President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, Cathy Ambrose, receives  Paul Harris Award from  Past President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, Clark Merkley

On July 2, 2025, in keeping with tradition, the members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club gathered for a warm and inspiring lunch meeting. This meeting, marked by meaningful exchanges and several announcements, highlighted the unwavering commitment of its members to humanitarian and community service causes.

This was the first meeting held under the leadership of Cathy Ambrosa as the new President of the Orem-Lindon Club. Cathy brings new energy and passion as the President of the non-governmental organization Hope for Orem, which focuses on suicide awareness and prevention among local communities in Orem City.  

Cathy Ambrose, with the new board of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, will continue to lead club members' signature projects like Coats for Kids, Pancake Breakfasts, and beautification of local parks. She was excited to get more involvement of youth in the projects, like RYLA, as well as in services by members of the Rotaract Clubs from Utah Valley, including from Utah Valley University. Cathy Ambrose makes many efforts to strengthen the public image of the club, including through the use of social media and improvement of the club's website content and outreach.  

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review recent accomplishments and upcoming projects. Some of the key announcements included:

• The charity golf tournament successfully raised between $38,000 and $40,000, benefiting three senior-focused organizations, each receiving nearly $6,000.
• The main sponsor, Home Clinics, significantly contributed to this success, even offering a house as a prize, which created much excitement among participants. A 65-inch TV was also among the grand prizes.
• Future projects include a women’s hygiene product drive scheduled for August, as well as a Christmas stocking assembly project for residents at the Warm Senior Center.

The club also discussed the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club in November. This milestone in the club’s life will provide an opportunity to remind everyone about all contributions from Rotarians to the seven priority goals of Rotary International since its founding, about prominent members and founders of the club, and energize current Rotarians and Rotaractors to collaborate with further strengthening ties between them in their services above themselves.

 

 Past President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club,  Mike Rich receives  Paul Harris Award from  ast-President of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club Clark Merkley

One of the most memorable moments of the meeting  evening was undoubtedly the presentation of the prestigious Paul Harris Award, a distinction issued by the Rotary International (RI) Foundation to its members for donating their financial contributions and services. For the very first time, a member of the Rotaract Club at Utah Valley University (UVU) was honored among Rotarians.

Rotarian Cholpon Akmatalieva receives  Paul Harris Award for contributions to community services

The ceremony was administered by Clark Merkley, past President of the club, who  presented the Paul Harris Award to several  members of the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club: Cathy Ambrose (current President), Mike Rich (outgoing President), Keith Morgan (former President), as well as Rotarians Cherise Armstrong, D.J. Smith, Dr. Cholpon Akmatalieva, and Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev.

Rotarian D.J. Smith is presented with a Paul Harris Award with seven rubies by Clark Merkley 

Rotarian D.J/ Smith received a Paul Harris Award with seven Rubies, which means one ruby for donating $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation. He is one of the most prominent Orem-Lindon Rotary Club members and donors to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.  

This solemn moment was a heartfelt tribute to their donation of funds, exemplary service, and dedication to both Rotary International's seven priority goals and local communities

 

 Rotarian  Cherise Armstrong receiving her award from  Clark Merkley

The Paul Harris Award, named after Rotary’s founder, is one of the highest honors in an organization that today includes over 45,000 clubs and 1.2 million members worldwide. It embodies the very spirit of Rotary humanitarianism and recognizes ongoing, selfless service to the community.

     Louyoko Nianza, President of the Utah Valley University Rotaract receives  Paul Harris Award from Clark Merkley

As President of the UVU Rotaract Club, I received this award on behalf of my fellow members as our Rotaract Club with immense joy and deep gratitude. It stands as a powerful symbol of young Rotaractors’ dedication to serving local communities in Utah County and advocating for the seven priority areas of Rotary International in the State of Utah and at the United Nations.  This award also represents recognition of our sustainable mountain development model, which is now being referenced as an example at the United Nations.

 

A Copy of the Certificate About Paul Harris Award for Christ Hermes Louyoko Nianza

This meeting served as a shining example of the spirit of service, fellowship, and global vision that drives the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club and its partnership with Utah Valley University Rotaractors. . Through their concrete actions, innovative projects, and mutual recognition, they  continue to set the standard for committed and deeply human-centered leadership.

           By Louyoko Nianza Christ Hermes, Student in Political Science and Utah Valley University Rotaract Club President 

            About the author

             Louyoko Nianza, hailing from the Congo, is currently pursuing his education in political science in the United States. With a deep commitment to fostering    transformative leadership, Louyoko is the proponent of "smart-africanism," a concept he envisions as the cornerstone for a new era of true leadership in Africa. His academic pursuits and innovative ideas aim to inspire and cultivate a generation of leaders dedicated to the advancement and prosperity of the African continent. Louyoko Nianza is a Visionary Rotaractor.