Rotarian of the Week 08-03-11

Our Rotarian of the Week grew up just over the mountain in Laramie Wyoming. His first paying job was working on a local ranch during haying season for $1.00 a day and room and board. He attended and graduated from Laramie High School home of the Plainsmen.  This special Rotarian did not have to go far from home to attend college; he graduated from our beloved University of Wyoming, -- a Cowboy fan for life. He and Esther, his lovely wife have been married for 67 years. The have two wonderful daughters, Carroll and Diane.

Other than family, Rotarian, John C. Clay is most proud of his long and successful business career. It has enabled him to serve over twenty years on the University of Wyoming Foundation Board where they have raised nearly a half billion dollars in support of our University of Wyoming. John is currently Board Member Emeritus.

Our special Rotarian was sponsored into the Rotary Club of Cheyenne by Bill Dinneen. His most memorable Rotary experience was the 1986 Rotary Annual Meeting at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado. John was serving as president of our Cheyenne Club at the time. He remembers that the number one Agenda Item of all clubs at the time was to eliminate Polio on the planet Earth. They were shooting for “mission accomplished” in five years.

They may have been a little optimistic in 1986– but – that optimism and energy has made the world a much better and safer place over the past 25years

John likes Rotary because it is local, national, and international service. Rotary programs are designed to have a positive impact on human beings and members of Rotary are willing to back these programs with their time and dollars. John has served on a number of Committees including local and national foundations, polio plus in the early days and membership. He has served as committee chair of numerous committees as well as having served as Vice President and President of our Rotary Club of Cheyenne.

John enjoys playing golf, reading, and traveling. His favorite meal is Prime Rib Roast – medium rare. In recognition of his service to our Club, our Community, our State, our Nation, and our World, The Sargent at Arms will present John with a Gift Certificate from the Club.