"Rotary is legacy of quality people working together to create goodwill."

The St. Louis Park Rotary Club was founded in 1947. For over 60 years we have been making the St. Louis Park community, surrounding communities and world a better place. St. Louis Park Rotarian's have enjoyed the benefits of lifelong friendships with high quality, like minded professional and business people.

 

April 1, 1947 – Rotary Club of St. Louis Park chartered, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Minneapolis No. 9; the idea of Rudy Ruedlinger and Carroll Hurd. There were 22 charter members, including the late Wayne Packard, the last charter member. The club was originally a member of District 117. Club assigned with number 2133.

1947 – Rudy Ruedlinger (not to be confused with Rudy Ruettiger, famed Notre Dame walk-on football hero) – elected first President, Rotary Club of St. Louis Park.

1947 – First meetings during early years held at Culbertson’s – now Bunny’s – where steak luncheons were priced at 75 cents each.

1948 – Carroll L. Hurd elected the second President, Rotary Club of St. Louis Park. Served as active “Club Manager” for over 30 years.

1952-1953 – Carroll L. Hurd. Rotary Club of St. Louis Park, served as Governor of District 117.

1954 – District 117 changed to District 174.

1954 – Rotary Club of Buffalo chartered, sponsored by Rotary Club of St. Louis Park.

1957 – Rotary Club of Edina chartered, co-sponsored by Rotary Club of St. Louis Park and the Rotary Club of Minneapolis No. 9.

1957 – District 174 changed to District 595.

1961-1962 – Fred V. Rogers, Rotary Club of Edina (formerly member of the Rotary Club of St. Louis Park), served as Governor of District 595.

1963 – Rotary Club of Fridley (now with Columbia Heights) chartered, sponsored by Rotary Club of St. Louis Park.

1965 – Rotary International launches Group Study Exchange Program, along with Matching Grants Program.

April 1, 1978 – Barb Waryan hired as first paid executive secretary of the Rotary Club of St. Louis Park.

1972-1973 – C. William Briggs, Rotary Club of St. Louis Park, served as Governor of District 595.

1973 – Rotary Club of Golden Valley chartered, sponsored by Rotary Club of St. Louis Park.

1974 – Rotary International launches Youth Exchange Program.

1978-1979 – John N. Mitchell, Rotary Club of Golden Valley (formerly member of the Rotary Club of St. Louis Park), served as Governor of District 595.

1981-1982 – Tom O’Meara, Rotary Club of St. Louis Park, served as Governor of District 595.

1982 – District 595 divided into two districts, 595 and 596.

1984-1985 – William B. Gleeson, Rotary Club of St. Louis Park, served as Governor of District 595 and 596.

1985 – Rotary Club of St. Louis Park Sunrise chartered, sponsored by Rotary Club of St. Louis Park.

1985 – Rotary International makes historic commitment to immunize all of the world’s children against Polio – Polio Plus program launched in cooperation with non-governmental organizations and national governments around the world.

1986 – St. Louis Park Showmobile donated to the City of St. Louis Park by the Rotary Club of St. Louis Park.

1987 – Barb Waryan becomes first woman member of the Rotary Club of St. Louis Park.

1987 – 40^th Anniversary Celebration held.

1988 – District 595 changed to 5950.

1989 – Women are officially recognized as members of Rotary International.

1989-1990 – Kenneth L. Skold, Rotary Club of St. Louis Park, served as Governor of District 5950.

1990 – Rotary Club of Maple Grove chartered, sponsored by Rotary Club of St. Louis Park.

1990 – Funding for Northside Rotary Park began.

1992 – Children First initiative in St. Louis Park, launched by the Rotary Club of St. Louis Park, inspired by a speech and concept delivered and outlined by Carl Holmstrom, Rotarian and Superintendent of St. Louis Park School. Two members, Gil Braun and Wayne Packard, inspired by Holmstrom’s challenge, and assisted in the development of this now national and global youth advocacy movement.

1994 – Operation Jump Start founded by members – a mentoring program through the alternative high school program operated by the St. Louis Park school district.

1994 – Western Hemisphere declared Polio free.

1997 – 50^th Anniversary Celebration held.

2000 – Western Pacific declared Polio free.

2000 – District 5950 launches “Safe Water Plus” program.

2001 – Frank Devlyn, Mexico, Rotary International President, becomes first sitting president to visit the district in 30 years, stopping at St. Louis Park’s Operation Jump Start to make site visit – hosted by St. Louis Park Rotarians.

2002-2003 – Paul O. Bierhaus, Rotary Club of St. Louis Park, served as Governor of District 5950.

2002 – B’chai Rattakul, Thailand, Rotary International President, visits the district.

2002 – Europe declared Polio free.

2005 – Karl Wilhelm Stenhammer, Sweden, Rotary International President, visits the district.

2005 – Rotary Celebrates its Centennial in Chicago.

2006-2007 – Rod S. Shilkrot, Rotary Club of St. Louis Park, served as Governor of District 5950.

Spring 2007 – Rotary Club of St. Louis Park, sponsors first District Conference in the downtown area (Courtyard by Marriott at The Depot), co-chaired by Monica Murphy and former club member, David Dominick.

July 1, 2007 – Paul Bierhaus, PDG, begins term as President – a repeat performance.

October 15, 2007 – 60th Anniversary celebration of the club held at the Double Tree Park Place Hotel, with nearly 100 in attendance.

October 2008 – First Gala fund-raiser held at Minneapolis Golf Club, netting around $12,000.

January 2009 – Death of longtime member and Naval war hero, Dr. Norm Sterry.

January 2009 – First lunch dues increase in years -- $18.

Feburary 2009 – Membership drops below 75 members.

February 2009 – Newly redesigned Web site launched.