Julie Gandy Honored as First Recipient of Collegeville Rotary People of Action Paul Harris Fellow Award

At this year’s District 7430 Change Over Dinner, a moment of heartfelt recognition brought the crowd to its feet as Julie Gandy was named the first-ever recipient of the Collegeville Rotary People of Action Paul Harris Fellow Award. The award, created to honor individuals who embody Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” through meaningful and sustained community impact, found a truly deserving inaugural honoree in Julie.

The award was presented by incoming District Governor Mary Cook, who shared that the selection of Julie Gandy was deeply personal. Julie is not only a fellow Rotarian but also Mary’s mother—a woman whose quiet strength, compassionate leadership, and tireless dedication to community renewal programs served as a lifelong inspiration to her children, especially Mary.

Julie’s commitment to service began in her own hometown, where she played an instrumental role in launching and sustaining community revitalization efforts. Her work touched countless lives and helped set the foundation for positive change, modeling the very essence of what it means to be a Rotarian in action.

Presenting the award, Mary remarked, “My mother taught me what it means to live a life of purpose and impact. She’s always led by example, with humility, heart, and a fierce dedication to making the world better, one person and one project at a time.”

In a call to action for the entire district, incoming District Governor Mary Cook challenged every Rotary club to recognize a People of Action within their own membership using their club’s available Paul Harris Fellow credits. This initiative encourages clubs to celebrate unsung heroes who are quietly making a difference every day.

At the President Leadership Assembly on May 5th, incoming District Foundation Chair Herb Klotz explained how club leaders can access their Paul Harris Fellow credits through Rotary's Club Recognition Summary. His guidance ensures that clubs have the tools and knowledge needed to take part in this meaningful recognition effort.

With this award and the challenge now extended district-wide, Rotary continues to shine a light on those who lead through action and inspire others to serve.