Page 10 - 2021 Impact Report Utah Rotary

10 DISTRICT AWARDS

UTAH ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR

Paul Summers, a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Bountiful, was named Utah Rotarian of
the 2020-21 year.

Awarded to only one Rotarian annually as a standout in “service above self” with a demonstrated
commitment to the Four-Way Test, the Rotarian of the Year is also seen as an outstanding
member who has made significant contributions to the mission and operation of his/her club; to
one or more avenues of Community or International Service on the district level; and who is highly
visible in promoting Rotary in actions and involvements.
Service Impact Report
According to Utah Rotary Governor Linda Sappington, Summers was chosen for “all of the
above” reasons but also because of his outstanding commitment to championing many of the 11
tribal communities in Utah Rotary District 5420 disproportionately affected by COVID-19.

During 14 months of the RY2020-21 pandemic, this dedicated Rotarian and his 17-member committee, have stepped
up to meet needs for food, water, hygiene and cleaning supplies and firewood in tribal communities. In this assignment,
and under his direction, representatives of the Native American Initiative Committee, have begged, borrowed, cajoled,
District 5420
scavenged, pleaded, scrounged, organized and delivered many thousands of pounds of supplies to those most in need in
the Beehive State … and have plans to do more.
This Idaho farm boy is a graduate of the University of Utah with a degree in Civil Engineering who then worked twelve
years for the Utah Division of Water Resources as his first employer. In his second career he worked another twenty years
on water resources-related projects with JM Montgomery Consulting Engineers.

He joined SL Rotary Club in 2003 and was active in Club 24 until his retirement in 2006, after which he and his wife
Helen served a mission in Alaska for their church. Upon their return home, he joined the Bountiful Rotary Club where
District Awards
he has served as club president, chair of the club’s foundation, membership chair and has been a longtime contributor to
the success of Bountiful Rotary’s Coats for Kids Car Show.

According to District Governor Linda Sappington, “from the beginning of our work together, the recipient of this
prestigious award was always going to be Paul Summers and Rotarians who know his work ethic and dedication to
Rotary were not surprised to hear his name called at District Conference.”
RI “SERVICE ABOVE SELF” AWARD

Uwe (pronounced “oova”) Shaun Michel was recognized during District 5420’s recent conference
with the RI “Service Above Self” award, Rotary International’s highest and most prestigious
honor. Only 1 in each district to an annual worldwide total of 150 is recognized for his/her
demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service, in any form and at any level, with emphasis on
personal volunteer efforts and active involvement in helping others through Rotary.

Past District Governor Shaun has successfully worked in real estate sales, building and
development since 1973; is a naturalized US citizen born in Germany; a family-oriented husband,
father and grandfather; best friend to many; and he is a backyard gardener who shares most of his
produce with neighbors, friends and those in need. He is also a philanthropist through his family-
held non-profit foundation and the epitome of “service above self” in every aspect of his life.
In the years since he served as Governor in RY2016-17, he has spent many hours setting up D5420’s 501(c)(3) non-profit
Youth Foundation and developing a process for the district’s youth programs to apply for funds.
He has sponsored numerous Interactors and Rotaractors on several district service trips to Mexico as well as to the Hopi
Indian Reservation near Tuba City, AZ.
During the 2020-21 COVID pandemic, he collected – from supportive neighbors, friends, family members and business
acquaintances – and delivered more than 15,000 pounds of food and supplies for tribal communities, disproportionately
affected by the coronavirus. In addition, he purchased, out of his own pocket, 25 tents to be used to isolate those on the
reservation who had tested positive for the virus.
Other service by this generous Rotarian includes raising the last $10,000 needed to complete the South Jordan
community’s Field of Dreams All-abilities park; and, purchasing Rotary-branded face masks for every Rotarian in the
district, as well as for new members when inducted.