Orem–Lindon Rotary Club Celebrates 50 Years of Service and Fellowship

The Orem–Lindon Rotary Club marked a golden milestone on November 10, 2025, celebrating 50 years of service, leadership, and friendship.

The Orem–Lindon Rotary Club marked a golden milestone on November 10, 2025, celebrating 50 years of service, leadership, and friendship. Members, past presidents, Rotaractors, families, and distinguished guests gathered in gratitude and pride to honor the club’s remarkable journey since its founding in November 1975.

Honoring a Lifetime of Service: Dr. Roger Lewis

A special tribute was dedicated to Dr. Roger Lewis, a charter member of the original Orem Rotary Club. His name appears on the very first club program from 1975, a touching reminder of how far the club has come. Speaker Clark opened the celebration with heartfelt admiration, recalling the day he first met Dr. Lewis 43 years ago, when Roger delivered his first child. “He was a tall, kind, and smart doctor with the strongest handshake in Rotary,” Clark shared, noting that Dr. Lewis delivered more than 1,800 babies over his medical career.

Roger’s wife, Jan Lewis, and their eldest son shared warm reflections on the family’s long-standing connection to Rotary, from memorable Cataract Canyon and Grand Canyon trips in the 1980s to the club’s unwavering support following Roger’s stroke in 1990. Against all odds, Roger recovered his ability to walk, speak, and serve, even delivering a talk at Education Week just months later, a true testament to his resilience and spirit.

Honoring a Lifetime of Service: Dr. Roger Lewis

Honoring a Lifetime of Service: Dr. Roger Lewis — Founding Member and Rotary Legend”

In a moving presentation, President Cathy Ambrose and fellow members presented Dr. Lewis with a handcrafted Rotary quilt, symbolizing his decades of dedication and courage. Several members, including Kathy, Clark Merkley, and Christmas (the evening’s emcee), Debby Lauret, Clark Merkley, Jim lauret, Mike Rich, Karen Avanesian, Baktybek Abdrisaev and others, expressed deep admiration for Roger’s humility, humor, and lifelong commitment to service.

Dr. Lewis, ever the wit, closed his remarks with a smile: “I’ve debated about whether I should cut Rotary out of my life, but I haven’t decided yet.” His comment drew laughter and applause from everyone in the room.

Celebrating Rotary Leadership and Past Presidents

President Cathy Ambrose invited past presidents to share memories from their years of leadership. Among them was Clark Merkley , who guided the club through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping members connected through virtual meetings with guest speakers such as Senator Mitt Romney, Representative John Curtis, and UVU President Astrid Tuminez. Others reflected on moments of community impact and fellowship, including the year a Rotary Breakfast was famously rained out. Each past president received a symbolic wooden “Button Here” gear, crafted specially for the occasion, in recognition of their leadership and service. Adding a touch of humor, President Cathy quipped, “Rotary is just like PTA, except the people are nicer,” which earned laughter and applause from the audience.

President Cathy Ambrose Received Special Greetings from Rotary International presented by District Governor Suzanne Leonelli

Rotaractors: The Next Generation of Service

The evening also celebrated the contributions of the Rotaractors, whose presence represented the bright future of Rotary. Under the coordination of , the Rotaract team played an essential role in setting up the venue, greeting guests, and supporting the event logistics throughout the night. Rotaractors in attendance included: Natalia Figueroa, Antoine Mwamba, Samuel Olesen, Curtis Bristol, Ana Caballero, Garrett Bingham, Abbie Fisher, Allie Holt, Louyoko Nianza, Errynn Lammi, and Janessa Purcell, in addition to Martha Velasco, Utah District Rotaract Coordinator. Their enthusiasm and professionalism were warmly recognized by both members and guests, who hailed them as “the future of Rotary.”

Group Photo Of Rotaractors: Martha Velasco, Natalia Figueroa, Antoine Mwamba, Samuel Olesen, Curtis Bristol, Ana Caballero, Garrett Bingham, Abbie Fisher, Allie Holt, Louyoko Nianza, Errynn Lammi, Janessa Purcell, and Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev.

District Recognition and Closing Honors

The celebration concluded with remarks from District Governor Suzanne Lionelli- Wilhelm, who presented the Orem–Lindon Rotary Club with an official Rotary International 50-Year Recognition Plaque, signed by Rotary International President Francesco Teresa.

Governor Leonelli read the President’s congratulatory message, commending the club for “embodying the true spirit of Rotary” and encouraging members to “think boldly, innovate, and continue shaping a brighter future for generations to come.” She praised the club’s leadership under President Kathy Ambrose and its past presidents, noting that the Orem–Lindon Club “truly has its Rotary gears in motion, accomplishing meaningful, lasting work.”

Governor Leonelli concluded with an inspiring message: “You’ve built something extraordinary here, a family of service. I hope to join you again for your 100th anniversary celebration.”

A Night to Remember

The evening closed with expressions of thanks to the event committee, including Jim and Jane for food preparation, Debbie for table décor, Natalia Figueroaand the Rotaractors for their dedicated support, and Christmas for his engaging and energetic role as emcee. The Orem–Lindon Rotary Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebration was a night filled with emotion, gratitude, laughter, and a renewed commitment to Rotary.

Group Photo of all Rotarians in Attendance:

Group Photo of all Rotarians in Attendance: Honoring a Legacy of Service and Fellowship

By Louyoko Nianza Christ Hermes, Student In political Science and Rotaract based in Utah /USA

About the Author. Louyoko Nianza is the author of “GO BACK TO AFRICA”, founder of SLSA, and Global President of the Smart-Africanism Ideology, and NGO. Originally from the Republic of Congo, he is currently pursuing political science studies in the United States, with a focus on transformative leadership and African empowerment.

As the proponent of Smart-Africanism, Louyoko advocates for authentic, visionary leadership to advance prosperity, unity, and sustainable progress across the African continent. He has represented marginalized communities, particularly women and girls in mountain regions of Utah and Africa, at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68 2024 and CSW69 – 2025), highlighting their challenges and promoting empowerment on a global stage. A dedicated Rotaractor and leader, Louyoko combines local engagement with international advocacy, connecting grassroots initiatives to broader solutions. His work continues to inspire and prepare the next generation of African leaders committed to positive social impact.

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1975 Historic Charter Presentation Banquet

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