 

A  three-year pledge of $3,000 was made to the YWCO Capital Fund Drive, of which $2,500 was donated this year due to the success of the Funfest Rotary barbecue concession.  The Boy Scouts received $1,000, the Boys Ranch fund totaled $3,555, five graduating seniors were given $150 scholarships each to Amarillo College, the Salvation Army was again assisted by 40 members participating as Bell Ringers, the YMCA Junior Baseball program realized the Club's continued support as a team sponsor, and expenses were paid for six boys to attend Camp RYLA.  In addition, the Club hosted at the Stock Show an inspirational breakfast for youth, which was attended by 226 persons.  Eighteen students were recognized as "Students of the Month" at regular meetings. Several members were pleased to serve as hosts for a visiting Rotary group from Auckland, New Zealand.   A Transportation Committee was established to transport Rotarians to regular meetings.   At the 1979 District Conference President Bill pledged $1,500 from our Club to the 3H Program (Health, Hunger, and Humanity,) the new major Rotary International project to reach children in need. 

Rotary spirit and fun were exemplified as members participated in bowling, tennis, and golf tournaments.  Rotary Anns were honored at a dinner-bingo party and  new membes and their wives enjoyed an evening Mexican Fiesta. 

Sam Stennis charted the course for a successful 1979-80 year for Rotary.  We achieved our goals in the new 3-H (Health, Hunger, and Humanity) Program of Rotary International President James Bomar.   Substantial growth was made in the number of Paul Harris Fellows, and the Club achieved 1900% standing in the Rotary Foundation.  President Sam led us to successful achievements in Funfest, Camp RYLA, Boys Ranch special meetings, and other service projects.  President Sam led the group to Lubbock to a special meeting with Rotary International President Jim Bomar.  His ready smile and persistence encourage us all to work for Rotary and Rotary ideals.