The first meeting of the 1980-81 Rotary year took place at Columbian Park, Lafayette, with the meal
and tour of the facilities provided by the Parks and Recreation Department. Retiring president Harley Griffith handed over the gavel to incoming president John Bradshaw. John presented Harley his new badge, diamond-set
lapel pin and bound volume of Rotary Ripples.This was also Curt Hostetter Recognition Day. Larry Lane announced the establishment of the W. Curtis Hostetter Campership/Scholarship to be awarded each year
to an individual from one of the high schools in Tippecanoe County who has an interest in journalism. The Board of Directors also named Curt as Secretary Emeritus of the Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.
Rotary contributed to several local organizations during the year:
- $2,500 to the Lafayette Parks Department to paint and letter the new Mobile Recreation Unit
- $3,497 to the Boys Club of Tippecanoe County for a lounge, health facilities and an exercise room
- $1,650 to Home Hospital earned by a sandwich booth staffed by Rotarians at the Home Hospital Fair
- $9,000 to the Boys' Club of Tippecanoe County over a period of three years to equip their gymnasium
- $4,000 to Civic Theatre over a four-year period for renovation and restoration of the Monon Depot Theatre
Annual dues were increased this year from $60 to $70 in order to meet the estimated expenses of the approved 1980-81 budget.
The Board of Directors approved the development of a Rotary Profile Notebook
to provide information about members to new members.
The International Service committee gave a reception for a delegation of adult educators from the People's Republic of China in October.
The Board of
Directors clarified the membership requirement of "a leading representative" of a company to mean: "Not the 'top' man but the 'right' man, the one or ones who are leaders in their vocation or have potential for
leadership, and who are available for membership and who will serve."
Rotarian bell-ringers raised $1,917 for the Salvation Army in the kettles in December. 95 Rotarians also donated $3,300, for a total of $5,217.
In December, John Carpenter and John McQueen were elected Town directors. Richard Grace and Marvin Phillips were elected Gown directors.
In May, the Purdue baseball team made the Big Ten
playoffs and recorded the best ever record for a Purdue baseball team.
Paul Harris Fellows for the year included Curtis Hostetrer.
