Rotarian of the Week 03-16-11

Our Rotarian of the Week grew up in California, graduating from Escondido High School, home of the Cougars.  Our special Rotarian enjoys working with youth, including Rotaract, Interact, RYLA, Young RYLA, and student of the month.  His first job was at the age of 12 mowing lawns for $2 / lawn with “Have Mower Will Cut” being his motto. After high school, he attended Pepperdine University in Malibu and then attending from the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis. Today, Dr. Rod Hartshorn is a veterinarian and the owner of Avenues Pet Clinic.  He was married to Sue, his late wife, for 25 years with whom he had five children.  He has been married to his wife Laura for 19 years giving him 2 stepchildren. 

Other than family, his proudest accomplishment was teaching surgery at Penn State and serving as Chief of Clinical Medical Research at Bethesda where he authored 40 medical publications.  His most memorable Rotary experience was a Rotary Club sponsored trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Kennedy in 1962.  His favorite meal is tenderloin medium rare with baked potato smothered butter.  His hobbies include raising and showing miniature schnauzers.  Rod has been recognized as a “Breeder of Merit,” which is unheard of in Wyoming because there are only six shows a year and being from Wyoming there is a lot of travel for the shows.  Rod is currently working on the annual Fur Ball for the Animal Shelter.  He has been a member of our Club since 1992, when he was sponsored by Richard Brown, and currently serves as the Chair of our Meals on Wheels Committee.  In recognition of his service, the Sergeant at Arms presented him with a gift certificate and a special lapel pin.