Patrick J. Spellman Named Paul Harris Fellow By The Rotary Foundation Of Rotary International

Patrick J. Spellman, Partner at The Spellman Law Firm, was recently named a Paul Harris Fellow by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.  The Paul Harris Fellow recognition was first established in 1957 and is awarded “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between the peoples of the world.”  Notable individuals named Paul Harris Fellows, include U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar, and Jonas Salk. 

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders in its 34,282 clubs worldwide.    Rotary’s motto is “Service above Self”.

Patrick J. Spellman has been a member of Rotary for over 40 years and has served as president of the Perry, Iowa Rotary Club.  During his tenure he spearheaded amendment of the club’s by-laws and rules to facilitate the admission of women as members of Rotary, making the Perry, Iowa Rotary Club among the very earliest in the United States and the world to admit women, following the 7-0 decision of the United States Supreme Court in Rotary International vs. Rotary Club of Duarte (No. 86-421), 481 U.S. 537 (1987).  See Perry News Article - Rotary club inducts first woman member.  Rotary is now an organization open to all people regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, or political preference.

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