Press release:
Genesee Community College salutes its director of Development and External Affairs Richard Ensman Jr. who has been recognized by Batavia Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow. Ensman was among five local citizens who received the honor this past week. He was joined by Gregg McAllister, of Tompkins Investment Services, Carol Grasso, a community volunteer, New York State Assemblyman Stephen M. Hawley, and Susan Schuler, of First Niagara Bank.
"Batavia Rotary wanted to recognize Rick's outstanding commitment to the Club and to the community," said Rosalie Maguire, who presented his award.
The awards ceremony was Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at the Rotary Paddlewheel Awards Event held at Terry Hills. Ensman was caught off guard when he was called to the podium. Recipients are not notified in advance. He was chosen for his overall Club participation and his leadership on the Paddlewheel Committee.
Mike Hodgins, chair of the Batavia Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship Committee, shared the history of this prestigious award beginning with the founding of the Rotary by Paul Harris in Chicago in 1905. Named after the founder, the Paul Harris Fellowship was established in 1957. Rotarians and members of the community who are not Rotarians can receive the honor. Those recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow are presented with a certificate signed by the president of Rotary International and the chairman of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, as well as a lapel pin and medallion. The local Club also makes a $1,000 contribution to the Rotary Foundation in the awardees' names.
There are more than one million Paul Harris Fellows worldwide, which is the highest distinction Rotarians receive for their service to the club and/or the community.
